Archive · Blood in the Snow Film Festival Presents
Industry Conference · Nov 20–22 · Toronto
Deadly Exposure is our three-day industry conference at Blood in the Snow, featuring in-depth panels and power round tables with leading professionals from across Canada's screen industry, held at the Tranzac Club (292 Brunswick Ave, Toronto, ON M5S 2M7).
Made possible with the financial support of Telefilm Canada, Ontario Creates, and the Independent Production Fund.
Rub shoulders with industry professionals from across Canada in our exclusive networking cocktail reception.
Deluxe, Deadly Exposure Pass or Panel Pass required for Friday industry panels.
North of the Line: Filming in Ontario's Expanding Production Landscape
More and more filmmakers are heading north and for good reason. With generous tax incentives, breathtaking scenery, and growing local infrastructure, Northern Ontario has become a hotbed for film and television production. This panel looks at the creative and financial benefits of shooting beyond the GTA, as well as how productions of all sizes can successfully navigate the logistics of filming anywhere in Ontario.
Moderated by Cindy Hinds
Guests include:
Michael Naphan, Film Sector Development Officer, Cultural Industries Ontario North (CION)
Bruno Marino, Producer
Gerry Lattmann, The Dot Film Company
Michael Naphan is an award-winning filmmaker, videographer, animator, and writer with over 20 years of experience across all stages of film and television production. His credits include CGI animation work on What We Do in the Shadows, Watchmen, and WandaVision. He leads CION's film and television programming, industry outreach, and resource development to grow Northern Ontario's film sector.
Bruno Marino has produced over 60 films, including Gridlocked (Netflix, 150+ countries) starring Dominic Purcell, Danny Glover, and Stephen Lang, and Fight Another Day starring Jim Belushi and Martin Kove. His films have garnered over 10 Best Feature awards at festivals worldwide. He operates High Star Entertainment.
Gerry Lattmann is an accomplished Executive Producer and Producer with over two decades of experience in the Canadian and international film industry. As President and Senior Producer of The Dot Film Company Inc., Gerry has developed and produced an extensive portfolio of feature films, short films, and media projects.
Cindy Hinds began her film career in the 1970s, starring in David Cronenberg's The Brood and appearing in numerous film and television productions. After a 25-year career in hospitality and real estate, she returned to the screen community, joining Blood in the Snow in 2016 and Bay of Blood International Film Festival in 2024.
Law & Disorder: Protecting your film from script to screen
From contracts and clearances to rights management and distribution deals, the legal side of filmmaking can be as complex as the creative process itself. This panel brings together top entertainment lawyers to break down what filmmakers, producers, and creators need to know before signing on the dotted line — common pitfalls, best practices, and how to protect your work in today's fast-changing industry landscape.
Moderated by Jen Gorman
Guests include:
Mansa Chintoh, Legal Counsel for Distribution, Lions Gate
Jessica Commanda, Lawyer & Film Producer
Michael Duboff, Edwards Law
Mansa Chintoh is a Toronto-based entertainment lawyer with over a decade of experience in film, television, and music. As VP of Business & Legal Affairs at Lionsgate Canada, she oversees complex global distribution, licensing, and partnership deals.
Jessica Commanda is a lawyer and creative professional with a strong background in film, media, and entertainment law. A graduate of Queen's University and the University of Toronto (JD), she also holds a Certificate in Entertainment Law from Osgoode. Of mixed British-Canadian and Indigenous heritage and a proud member of Nipissing First Nation, she has worked with Redcloud Studios and The Shine Network Institute. In 2025 she was selected for the inaugural Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada Mentorship program.
Michael Duboff is a Canadian entertainment lawyer specializing in music, film, television, publishing, and corporate matters. A former musician and filmmaker, Michael brings firsthand industry experience and a deep passion for supporting Canada's arts community.
Jen Gorman is an independent producer, writer, composer, and publicist. She was one of the lead producers of Late Night Double Feature and has worked with Blood in the Snow since 2013 in various roles, including Festival Coordinator and former President of the Board of Directors.
Stay for a networking drink with your colleagues at the Tranzac Club before heading over to the screenings at the Isabel Bader Theatre.
The Sweet Spot: Turning small films into big wins
Some of today's most profitable and talked-about films started with tiny budgets and huge ambition. This panel explores how financial constraints can spark creativity and how savvy producers and directors turn limited resources into major returns — from finding the sweet spot for filmmaking to navigating tax credits, streamer payouts, and global sales.
