On Screen Manitoba

On Screen Manitoba would like to congratulate Ryan FitzGerald (President & CEO of Rogue Nation Studios) who walked away with an oversized novelty cheque at the 2010 Rogers and Manitoba Film & Music $15,000 Pitch. FitzGerald was one of eight finalists, selected from 47 applicants to participate in the event this past Saturday during the 2010 Gimli Film Festival.

In a live pitch environment, participants had 3 minutes to pitch their project to a panel of broadcaster executives and a packed house at the Gimli Theatre. Following each pitch the panel had 7 minutes to offer feedback and to ask questions. After all pitches were completed the panel deliberated and FitzGerald walked away the winner of the $15,000 development prize!

The judges found all the pitches to be engaging, but FitzGerald’s project was something new.

”His idea for what he wanted to do is really forward looking, unique, and has elements of it that remain to be explored, so that $15,000 is going to go a long way to helping Ryan conceptualize his project,” said juror David Christensen, Executive Producer, National Film Board of Canada. “It’s on the cutting edge of something here and I think Ryan has enough experience to carry this off.”

The winning project, Bloom, is “a series of webisodes supposedly uploaded by a domestic war correspondent chronicling the plight of American refugee camps enduring a forced march northward along the choked highways of dead infrastructure. The story of our unlikely heroes and villains is augmented by web and mobile content revealing layers of backstory, political machinations, immigration policies gone awry and one soul helping another declared the metric unit of charity”.

Congratulations to the other seven finalists who also presented their amazing pitches:

• Fat Man Dancing – John B. Lowe
• Indie Game – The Movie – James Swirsky & Lisanne Pajot
• Legend of Francis the Pig – Clinton Skibitzky
• Mr. Writer – Nicholas Friesen & Kaeleigh Ayre
• Not Dead Yet – Sarah Constible, Tricia Cooper & Gordon Tanner
• Silverback – Dan Licoppe & Dan Walechuk
• The Giant Remains – John Gregory Sturko

On Screen Manitoba’s Board of Directors and membership thank Rogers and Manitoba Film & Music for the generous prize they provided for the

2010 Rogers and Manitoba Film & Music Pitch

. Manitoba screen-based media community values the support of our industry partners and we look forward to working together again! We would also like to thank the Gimli Film Festival for their wonderful support/partnership and to all the applicants who submitted for the competition.

On behalf of OSM and our members, I wanted to take a moment to recognize the contributions of Susan Millican, NSI-Canada's departing CEO. Her work through leadership roles at WTN, the Women's Television Network and then at the NSI have significantly contributed to developing Manitoba's talent base and production industry. Under her leadership, the NSI grew into a highly respected and effective national training force that gives Manitoba a competitive strength and a point of great pride!

From SEVEN TIMES LUCKY to CASHING IN, INERTIA, TODD AND THE BOOK OF PURE EVIL, LESS THAN KIND... some of our community's most important productions over the last few years were incubated and championed through the NSI. Susan's work to support Manitoba writers, directors and producers through the NSI's programs, including NEW VOICES and STORYTELLERS, has significantly nourished our creative talent pool.

Thank-you Susan and best of luck with your new opportunities!

We also warmly welcome Derek Luis, the NSI's new CEO and we look forward to forming a productive relationship with him!

Tara Walker

On behalf of the Board of Directors of On Screen Manitoba, we wish to inform you that our Executive Director Tara Walker has let us know that she plans to pursue an MBA degree next year and will therefore be leaving OSM. While we recognize Tara's huge value to OSM, we also encourage her to continue to develop her skills and follow her dreams. So it is with mixed feelings that we received her news and that we pass it on to you. She has given us lots of notice so we can seek out our next ED and affect an orderly transition.

The Board has struck a hiring committee to work with Tara to begin this process. Our plan is to have the new Executive Director begin in early fall with Tara working on contract on specific projects until January. A posting will be distributed in the coming weeks. We hope you will join us at a future date to officially recognize and thank Tara and to send her off, with our best wishes, on her new path.

Phyllis Laing, Board Chair

Message from Tara:

Hello On Screen Manitoba members, colleagues & friends,

I am writing to let you know that I will be leaving my position at On Screen Manitoba later this year. I am planning to return to school in 2011 and earn an MBA so I can play my part in our industry’s future.

This has been a very difficult decision to make; I’ve truly loved my 11 years with the association and I’ve appreciated the opportunity to serve all of you through thick and thin. Our work together to develop Manitoba’s production industry through On Screen Manitoba has always been a community effort and I’m grateful for the chance I had to be a part of this.

My highlights over the years include the many local film premieres, securing funding and launching our major industry development projects M3P (2001 to 2009) and then ACCESS (2009), three Blizzard awards, four international trade missions, the Rogers/MFM pitch competition, two media forums, successful advocacy campaigns to enhance Manitoba’s tax credits, appearances before the CRTC and the federal Heritage Standing Committee in Ottawa, re-branding the association, working with the board and staff on our strategic plan and with the provincial task force on the industry on a Jump Start program and a longer term sustainability plan.

From the time I moved to Winnipeg and started with “MMPIA” in 1998 to now, I’ve had the chance to work with many passionate and knowledgeable leaders, partners, and team members.

The three prior executive directors - Richard Horne, RoseAnna Schick and Caryl Brandt - taught me so much and trusted me to take on ever evolving responsibilities preparing me for my current role.

I want to thank the Board of Directors – current and past. I have attended all but two of the association’s Board meetings and nearly every committee meeting since 1998! I’ve observed over and over again the community spirit and the desire to ’do their best’ that our industry’s leadership exhibits and it motivates me still.

I have been lucky to serve under four strong, dedicated Board chairs who mentored me along the way including Derek Mazur, Jamie Brown, Kim Todd and Phyllis Laing. Thank you for the support and wisdom you provided.

To my team members – current and past – I owe you my gratitude! I’ve been blessed to work with amazing, interesting people during my time here. The work of the association is supported by a group of dedicated and skilled individuals that make up a formidable force for good! AND they are fun to work with!

