The “Best of Show” winner receives an amazing Panasonic AG-DVX100 Mini DV Camera Recorder a professional grade camera recorder valued at over $5,600. The winning film will also be featured in a national television special in Canada on Global TV in December 2004.

The grand finale of the Panasonic Filmmaker Showdown brings together six finalists in a stunning display of creativity and humour in front of a capacity crowd. This gala evening takes place on April 21st at 8pm in the newly renovated TELUS Conference Centre, in the heart of Whistler Village.

Tickets will be available two weeks in advance. Limited tickets will be available at the door, as the event is expected to sell out.

“We're pleased to return as sponsors of this prestigious event,” said Doug Borbath, Product Manager, Panasonic Imaging Products. “As a unique exhibition of artists' thoughts and perceptions, the Filmmaker Showdown embodies Panasonic's brand positioning - Ideas For Life.”

The Panasonic Filmmaker Showdown has a reputation for advancing the careers of aspiring filmmakers. Past winners have received significant exposure, including screenings at the 2003 Squaw Valley Film Festival, and 2003 World
of Comedy International Film Festival in Toronto, as well as accolades, including winner of the 2002 Giggle Shorts Film Festival in Toronto (Best
Director) and finalists in the 2003 Actors Bone Short Film Festival in Hollywood.

Last year, Whistler’s own Ace Mackay-Smith won the Panasonic Filmmaker Showdown with her hilarious hit “Weekend Warrior”. Featuring dolls made to look life-sized, Weekend Warrior is a witty film depicting the hapless pursuit of a male snowboarder who tries his hardest to cruise the mountain for companionship. “I’ve ran into ‘that guy’ on the mountain and thought it
would be funny to portray him in film,” said Mackay-Smith. “I had a great time producing Weekend Warrior and received many compliments on the film.”

Festival chairman Doug Perry says: “The Panasonic Filmmaker Showdown was created three years ago as a means for experienced and aspiring artists to express their talents in a fun and friendly competition. I’m constantly impressed by the vision and creativity that the filmmakers bring to the Showdown.”

The Panasonic Filmmaker Showdown, along with the Pro Photographer Search and Pro Photographer Showdown – also presented by Panasonic – are the
cornerstone visual arts events during the TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival. Since their inception, these events have showcased an incredible field of talented artists, and have enjoyed rave reviews and sold-out crowds.

Entry details, rules and registration forms for the Panasonic Filmmaker Showdown are available at www.whistler2004.com/film_overview.html. April 12th is the deadline for guaranteed entry. Participants can also enter by attending a mandatory meeting on April 16 at 10am, however, space is limited and those entries will be accepted based on availability.

All participants are required to attend a meeting in Whistler on Friday April 16 at 10am, after which they’re given 72 hours to shoot, edit and
produce a 4.5-minute film. In addition, all filming must take place within 100-kilometre radius of Whistler Resort. The Panasonic Filmmaker Showdown is a great opportunity for filmmakers of all levels to showcase their talent
in a friendly competition with a unique format that has resulted in truly creative short films. An independent panel of experts will judge all
entries and choose six finalists to present at the Filmmaker Showdown gala evening on April 21.

Entries and inquiries should be directed to:
Tamsyn Morote
Film & Photo Events Manager
Inspired Beyond Borders – Event Architects
18 - 1005 Alpha Lake Road, Whistler, BC V0N 1B1

Tel: 604.905.2775
Fax: 604.905.2593

Email: tam@inspiredgroup.com

Panasonic presents the Filmmaker Showdown, which is produced by W1 Inc. and Inspired Beyond Borders. Panasonic also presents two sister events during the Festival, the Pro Photographer Search and Pro Photographer Showdown. The TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival is produced by W1 Inc. in association with Whistler Blackcomb and Tourism Whistler.

About W1
The TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival is produced by W1 Inc. – Whistler’s largest sport and entertainment marketing company. The 2004 TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival takes place April 16-25. Known as the world's most
intoxicating mix of high-octane music, art, and sports, the Festival features the Ripzone Snowboard Invitational and the World Skiing
Invitational, the DKNY//Jeans Outdoor Concert Series and the Kokanee Freeride Club Series, as well as the Panasonic Pro Photographer Search and
Showdown and the Panasonic Filmmaker Showdown. For more information, visit www.whistler2004.com or contact W1 at 604-938-3399.

Contact:
Mark Ross
Public Relations Manager
W1 Inc. – Producers of the TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival
P: 604.938.3399 ext. 27
mross@w1.ca