On Screen Manitoba

Apple Certification Final Cut Pro 101 Training Session is being held January 15th, 16th, and 17th.

We will also be holding an EXAM DAY on January 30th for anyone wishing to challenge any Apple certification exam.

Register Now for Final Cut Pro 101

Register Now for the Exam Day

This three-day, hands-on course teaches students to perform basic editing functions while becoming familiar with the Final Cut Pro user interface. In this course, you will cut a scene from the TNT television series Leverage, create a promo for Seaworld's Believe documentary, as well as master filters and effects as you edit a segment of "Playing for Change," the international music-creation event.

Start with basic video editing techniques and work all the way through Final Cut Pro's powerful advanced features. Learn to mark and edit clips, mix sound, add titles, create transitions, apply filters, and more. Topics include basic setup, customizing preferences and settings, capturing video and audio, various editing and trimming techniques, Ripple, Roll, Slip, and Slide tools, audio editing and audio creation, finishing and final output.

Who Should Attend

This class is designed for anyone looking to edit professional-quality video with Final Cut Pro and who prefers hands-on and interactive instruction to best explore its functionality.

What You Will Learn

Marking clips, using insert, overwrite and drag-and-drop editing
Trimming edit points
Using Ripple, Roll, and Extend edits as well as the Slip and Slide tools
Applying filters and changing Motion properties
Audio editing and audio creation
Finishing and final output

Prerequisites

Students should have the following prerequisite knowledge prior to attending the course:
Basic knowledge of the Macintosh OS and Basic knowledge of editing terminology

The three-day Final Cut Pro 101 course is $495 (for Manitoba residents), which is the lowest prices in Canada for Apple Certification Training. 

For more information on what the course offers, please browse the Final Cut Pro 101 Course outline here:

If you believe that you already have the necessary knowledge to challenge the Final Cut Pro 101 exam or any other Apple Certification exam, we will be holding an Exam Day on January 30th. The cost to challenge an exam is $250.

If you have any questions or want more information regarding the Final Cut Pro 101 course, or challenging an exam, please email Kert Gartner, our Certification Co-ordinator at kert@newmediamanitoba.com

Register Now as we only have 8 seats remaining for this session.

Like most people in the screen-based industry, chances are you have an iPhone - after all, it is the best screen to view movie trailers on.

If you're looking for some fun Apps to play with while you're waiting in line at the super market, or when you need a break from work check out some of Complex Games latest applications made just for the iPhone!

Cyber Circuit

It's a robotron-style shooter game. The download is absolutely FREE, and contains the 1st World!

CLICK HERE to download the App.

However you can buy the Full Version by Upgrading in the AppStore for $1.99 and this includes the following awesome features:

- 30 Challenging Levels set across 5 different worlds!
- Tons of Menacing Enemies
- 5 Unstoppable Bosses
- 5 Awesome Weapons to Upgrade
- 5 Stellar Ship Features to Upgrade
- Touch-Based 360 degree movement and firing controls
- Innovative High Score/Upgrade System
- Awesome Soundtrack and Sound Effects
- Open Feint Supported

Skipping Stones

Pretty self explanatory; the age old game of throwing a rock over water and seeing how many times you can get it to stay above water is no available on your iPhone.

CLICK HERE to download the App.

Join the Complex Games Facebook Group to keep updated on their latest developments!

Mark your Calendars: the highly anticipated film High Life, produced by Buffalo Gal Pictures, is set to screen in theatres across Canada!

Union Pictures will release High Life across Canada, rolling out January 15 in Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Calgary and January 22 in Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton and Halifax.

High Life is a new Canadian feature, lensed in Winnipeg, written/directed by Gary Yates, starring Timothy Olyphant, Rossif Sutherland, Joe Anderson and Stephen McIntyre.

The film is set in 1983, following the first implementation of 'Automated Teller Machines'. Following a visit from his former cellmate 'Bug' (McIntyre), 'Dick' (Olyphant) gets fired from his job as a hospital janitor.

Unemployed and in need of fast cash, Dick gets the idea to rob a brand new ATM machine. Enter 'Donnie' (Anderson) and 'Billy' (Sutherland) to help put the pieces into place.

But things don't go quite according to plan...

To get your complete fix of the High Life visit www.highlifethemovie.com.

9 GIRLS, 4 WEEKS, 1 DREAM - TuTu MUCH

Two Shows Only at Cineplex Entertainment Theatres Across Canada Sunday, January 17 – 1:00 p.m. & Wednesday, January 20 – 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now at www.cineplex.com/events as well as at participating theatre box offices.

Admission for adults is $10.50, children $8.00, seniors $9.50 and groups of twenty or more $7.75 per person.

TuTu MUCH from the Emmy award-winning producers of DRACULA and BALLET HIGH comes a new documentary film. Through the eyes of 9 young girls from around the world, TuTuMUCH is the behind-the-scenes story of what it takes to become a dancer. These girls have been given the chance of a lifetime, a four week long summer audition to get into a professional ballet school. Which girl will prove to be the dancer they are looking for? Who will have the passion, the drive and the endurance to make it? And will she and her family be ready to make the sacrifices? TuTuMUCH gives us all a rare look at 9 remarkable girls and a summer that no one will ever forget.

CLICK HERE to check out the trailer.

CLICK HERE to join the Facebook group.

The submission deadline for So You Think You Can Pitch, this year’s live pitch competition at the Realscreen Summit, has been extended to January 8.

Based on a popular game show format this year’s session will once again offer five brave producers the chance to pitch their project live to a panel of industry judges.

The session, taking place Tuesday, Feb. 2 from 5:30-6:30 PM, is sponsored by CABLEready and promises an invaluable experience for the participants as well as great entertainment and learning value for onlooking producers and broadcasters.

Our host is Andy Cohen, SVP Original Programming & Development at Bravo, and judges are Amy Introcaso-Davis, SVP, Original Programming and Development, Oxygen Media, Rob Sharenow, SVP, Non-Fiction & Alternative Programming, A&E, Nicole DeFusco, Vice President, Original Programming & Development, Sundance Channel and Gary Lico, President & CEO, CABLEready.

Based on project merit and pitch quality, the judges will select one winner to walk away with a free pass to next year’s Realscreen Summit 2011, a one-year subscription to CableU and an iPod Nano. This is a great opportunity to build profile for your project and attract partners quickly!

Click here to get to the application form.

[Le français suit plus bas]

The Documentary Organization of Canada / l'Association des documentaristes du Canada (DOC) is pleased to announce a call for proposals for ReBoot, a week-long web conference incorporating skills-based training, mentorships and panel presentations from leading experts in cross-platform production. DOC aims to assist its members in transitioning to digital documentary and to successfully position documentary filmmakers and producers in the rapidly changing broadcast environment spurred by the Canada Media Fund.

DOC is seeking proposals for cross-platform documentaries that are conceived for two or more media. Preference will be given to projects in the development stage incorporating an interactive, participatory methodology in additional to a linear/broadcast version.Selected projects will receive one-on-one mentorship from industry professionals over a one week period, culminating in an online pitch session during DOC's ReBoot event in February. A jury of media professionals will select one project which will receive further mentorship for a three month period. The continued mentoring will be provided by the award winning team at EyeSteelFilm, as well as a group of industry professionals specializing in various aspects of new media production.Interested creators are invited to send proposals to info@docorg.ca.

Proposals should include:
1. Name(s)
2. Contact Information
3. Project Title
4. 250 Word Description of Project
5. Project Budget
6. Project Status
7. Short description of the new media ideas and platforms that will be xplored Proposals should be for a multiplatform documentary and should describe the experience that a user would have on the website or digital platform, as well as a sense of the documentary that would be created in tandem. In writing the proposal, creators should address the following questions:

· Can your story be told in more than one way? Can it exist as a traditional documentary, as well as a non-linear story?
· Can your documentary have multiple versions? Can it be substantially different online, in theatres, and on television? How can you harness the strengths of each medium?
· Does your subject matter and approach lend itself to the opportunities of participatory / social media?
· Above all, how can your audience participate in the project? How is it an interactive experience that they can be an integral part of?

Submissions are only open to DOC members. Without exception, selected applicants must be available February 15th to February 21st in order to participate. Selected candidates should be comfortable sharing their creative process and work in progress with the public.

Submission deadline is January 29th. Please send proposals to info@docorg.ca

CLICK HERE to visit the DOC website.
_________________________________________________________________

L'Association des documentaristes du Canada / Documentary Organization of Canada est heureuse d'annoncer un appel de soumission pour ReBoot, une conférence web d'une semaine portant sur la production multiplateforme incorporant de la formation, du mentorat et des présentations d'experts.