One of the most rewarding parts of working at On Screen Manitoba has been developing relationships with our funders and partners. They are more like friends and allies – serving right beside us in our mission to grow the industry. Thanks especially to our core funders - Manitoba Film & Music (Carole, Louise, Sebastien, Tannis, Kevin), Western Economic Diversification (Denise, Dan and Kevin), Culture Heritage & Tourism’s Arts Branch (Victor and Craig). I might not have always met your reporting deadlines but I always appreciated your understanding!

This is getting LONG so I’ll sum up. I never expected to be here so long but the thrill of the industry’s creative energy, entrepreneurship, constant change and shiny new opportunities got me hooked. I hope that your next ED will be able to raise the organization to the next level and remain equally addicted.

The Board has formed a Hiring Committee and will be issuing a posting in the coming weeks. I will remain with On Screen Manitoba until January 2011 working on several strategic projects and supporting the new Executive Director.

In gratitude,

Tara Walker

Executive Director
On Screen Manitoba

By Gemma Manangan, Communications Coordinator

Ross McMillan. Beloved actor. Playwright. Aspiring television writer. 2009 ROGERS AND MANITOBA FILM & MUSIC winner. It was during the Gimli Film Festival last year where Ross McMillan stopped being an ASPIRING television writer and took his first steps to BECOMING one. In front of a panel of four judges and a live audience Ross pitched his idea for a series called Eco Café.

Although he may not have been the most experienced of the other seven finalists and his pitch definitely wasn’t the flashiest (one pitch involved a confetti machine!), it was Ross McMillan’s character driven Eco Café that won the big prize.

“I went into it thinking I wanted to win. I’d worked pretty hard on my pitch trying to make it as coherent, interesting, entertaining and original as possible. But it wasn’t until the drive out to Gimli that I knew I would win, because I witnessed about six omens on the way to the pitch. When I won there was still a rare kind of elation.”

Eco Café is a half-hour comedy show about environmentalist vegans who work at a vegan café. The group is particularly concerned with global warming and tries to have a positive effect on the environment, but due to their deviant personalities, their good intentions always fall short. There are two characters that see all the chaos clearly, but can’t do anything because their colleagues are so nuts.

While the idea for this show had been knocking around Ross’s head for a while, it wasn’t until he had received an email about the pitch competition that he actually got to work on creating Eco Café.

“I spent about 6 weeks to prepare and I just worked very hard at assembling 6 - 8 characters who fit well together. When I got to Gimli I had the characters, concept and a few ideas for possible episodes.”

Winning the pitch money made it possible for Ross to take a few months off and devote himself fully to developing Eco Café. Ross spent this time creating a ‘Mini Bible’ – a document that includes detailed character descriptions, a brief description of the concept, the setting and ideas for possible storylines. In this time he also wrote a few draft pilots and a script for a short promo video (proof of concept).

The pitch competition didn’t just give Ross money, it also gave him a producer. After the pitch, Ross was approached by Kim Todd of Original Pictures and shortly after signed a development agreement with them. Experienced with television projects, Original Pictures helped Ross develop Eco Café and they are now at the stage of pitching the show to various networks.

According to Ross having the opportunity to participate in the pitch motivated him to stop just thinking about his great idea and finally make it happen.

“The two most important things the pitch did for me was it got me off my ass and finally get a pitch together; I was energized and working because I had a goal. The second thing was it helped me gain knowledge about the television industry. After the pitch I was able to hook up with a producer and under their guidance we developed my show.”

Story. Originality. Fun.

If you’ve never done a pitch before, don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you have no chance at winning. Last years winner Ross was a virgin when it came to pitching, and it certainly didn’t hinder his performance. There’s lots of help out there for first time pitchers. Film Training Manitoba offers a pitching workshop right before the big competition. There’s also the Internet; they have tutorials on everything nowadays! But why not take some sound advice from last years winner Ross McMillan.

“You have to be well prepared and confident, and because of my omens I was completely confident. It’s also important to have a good story that you’re passionate about and believe in. And remember you need to engage the judges, so if you can pitch them a show with a bit of originality, you’ve got their attention.”

Good luck to everyone who submits an application for the 2010 Rogers and Manitoba Film & Music Pitch! Remember the deadline to apply is Monday, May 31, 2010.

OSM Member Application Fee: $50 (first application) / $25 (each additional application)
Non-Member Application Fee: $75 (first application) / $40 (each additional application)

Application & Guidelines (DOC) / (PDF)
Official Competition Rules (PDF)

OSM Membership Info

Please note that the 2010 Rogers and Manitoba Film & Music $15,000 Pitch is only open to Manitoba residents.

ON SCREEN MANITOBA MEMBER DIRECTORY iPHONE APP
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (PDF)

On Screen Manitoba (OSM) is looking to secure the services of or contract a developer to program and design a member directory and production resource tool iPhone application. We currently have an online database of our membership that we would like to have integrated with the iPhone app.

KEY FUNCTIONS
• A directory to browse organized categories www.onscreenmanitoba.com/directory
• A search toolbar
• Updates dynamically with stored database through OSM website
• Video gallery section with embedded video player
• Embedded advertising banners
• Twitter, Facebook and News feeds
• Application load quickly and be optimized for speed and performance
• Must meet Apple’s standard requirements to ensure approval by the Apple Store.

INTERFACE
• Graphic design similar to that of the OSM website (www.onscreenmanitoba.com)
• Follow standard Apple icons and layout to keep application simple and easy to use

PROPOSAL REQUIREMEMENTS
Ability to have the project completed by March 31, 2011 (includes Apple Store approval process). Once project is completed, there may be requirements for servicing as needed.

