Talent Lab returns to Toronto International Film Fest

The 33rd Toronto International Film Festival announced today a lineup of esteemed governors and 22 filmmaker participants who will be taking part in this year's Talent Lab. Now in its fifth year, Canadian Initiatives' Talent Lab offers invaluable artistic development opportunities to emerging filmmakers in a four-day intensive programme. This year's governors include celebrated French director Olivier Assayas (Chacun Son Cinema, Paris, je t'aime, Clean) and internationally acclaimed British producer Stephen Woolley (Breakfast on Pluto, The Crying Game).

"Our fifth-annual Talent Lab is delighted to open its doors to an outstanding group of talented emerging filmmakers," said Karen Black, Acting Director, Canadian Initiatives. "The programme provides an invaluable opportunity for participants to interact with and learn from internationally acclaimed filmmakers and artists."

Talent Lab is an artistic development initiative that provides emerging filmmakers with the opportunity to build networks in a creative environment and to learn from some of the most esteemed filmmakers and artists in the world during the Toronto International Film Festival. Twenty two producers, writers and directors from across Canada will participater in the program, learning the ins and outs of both the creative and business side of film from two of Europe's most respected film auteurs.

The 2008 Talent Lab initiative is facilitated by Strada Films producers Sandra Cunningham and Brad Fox. Strada Films has produced works by some of Canada 's most notable directors, and is currently in production on the feature music documentary 27. Talent Lab filmmakers are provided with video-capture mobile phones by Motorola in order to experiment with mobile movie filmmaking first hand. Talent Lab participants receive support through the RBC Emerging Artist Bursary programme.