DOC cherche à soutenir ses membres lors de la transition vers le documentaire numérique et à bien positioner les réalisateurs et les producteurs dans l'environnement télévisuel canadien au moment où pleuvent les bouleversements occasionnés par le Fonds des médias du Canada.

DOC cherche des propositions de documentaires multiplateformes conçus pour deux médias ou plus. La préférence sera accordée aux projets en développement qui incorporeront, en plus d'une version linéaire/télévisuelle, des méthodologies participatives et interactives.

Les projets sélectionnés recevront du mentorat individuel offert par des professionnels du milieu au cours d'une semaine et culminera en une session de «pitch» en ligne se déroulant au moment de l'événement ReBoot au mois de février. Un jury de professionnels des médias choisira un des projets qui se méritera un mentorat additionnel sur une période de trois mois offert par l'équipe chevronnée de EyeSteelFilm, ainsi qu'un groupe de professionnels de l'industrie se spécialisant dans les divers aspects de la production multiplateforme.

Les intéressés devraient envoyer leur proposition à info@docorg.ca

Les propositions doivent inclure:
1. Nom(s)
2. Coordonnées
3. Titre du projet
4. Description du projet (250 mots)
5. Budget
6. État du projet
7. Courte description des nouvelles technologies et des plateformes qui seront explorées

Veuillez noter: Cette activité est offerte en anglais seulement de sorte que les soumissions doivent être rédigées en anglais.

Les propositions doivent être conçues pour un documentaire multiplateforme et doivent décrirent l'expérience d'un usager sur la version web ou numérique de la production et donner un aperçu du documentaire créé en tandem. Les propositions devraient répondre aux questions suivantes:

· L'histoire peut-elle être racontée plus d'une façon? Peut-elle exister en tant que documentaire traditionnel et en version non-linéaire?
· Peut-il y avoir de multiples versions du documentaire? Peut-il être différent selon s'il est présenté en ligne, en salles, ou à la télévision?
Comment exploiter les forces de chacun des médias?
· Le sujet se prête-t-il à une approche participative propre aux médias sociaux?
· Et, plus que tout, l'auditoire peut-il participer au projet? S'agit-il d'une expérience interactive à laquelle il peut prendre part?

Les soumissions sont ouvertes aux membres de DOC seulement. Les participants sélectionnés doivent, sans exception, être disponibles du 15 au 21 février et doivent être disposés à partager leur processus créatif et à partager leur travail avec le public.

La date de tombée est le 29 janvier. Prière d'envoyer votre soumission à info@docorg.ca

Introduction to Airstar Balloons

Date: January 6th, 2010
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Instructor: Mike St. Eve, Airstar Canada
Location: William F. Whites Warehouse
2073 Logan Avenue, Unit 11
Cost: Free
Notes: Participants will be required to provide their SINs (social insurance numbers).

William F. Whites is pleased to bring you a one-day workshop, in partnership with Airstar Balloons, on the safe operation of lighting balloons. Instructed by Mike St. Eve, an experienced Airstar staff and instructor who has trained many Canadian techs in balloon operations, this course will be a full day of hands-on learning for the 4k Tungsten balloon and the 4.8k HMI balloon. The goal of this workshop is for participants to be able to safely operate these balloons in an on-set environment.

This workshop has been designed for IATSE 856 lighting and grip technicians.

Download the PDF

For more information, or to register for this workshop, please contact:

Allison Bile
Film Training Manitoba
Ph: 989.9665
E: abile@filmtraining.mb.ca

Steve Morrison
William F. Whites
Ph: 774.7903
E: smorrisson@whites.com

This workshop was made possible through Film Training Manitoba’s Human Resource Training Fund. For more information please visit filmtraining.mb.ca or call 989-9669.

RED Camera Workshop
William F White is offering two days of RED CAM workshops

Day 1 Data Management Technician
Date: January 8, 2010
Time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Day one will cover the duties of the on-set data management technicians. Participants will learn what happens from the time the
media leaves the camera until it is in the editor's hands. This course will cover what DPs expect of their data technicians for their
RED shoots, as well as common on set scenarios. Participants will learn how to work most effectively with the RED camera, and
what some of the options and best practices for protecting and managing the digital negative are. Also covered on day one will be
the software used with the RED camera (REDCINE, RED ALERT!, REDrushes, and third party software).
*This course holds a maximum of 10 participants

Day 2 Data Management for Producers and Production Managers
Date: January 9, 2010
Time: 10:00 AM- 2:00PM

The second day is for producers and production managers to learn about options for RED shoots, how budgets are affected during production and through post, and crewing requirements. A Q & A session will follow.

Instructor: Chris Parker, Bling Digital Video
Location: William F. Whites Warehouse
2073 Logan Avenue, Unit 11
Cost: Free
Notes: Participants will be required to provide their SINs (social insurance numbers).

About the instructor
Chris Parker is the co-founder of Bling Digital video. Parker has taught REDucation in Los Angeles, and is the creator of
www.DigitalCinemaLessons.com. Parker has also worked on NBC Universal’s first RED shoot.

Download the PDF

For more information, or to register for this workshop, please contact:

Allison Bile
Film Training Manitoba
Ph: 989.9665
E: abile@filmtraining.mb.ca

Steve Morrisson
William F. Whites
Ph: 774.7903
E: smorrisson@whites.com

This workshop was made possible through Film Training Manitoba’s Human Resource Training Fund. For more information please visit filmtraining.mb.ca or call 989-9669.

GETTING IN ON ‘THE GROUND FLOOR’…
Urban Diner Opens in the Heart of Downtown Winnipeg

When it comes to dining options, restaurant goers now have another distinctive choice in a city known for fabulous food. The Ground Floor, situated in Place Louis Riel Suite Hotel in downtown Winnipeg, is the perfect location for the daytime business crowd, and social outings in the evenings and on weekends. Whether taking in a theatre show, concert, movie, sporting event, or doing a little shopping, take some time to discover this brand new urban diner.

WHAT IS AN URBAN DINER?
Over the years, diners have evolved from roadside family establishments serving basic comfort foods in simple settings, to the most interesting and eclectic mix of menus and décor. Some might define an ‘urban diner’ this way: a diner serves unpretentious, home cooked meals for a reasonable price, and is generally family-owned and operated; if it doesn't serve breakfast at any hour of the day, it's not a diner.

THE GROUND FLOOR: WHERE COMFORT MEETS FLAVOUR
The Ground Floor offers affordable casual dining with a flare for homemade ‘comfort food.’ They use local ingredients whenever possible, resulting in meals made fresh, prepared fast, and tasting fantastic. On the menu are old favourites done right, like The Ground Floor Burger. This savoury selection uses Manitoba fresh ground AAA beef, is dressed with house chili sauce and Dijon aioli, and comes with optional toppings of aged cheddar or blue cheese, smoked bacon, or sautéed crimini mushrooms. The Chicken Fingers are receiving rave reviews, made from scratch daily using tender buttermilk chicken, and served with delicious honey dill dipping sauce and fresh cut fries. The Grand Chicken Clubhouse with black forest ham, bacon, and grilled chicken dares to be called the best in town.

The newest signature breakfast dish is the Urban Burrito, adding another tasty selection to a restaurant long known for serving great breakfasts. Customers can still order breakfast all day, while daily specials make The Ground Floor home to the best value in downtown dining.

Also transformed with a brand new look, The Ground Floor features 12 new pieces of abstract art from local Winnipeg artist Shirley Elias, adding to the already extensive collection of original art on display throughout the hotel.

The Ground Floor is open 7 days per week
Monday – Friday 6:30 am to 11:00 pm
Saturday 7:30 am to 11:00 pm
Sunday 7:30 am to 9:00 pm

www.placelouisriel.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Krista Mask, General Manager
Place Louis Riel Suite Hotel
190 Smith Street
204-957-6706 / krista.mask@placelouisriel.com

CALL FOR ENTRIES
34th International Animation Film Festival
Annecy, France, June 7 to 10, 2010
(Animated Films and Videos)

The International Animation Film Festival of Annecy is currently accepting entries for its 2010 edition.

Please note that all films must be submitted directly to the festival.

Deadlines:
Information and registration procedure

Deadline for submission for shorts, TV series or TV specials, commissioned films and graduation films: January 15, 2010

Deadline for reception of films already submitted (shorts, TV series or TV specials, commissioned films and graduation films): February 15, 2010

Deadline for submission and reception of feature films (60 min and ): March 15, 2010

The International Animation Film Festival of Annecy is recognized internationally as the most important film event of its kind. It showcases the best animated short and feature films as well as animated series made for television. An important film market, the MIFA, is held simultaneously.