When applying please provide:
• A full project timeline and budget detailing costs of each feature
• Recommendations for project
• Basic sample of proposed screen design
         • Examples of previous work/iPhone apps you've worked on
         • Client references

References:
• www.onscreenmanitoba.com/directory
• http://www.mbfilmmusic.ca/Film/ProductionGuide/tabid/153/language/en-US/Default.aspx
• A few examples of iPhone Apps that have design and functional features we like:
         • VX Connect – BC Digital Media & Wireless Directory
         • ReelDirectory
         • Vancouver International Film Fest 2009
         • Vancouver 2010 Olympics and Paralympic Games

HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your proposal with the subject line “OSM iPhone App” by Monday, June 21, 2010 to:

Megan Deaust
Marketing and Membership Manager
On Screen Manitoba
Unit 100 – 62 Albert St
Winnipeg, MB R3B 1E9
E: megan@onscreenmanitoba.com

As always, if you are planning a Market trip, pursuing a Professional Development opportunity, or have been invited to screen your work or appear on a panel at a Festival, the deadlines are 30 days prior to the event or opportunity. You can download the applications and guidelines for Access to Markets, the Professional Development Plan, and Access to Festivals at http://www.onscreenmanitoba.com/programs

If you’re applying to the Marketing Plan Program (MPP), the once a year deadline is JUNE 15TH! This rolls Access to Markets, Access to Festivals, and the Professional Marketing Plan into one application to cover the whole year. The MPP supports established production companies, and can include events already attended, going back to April 1st and extending to March 31st, 2011. If you have already accessed AtoF and AtoM this year, those contributions will be rolled into MPP if the jury accepts your application.

The Corporate Capacity Growth Program has three deadlines, the first falls on June 15th. For those of you in attendance at the Town Hall at Midcan Thursday evening, The New Realities Of Screen-Based Media In Canada, you will be happy to know that MULTI PLATFORM EXPLORATION is an eligible project. Timely! The app and guidelines are available at http://www.onscreenmanitoba.com/programs as well, and as always, you can contact Angela or Claudia at On Screen Manitoba with all questions.

Have a great long weekend!

Your Gatekeeper of Programs,

Angela Kuehl
Programs & Financial Coordinator
On Screen Manitoba
Phone: 204.927.5891
angela@onscreenmanitoba.com

For those of you new to On Screen Manitoba, or who just can’t quite remember what program does what for you, here is a little primer on our full slate of ACCESS goodness:

Marketing Plan Program (MPP):
This program supports established production companies with the implementation of multi-year marketing plans. Specifically the program assists with market attendance and marketing expenses for companies that demonstrate a capacity to engage in long term business and marketing planning. It combines Access to Markets, Access to Festivals and the Professional Marketing Fund under one year-long umbrella, up to $15,000. Companies accepted into MPP will still be able to apply to the CCGP and PDF, though any AtoM and AtoF contributions for the current fiscal year will be deducted from the MPP Contribution. The deadline is JUNE 15th, 2010

Access to Markets (AtoM):
This program supports the market development activities of Manitoba screen producers, distributors and professional marketing staff attending national and international markets with the intention of finding financing and developing relationships with broadcasters, distributors, financiers, media, and partners for co-productions. Deadline is a strict 30 days or more prior to the event.

Access to Festivals (AtoF):
This program supports the travel needs of Manitoban independent content providers and distributors whose programs have been selected to screen at festivals that have significant industry recognition. Deadline is a strict 30 days or more prior to the event, however late invitations by a festival may be considered, please contact Angela Kuehl, Programs Coordinator, for more information.

Professional Development Fund for Business & Creative Professionals (PDF):
This program is an industry-driven program designed to support the professional development of Manitoban producers, writers and directors developing freelance careers, production company staff, and professional service providers. Deadline is a strict 30 days or more prior to the event.

(On Hold for 2010-2011) Professional Marketing Fund (PMF):
This fund supports the marketing activities of established Manitoba content providers and independent distribution companies. It is currently on hold, but MAY return later this fiscal year.

Guidelines and Applications for all ACCESS Programs are available in both Word and PDF, visit http://www.onscreenmanitoba.com/programs to get the Application & Guidelines now...

And remember, On Screen Manitoba members receive a hefty discount on the administration fees for ACCESS Programs.

Contact Angela Kuehl, Programs & Financial Coordinator, at angela@onscreenmanitoba.com or phone 204-927-5891.

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Application & Guidelines for the Corporate Capacity Growth Program!

Initially piloted as the Strategic Consulting Program in 2008-2009, after a one year hiatus it is back, and open to all Production Companies who meet the eligibility requirements. There will be three deadlines this year: June 15th, September 15th, and November 15th, 2010.

The Corporate Capacity Growth Program (CCGP) is an industry driven initiative that supports strategic and business planning for high-potential Manitoba production companies, from Emerging to Established. Specifically, this program will assist with professional consulting and mentorship expenses for companies wishing to engage in focused business and strategic planning activities over a period of four months. The aim of this program is to help Manitoba’s leading production companies increase their capacity, accelerate their growth and strengthen their business models in an increasingly competitive marketplace. A strong and vibrant production industry in Manitoba will depend on leadership from healthy, well-positioned production companies. Strategic planning is an essential tool in promoting positive corporate growth.

EXAMPLES OF ELIGIBLE CCGP PROJECTS
The program provides financial assistance relating to discreet strategic or business planning projects, completed within the designated program period (ANY four month period between April 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011, including retroactive projects if eligible and accepted by jury). Examples of eligible corporate development activities include engaging in a corporate strategic planning process; updating existing strategic plans; business planning associated with a new corporate initiative or addressing a major corporate challenge; hiring of an HR Consultant; corporate financial planning or developing a business plan in order to access corporate (non-production related) capital; and multi platform exploration. Again, these are examples.

ELIGIBLE CCGP CONSULTANTS OR MENTORS
The program enables participating production companies to access the expertise of a consultant or mentor with experience in their target area of strategic development Consultants and mentors must be recognized professionals with demonstrated expertise in the area for which they will be engaged. Mentors must also have demonstrated time for, and commitment to, providing tangible assistance with the applicants’ business planning project.

Visit http://www.onscreenmanitoba.com/programs to get the Application & Guidelines now...

On Screen Manitoba is proud to present

THE NEW REALITIES OF SCREEN-BASED MEDIA IN CANADA:
National Leaders from the CMF, CRTC, NFB and MFM come together to discuss what this means for creators here in Manitoba

Date: Thursday, May 20th
Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm (Doors open a 3:30 PM)
Place: Mid Canada Production Services - 509 Century Street

REGISTER HERE: http://newrealities.doattend.com/
(Deadline to register is May 19, 2010)

A series of decisions made nationally have resulted in some big game changes…

In February, it was announced that the National Film Board’s Winnipeg office would be restructured appointing a new Executive Producer and smaller staff that would include digital media producers.

