2025 Yukon Screen Media Industry Conference

This year’s conference offers three dynamic days of learning, networking, and creative collaboration for screen-based storytellers and industry professionals. Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker, seasoned producer, or passionate content creator, this event is designed to equip you with the tools, insights, and connections to elevate your projects.

From intensive masterclasses and roundtable discussions to one-on-one mentorship and a celebratory awards gala, each session is crafted to spark new ideas and foster meaningful industry growth. Join us as we explore the art, business, and future of screen media—right here in the Yukon.

Adjustments may be made to the event schedule as needed. To register for the conference, please complete the form below.

EVENT SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7: MASTERCLASSES (ADDITIONAL FEE)
Location: SPYA Studio

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Creative Project Lab for Writers, Producers & Story Developers
with Nataline Rodrigues
Maximum 6 participants
$80

Join a small group of writers, producers, and story developers for a focused 4-hour Creative Project Lab designed to help you break through challenges in your current project. With guided support and two group work sessions, you’ll get feedback, clarity, and momentum to move your concept to the next level. Open to all genres—participants must come with a project in progress.

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Puppetry on Screen: History, Innovation, and On-Camera Techniques 
with Jordan Lockhart
Maximum 12 participants
$80

Join acclaimed puppeteer Jordan Lockhart for an in-depth workshop exploring the fascinating evolution of puppetry in film. From its rich history and diverse styles to its powerful role in social change, this session will dive deep into the technical challenges of screen puppetry, with hands-on on-camera demos for participants. Discover how puppets continue to shape modern media and how you can bring your own puppet characters to life on screen.

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Mastering On-Set Collaboration: Navigating Acting, Directing, and Producing
A conversation with Gil Bellows
$20

Ever wondered what really happens on set between actors, directors, and producers? Join industry veteran Gil in a lively, behind-the-scenes conversation—facilitated by Neil MacDonald—about what makes creative collaboration work (and what gets in the way). With plenty of time for Q&A, this session is open to the public and perfect for anyone curious about how film and TV magic gets made.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7: YUKON SCREEN MEDIA INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA
Location: Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre
6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Admission comes with conference registration. Additional tickets are $40 each.

Join us for an inspiring evening of celebration as we present the Viewfinder Award, honoring the exceptional talent and innovation driving the growth of the Yukon screen industry, alongside the Focus Award, which recognizes the significant contributions of key industry figures. Don’t miss this engaging night filled with film screening, awards, networking, and exciting opportunities as we shine the light on the best of the Yukon screen industry and its potential.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8: YUKON SCREEN MEDIA INDUSTRY CONFERENCE
Location: SPYA Studio

8:30 AM – Doors open / registration / coffee

9:00 AM – 9:25 AM – Welcome housekeeping / State of the Industry & Strategic Roadmap (SPYA)

9:30 AM – 10:15 AM – Panel: The Power Pitch: How to Present Your Project with Impact (Emily Alden, Nataline Rodrigues)

10:20 AM – 11:20 AM – Roundtable discussions

• Behind Every Scene: The Human Experience of Film Work (Jordan Lockhart)
• Writing for the Screen: Genre, Structure, and the Art of Storytelling (Nataline Rodrigues)

11:25 AM – 12:25 PM – Roundtable discussions

• From Pitch to Picture: What Gets a Studio’s Backing (Emily Alden)
• Behind the Scenes: How Directors, Producers, and Writers Get It Made (Nataline Rodrigues)
• Gil Bellows: Empowering Yourself as a Storyteller (Gil Bellows)

12:30 PM – 1:15 PM – Lunch

1:20 PM – 1:50 PM – The Ups and Downs of Mixing Business and Creativity as a Life’s Calling with Gil Bellows

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM – One on ones (Nataline Rodrigues, Emily Alden, Gil Bellows, Neil MacDonald)

Get direct access to experienced film industry professionals in focused 10-minute sessions. Ask questions, get personalized advice, and receive valuable feedback on your projects, career path, or ideas. A unique chance to connect, learn, and grow your network. Once you have registered, you will be contacted

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM – Puppet Lab: Crafting Characters with Jordan Lockhart

4:30 PM – Close

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM – Lights, Camera, Social: Join us for a casual social at the SPYA Studio

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9: YUKON SCREEN MEDIA INDUSTRY CONFERENCE
Location: SPYA Studio

9:00 AM – Doors open / coffee

9:10 – 10:10 AM – Panel: Cash Flow: The Real Talk on Film Funding and Financing (Neil MacDonald – YMD, Emily Alden, Kelly Milner – Shot in the Dark Productions)

10:15 AM – 11:15 AM – Roundtable discussions

• When Personal Meets Universal: Crafting Stories That Connect (Gil Bellows)
• Beyond Borders: Building Relationships and Advancing Your Film Career (Emily Alden)

11:20 AM – 12:20 PM – Panel: No Magic Formula: The Realities of Working in Film (Emily Alden, Nataline Rodrigues, Gil Bellows, Neil MacDonald)

12:30 PM – 1:15 PM – Lunch

1:20 PM – 2 PM – SPYA Wrap-Up: Building Together, Looking Ahead

Join SPYA for a forward-looking wrap-up conversation about the future of screen production in the Yukon. We’ll share current initiatives, invite feedback from attendees, and explore how we can collectively shape a stronger, more connected industry. This is your chance to contribute to the vision and voice of Yukon’s screen community.

2:00 PM – 2:15 PM – Coffee

2:15 PM – 4:00 PM – Pitch & Polish: The Feedback Café

Get real-time insights to sharpen your film project and elevate your pitch with Emily Alden, Nataline Rodrigues, Gil Bellows, and Neil MacDonald.

4:00 PM – Wrap

TICKET PRICING

• SPYA Members: $125
• Non-members: $175

Ticket pricing includes one ticket to the Awards Gala on Friday, as well as access to all conference sessions on Saturday and Sunday. Masterclass workshops on Friday are an additional cost.

Masterclasses

• Level Up: Creative Project Lab for Writers, Producers & Story Developers with Nataline Rodrigues – $80
• Puppetry Workshop with Jordan Lockhart – $80
• Mastering On-Set Collaboration: Navigating Acting, Directing, and Producing with Gil Bellows – $20

Please ensure you provide accurate information to facilitate a smooth registration process. After submitting the form, you will be emailed:

• a link to purchase your conference tickets and any additional Masterclasses you’ll be joining
• information on One-on-One appointment requests
• a link to purchase additional Award Gala tickets if of interest
• additional conference information as it becomes available

Should you have any questions, feel free to contact the SPYA team at [email protected].

We eagerly anticipate your participation in this exciting event!