The capacity to present and promote animation in all its different forms has made Annecy a world-wide point of reference for the animation industry.

Consult the complete list of current calls for entries

National and International Business Development
Telefilm Canada, Montréal
514 283-6363

VIDEO JOURNALIST (VJ) - MONTREAL

APTN National News/Current Affairs has a full-time career opportunity for an experienced individual who will be responsible for submitting daily stories for APTN National News by gathering, writing and packaging reports to the Winnipeg Production Centre on time and within budget.

Deadline to apply: 3 p.m. (CST), Friday, January 15, 2010

CLICK HERE to view the full job posting.

VIDEO JOURNALIST (VJ) - EDMONTON

APTN National News/Current Affairs has a full-time career opportunity for an experienced individual who will be responsible for submitting daily stories for APTN National News by gathering, writing and packaging reports to the Winnipeg Production Centre on time and within budget.

Deadline to apply: 3 p.m. (CST), Monday, January 4, 2010

CLICK HERE to view the full job posting.

PROGRAMMING ANALYST (temp)

Reporting to the Director of Programming in Winnipeg, we have a temporary (approximately 18 months) opportunity for an experienced individual who will provide reporting and operational detail to be used for verification of projects’ characteristics, financial structure and contractual provisions to ensure compliance.

Deadline to apply: 3 p.m. (CST), Monday, January 4, 2010

CLICK HERE to view the full job posting.

RESEARCHER / WRITER - ONLINE

APTN National News/Current Affairs has a full-time career opportunity for an experienced individual who will be responsible for providing online News & Current Affairs content for Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), including www.aptn.ca and any affiliated websites.

Deadline to apply: 3 p.m. (CST), Monday, January 4, 2010

CLICK HERE to view the full job posting.

Astral Media’s The Movie Network (Eastern Canada) and Corus Entertainment’s Movie Central (Western Canada) have secured full rights to the critically acclaimed, award-winning Canadian comedy series LESS THAN KIND, produced by Breakthrough Films & Television and Buffalo Gal Pictures. The new second season will premiere on Friday, February 19 at 8:30 p.m. ET/MT on HBO Canada, a multiplex channel of The Movie Network and Movie Central. Subscribers will also have the opportunity to catch the entire first season on The Movie Network OnDemand and Movie Central On Demand beginning Tuesday, February 23.

LESS THAN KIND follows Sheldon Blecher (Jesse Camacho: The Trotsky, Tales from the Never Ending Story, 12 and Holding), a smart, fat teenager growing up as the only sane adult in a family of children in Winnipeg. His family consists of Sam, a self-destructive driving instructor father (Maury Chaykin: Barney’s Version, Blindness, Adoration), Anne, a pyromaniac mother (Wendel Meldrum: Seinfeld, The Wonder Years, Cruel But Necessary) and Josh, a handsome egotistical brother (Benjamin Arthur: The L Word, That One Night). With the frigid Winnipeg winter as a backdrop, the volatile Blechers struggle to stay together and revive the failing family business, Blecher's Driving School.

In season two, Sam Blecher is knocking on Death's door, but even Death doesn't answer when Sam Blecher comes knocking. As a result, Anne's anxiety is ratcheted up as she tries to be matriarch, nurse, entrepreneur and housewife. As the turmoil at home escalates, Josh is torn between his duties to his family, himself, his girlfriend – but mostly himself, while Sheldon deals with seismic developments of his own. Through it all, Aunt Clara (Nancy Sorel) is the only somewhat sober, somewhat sane family member holding it together.

Guest stars in season two include Dave Foley (Kids in the Hall), George Wendt (Cheers), Shaun Majumder (This Hour Has 22 Minutes), Jennifer Irwin (Eastbound & Down), Patrick McKenna (The Red Green Show), Paul Soles (Terminal City), Susan Coyne (Slings & Arrows), and Henry Czerny (The Tudors). Bruce MacDonald (Pontypool) joins the team of directors which include Kelly Makin (Flashpoint, Brain Candy) and James Dunnison (Robson Arms).

“We are thrilled to be bringing LESS THAN KIND to The Movie Network and Movie Central. My previous experience with these premium pay TV services on Slings & Arrows was beyond positive. LESS THAN KIND is a creatively ambitious show with a superb cast and a distinct comedic tone the likes of which The Movie Network and Movie Central have always embraced. This feels like we are coming home,” says Mark McKinney.

LESS THAN KIND is written and co-executive produced by Winnipeg homeboy Marvin Kaye and Vancouver-born Chris Sheasgreen who created the series based on Kaye’s one-act play, They Have Mayonnaise in Montreal. The series show runner is Mark McKinney. LESS THAN KIND is produced by Paula J. Smith (Metropia, Paradise Falls) and executive produced by Peter Williamson and Ira Levy for Breakthrough Films & Television (Kenny vs. Spenny, Paradise Falls) and Phyllis Laing for Buffalo Gal Pictures (Haunting in Connecticut, Amreeka, Tracy Fragments, My Winnipeg), Mark McKinney, Marvin Kaye and Chris Sheasgreen. Rob Sheridan (Corner Gas) is the Consulting Producer. The series writers are Mark McKinney, Garry Campbell, Marvin Kaye, Chris Sheasgreen, Jenn Engels and Jennifer Beasley. 

About Breakthrough Films & Television:
Breakthrough Films & Television is a producer of popular comedy and drama programming for film and television. Television projects include the comedy series, Kenny vs. Spenny and drama series, Paradise Falls. Recent film projects include Confessions of a Porn Addict starring Spencer Rice and Mark Breslin. Television movies include The Wives He Forgot, starring Molly Ringwald; the Gemini Award-winning television movie Shadow Lake, starring Graham Greene; and the Gemini Award-winning television movie Coming of Age, starring Jan Rubes. On the Web, the company is located at www.breakthroughfilms.com.

About Buffalo Gal Pictures Inc:
Buffalo Gal Pictures is an award-winning independent production company based in Winnipeg, Canada. President Phyllis Laing and producer Liz Jarvis have developed and produced many challenging and diverse projects including Amreeka, which premiered at Sundance, 2009, and The Haunting in Connecticut which opened in March, 2009, My Winnipeg and Stone Angel, which both had premieres at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival. In addition, Buffalo Gal Pictures has also produced 52 hours of television programming including seven award-winning documentaries. By creating collaborative relationships with creative talent and building successful co-production partnerships, Buffalo Gal Pictures has become one of the top independent production companies in Canada.

Click here to watch the first season of Less Than Kind online.

Congratulations to Phyllis Laing (President and Producer, Buffalo Gal Pictures) who has just been accepted as one of 20 Canadian producers into the Telefilm Canada's Producers Without Borders initiative, taking place in Berlin, 2010 at the European Film Market.

The initiative takes place during the Berlin International Film Festival & European Film Market 2010 (February 11 - 21) and will help connect producers with potential investors, distributors, and production partners.

Click here for more information on Berlinale 2010.

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).

With that being said...

On Screen Manitoba in partnership with New Media Manitoba presents:

ALL ACCESS: The Digital Incubator

Sponsored by Telefilm Canada and Midcanada Production Services

Date: Thursday, January 28, 2010
Place: Fairmont Winnipeg – Midway Ballroom

ALL ACCESS: The Digital Incubator is a daylong interactive digital media forum (just in time for the CMF launch!). This event will highlight the different types of interactive digital media and how they are being used in film and television and vice-versa. The day will consist of a keynote speaker, a panel discussion, guest speakers, round-table meetings, one-on-one meetings and networking opportunities.

CONFIRMED GUEST SPEAKERS:

- Ken Bautista, CEO & Creative Director, Hotrocket
- Norm Bolen, President & CEO, CFTPA
- Mark Bishop, Partner & Producer, marblemedia
- Rochelle Grayson, Social Media Consultant
- Alexander Manu, Senior Partner & Chief Imaginator, InnoSpa International Partners (Keynote speaker)

Registration will open in the new year, so stay tuned!

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)


    

The Cultural Human Resources Council, through its Career Focus program, is seeking proposals from cultural instituions and organizations willing to offer dynamic opportunities in the areas of Art practice and Art administration to recent post-secondary graduates, ages 30 and under.

If you have a 4 to 12 month position in mind, are able to provide at least 2/3 of the intern salary, and are looking fora positive addition to your team, send us your application!

Application Form

DEADLINE (Post marked): February 8, 2010

For program specific guidelines and additional information go to www.culturalhrc.ca or contact Geneviève Guilmette at gguilmette@culturalhrc.ca or at 613-562-1535 ext 28

"BIGGER" VOD FROM VISUAL

December 2009 - Issue VII

This issue of Visual Productions' VOD sums up recent developments in the company, emphasizing the importance of the internet as part of a visual media strategy, showcases recent client projects and announces their 25th Anniversary as part of the Manitoba production community.