Moderated by Emily Dix
Guests include:
Martine Brouillet, Producer – Black Elephant Productions
Ryan Keller, Producer and Lawyer
Justin Rebelo, CEO – Vortex Films
Katisha Shaw, Producer – DTRM Inc.
Martine Brouillet is a producer and retired entrepreneur who transitioned into film after a successful career in financial software, education, and media. As founder of Black Elephant Productions, she develops and produces films that reflect her passion for storytelling, creativity, and meaningful collaboration.
Ryan Keller is a Canadian film producer, writer, and lawyer best known for producing the award-winning thriller Poor Agnes (2017), which earned the Barry Convex Award for Best Canadian Feature at Fantasia. He has since produced Happy FKN Sunshine (2021) and the upcoming The Last Assassins.
Justin Rebelo is the CEO of Vortex Media, a boutique studio known for Anything for Jackson, Eli Roth's Dream Eater, The End of Sex, and last year's Blood in the Snow world premiere Pins and Needles. Previously he's worked at eOne, EPIX, Super Channel, HBO Canada, and TIFF.
Katisha Shaw is a producer, actor, and founding member of DTRM Inc. and partner at Spaceman Films. She has produced acclaimed features including Backspot, The Martini Shot, and the upcoming Hysterical and Scratch House.
Emily Dix is a creative producer and director with 15 years in Toronto's theatre, film, and TV worlds. She's Artistic Executive Director of Bygone Theatre and runs The Bridge arts space.
The Dealmakers: Inside today's distribution landscape
The path from finishing your film to finding your audience has never been more complex — or more full of opportunity. This panel brings together a producer, a broadcaster, and key distribution experts to break down how deals are made, what platforms are buying, and how to position your film for maximum visibility and return.
Moderated by Heidy Morales
Guests include:
Cam Maitland, Film & Content Specialist – Hollywood Suite
Sardé Hardie, VP of Acquisitions and Sales – Photon Films
Michael Paszt, Managing Partner – Raven Banner Entertainment
Cam Maitland is the Film and Content Specialist for Hollywood Suite. A producer, writer, and filmmaker originally from Edmonton, he received a fine arts degree in filmmaking from Simon Fraser University. His work includes spotlighting classic films in documentary programming and consulting on original films and series at Hollywood Suite.
Sardé Hardie is a Toronto-based writer, producer, community organizer, and film executive acquiring new content and securing sales on broadcast and digital platforms for Photon Films. Prior to joining Photon Films she was at Entertainment One. She is a long-time advocate for marginalized voices and has spoken on panels for the Canadian Academy, TIFF Next Wave, and Black Women Film Canada.
Michael Paszt is a Managing Partner at Raven Banner Entertainment, whose slate includes The Autopsy of Jane Doe, Gaspar Noé's Climax, and the Oscar-nominated Embrace of the Serpent. He has Executive Produced over 30 features including Psycho Goreman, Turbo Kid, and Shudder Original VHS94.
Heidy Morales is the founder of Hye's Musings, an alternative media website covering film, theatre, and arts and culture. She is also a programmer with Blood in the Snow and a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film reviewer. Born in Guatemala, Heidy has been supporting and discussing the film scene locally and abroad for 15 years.
Filmmaking Masterclass with Michael Jari Davidson
Join acclaimed cinematographer and producer Michael Jari Davidson for an insightful session on the craft of independent filmmaking. Drawing from his extensive experience in genre cinema, Davidson explores the creative and technical challenges of bringing bold visions to life — from concept and collaboration to visual storytelling and production on a budget.
Michael Jari Davidson is an accomplished cinematographer whose work spans award-winning features, series, and music videos. His credits include I Will Bury You (Season 2, nominated for Best Cinematography at die Seriale Giessen and Shareable Fest LA) and Lowell Dean's SuperGrid (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment GmbH), which won Best Cinematography at Blood in the Snow. Past work includes 2nd unit DOP credits on The Void, Another WolfCop, and Anthony E. Zuiker's Cybergeddon, as well as previs work for Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim and camera operating on American Gods and Fahrenheit 451. He has shot music videos for GRAMMY nominees Alice In Chains and Juno Award winners Tegan and Sara. He is a member of the International Cinematographers Guild (IATSE 667) and an Associate Member of the Canadian Society of Cinematographers.
Stay for a networking drink with your colleagues at the Tranzac Club before heading over to the screenings at the Isabel Bader Theatre.
Deadly Exposure 2025
Deadly Exposure would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, our panel guests, and the dedication of Canada's film community.
Supported by Telefilm Canada, Ontario Creates, and the Independent Production Fund.
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