Free Online Workshop
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
6:00 – 8:30 PM SK
Presented in partnership by:
Sask Filmpool Cooperative, PAVED Arts, ScreenSask
and University of Regina Department of Film
Getting a feature film made can feel daunting, especially when you’re pitching to a highly competitive program like Telefilm Canada’s Talent to Watch. This two-hour workshop offers an inside look at what makes a feature film pitch stand out, grounded in real-world success, and gives advice on how best to position your film when applying to the Telefilm Talent to Watch program.
Led by Jason Karman (writer/director/producer) and Kristyn Stilling (producer) of the Telefilm Talent to Watch-funded feature Golden Delicious, this session will walk participants through the essential elements of a strong feature pitch, with specific focus on how to align your project with the goals, priorities, and evaluation criteria of the Talent to Watch program.
Jason and Kristyn will break down how they and writer Gormann Lee shaped their pitch materials, articulated their creative vision, positioned their project strategically, and communicated readiness as emerging filmmakers. Participants will gain practical insight into pitching story, tone, budget scope, team composition, and market positioning—along with common pitfalls to avoid.
This workshop is ideal for writers, directors, and producers developing a first or second feature and looking to maximize their chances of success when pitching to Telefilm. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of what Telefilm is looking for—and how to present their project with confidence, clarity, and intention.
About Jason Karman
Jason Karman is a Vancouver-based Asian Canadian filmmaker whose work explores queer identity and diaspora with emotional honesty and audience-forward storytelling. His debut feature, GOLDEN DELICIOUS—supported by Telefilm Canada’s Talent to Watch—has screened at 62 festivals worldwide and won 14 awards, establishing him as a universally accessible voice in contemporary Canadian cinema. His short film LIONS IN WAITING was featured by Telefilm Canada’s Not Short on Talent at Clermont–Ferrand (2018) and screened at BFI Flare (2018).
In 2025, Jason was selected for the Racial Equity Screen Office (RESO) Producer Delegation at the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) in Busan, and for the DGC + VIFF Creative Business Hub Market Accelerator, expanding his network and co-production relationships across Canada and Asia. He holds an MFA in Film Production and Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia.
Jason is currently developing his second feature, COLD START, written by Tammy Tsang, with development support from Telefilm Canada and Creative BC.
About Kristyn Stilling
Kristyn Stilling is a Vancouver based Producer with over 18 years of industry experience and the founder of Instilling Entertainment Inc.
Her first feature film, Golden Delicious, had its world premiere at VIFF in 2022 and was selected for over 60 festivals and won multiple Best Film and Audience Choice Awards. It was released theatrically in Canada through Vortex Media, is available on CBC Gem, and is being distributed worldwide. Her 2020 short film, FREYA, won 5 Leo Awards, including Best Short Film and played 30 film festivals and won numerous awards, before selling to CBC Gem and the Dust channel, where it has over a million views.
She is currently preparing to make her second feature in 2026, the surreal psychological thriller Switchback, with writer/director Melanie Jones, which won the TIFF/CBC screenwriter award in 2021 and is funded by Telefilm. She recently Co-Produced the indie feature, The Dregs, starring Nava Mau (Baby Reindeer), and Associate Produced Melanie Oates’ third feature, Stranger in Town, starring Sophie Nélisse (Yellowjackets, Heated Rivalry) and Sydney Topliffe (Wayward).
Kristyn is on the board of the Vancouver Short Film Festival and has previously worked for such prestigious organizations as the NFB, eOne, WFF, Crazy8s, and Kickstart Entertainment.