HOW TO CREATE A STRONG CHARACTER (ACTORS, DIRECTORS & WRITERS)
Crafting compelling characters is the beating heart of storytelling, and it requires a collaborative dance between actors, directors, and writers. In this panel, industry veterans from each discipline unite to unravel the secrets behind breathing life into unforgettable characters. From the initial conception in the writer's room to the nuanced portrayal on-screen, our panellists will share invaluable insights, techniques, and anecdotes that demystify the character-creation process. Join us to explore the symbiotic relationship between writers, directors, and actors in shaping the most memorable figures in film and television.
MODERATOR: Maya Annik Bedward
Maya Annik Bedward is a producer, writer, director and co-founder of Third Culture Media. Her productions have screened at TIFF, Hot Docs, Black Star and the New Orleans Film Festival. Her recent production PATTY VS. PATTY won best Short Documentary at the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards. Maya has directed episodes for the docuseries BLK: AN ORIGIN STORY (History Channel, Global TV) and the variety comedy series, LIDO TV (CBC Gem). As a founding member of the Black Screen Office, Maya is dedicated to fostering a more equitable and inclusive industry. Currently, she is in post-production on BLACK ZOMBIE, a feature documentary about slavery, resistance, and the living dead.
SPEAKERS Anthony Q. Farrell, Producer, Canfro Productions
Anthony (he/him) is a BAFTA-winning, Emmy-nominated writer/producer. He is the creator and executive producer of CTV's Shelved. He was showrunner of Run the Burbs, Overlord and the Underwoods, and Secret Life of Boys. Anthony's writing credits also include The Office, The Thundermans, and Little Mosque on the Prairie.
Alpha Chrislord Nyarko
Alpha Chrislord Nyarko channels his creativity primarily through acting and filmmaking. Fueled by an unwavering passion for filmmaking, he strives to connect with the human spirit through compelling storytelling, delivering cinematic experiences with relatable depth. His commitment promises a vibrant and impactful presence in the cinematic world.
Ivan D. Ossa
Ivan is an award-winning director, writer and actor based in Toronto, Ontario. He has written, directed, and executive-produced short films that have received recognition from various domestic and international film-festivals. His newest film 'EXPRESS' was a Nominee for IMDB Short Cuts ‘Best Canadian Film’ Award at TIFF 2023.
Jadiel Dowlin Lewis
Jadiel’s journey as a Black Latino Emmy-nominated actor sparked a passion to be a filmmaker of entertaining and enlightening sci-fi horror stories. He’s a big believer art should comfort the disturbed and disturbed the comfortable. Playback named him a Talent to Watch and The Hollywood Reporter a Rising Star. He created TV shows supported by the 2022 Corus Entertainment’s YA Scripted Apprentice Program and the Rogers-BSO Development fund. He’s written for cartoon network, amazon prime, Netflix and his directorial debut, an autobiographical documentary The Last Son of Panama debuted at the 2023 Toronto Black Film Festival.
Kat Khan - Actor/Filmmaker
Kat is an acting alumna of The Canadian Film Centre (2023) and York University (2020). She recently made her feature film debut starring as Camila in “Verona” which had a theatrical release and is now available everywhere digitally. Kat’s work is inspired by her experiences navigating identity, personal development and vulnerability.