CLICK HERE to view the newsletter

CFC WORLDWIDE SHORT FILM FESTIVAL 2010
Toronto, Canada
June 1 - 6, 2010

Please take note our submission deadline is earlier this year.

Send us your shorts now! Now in its 16th year, the CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival (WSFF) is the premier venue for the exhibition and promotion of short film in North America. The WSFF offers one of the largest prize packages for short film in the world, presenting over $60 000 in cash and prizes. As one of only three festivals in Canada accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences®, winners of the Best Live-Action Short and Best Animated Short are eligible for the Academy Awards®; while the WSFF’s Canadian award winners are eligible for the Genie® Awards. (UK filmmakers take note: we are also an accredited qualifying festival for the BAFTAs.)

In addition to screenings, the WSFF draws buyers, distributors, industry delegates and filmmakers together from across the globe. The Short Films BIG IDEAS Symposium, offers essential professional development opportunities in a series of seminars, panels and workshops on the art and commerce of short filmmaking. Boasting the largest marketplace for the sale and acquisition of short films in North America, which is attended by buyers, distributors, and programmers, the Festival Business Centre offers an unparalleled opportunity for filmmakers to advance their careers.

Please note that to ensure consideration of your submission to the WSFF 2010 all entries must be postmarked February 5th 2010 at the latest.

Online Entry is available through www.withoutabox.com
Downloadable entry forms, visit www.worldwideshortfilmfest.com

For more information, please contact us at shortfilmfest@cfccreates.com
Phone:416-445-1446 x417 Fax 416-445-9481
2489 Bayview Ave. Toronto, ON, Canada, M2L 1A8
cfccreates.com 

Something for all you filmies to ring in the New Year in a wonderfully creative tone.

Canadian independent filmmaker and cinematographer Shane Belcourt is giving workshops and one-on-one interview/meetings!

====================

CINEMATOGRAPHY SERIES: COMPOSING THE LANDSCAPE - Jan 13 & 20
Wednesday Jan 13 , 7-10pm
Wednesday Jan 20 , 7-10pm

Toronto independent filmmaker, Shane Belcourt (Métis) will visit the Winnipeg Film Group for a two week residency. While here, he will lead Composing the Landscape, a two-day intermediate-level cinematography workshop where Belcourt will share his knowledge and techniques with the camera.

After the first class, participants will be encouraged to shoot their own footage using Shane's techniques during the week in between classes. Participants will then watch their footage and get feedback. An intermediate class sure to please the aspiring and experienced independent filmmaker.

THIS WORKSHOP IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE ACCESS BURSARY FUND

ONLINE REGISTRATION AVAILABLE

* Dates: Wed Jan 13 & Wed Jan 20 (7PM - 10PM)
* Fee: $125/mem | $155/non
* Instructor: Shane Belcourt

For full details click here

+++++ AND + AND + AND + AND + AND + AND + AND + AND + AND + AND +++++

Shane Belcourt (Métis) will be available for four one-on-one consultations with local filmmakers on January 14, 2010, as part of his Aboriginal Artist in Residence scope at the Winnipeg Film Group

* The one-on-one sessions are free for selected applicants

Interested participants are requested to submit an application package no later than Thursday, January 8, 2010 with the following:

A recent film that the applicant has had a creative role in (such as cinematographer, director, editor, actor, writer, etc...)

A brief statement (no more than one page) of the objectives or aspirations for the one-hour session with Belcourt - which could range from picking up a camera and going out shooting with him, to having him review your work / work-in-progress and provide comments on it.

Aboriginal applicants are encouraged to self-identify.

For more information on workshops, please contact the Training & Outreach Programs Coordinator at 925-3450 or darcy@winnipegfilmgroup.com

Telefilm Canada is pleased to announce that in addition to the five Canadian feature films already announced as part of the Sundance official selection, another six short films from Canada have been selected by the prestigious festival.

Furthermore, 10 Canadian films have been selected to screen at the 2010 Slamdance Film Festival, which runs January 21-28, 2010 in Park City, Utah. Among them, three features are entered in the official competition.

At Slamdance, a feature script supported by Telefilm at the development stage – Gia Milani’s All The Wrong Reasons (Shore Road Pictures, New Brunswick) – will be awarded the 2009 Script Accessible Award, part of the Feature Screenplay Competition.

“This is an exceptional year for Canada at Sundance and Slamdance,” stated Sheila de La Varende, Director, National & International Business Development at Telefilm. “A record number of films have been selected, a testament to the talent of Canadian filmmakers and producers. We are proud to be supporting them in achieving international recognition,” she added.

Featuring Aboriginal Stories Program participants attending Sundance 2010
Thanks to a joint initiative of Heritage Canada’s Trade Routes Program and Telefilm Canada, the Featuring Aboriginal Stories Program is offering a market-focused immersion during the Sundance Film Festival, aimed at eligible Aboriginal producers who are working on a project that has been selected under the program. The National Screen Institute has been mandated by Telefilm with the task of coordinating the producers’ attendance at Sundance and providing them with the necessary coaching both before and during their stay in Park City. The producers will benefit from the services of an experienced advisor who will steer them toward relevant activities based on their level of professional development while enabling networking opportunities.

A Manitoba production, Runaway produced by Michael Scott, Derek Mazur (National Film Board, Winnipeg) and directed by Cordell Barker is an animated short in which happy passengers are having a great time on a crowded train, oblivious to the unknown fate that awaits them around the bend. The ensuing crisis leads to a class struggle that is as amusing as it is merciless. Naturally there are victims, but in the end everyone is equal

CLICK HERE to view the full list of Canadian Productions selected for Sundance 2010 and Slamdance 2010

CALL FOR ENTRIES
56th International Short Film Festival Oberhausen
Oberhausen, Germany, April 29 to May 4, 2010
(Short films only)

The International Short Film Festival Oberhausen a major festival in the short film circuit, is currently accepting entries for its 2010 edition.

Please note that all films must be submitted directly to the festival.

Information and registration process

Application deadline : January 15, 2010

The International Short Film Festival Oberhausen is not only the oldest short film festival in the world, but it is also one of the most important. In 2009, some 600 films were screened in six days, with around 1 100 accredited industry professionals from nearly 50 different countries flocking to Oberhausen for this annual event. The Festival has two competitive sections for international films: the International Competition with awards totalling 24 000 € and the Children’s and Youth Film Competition with awards totalling 2 000 €.

Consult the complete list of current calls for entries

National and International Business Development
Telefilm Canada, Montréal
514 283-6363

BANFF WORLD TELEVISION FESTIVAL
June 13 - 16, 2010

The Call for Entries for the 2010 Banff World Television Awards Program Competition is officially open!

The Banff World Television Awards is one of the world’s most prestigious international television program competitions. The 2009 competition attracted more than 800 entries from 30 countries around the world.

The 2010 Rockie Awards promise to be the best yet! New highlights include:

Expanding the Drama categories to include Soap Operas.
The addition of four Francophone Categories. View the Francophone categories here.
A special Green Grand Prize, where programs in any of our categories may be eligible.
Revised Interactive Categories including Best Branded Entertainment, Best Cross-Platform and Original Online Programs.

Also, with the new video upload entry form, entrants will upload their programs for this year's competition in place of mailing DVD's.

For more information on the 2010 awards, click here.

Enter now and SAVE $50 with the early bird rate (Early Bird Deadline: February 1, 2010)

Entry Deadline is February 15, 2010

New for 2010

Our workshops are held in various venues in the downtown area so please visit our website, www.filmtraining.mb.ca, for more information on how to find us, and how to register for these workshops. You can also call us at 989-9669!

**Film Training Manitoba is pleased to offer training at a significantly reduced cost to the Manitoba Film industry.

Scene Study with Ben Davis
January 22nd to the 24th | 10 am – 6 pm | $125
Location | Actor’s Training Centre

Straight from Los Angeles, acting coach Ben Davis will be using the Ivana Chubbuck Technique to take participants through a
scene study workshop.

"After years of going to various acting workshops to hone my directing skills, last year I had the amazing experience of attending a workshop with Ben Davis. I think I learned more in one day than all of the other workshops combined. For my purposes Ben is the perfect coach: he's enthusiastic, funny, extremely focused and very critical. But his criticism is always constructive and comes from a place of passion and belief in his student’s capabilities. I watched in wonder as over and over again he took competent performances and transformed them into riveting, compelling scenes. I'll go to his classes whenever I can."
- Norma Bailey, Director

IATSE 669 Assistant Camera Trainee Course
February 4th to the 7th | 8:30 am – 5 pm | $350
Location | *See full posting on the FTM calendar for more details

The purpose of the camera trainee course is to provide the basic set of skills needed to work on a Western-based union set (BC, AB, SK, & MB). This course is structured to give participants an introduction to cinematography within a union environment. The emphasis will be on the camera department, specifically the duties of a camera trainee who is working towards becoming a 2nd camera assistant. This course will be taught in a combination of lecture and hands on teaching techniques.