In March the CRTC released their decision on the framework for the Broadcaster Group-based Licensing Renewal hearings that will occur in 2011. The commissioners had a big challenge – Look at the entire framework of the Canadian broadcast system and try to figure out how to balance it for the various players. Everything from Ownership Groups, Fee for Carriage, Cancon spending, Regional Production and more were directly addressed, changed and or, in some cases, handed off.

And in April the Canadian Media Fund was finally launched, essentially marrying the world of traditional linear content production with interactive digital media –A.K.A. ‘transmedia’. And if you happen to be producing interactive media already… well, it had better be some groundbreaking stuff.

A bit confusing? This townhall is your chance to hear from these leaders about how they think the landscape has shifted, what media creators need to be thinking about and what the future might look like.

If you would like to hear more from the NFB, DOC Winnipeg is inviting its members to attend a Power Point presentation about the restructuring of the Film Board given by Mr. Perlmutter. Questions will be taken from the floor. An informal Wine & Cheese will follow. 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May, 20th at Mid Canada Production Services, 509 Century Street.

SPEAKERS:

Valerie Creighton, President and CEO, Canada Media Fund
Valerie Creighton has over thirty years of experience in leading cultural organizations. Since joining the corporation in 2006 as President and CEO, Ms. Creighton’s focus has been to position the CMF as a responsive and effective organization with funders, clients, and other stakeholders, to enhance relationships with national and international interests, and to support and promote Canadian media content.

Ms. Creighton successfully managed two major organizational events in the history of the corporation, including the transition of the Canadian Television Fund’s program administration to Telefilm Canada and the creation of the Canada Media Fund. She developed a national stakeholder outreach program and restructured the organization to focus on policy development, research, and communications.

Previously, Ms. Creighton was the CEO and Film Commissioner for the Saskatchewan Film and Video Development Corporation and Manager of the Arts Section for the Province of Saskatchewan. She has produced radio dramas for CBC Saskatchewan, sat on numerous CBC juries, and won several awards, including the Deputy Minister’s Recognition Award for her role in the creation of SaskFilm, the Distinguished Alumni Award –Theatre Department, University of Regina, Her Majesty the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award for Community Leadership, and the Canadian Women in Communications Change Leader Award. She has participated in trade missions led by the Prime Minister of Canada and Premier of Saskatchewan to Germany, Los Angeles, and China. She has sat on 12 boards from 1979 to the present and currently serves as a volunteer Chair of the Saskatchewan Foundation for the Arts.

Ms. Creighton holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Regina and a Management Development Diploma for Arts Administrators from the Banff School of Management. She owns and operates The Red Horse Ranch in Stoughton, Saskatchewan.

Tom Perlmutter, Government Film Commissioner & Chairperson, NFB
A fervent advocate of groundbreaking and socially relevant cinema, Tom Perlmutter became the 15th Government Film Commissioner and Chairperson of the National Film Board of Canada on June 11, 2007.

Since joining the NFB in 2001 as Director General, English Program, Mr. Perlmutter has been one of the organization's leading ambassadors at the national and international level. He revitalized documentary and animation programming, forged critical ties with important partners abroad and provided greater access for up-and-coming culturally diverse filmmakers. He has also led the NFB through major technological advances in multiplatform production. Under his aegis, the NFB has received numerous honours, including two Academy Awards®.

Mr. Perlmutter enjoyed a prestigious career in the Canadian film industry before joining the NFB. As founding head of documentaries at Barna-Alper Productions, he created and produced many award-winning features and series.

Candice Molnar, Commissioner, CRTC
Appointed Regional Commissioner for Manitoba and Saskatchewan, effective January 7, 2008.

Having spent over two decades at SaskTel, she brings to the CRTC a wealth of knowledge and experience in telecommunications and broadcast distribution regulatory affairs. In her most recent role as General Manager of Customer Service Operations, she led a team of more than 800 service and technical employees. She also served as General Manager of Regulatory Affairs from 1999 to 2005. During this time, she notably guided SaskTel’s transition from provincial to federal regulation.

Committed to fostering professional development opportunities for women, she has served as a director of Canadian Women in Communications since 2003. Ms. Molnar holds an MBA degree from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland and a Bachelor of Administration from the University of Regina. She is also a Certified Management Accountant. Her term ends on January 6, 2012.

 

Louise O'Brien-Moran, Manager of Film Production & Location Services, MFM
As the Manager of Film Production and Location Services for MANITOBA FILM & MUSIC (MFM), Louise O’Brien-Moran oversees development loans and production equity programs, Production Tax Credit Program, Location Services and marketing initiatives to offshore producers. Prior to joining MFM in 2002, Louise worked in the industry as a Unit Publicist, Locations Manager, Assistant Director, Extras Casting Director and Production Coordinator. In addition to her work with the film agency, Louise is a member of the Directors Guild of Canada and Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television.

In January On Screen Manitoba in partnership with New Media Manitoba brought you world-renowned strategic innovation practitioner, international lecturer and author Alexander Manu as the keynote speaker for ALL ACCESS: The Digital Incubator.

The feeling was unanimous when delegates said it left them wanting more so…we are happy to announce that we are bringing Alexander back to help develop your business strategy!

Through Manu’s iACCELERATOR you’ll:

- Be guided into a renewed way of looking at your business and the world it works in.

- Learn how to leverage the core human and technological capabilities of your company and its suppliers in order to maximize their potential.

- Experience how to manage the development process for innovative breakthrough ideas into new content, products, services and experiences.

- Change your outlook from reacting to technological or behavioral (user/consumer) disruptions to the proactive exploration of the beneficial innovation possibilities for content services.

- Discover/unveil existing but still invisible potential market areas and means of operation.

- Integrate, unleash and accelerate the sensitivity and capability of innovativeness into the core business functions of organizations

If you missed Alexander Manu at ALL ACCESS in January, you can see his condensed presentation here. Also check out our exclusive interview with Alexander Manu here.

Space is limited so secure your spot today!

Registration Deadline is 5:00 PM, Wednesday, May 19th, 2010.
No exceptions will be made.

REGISTRATION FEES:
$100 ($4.76 GST included) for OSM members
$150 ($7.14 GST included) for non-members

Fees include mandatory orientation reception (Evening of Wednesday, May 26th), continental breakfast, lunch and day-long workshop (Thursday, May 27th).

