2026-03-07

BREAKING IN: The Transition to Directing

CFF Industry Directors Roundtable

BREAKING IN: The Transition to Directing
Sponsored by DGC Ontario

Many of the industry’s most successful directors started in other film roles. But how do you make the transition from working behind the scenes to leading the creative vision of a film? This roundtable brings together filmmakers who have successfully made the leap to directing, sharing their experiences, challenges, and lessons learned. From building confidence and networking to securing funding and gaining industry recognition, learn how to take that next step in your career and bring your vision to the director’s chair.

Moderator:
Shawn Gerrard, Film & Television Director, Jane, Space & Time

Participants:
Nick Butler, Writer/Director/Producer Cloudy Pictures Inc., The Legacy of Cloudy Falls
Joanna Tsanis, Writer & Director, The Killgrin, Bloody Bites
Meelad Moaphi, Director & Screenwriter, His Father’s Son
Dan Abramovici, Actor/Filmmaker, Spaceman
Rebecca Applebaum, Director, The Gift

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