The Banff World Television Festival and Telefilm Canada are collaborating on a new program designed to give TV and filmmakers a leg up in the development and production of multi-platform projects.

The Telefilm Canada TV 360 program, co-founded by nextMEDIA, is open to experienced writers, directors and producers who need a "jump-start" into multi-platform creation. The five-day program will also help participants pitch and market projects to Canadian and international broadcasters.

Banff says three teams of nine will compete to create a concept for the best digital media pitch for a current TV series -- to be revealed on June 6. The program ends with a pitching competition to entertainment execs on June 10.

The participants will be guided by industry mentors including MTV Networks EVP of new media David Gale and Anthea Foyer, a training programs manager at CFC Media Lab.

"The TV 360 Program supports the convergence of the TV and digital media industries," commented Mark Greenspan, VP of digital media at Achilles Media, which organizes Banff, on Wednesday. "TV 360 participants will be taught the best practices required for generating new concepts for interactive narratives."

Participants will receive free accommodation and registration for nextMedia and Banff. Deadline for applications is May 15.