REGISTRATION FORM (DOC) / (PDF)

Thank you to our sponsors:

Manitoba Trade and Investment
Double D's Cheesecake
Reinhold's Catering
Exchange Cafe
Studios in the Exchange

Dear Members and Friends,

An update from me is long overdue! There’s so much to share with you...that's why my update is so long!

On the Local Front...

The Manitoba Film & Video Production Tax Credit
The dust is settling on the renewal of our tax credit and the introduction of a new 30% all spend credit. There is wide-spread gratitude for the support of the Province and their willingness to find a way to work with us even under very trying circumstances. Though Manitoba’s existing labour-based tax credit remains the best choice for the majority of Manitoban productions, we have gained an advantage in attracting those bigger budget productions who would benefit by opting for the all spend credit. It’s a useful addition to our competitiveness toolbox that gives producers flexibility and more incentive to maximize their spending on Manitoba goods and services. Consensus is that it was necessary to introduce an all spend option to make sure we are on the radar and it worked! MFM and OSM have received many calls and emails after the news was released. Local production company Buffalo Gal Pictures announced a deal with Gold Circle to produce ATM and HAUNTING IN GEORGIA shortly after.

The Province continues to work on the legislation that will spell out what expenses are eligible under the credit. Manitoba Film & Music is providing analysis and input directly to the Department of Finance. We’ll share the details with members as soon as they are released.

MIDMF cancelled
We’re disappointed to hear that the Province has cancelled the Manitoba Interactive Digital Media Fund, a program of IEM (formerly STEM). It supported interactive media projects and provided some sectoral support to New Media Manitoba and to On Screen Manitoba. No announcement of a replacement for the fund has been made.

There are few support mechanisms in the province for interactive media production and in a year where the brand new Canadian Media Fund will expand opportunities for digital interactive and convergent media productions the decision to axe the MIDMF fund was both shocking and sends a confusing message to creators. What is the Province’s vision for the future of digital media and Manitoba’s place in this competitive and growing industry?

More analysis on the New Media Manitoba site.

A New Player in Manitoba
The CRTC has approved Moses Znaimer's ZoomerMedia Group takeover of the multifaith specialty channel VisionTV. Znaimer's ZoomerMedia Group also received approval to own and operate rival channel ONE: The Body, Mind and Spirit Channel, and two western Canadian over-the-air local TV stations: CHNU-TV in British Columbia and CIIT-TV in Winnipeg.

Things are REALLY changing nationally…

A series of decisions made nationally have resulted in some big game changes…

CRTC Makes Difficult Decisions
In March the CRTC released their decision on the framework for the Broadcaster Group-based Licensing Renewal hearings that will occur in 2011. The commissioners had a big challenge – basically they were reconsidering the entire framework of the Canadian broadcast system and trying to figure out how to balance it for the various players.

Here are some of the Highlights:

• "Ownership Groups" ie: Canwest, CTV -- will have their revenues & homegrown spend calculated across all their properties for the first time

• Value for Signal (aka Fee for Carriage): the CRTC handed this off to the Federal courts and it will take months, possibly years to rule.

• CanCon Spending requirements: 30% of the broadcasters gross revenues must be spent on Canadian programming and conventional TV services will need to spend a min. 5% of revenues on programming of ‘national interest’ -- drama, kids, documentaries (not magazine or reality shows).

• Broadcasters won’t be able to include the contributions they get from the Canadian Media Fund as part of THEIR contribution so to meet their min requirements, they will have to spend more. However, the broadcasters will be able to count some of their in-house productions as part of their spending on domestic production.

• The Local Programming Improvement Fund will be maintained in its current form. As a result, BDUs will continue to contribute 1.5 per cent of their gross broadcasting revenues to support local television programming in markets with a population of less than one million.

• Regional production: There are good signs that the CRTC has heard our requests for regional production requirements and reporting. In this decision they stated that the commission expects the major television groups to commission programs of national interest from all regions of Canada, engaging in levels of production activity that are commensurate with their presence in their respective markets. Licensees will also be required to file annual reports on their regional production activities.

Reactions:

• ACTRA is deeply concerned there is no requirement to actually air Canadian drama in prime time. Fear is that the broadcasters will be able to dump Canadian drama on their specialty channels while keeping their conventional networks’ prime time hours for US shows.

• The WGC welcomed the spending requirements and points out that without these requirements broadcasters are unlikely to produce high quality Canadian drama… CRTC data shows that in 2009 spending on English Canadian drama by private broadcasters dropped by 56% while spending on foreign drama increased by 16.8%. Canadian broadcasters spent more than 24 times on foreign drama what they spend on Canadian drama.

• The CFTPA is pleased with a number of positive changes made that help support Independent Producers. There is now a requirement on Conventional Broadcasters that at least 75% of the spending on programs of national interest (drama, documentaries, children’s programming, etc.) be allocated to independently produced Canadian programs. This will help ensure that more money is spent on quality Canadian programming.

CMF Launches
With the launch of the Canadian Media Fund April 1st, members producing television were welcomed into the ‘transmedia’ world with a big grandpa hug that results in a loonie stuffed into your pocket if you’re lucky. And if you happen to be producing interactive media already… well, it had better be some groundbreaking stuff or, to use the family analogy, you’ll be forced to play with that cousin from ‘abroad’ that doesn’t even speak your language and wears funny clothes.

Mind you – it’s not so bad really. There is more money in the CMF than expected (thanks Mr. Shaw and Mr. Rogers!) and it turns out that it’s actually kind of fun working in multiple medias at the same time, especially for creative storytellers.

The top administrators of the new Fund were in Winnipeg today to speak with Manitoba’s production community and go over the new guidelines.

A CHANCE TO MAKE SENSE OF IT ALL!
It’s all a bit confusing isn’t it? We agreed and so we’re organizing an event that we hope will help us understand what the new realities are for makers of film, television, interactive and convergent media in Canada and how we can make the most of these changes right here in Manitoba.

On Screen Manitoba is proud to announce an event:

NATIONAL LEADERS TALK ABOUT THE NEW REALITIES FOR SCREEN-BASED MEDIA IN CANADA: WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR CREATORS?