Upon successful completion of the assistant trainee course, participants will be accepted into the camera trainee program. The ultimate aim of the trainee program is to produce working 2nd camera assistants in the IATSE 669 union, whose skills and professional workmanship help to create a desirable environment for productions contemplating shooting in Western Canada.

*Please visit our course calendar for more information on the assistant camera trainee course, including eligibility requirements for the course.

FTM workshops taking place in early 2010;

Dr. Linda Seger Screenwriting Workshop
February 10th - 14th | 9:30 am – 5 pm | $300
Location | Burn’s Family Classroom, 218 - 100 Arthur Street

Lift Certification
February 13th | 9 am – 5 pm | $100

Winter Driving
February 21st | 8 am – 3 pm | $150

MIPFormats
April 11, 2010 - Palais des Festivals, Cannes, France

MIPFormats, the NEW Pre-MIPTV Format Conference & Pitching Showcase, offers an unprecedented platform for fresh creative talent to pitch new and original concepts for breakthrough non-scripted entertainment formats.

Convergent and cross or multiplatform concepts and all hybrid format genres are encouraged!

The Fresh Talent Pitch is open to all creators and producers from around the world to propose their original concepts for non-scripted entertainment formats. Convergent format concepts enabling cross-media and multiplatform productions as well as hybrid format concepts crossing the lines of programme genres are encouraged to enter the event.

A committee of industry experts, including the international programme tracking company The WIT will select the most innovative, and creative projects to be pitched in Cannes in front of an audience of accredited buyers, commissioners, and distributors from the international formats industry.

Projects must be new and original format concepts which have not been commissioned or broadcast on television yet and for which the format rights are still available.

Pitch entries shall include elaborated descriptions and mood setting presentations of the project.Videos and teasers showcasing the format on screen are encouraged.

Deadline for entries: February 26, 2010

Click here for more information on The Fresh Talent Pitch and to enter.

Excitement is building around the industry’s first truly global celebration of factual entertainment excellence! In a high-profile presentation event at Factual Entertainment Forum 2010 in Santa Monica, CA on June 3, we will pay tribute to outstanding content that entertains and engages audiences around the world.

We are accepting entries in the following categories:

• COMPETITION
• REALITY
• NON-FICTION/FACTUAL ENTERTAINMENT
• LIFESTYLE

Winners will be determined by juries of the industry’s most highly regarded experts in these audience fields, who will also single out projects that merit special Craft Awards for editing, direction, casting, music, opening titles, cinematography, hosting and talent.

Please visit awards.realscreen.com for all the information you’ll need on Eligibility, Judging and Entry Guidelines. The site is currently open for submissions and we’ve extended the deadline to enter to Friday, January 8, 2010 at 5 p.m. EST

Please direct any questions at all about the submission process or the awards show to Claire Macdonald at cmacdonald@brunico.com.

Roots National Challenge

Radio Canada International’s Special Projects Team launches The Roots Challenge, a national competition of short films and multimedia productions. The Roots Challenge is open to all Canadians and permanent residents, 18 years and older, who wish to submit a video or multimedia production, 3 to 8 minutes in lenght. This competition targets citizen participation and aims to show the contribution of all cultures to the canadian mosaic.

Radio Canada International is looking for original productions, in all styles, that present a story about your roots or lack of. Avant-garde, sit-com, short docs, all styles are welcome in video, animated shorts, photo essays, anything that shows the story in a visual form!

Deadline for entry: March 7, 2010

Click here to enter now!

The competition has a french section also, called Racines. In French as in English, the productions must be submitted by March 7th 2010. The winners will share nearly $13,000 in prizes and their names will be disclosed on line in the spring of 2010. RCI’s jury will select 8 winners, 4 in French and 4 in English and web surfers will also have a chance to vote for their favorite production in the “short film” and multimedia categories, at www.rcinet.ca/roots

Radio Canada International’s Special Project Team, created in 2007, targets through it’s projects, newcomers to Canada as well as Canadians of all origins. It has produced series such as Seeing Double, Diversity Makers, Digital Diversity and the Rock’n Road Show. Roots follows in this pattern of New Media and audio visual initiatives of Radio Canada International.

Freeze Frame Rewarding Manitobans for their enthusiasm for the arts!
(Version française ci-dessous)

BOXING DAY BLOWOUT: FREEZE FRAME DOLLAR DAYS!

Manitoba’s longest-running international film festival: Freeze Frame is joining the Boxing Day sales frenzy! We’re rewarding Manitobans for their support of arts and culture with Freeze Frame Dollar Days!

Beginning at Midnight on December 25th and ending at Midnight on December 27th, you can enter to win TWO tickets for any one film screening at our upcoming Festival for only TWO dollars!

Already in its 14th year, the Annual International Film Festival for Kids of All Ages runs March 4th to the 13th, 2010. With an average Festival audience of more than 4000 and Year Round Media Arts programs that reach over 2000 youth throughout the province, organizations like Freeze Frame compliment the latest stats released last Tuesday by the Winnipeg Arts Council. The report cites that 1.9 million seats are filled each year by twelve local arts and cultural organizations.

Freeze Frame wants to thank all Manitobans, not only for their stalwart support of professional arts and cultural groups, but small not-for-profit organizations too.

Anna Fontaine is the Executive Director of Freeze Frame. She says this report solidifies what she had already speculated. “It was great to finally see the numbers; Winnipeggers and Manitobans alike have been known for their love of the arts. We experience this everyday, on the frontlines…be it during our annual festival or in one of our year-round workshops at a school and we rely on the communities’ support for our Festival and Year-round programs.”

To take advantage of Freeze Frame Dollar Days, send an email to: info@freezeframeonline.org with the subject line: “I WANT FREEZE FRAME TICKETS!” between December 26th and 27th. The first 25 people to send an Email will receive TWO tickets for TWO dollars for any one film, playing at our 2010 Festival.

Need a gift now? Family and Film Fanatic Passes are also available for purchase online, and are great stocking stuffers! Contact the Freeze Frame office toll free at 1-866-543-3378 or email info@freezeframeonline.org for more information.

Contact : Anna Fontaine - Freeze Frame - (204) 943-5341 office - (204) 878-0517 cell - info@freezeframeonline.org
___________________________________________________

Freeze Frame vise à récompenser les manitobains pour leur enthousiasme pour les arts!

Les Journées dollar de Freeze Frame!

Freeze Frame, le plus ancien des festivals de films internationaux du Manitoba, se joint à la journée de vente « Boxing Day » le 26 et 27 décembre 2009! Nous voulons récompenser les manitobains pour leur soutien aux arts et à la culture avec : les Journées Dollar de Freeze Frame!

À partir de minuit le 25 décembre et ce jusqu’à minuit le 27 décembre, vous pourrez acheter DEUX billets pour un film lors de notre Festival pour seulement DEUX dollars!

Déjà dans sa 14e année Freeze Frame, le Festival international de film pour les enfants de tous âges, prend place du 4 au 13 mars 2010. Les dernières éditions du festival Freeze Frame ont connu une audience moyenne de plus de 4000 personnes et plus de 2000 jeunes à travers la province grâce à notre programme d'arts tout au long de l’année.

Mardi dernier, le Conseil des arts de Winnipeg a publié un rapport sur l’impact économique des arts à Winnipeg. Il mentionne que les 12 organismes artistiques et culturels locaux ont été fréquentés par 1,9 millions de spectateurs chaque année. Freeze Frame, en tant qu’organisation à but non lucratif, se félicite de cet engouement des Manitobains pour la culture et les arts. Nous sommes fier de pouvoir proposer nos activités, ateliers cinematographiques ainsi que notre festival dans un bassin aussi riche de diversité.

Freeze Frame tient à remercier tous les Manitobains, non seulement pour leur soutien inconditionnel des arts professionnels et les groupes culturels, mais aussi aux organismes à but non lucratif.

