A free, full-day summit on the changing film and television industry is coming to Durham Region next week, giving local creators a chance to hear directly from the people and technologies reshaping how stories get made.
Myth2Market: The Future of Movie Making Summit runs Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the St. Francis Centre for Community, Arts and Culture in Ajax. The event is presented by Film Durham, part of the Region's economic development office Invest Durham, in partnership with the Durham Region International Film Festival (DRIFF).
According to a Region of Durham news release, the summit is aimed at creators, industry professionals and film enthusiasts, with refreshments provided. Free tickets must be registered in advance.
What's on the program
The day features presentations and panel discussions on the forces transforming on-screen storytelling. Topics include artificial intelligence's impact on storytelling and production workflows, virtual production, visual effects, and sustainable filmmaking practices.
Sessions will also cover strategies for expanding local production and investment within Durham Region — an area that continues to build its reputation as a destination for feature films, television series and post-production work, according to the Region.
Attendees can also take part in technology demonstrations, along with a workshop led by YouTube Canada showcasing new creation, distribution and monetization tools for digital storytelling. The Region notes speakers and programming are subject to change.
Why it matters for Whitby
The summit highlights Durham's push to grow its creative industries sector, with Film Durham working to attract screen production to communities across the region, including Whitby. The Region describes the event as a chance to connect directly with the ideas and the people driving the industry forward.
For Whitby residents working in film, digital content or related trades, the free format and nearby Ajax venue make for a low-barrier opportunity to network and learn about emerging tools — from AI-driven workflows to virtual production — that are increasingly standard in the industry.
The summit is part of DRIFF's broader programming for the festival, which celebrates film in Durham Region each fall.