Date: Thursday, May 20th
Time: 3:30pm – 6:00pm (3:30 – 4:00 networking time)

Speakers:
Valerie Creighton, President, Canada Media Fund
Tom Perlmutter, Government Film Commissioner and Chairperson of the National Film Board of Canada
Candice Molnar, Commissioner, CRTC

This will be our chance to hear from these leaders about how they think the landscape is shifted, what media creators need to be thinking about and what the future might look like.

More details to be released next week.

I promise to do another update soon and in the meantime… Keep in contact with us… if you have a question or concern, let me know!

Thanks,
Tara

If you hadn’t already noticed, at long last you can download the applications and guidelines in either DOC or PDF format for the 2010-2011 Access to Markets (AtoM), Access to Festivals (AtoF) and the Professional Development Fund (PDF) by visiting www.onscreenmanitoba.com/programs

The 2010-2011 Marketing Plan Program (MPP) application and guidelines are also available online, with a June 15th deadline for all applications. If you are a production company who has already begun to use ACCESS to Markets and/or ACCESS to Festivals this year, if you apply for MPP and the jury gives us the nod, we will move over those contributions to the MPP Program.

You will also find a list of Eligible Events and Markets for downloading, as well as DOC versions (PDF’s available on request) of the ACCESS Programs reporting forms.

If you don’t see your event on the Eligible Events and Markets list, do not fret. Contact Programs Coordinator Angela Kuehl at 204-927-5891, or email angela@onscreenmanitoba.com and she will help evaluate whether your event is eligible before you fill out the application. She is also more than happy to help you with any questions that arise, whether you are new to our ACCESS Programs or have a few questions about the revamped guidelines.

The Corporate Capacity Growth Program (formerly known as the Strategic Consulting program) will launch as soon as possible, with intakes throughout the year rather than one deadline as in the pilot year of 2008-2009. Keep your eye on the Programs page and on our website, Twitter and Facebook pages for news of the release.

Thank you for your patience during this process. Here is a list of upcoming events for the next few months, keeping in mind applications MUST be in at least 30 days prior to the date of your departure:

May Deadlines:

nextMEDIA Banff, Alberta June 13-16, 2010
Banff Television Festival Banff, Alberta June 13-16, 2010 
Sunny Side of the Doc La Rochelle, France June 22-25,2010

August Deadlines:

MIPCOM Cannes, France Oct 4-8, 2010
Independent Film Week & NO BORDERS, New York City, NY Sept 19-24, 2010
Strategic Partners (Atlantic Film Festival), Halifax, Nova Scotia Sept 16-19, 2010
Toronto International Film Festival, Toronto, Ontario Sept 9-19, 2010
Vancouver Int’l Film Festival (Trade Forum), Vancouver, BC Sept 30-Oct 15, 2010

Directors: Jeff Peeler/Kyle Irving
DOP: Kim Bell
Editor: Andrew Shire
Composer: Sean Pierce

The Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics were a cultural, interactive, and technological feat. The CentrePlace Manitoba Pavilion was no exception! Inside the pavilion was a one of a kind video installation, commissioned by Communications Services Manitoba, as a co-production between OSM members Mid Canada Production Services, Frantic Films and Eagle Vision, along with Reich + Petch.

With this project the team was responsible for creating a video piece that would tell an International audience about Manitoba. “At Centreplace Manitoba our goal was to put our province in the spotlight." said co-director Jeff Peeler. "The end result was a multi-media installation that showcased Manitoba’s rich culture, diverse industries, spectacular geography and our commitment to sport throughout every season. We really wanted people to have a sense of being here.”

Entering the Manitoba Pavillion visitors were greeted by a 180° panoramic view, from every side of the pavilion. Featured on the screens were the most beautiful sites of Manitoba through Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall. Eagle Vision’s Jessica Lo was captured walking through the nine screens, as the seasons seamlessly changed behind her.

The installation was located in the middle of the CentrePlace Manitoba Pavillion. Sprouting from the centre was a giant X made up of 36 42” plasma HD screens that rotated atop the circular pillar. There were four 180° quadrants comprised of nine screens each, with two stationary screens on both ends, allowing the inside 5 screens to rotate during the change-of-season portions of the video. The video played on all four quadrants simultaneously, and was synched to both audio and video to rotate 45 degrees during change-of-season transitions.

To make all of this possible, ingenuity was required at all levels of production. During preproduction, DOP Kim Bell designed a one-of-a-kind camera rig to hold 7 Sony EX1 cameras, allowing him to capture panoramic footage of Manitoba’s beautiful sites.

“It was an exciting challenge to come up with the technical components capable of delivering the creative vision of our team and was, of course, also a great honour to have a small role in showcasing our wonderful province on the world stage during the 2010 Winter Olympics.” DOP Kim Bell says about his experience working on the CentrePlace production.

In post-production Andrew Shire was given the task of making the footage from seven cameras fit onto nine screens. Using Midcan’s Avid Symphony Nitirs DX editing system, Andrew was given the unique opportunity to edit in a 9 cascading video-track multicam format. Frantic Films also contributed their expertise in post-production, taking care of all the graphics and animation for the video.

The music accompanying the installation is an original score by Composer Shawn Pierce, Recording Engineer Don Benedictson, and an incredibly talented group of musicians from the woods and strings sections of The Winnipeg Chamber Orchestra. Midcan hosted the recording of the strings session in their new production studio.

With no dialogue in the video, Composer Shawn Pierce had the unique challenge of writing music that would be the voice of Manitoba and tell a story. "The Manitoba inspiration for me was to sound inviting, proud and confident without being too big or over the top. I treated every section within each season with its own music style trying to underscore each facet of the province portrayed."

CentrePlace Manitoba was the backdrop for a joint reception hosted on February 24 by On Screen Manitoba, Manitoba Music and Manitoba Film & Music. The Pavilion showcased the Province of Manitoba, The Human Rights Museum and our respective industries to key decision makers and industry professionals such as Premier Greg Selinger, Minister Eric Robinson, John Dippong (Telefilm), Liz Shorten (CFTPA BC Office), Cheryl Binning (Playback), and Robert Hardy (CTV), among other industry leaders.

This collaborative project is a testament to Manitoba’s place as leading innovators of cutting edge production and post-production technology in North America.

Congratulations to everyone involved!