Anna Fontaine, directrice exécutive de Freeze Frame se félicite et dit que ce rapport renforce ce qu'elle avait déjà présentie: "C'était excitant de voir enfin les chiffres; les Manitobains sont connus pour leur amour des arts et de la culture. C’est une expérience quotidienne pour nous…Que ce soit lors de notre festival annuel ou au cours d’un atelier dans une école. Nous comptons sur le soutien des communautés manitobaines pour notre Festival et nos programmes tout au long de l’année. "

Pour profiter des Journées Dollar de Freeze Frame, veuillez envoyer un courriel à: info@freezeframeonline.org avec le sujet: «JE VEUX MES BILLETS FREEZE FRAME!" entre le 26 et 27 décembre, 2009. Les 25 premières personnes à nous envoyer un courriel recevront deux billets pour deux dollars pour un film, projeté lors notre Festival en mars 2010.

Vous avez besoin d'un cadeau tout de suite? Nos Laissez-passer familiaux et nos Laissez-passer cinéphile sont aussi disponibles en achat en ligne. Contactez le bureau Freeze Frame sans frais au 1-866-543-3378 ou contactez info@freezeframeonline.org pour plus d'informations.

Contacte: Anna Fontaine - Freeze Frame - (204) 943-5341 bureau - (204) 878-0517 Cell - info@freezeframeonline.org

Aspiring Independent Filmmaker? Don't let your short film get lost in the Black Hole known as YouTube. Make a submission to the NSI Online Short Film Festival and stand out from the pack!

The National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI) is now accepting films for its NSI Online Short Film Festival.

Submit films for free by 4:30 P.M. CST, Wednesday, February 10, 2010.

Films must be no longer than 30 minutes. Drama, comedy, animation, short documentaries and experimental films are all eligible and must be Canadian. New films are solicited four times a year.

Get details and a submission form here.

The NSI Online Short Film Festival is a year-round 100% Canadian short film showcase with new films uploaded every week. All NSI website content can be accessed for free.

for more information on the NSI Online Short Film Festival.

Monday, December 14, 2009

The Alliance for Children and Television (ACT) today announced the launch of its 2010 French-Language Awards of Excellence. This edition of the awards will honour achievement in French-Canadian TV programming for young viewers over the past two years.

The competition is open to all Canadian-made, youth-oriented productions originally created and broadcast in French between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2009.

Nominations must be submitted by no later than Friday, February 5, 2010, at 5 p.m.

A total of 12 awards will be handed out, including a grand prize for the most outstanding production to hit the small screen in the past two years, along with awards for best original multiplatform content tied into a children’s program, emerging talent, and lifetime achievement.

This year, ACT is adding two new awards to its prestigious roster. For the first time ever, a program will be honoured by its audience! The Kids’ Choice Award will go to a production selected by French-speaking kids age 9 to 12. Moreover, in an effort to recognize how successful our French-language productions have been abroad, we’ve created the International Exposure Award. We feel that these two new awards will further stimulate Canada’s French-language production industry, while demonstrating just how much kids at home and abroad enjoy our content.

The juries will judge the quality of the entries based on various components of production, including concept, writing, overall direction and direction of actors, art direction, research, technical aspects, performance, audience targeting, music, interactivity, and international sales.

The awards gala, to be held in Montreal on May 27, 2010, is a true celebration of the talent and creativity of Canada’s French-speaking youth-television professionals.

For more information on rules and regulations, as well as nomination criteria, click www.act-aet.tv or contact ACT’s Event and Project Coordinator Sylvie Lamy at 514-597-6809.

Canada’s first ever performing arts audition tour for Indigenous performers
Sandra Laronde, Director, Aboriginal Arts

Beginning this winter, Aboriginal Arts at The Banff Centre will be travelling to select Canadian and U.S. cities in the search for musicians, singers, dancers, and actors to join our vibrant community of artists. This is your chance to audition for one of the Centre’s exceptional programs in dance, music, and theatre, and develop your artistic abilities in the heart of Blackfoot Territory in the Canadian Rockies.

Dates and locations

All Canadian and international Indigenous artists are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be of Aboriginal descent and 18 years of age or over. Online registration required.
More Information

Other Opportunities:
Self-Directed Residencies

Aboriginal Arts at The Banff Centre offers self-directed residencies for Aboriginal artists. We provide the time and space for focused work and offer artists the freedom to conceptualize, create, research, or complete a creative work at any stage of development. Individuals and groups of writers, composers, singer-songwriters, dancers, choreographers, filmmakers, visual artists, new media artists, screenwriters, playwrights, and curators are invited to apply.
More Information

Internet Tops Media Platforms as Canadians Favourite 'Addiction'

Eight in ten people in Canada cannot live without the Internet or would miss it a great deal if it were not there, just edging out television (TV) as the country’s favourite medium.

Global market intelligence firm Synovate has released data from a global study on media and advertising that shows more than eight in ten people (eighty-eighty percent in fact) in Canada say they cannot live without the Internet, or would miss it a great deal if it were not there

Seventy per cent said the same for TV.

Synovate’s global executive director of media, Steve Garton, said the firm conducted the study because determining where and when marketers can engage potential customers has never been more challenging.

"Should they join the social media zeitgeist or dabble around the edges in a wait-and-see stance? Is their brand best served by TV, print or radio? And what about the mobile platform?

"Of course the answer is all wrapped up with targeting and ROI, the same as it has always been. To do that well, you simply need to understand your audience... what they like and where their lives intersect with media and brands"

Synovate asked more than 8,600 people across 11 markets, including 1,000 respondents in Canada, for their thoughts on media and advertising.

Rob Myers, managing director of Synovate in Canada added, "Changing demographics, the evolution at the web to a social platform and the proliferation of new technologies (mainly mobile) are transforming the media and advertising landscape. The opportunity for more targeted and personalized advertising is growing and the ability to engage the masses is shrinking. This is creating a tectonic shift in the business models and economics of all media/advertising related industries".

About a third of people surveyed in Canada say they can easily live without newspapers and magazines. The majority the respondents like having them but feel that they don’t need them so it has become more of a ’nice to have’ source of information. Publications need to offer both online and print versions to target to be able to reach their audiences.

"Online newspapers, online magazines, Twitter.... All of this is leading the shift from newspapers and magazines to the virtual world. The long term question is how changing demographics will continue to drive this shift and if the teens and kids of today will ever pick up a newspaper or magazine in the future," said Myers.

While radio isn’t valued as much as TV or the Internet, 16% of Canadians ’can’t live without it’ and 37% would ’miss it a great deal’ - these percentages are higher compared to print media.

Myers commented that radio usage is well related to peoples’ time spent in the car and sports.

"Radio is an interesting case. While it continues to change with satellite radio, MP3 proliferation etc., it remains an important and stable media source for people. I imagine that if cars disappeared that would be another story."

Garton added: "We all know there is no such thing as mass broadcast media anymore, well, certainly not like there was when there were two TV channels and everyone watched at 7:30 p.m. every night. In a world where people are engaged in niche interests, advertisers have to find and engage with them.

"In encouraging signs for behavioural targeting, the survey indicated that a significant number of people are willing to accept it in order to improve their experience with advertising"

Some other findings:

* Seven in ten Canadians think there are too many ads on TV and 54% feel there are too many ads in magazines.
* Eighty-eight percent of those surveyed in Canada have actively tried to avoid TV and radio advertising by turning off, changing the channel or using personal video recorders to fast forward through recorded ads.
* Close to half of people in Canada (43%) have avoided websites that they feel have intrusive advertising and 37% say they are doing it more often than a year ago.

This may explain why 37% of those interviewed in Canada said that they would like it if "[w]ebsites and TV channels developed technology that monitored the sites you use and the TV channels you watch so they could make the ads you see more relevant to your interests."

Many media owners and advertisers are trying to adopt behavioural target marketing and this survey suggests that a substantial number of people would be willing to accept it.

Of course, privacy concerns are important and the majority of those who are open to behavioural targeting say they would only agree if none of the data collected could identify them.

A further 38% of respondents rejected the idea outright because they are uncomfortable with the idea of data being collected about them.

Eleven percent of Canadians neither rejected nor endorsed the technology because they were not interested in changing the ads they see.

Myers concluded: "Privacy laws and the protection of personal information are important to Canadians. Industries need to educate consumers and ensure that privacy concerns are listened to and addressed before customers are willingly to engage in order for them to succeed in behavioural targeting"

Founded in 2003, Synovate is the market research arm of Aegis Group plc, providing clients with a comprehensive suite of research solutions. Synovate employs over 6,400 staff across 62 countries.

For more information on Synovate visit www.synovate.com

New Economic Impact Report Shows Arts and Creative Industries Contribute Significantly to Winnipeg’s Economy

Art = Commerce. At least that is what a new study commissioned by the Winnipeg Arts Council shows. The arts and creative industries account for $1 billion in economic activity in Winnipeg and employ about 25,000 people; that’s 6.3% of the city’s labour force or nearly enough people to fill Canad Inns Stadium.

