Getting tracks placed in film and TV shows can be a game-changer in an artist’s career. Not only does it afford serious exposure—particularly in the age of Shazam—they can also prove very lucrative. With profits stalling on streaming, downloading, and mid-sized shows, many musicians are looking to films and documentaries to make a living.

In September, the Whistler Film Festival (WFF) put out a call to artists to feature in the fourth consecutive WFF Music Showcase. Eight acts have been chosen for the event, with the musicians not only performing a 30-minute live set, but being offered the chance to meet with key international music and film executives and delegates attending the festival. It’s a golden opportunity for the artists to break into the tough world of song placement.

The first showcase (November 30) opens with Whistler’s psychedelic indie slackers Lazy Ghost, and features Vancouver’s female pop trio The Katherines, soulful singer-songwriter Vince Vaccaro from Victoria, and New West’s B.C. Country Music Award-winners Chris Buck Band.

The second night (December 1) spotlights Vancouver’s Future-esque rapper ninetyfour, neo-glam Salt Spring Islander Art d’Ecco, Vancouver electronic R&B act I M U R, and hometown pop powerhouse Rykka.

Both nights are open to the public, as well as filmmakers and music supervisors. The first will take place at the Garibaldi Lift Company, while the second is hosted by the Longhorn Saloon & Grill.

“Whistler Film Festival provides an intimate stage for some of British Columbia’s most promising musical artists to focus on song placements in feature films, TV shows, documentaries, and any filmed media,” said Angie Nolan, WFF’s director of industry programming. “This opportunity allows musicians to connect with filmmakers and music supervisors at the fest who can open those types of doors. We have had some great traction to date for the artists and are looking forward to even greater success for this year’s edition.”

More information and artist set times for the WFF Music Showcase are available here and here.

The Whistler Film Festival runs from November 29 to December 3.

Follow Kate Wilson on Twitter @KateWilsonSays