Visit our video gallery for a first hand look at the project!

Gemma Manangan, OSM Communications Assistant

On Wednesday, March 10, a few brave new thinkers were in Winnipeg to discuss film distribution in a digital world. The panel was organized by NSI-Canada’s Liz Hover and took place at The Urban Shaman Gallery. If you weren't able to attend, NSI Canada will be posting up the video from the event within the next few weeks.

The main topics of discussion for the panel were new models of film marketing, distribution and financing for the digital era. Independent film marketing expert Sheri Candler moderated the panel that featured Jon Reiss (filmmaker and author of ‘Think Outside the Box Office’) and David Geertz (filmmaker, entrepreneur and founder of ‘The Biracy Project’).

Both Jon and David shared their stories and ideas on a world of content creation that is very different from the one our forefathers Goldwyn and Mayer have known.

With the Internet comes the need for great changes. Traditionally you would never dream of making your film available for purchase online right after releasing it at a festival, but Jon says that now you might want to consider doing that. He even suggested having DVD copies of your film available for purchase at the Festival, that’s when a lot of buzz is happening around your film and people are prone to an impulse buy. Both Jon and David even suggested the unthinkable idea of having festival films available on VOD services at the same time as the festival. It’s really all about having the content available to your audience when they want it and how they want it, that is if you want to be the one that’s distributing the content to them.

One of the biggest points the panel drove home was the importance of integrating the marketing and distribution process into your film right from the beginning. Without knowing who your audience is for a film, it’s not entirely impossible to end up with a film that nobody wants to watch (and no, your Mother doesn’t count). Or you might have an audience, but if you’re too late in finding and reaching them, it can be difficult to build a genuine interest and following for your film.

To help combat the problem of creating a film that never gets watched, Jon talked about having a crew position called Producer of Marketing & Distribution (PMD). A PMD would be attached to the project right from the films inception through to the very end. It is this person’s job to figure out WHO the audience is, WHERE they get information, HOW to connect to them, and HOW they consume media. Once the audience is found, it is then the PMDs job to connect with that audience. This involves figuring out who the film’s core audience is – the influencers – and connecting with them. The influencers will then use their credibility to branch out and reach the secondary audience and finally the tertiary audience; letting them know that your film is “the bee’s knees” and to further spread the word.

In theory knowing who your audience is before you go into production can even help you finance your film. If you can approach investors with research data outlining the expected audience of a film, a plan to reach them and projected revenue generation, well then you might have a new source of funding for your film, other than that third credit card you planned to max out.

On the extreme end of connecting with your audience, there is The Biracy Project, founded on the concept that the crowd (who in theory is also your audience) makes all the decisions. The Biracy Project is an experiment to create the largest crowdsourced film in history, with their goal of one million members.

David talked about crowdsourcing as a new way to finance films and also engage an audience right from the start. Crowdsourcing creates a more loyal audience, because they are part of the creation process and thus have a vested interest in the project. In the Biracy Project, fans become sales agents for the film, giving them a right to tell their friends and a chance to make money at the same time. When friends of theirs become members and invite more friends to become members, it all adds up. After all, people are more inclined to buy a copy or pay admission to see a film that they’ve invested time and energy into.

While crowdsourcing doesn’t work for every project, it is an interesting idea to consider and modify to fit your film project. Maybe you don’t want the crowd to direct the story line of your film and choose the main actors, but you want them to be engaged in your project. There are other ways for your audience to interact with your content, like a fan page where alternate storylines and ideas can be created and discussed. Even though crowdsourcing may not be for you, there is definitely a lot that can be learned from The Biracy Project.

In the end what’s important is to think about your audience. But your work doesn’t stop there; you need to engage your audience by interacting with them. How can you expect them to listen to your ideas for two hours, when you won’t even give them one-minute of your time?

Didn't get to attend ALL ACCESS: The Digital Incubator? Or were you there and had to step out for a few minutes to take an important call and missed out on some info? Or maybe you're just one of those people who likes to watch the same movie repeatedly?

Well for your viewing pleasure we have posted the speaker videos from ALL ACCESS: The Digital Incubator. Relive Alexander Manu, Rochelle Grayson, Mark Bishop, Ken Bautista and Norm Bolens' presentations over and over again.

Click here to view all five speaker's videos.

Special thanks to Mid Canada Production Services with the help of camera man Dave Wowchuk who captured and edited these videos.

Alexander Manu (Innospa International) was the keynote speaker at ALL ACCESS: The Digital Incubator. His insightful and thought provoking presentation is now available for download.

Alexander Manu's Presentation (PDF)

By Claudia Garcia de la Huerta

When the news hit last week that the National Film Board’s Winnipeg office would be undergoing a massive downsizing, Manitoba’s screen based industry was in shock. Not only for the loss of 4 dedicated employees but also what this would mean in the long-term for our industry.

The Winnipeg Free Press reported that the shake-up is intended to “broaden the reach of the NFB in the Prairies and to develop expertise in multi-platform digital production in the West”, according to the statement by Cindy Witten, director general of the NFB’s English Program.

The NFB office will effectively close its doors to the public February 27th. When it re-opens, whether it’s still at the Market Avenue location or somewhere else, the office will be considerably smaller. The staff will include two digital media producers, one marketing manager and a “heavy presence” of the Executive Producer.

On Screen Manitoba’s Executive Director Tara Walker says this news is very disappointing, “It will mean reduced access to the tools and expertise that support emerging to established documentary filmmakers and animators. This represents a very real loss to our community.”

The history of the NFB in Manitoba is full and vibrant with countless success stories. You only need to mention names like Cordell Barker, Richard Condie or John Paskevich

Under the NFB’s proposed new model, administrative duties will be consolidated in the West. This means everything will fall under the North West Centre based out of Edmonton. In addition, a small office will open in Saskatchewan, which will also fall under this new jurisdiction. The North West Centre originally covered Alberta and the Northwest Territories and is well known for its work with many of Canada’s most distinguished First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists.

David Christensen is the Executive Producer of the North West Centre. The producer, director and writer has quite a few documentaries under his belt, including “The Mirror”(“Lo specchio”) which is having its U.S. premiere this weekend at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City. He essentially replaces outgoing Manitoba NFB Executive Director Derek Mazur.