The study, known as Ticket to the Future, phase 1 was conducted by PRA Inc. (Prairie Research Associates). PRA Inc. surveyed 115 non-profit arts organizations and found that in addition to all the revenue generated by patrons to cultural events and institutions, the organizations contribute directly to the economy themselves by spending a total of $66 million annually, the vast majority of it in Winnipeg. These organizations plan and implement 6,300 events in the city each year, offering a wide range of programming to encourage young and culturally diverse audiences to participate in the arts.

The study also looked at attendance statistics, which show that local non-profit arts and cultural organizations attract more than 3 million visitors to Winnipeg’s museums, concert halls, and art galleries, including 500,000 visitors from outside the city. In fact, 1.9 million seats are filled each year by 12 professional local arts and cultural organizations - more than double last year’s combined attendance for the city’s professional sports franchises.

Other study findings include:

- Each year, city residents volunteer almost 1.6 million hours of their time to local non-profit arts organizations, equivalent to nearly 800 full-time positions.

- Cultural activities are the third most popular activity for tourists visiting Winnipeg, ahead of both sightseeing and outdoor sports and activities. The report estimates that tourists spent about $85 million in 2007 while enjoying arts and culture in the city.

- Every dollar of municipal funding attracts another $18.23 in support to local non-profit arts and cultural organizations by the private sector and other levels of government.

- Municipal arts funding per resident has declined from $6.34 in 2007 to $5.98 in 2009.

- According to local business leaders interviewed for the study, Winnipeg’s arts and creative industries significantly enhance the quality of life for the city’s residents, and serve to attract skilled workers and keep them here.

The study’s results will be used in the creation of a new cultural planning strategy for the City of Winnipeg. The completed strategy will be released in November 2010.

“Ticket to the Future confirms the strategic importance of arts and culture to the social, economic, and commercial fabric of Winnipeg,” said Carol Phillips, Executive Director of the Winnipeg Arts Council. “However, without a new plan for arts investment in Winnipeg, the future may be a repeat of previous decades, when funding plateaued and arts in Winnipeg suffered increasingly diminished support.”

2010 will be a landmark year for arts and culture in the City of Winnipeg, marking the designation of Winnipeg as Canada’s Cultural Capital.

DOWNLOAD
Ticket to the Future Phase 1 - THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE ARTS AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES IN WINNIPEG

Who doesn't love annual reports; a compilation of all the years accomplishments and figures in a neat organized package...this really puts me in the holiday spirit!

To read all about it, please click on the link to be directed to the CTF 2008-2009 Annual Report.

This year seems to have gone by very quickly – unfortunately not because we were all having so much fun. There has been some fun. There has also been a lot of hard work and some hard times. At OSM our job is to support and nurture the MB industry. That means we have to be cheer leaders and celebrate our accomplishments. We have to be advocates to make sure we are represented on the international, national and provincial stages. We also have to be supporters of companies and members facing the challenges of an industry in economic and technological flux.

There is a lot of good news to share and Tara will give details in her Executive Director report. Much hard work has been done by our staff, our members and our board. We have received $2.5m from the Western Economic Partnership Agreement for the ACCESS program designed by Tara and our staff. But even in this good news was a wake up call about OSM’s own financial sustainability. We had expected to hear in March about whether we had been approved for the financing but we did not actually get the word until August. In the interim, we had to dip into our small reserve fund, briefly lay off our programming staff and rework our budget to make sure we could sustain the organization without the ACCESS funding if necessary. Ultimately the provincial government advanced a portion of their ACCESS funding. We were able to bring our programming staff back and continue work. But what came out of that process is a very creative and determined Sustainability committee that is generating suggestions for how OSM can become self-sustaining. Perhaps in that regard we are, once again, a reflection of the industry at large. As we work to support companies and members whose world is changing, we have to find ways to deal with those changes within our organization.

Change is often a really good thing but it is seldom the most comfortable option. As we tried to address the industry challenges of the past year, as members of the board of OSM and members of the MB production community, we all realized that trying to maintain the status quo was not an option. Our world has already changed. It is our job to understand those changes, even find ways to get out in front of them.

When Manitoba suffered a significant production downturn this summer we had an industry meeting to talk about what was going on and what we could do. We got together with the provincial government and MFM on a task force that resulted in the Jump Start Fund, an immediate injection of cash into MB production; and in a long-term sustainability plan for our industry. We will present that plan to you later in the meeting. It is our response to the challenges we have all faced over the past year, an organized call to action for all of our members. We hope that you all will give it your attention and share your thoughts and suggestions with us. In five years, when we sit at the OSM AGM, the world of Canadian production will be a very different place than the one we have known. Let’s make sure we are part of it. The way to do that is to keep moving forward – into uncharted territory – together.

On a personal note, I would like to thank all the staff and members of the board for their amazing dedication and hard work. It has been an honour to be the Chair of OSM for the past three/four years and to work with all of you. I will not be standing for the position of chair this year, allowing someone else to bring a fresh perspective to that role. I will be on the board as past chair and I will give the new chair, whoever they are, all the support I can. Thanks to all of you for your support and work. I have been very proud to represent OSM because I am proud to be part of this community.

Kim Todd
Chair of the Board
On Screen Manitoba

With the announcement of the Canada Media Fund back in March 2009, the Canadian Television Fund worked diligently to gather input from stakeholders across the country for the past eight months.  Now they are beginning to draft the new policies and programs that will define the Canada Media Fund, and ultimately promote the creation of cross-platform content in Canada. The CTF's goal is to release the new program guidelines ready for March 1, 2010, with the CMF officially opening its doors April 1, 2010.

Click here to read Valerie Creighton's official message.

If you are an unproduced feature film writer with an unoptioned screenplay, and if you have the energy and time to commit to the development of your script and your career, let us know!

Eligibility
• You need to be Canadian or have landed immigrant status.
• You cannot have written a produced feature length screenplay.
• You must hold the rights to the screenplay you are submitting (it can’t be under option to a producer).
• The script must be feature length (between 75-120 pages).
• The script must be in industry standard formatting (for more info on formatting, click here).
• Each entrant may submit only one screenplay.
• You must be willing to commit to a focused development process: at minimum, delivery of a fi rst pass on the rewritten draft within two months of the beginning of your process, and a minimum of one additional pass on the polished draft prior to the end of your four month program. Of course, additional creative materials and additional drafts will likely be written by you during the process, and your story editor will review them all.

N.B. You will retain all rights to your screenplay, and the story editor will waive all moral rights in and to the script.

Prizes
• Full story editing
• Table read with industry influencers
• Publicized on the Super Channel website
• Publicized in Super Catalyst newsletter

All projects must be received by 5PM local time on Friday, January 15, 2010.

Click here to download the application form.

CFC Features is looking to invest in filmmakers from across Canada with engaging stories for the big screen. If you are a writer, director or producer with a feature film in the low-budget realm, this program offers you an unparalleled opportunity to make your movie a reality.

Designed to help filmmakers at various levels of their career, CFC Features gives writers, directors and producers the opportunity to advance their scripts and produce their film to achieve maximum critical and commercial success. CFC Features is a practical, demanding and results-oriented program. It is designed to reflect the needs of the chosen participants and to mirror real-world processes at the Development, Production and Distribution stages.

UPCOMING DEADLINE: JANUARY 29, 2010
Applications must arrive by 5:00 P.M. on the deadline date, not postmarked by the deadline date.

Eligible projects are dramatic feature films that are:
-Not less than 85 minutes in length (approx. 80-120 pages).
-Intended for theatrical release.
-The applicants must own and control the property on which the proposed feature film is based
-Principal photography can take place anywhere in Canada provided the project's budget can adequately support the location
-Applicants are not prohibited from bringing additional financing to the table.

Eligible applicants
-No applicant need be a graduate of any of the CFC's programs
-Must be Canadian Citizens, or permanent residents of Canada
-All submissions are welcome; however, ideally projects have all three creative principals (Writer(s), Director(s) and Producer(s)) in place upon application. Should a project without all three creative principals in place upon submission be selected for Development, the Development Lab cannot commence until the Writer, Producer and Director are all attached.

*Consult guidelines for complete requirements.

NOTE: As of Nov 20, 2009 program guidelines and application package have changed.

DOWNLOAD the Updated Guidelines

DOWNLOAD the Updated Application Package

If you have questions about the CFC Features, email us at ffp@cfccreates.com or call (416) 445-1446 ext. 268.

