ITV Fest Rebranded as Catalyst in Relocation to Duluth

Katie Strand (at mic) introduces Riki McManus (R)

Wednesday night I attended a meeting pertaining to the Catalyst Content Festival that was announced earlier this year, previously titled ITV Fest. I first wrote about the upcoming October event this spring, asking if it might be possible for Duluth to evolve into a second Sundance Festival. This meeting took place in the Barrel Room  across the hall from the Brewhouse at Fitger’s,

The aim of the event was to begin getting the word out about a Guide Project, which is two-fold in purpose. First, a directory of local talent and resources is a useful tool for attracting film makers to do production in our region. The rationale is that a production company can cut their costs if they don’t have to ship in all their resources and skills from elsewhere. Second, the guide project is a way for local talent and businesses to re-cast what they do as it applies specifically to the making of films.

The room was packed when I arrived, many familiar faces gathered. I was ushered to one of several laptop stations where I was instructed to enter my contact information and what skills or experience I could contribute to a future production.

Philip Gilpin, Jr. (Twitter phptp)

At a certain point, Executive Director Philip Gilpin, Jr. took the stage. Gilpin, who has been Exec Director of ITV Fest since 2012, announced that this would be the 14th annual ITV Fest, but with the new name Catalyst. Gilpin’s background includes a stint as Business Affairs Analyst at HBO in Los Angeles where he worked with the financial and contract components of titles such as “The Sopranos,” “Sex and the City,” “Six Feet Under,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “The Wire.” ​

Gilpin believes that successful festival would bring millions of dollars to the City of Duluth, which is not an unrealistic if they are successful with the execution part of their vision.

EdNote: As regards the name change, I like Catalyst inasmuch as it conveys the notion of making things happen, which fits their mission in bringing producers, directors and talent together for projects. The former name, however, conveyed something as well, differentiating it from Sundance. This specific annual gathering has the ultimate objective of creating episodic series media. In the Internet age this includes streaming Netflix and Amazon stories and opens up other channels for content generation and distribution.

Katie Strand presents the Guide project
and vision for Catalyst.

Gilpin then introduced Katie Strand who was also part of the launch event at Red Herring. Strand, originally from Duluth, went to college in San Diego because of its proximity to Hollywood and has worn numerous hats in an L.A. career spanning 15 years working in Film and TV Production. Her research work on one documentary led to a nomination for an Emmy.

Katie Strand took the stage to talk about the Guide project. Riki McManus, director of the North MN Film Office, is managing the Guide. Strand noted that the festival is only 90 days away and there is a lot of work to do.

Having worked in Hollywood she provided a few insights about the way things are and why these kinds of festivals are important. There are few full-time ongoing jobs in Hollywood. Rather, actors and other talent are always hustling to nail down their next gig. Festivals serve as a place that brings people together where a lot of networking takes place.

The Production Guide is important because producers and directors know they can offset costs because of the access to talent here, she explained. What many people don’t realize is how much of the behind the scenes work is blue collar work

Strand is an energetic speaker with a strong stage presence herself. Her experience as a producer of documentaries and commercials gave weight to her words.

The biggest takeaway for me was when she said Catalyst is a win for Duluth, a win for Minnesota and a win for the film makers who come here.

Strand and Gilpin at Red Herring this spring.

BOTTOM LINE: Sign  up and get listed in the guide. You also need to pass the word on to your friends, all locals with applicable skills and businesses that might be interested in becoming involved with film/tv production in the Duluth area and the Catalyst Content Festival.

HERE IS A LINK to the page that lists the kinds of skills and needs they want to have listed in the guide, as well as contact information for Katie Strand, Riki McManus and Keely Gelineau.
https://www.catalystcontent.org/copy-of-plan-travel

Better Yet
Go straight to THIS PAGE and fill out the Catalyst Production Guide Contact Form.

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WHAT IS THE CATALYST CONTENT FESTIVAL? ​

If instead of making a film, you've created a story that is episodic or narrative in structure (aka, a TV show or podcast) and you want to showcase it to industry executives, agents, and producers you have limited festival options. There are thousands of film festivals, but they do not accept shows.

So, you take it to Catalyst: a 501c3 nonprofit community of creators, executives, agents and fans discovering the best new programming created on independent (aka, non-network) budgets.

​Unlike big city festivals where it can be difficult to interact with the right people, Catalyst's special getaway location offers a unique opportunity to meet fellow professionals and make lasting connections. ​

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If I sound a little bit “Rah rah!” about the project here, it’s because I am. I agree that if they can pull it off it will be a win for Duluth, for Minnesota and for the industry. Duluth already has one of the most beautiful settings in the world, it is the only city in the world where Nobel prize winner Bob Dylan was born, and it has the most beautiful Marathon in the world Why not turn it into a top drawer media hub?

Related Link
Expansion 2020+ . Details about the fourfold plans going forward.