Christensen has been in Winnipeg this week meeting with various industry professionals and associations like On Screen Manitoba. He agrees that it is unfortunate that the infrastructure Manitoba has enjoyed for so long will no longer exist but he says it was inevitable. “The NFB has not had an increase in its funding since the early 90’s. Our purchasing power is at the same level it was in the mid 90’s. By streamlining our offices we can put more money into production—where it’s needed.”

Christensen says he also sees this as an opportunity to reinvigorate the Manitoba community. The fact that digital media producers will now make up the NFB staff of industry professionals should not be something to be scared of, “This doesn’t mean we’re abandoning linear filmmakers because we’re not. This is an opportunity to make contact with those in the industry who have felt, for a long time now, that the Board has been closed to them.”

Christensen also says that he doesn’t want the creative content community to feel abandoned. He says he does not want to see the NFB turn into an organization that forces documentary makers and animators to shell out for the “7-hundred-dollar cup of coffee”. Christensen says he will make a concerted effort to be in the Winnipeg office as much as possible and if not him, then North West Centre producer, Bonnie Thompson.

“It’s up to me to make sure this community continues to be served,” says Christensen. After all is said and done, he says he wants the community to know that he understands their concerns, “I’m not a bureaucrat that’s come into the Board; I’m a filmmaker that’s come into the Board.”

ALL ACCESS: The Digital Incubator was brought to you by On Screen Manitoba in partnership with New Media Manitoba.

Thank you to all the delegates who attended ALL ACCESS: The Digital Incubator! Without all of you there the event would not have been the same, it would have been less interactive.

For those of you who couldn't make the event, we won't let you miss out on what happened.

Keynote speaker Alexander Manu (Innospa International) kicked off the day with his presentation entitled 'Current Media' where he spoke about mediums as modes of individual action rather than channels, that allow individuals to create, manage and distribute content. The day was shared with four other speakers, Rochelle Grayson (Social Media, Social Gaming and Online Entertainment Executive), Mark Bishop (marblemedia), Ken Bautista (CIE: Seek Your Own Proof) and Norm Bolen (CFTPA). They covered everything from how to monetize digital media to creating a national digital strategy for Canada. The afternoon started off with a panel discussion moderated by Rogue Nation's Ryan FitzGerald, featuring interactive digital media projects by Manitoba companies.

There were also many networking opportunities; including round table sessions with guest speakers. We also had 'Trans-meetings' where members of the interactive digital media community and film & television community met one on one in a speed dating style.

The day was enlightening, inspiring and groundbreaking. This was the first time our two associations (OSM & NMM) partnered on an event.

DOWNLOADS
ALL ACCESS: The Digital Incubator Program
Alexander Manu's Presentation (PDF)
Alexander Manu's DISRUPTIVE BUSINESS: Desire, Innovation and the Re-Design of Business
Rochelle Grayson's Digital Media Monetization: What People Pay For

Visit www.allaccessosm.com often over the next coming weeks for videos and pictures from the event.

And because you just can't get enough, stay tuned for ALL ACCESS: TV 2010 at the end of April - date TBA.

ALL ACCESS: The Digital Incubator was presented with generous support from:

Telefilm Canada
Midcan
Fairmont Winnipeg
Manitoba Innovation, Energy and Mines
Government of Canada
Destination Winnipeg
Manitoba Trade and Investment
CFTPA
CTF
TRLabs
William F. White International
RBC

With the overwhelming success of our inaugural ALL ACCESS: The TV Edition in the spring of 2009, it was evident that Manitoba’s screen-based media industry wants more ACCESS! We are happy to announce that On Screen Manitoba will be delivering two conferences in 2010 - ALL ACCESS: The Digital Incubator (January 28) and ALL ACCESS: TV 2010 (April).

ALL ACCESS SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

There are exciting sponsorship opportunities for both ALL ACCESS: The Digital Incubator and ALL ACCESS: TV 2010, that will position your company in front of key industry professionals. These sponsorship packages also include tangible benefits that you don’t want to miss out on!

Please click here for all the details (PDF)

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR ALL ACCESS: THE DIGITAL INCUBATOR!

Registration Form (PDF)

Registration Form (Word)

Schedule at a glance (PDF)
 

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

On Screen Manitoba in partnership with New Media Manitoba present:

ALL ACCESS: THE DIGITAL INCUBATOR

Lead Sponsors: Telefilm Canada and Midcanada Production Services

Registration Closes Friday, January 22, 2010 @ 4:30pm

DATE: Thursday, January 28, 2010

PLACE: Fairmont Winnipeg – Midway Ballroom
TIME: 7:30am-5:30pm
COST: $75 Members (On Screen Manitoba & New Media Manitoba)
            $100 Non-Members

REGISTRATION FORM: PDF / WORD

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE (PDF)

For everything ALL ACCESS please visit www.allaccessosm.com

For an OSM MEMBERSHIP complete and submit the OSM MEMBERSHIP FORM (PDF)

For a NMM MEMBERSHIP contact:
Kathy Driscoll, Training Director, New Media Manitoba at kathy@newmediamanitoba.com

ALL ACCESS: The Digital Incubator is a daylong interactive digital media forum that will bring together the 3 C’s—computing, communications and content to highlight the interlocking of traditional film & television with interactive digital media. The day will consist of a keynote speaker, a panel discussion, guest speakers, round-table meetings, one-on-one meetings and networking opportunities.

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS:

- Ken Bautista, CEO & Creative Director, CIE: Seek Your Own Proof
- Norm Bolen, President & CEO, CFTPA

- Mark Bishop, Partner & Producer, marblemedia

- Rochelle Grayson, Social Media, Social Games and Online Entertainment Executive, Rochelle.ca
- Alexander Manu, Senior Partner & Chief Imaginator, InnoSpa International Partners

COMING SOON: The ALL ACCESS micro-site (Powered by Midcanada Production Services), your source for everything ALL ACCESS. Stay tuned for more details!

Presented with generous support from:

Telefilm Canada
Midcanada Production Services
Fairmont Winnipeg
Manitoba Innovation, Energy and Mines
Destination Winnipeg
Manitoba Trade & Investment
CFTPA
CTF
TRLabs
William F. White International

More sponsors to be announced.