BNMI Co-production Residency: Almost Perfect
Program dates: June 03, 2010 – July 03, 2010
Application deadline: December 18, 2009

Peer advisors: Jeremy Hight, Fee Plumley, and Laura Silver

Almost Perfect aims to explore location-based artwork and the repercussions of producing work for place. This annual, concentrated, experimental lab focuses on the creation and context of location. Participants will have the time and space to consider how modern technologies allow us to disconnect from our desktop cells and interact with the world in a whole new way.

We especially welcome project proposals that extend beyond the device out into the environment, be it landscape or datascape.

Update: Kay Burns has been added as a studio fellow and will be on-site for two weeks to provide project guidance and assistance.

Click here to apply today!

For more Information please contact:
1-403-762-6100
arts_info@banffcentre.ca
www.banffcentre.ca/bnmi

CALL FOR ENTRIES
CANADIAN PRODUCERS IN BERLIN
Berlin, Germany, February 11 to 21, 2010

Berlin International Film Festival & European Film Market
FEBRUARY 11 – 21, 2010

Application for inclusion in Telefilm Canada’s CANADA AT BERLIN 2010 Industry directory, online networking group & promo campaign open to all Canadian producers at Berlin

Application for selection in Telefilm Canada’s Observer Programme at the Berlinale Co-Production Market PRODUCERS WITHOUT BORDERS (open to 20 Canadian Producers in Berlin with a feature-length project in development)

A Telefilm Canada initiative in partnership with its

Principal Partners
Bristish Columbia Film
Canadian Heritage – Trade Routes
Ontario Media Development Corporation

Contributors
Film Nova Scotia
Manitoba Film & Music
SaskFilm Video Development Corporation

Telefilm Canada Submission Form
Information and Application Procedure

Submission Deadline : December 11, 2009

The selection process will be conducted by Telefilm Canada.
Telefilm Canada will render its decision by December 11.

The European Film Market (EFM), a "must do" event for the international film industry, is the business component of the Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival).

To round out our existing initiatives at the EFM, such as the CANADA SALES DESK and PERSPECTIVE CANADA, Telefilm Canada has created an initiative to assist Canadian producers attending Berlin looking to introduce feature-length projects in development to potential investors, distributors, and production partners.

PRODUCERS WITHOUT BORDERS
The initiative will:

Provide producers with an accreditation to an Observer Programme at the Berlinale Co-Production Market (February 14 – 16) granting access to the market’s programme, including panel discussions, workshops and networking events (click here for details of their Tailormade Programme)

Set an agenda to meet face-to-face with a variety of international decision makers at industry events;

Include participants in a PRODUCERS WITHOUT BORDERS directory integrated into the Canada at Berlin marketing campaign.

Consult the complete list of current calls for entries

National and International Business Development
Telefilm Canada, Montréal
514 283-6363

NFB Goes to Sundance with Three Animated Shorts

The National Film Board of Canada is back at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival – the premier showcase for U.S. and international independent films, taking place January 21 to 31 – with another outstanding selection of animated shorts. Cordell Baker’s satire Runaway, Bruce Alcock’s Acadian tale, Vive la Rose, and David Coquard-Dassault’s meditation on the rhythm of human activity, Rains have been selected for this year’s festival lineup.

Cordell Barker’s Runaway, which world premiered in Cannes, is the director’s third film with the NFB. His films The Cat Came Back (1988) and Strange Invaders (2001) were madcap, brilliantly rendered animations, which won 30 international awards and received Academy Award nominations. In his prescient new short, Barker asks what would happen if the world were a driverless train thundering recklessly over bumpy tracks. Driving the film’s vertiginous plunge toward disaster is music by Benoît Charest, whose score for The Triplets of Belleville, contributed to the animation feature’s popularity.

Runaway was produced in Winnipeg by Derek Mazur for the NFB.

Bruce Alcock’s Vive la Rose, puts into images the words of a plaintive song about lost love. When illness takes the woman he loves, a simple man sings to her in a last farewell. Co-produced by the NFB and Global Mechanic, Alcock’s film is based on a version of the 18th-century song by the late Newfoundland musician Émile Benoit. Anchored in a beautiful corner of the province, Vive la Rose uses an innovative, triptych structure as it pays homage to its land, sea and the harsh lives of the local fishermen.

Vive la Rose was produced by Global Mechanic’s Tina Ouellette and the NFB’s Annette Clarke and Michael Fukushima.

Rains is a meditation on everyday life and our relationship with nature, as seen by the acute eye of David Coquard-Dassault, whose simple pencil drawings capture all the subtleties of scenes and actions. As a sudden downpour lashes the city, everybody seeks shelter. Just for a moment, time stands still. Human activity almost grinds to a halt. Some wait in a bus shelter, others are set on going out, if their umbrellas will open. Wiser, the birds wait out the storm. When the rain stops, the bubble bursts and life goes on.

Rains was produced by Folimage’s Pascal Le Nôtre and the NFB’s Julie Roy.

Yorkton Film Festival
May 27-30, 2010

Productions submitted before December 18, 2009 will receive the Early Bird special price of $75.00! Submissions received after the early bird deadline will be charged $85.00. Submit early and save! The submission fee for Student productions is $40.00.

Canadian productions 60 minutes and under that have been completed in the period between February 1, 2009 and January 31, 2010 and have not been entered in a previous Golden Sheaf Awards competition will be accepted. Along with the 19 category awards, the Festival is pleased to once again offer a number of special awards. Submissions that qualify will also be considered for the Ruth Shaw Best of Saskatchewan, Emerging and Aboriginal awards.

New this year is an automatic consideration for the Craft awards - additional entry is no longer required!

Submissions will be accepted until the deadline of February 1, 2010 at which time the adjudication process will begin. The nominees will be announced in March 2010 and the Golden Sheaf Statues awarded at the Yorkton Film Festival Gala on Saturday May 29, 2010 in Yorkton, SK.

The entry form, list of categories, rules and regulations and all information about the 2010 Golden Sheaf Awards competition can be found on the Festival’s website at www.goldensheafawards.com.

About the Yorkton Film Festival
The Yorkton Film Festival is the longest running film festival in North America. In the 63 years of its existence the Festival has developed a tradition of recognizing excellent films and providing great professional development and learning opportunities. The Festival recognizes outstanding Canadian short films and rewards the very best with the annual Golden Sheaf Awards. Join us May 27-30, 2010.

For information:
Yorkton Film Festival office
P: 306.782.7077
E: info@goldensheafawards.com
www.goldensheafawards.com 

CALL FOR ENTRIES
VISIONS DU RÉEL
INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Nyon, Switzerland, April 15 to 21, 2010
(FULL AND SHORT LENGTH NARRATIVES AND DOCUMENTARIES)

The International Film Festival of Nyon Vision du Réel, a major festival in the documentary film circuit, is currently accepting entries for its 2010 edition.

Entry deadlines:
Information and registration process

Films completed between January and September 2009 : October 15, 2009

Films completed after September 2009 : January 5, 2010

Please note that all films must be submitted directly to the festival.

Over the past 15 years, Visions du Réel aims to highlight the wide spectre of possibilities now available: experimental films, essays, diaries, family films, major reports, historical inquiries, classic narratives, fragmentary stories. The objective of Visions du Réel is to show the world as it is perceived, to break away from the mainstream. Several cash prizes are given to winning films including a Grand Prize totalling near 20 000 $ CND.

Consult the complete list of current calls for entries

National and International Business Development
Telefilm Canada, Montréal
514 283-6363

Telefilm Canada finances 17 English-language feature films through the Canada Feature Film Fund

Montreal, December 4, 2009 – Telefilm Canada is delighted to announce that 17 new English-language feature films across the country will move forward through several of Telefilm Canada’s feature film production programs under the Canada Feature Film Fund, including the Low Budget Independent Feature Film Assistance Program.

“I am very pleased to see an increasingly diverse portfolio of national feature films,” stated Michel Pradier, Director of Project Financing, Telefilm Canada. “We are excited to be supporting such promising emerging talent from all across Canada through our regional funding stream.”

“Telefilm is extremely proud of the quality of our newly announced projects,” stated Stephanie Azam, National Feature Film Executive – English language, Telefilm. “These films reflect a diversity of genres from both new and established filmmakers from across the country. We are confident that an impressive number of Canadians and worldwide audiences will see and enjoy these films.”

Canada Feature Film Fund – Regional Projects

The Future is Now! (Western Region; BFL, Future Inc. in co-production with the National Film Board of Canada (NFB); Producers: Shirley Vercruysse, George Baptist (BFL, Future Inc.) & Bonnie Thompson (NFB); Writer/Director: Gary Burns & Jim Brown; Telefilm Investment: $382,848). A journalist meets the Man of Today, a representative everyman who has closed himself off from society along with any hope or optimism for the future of mankind. The journalist, aka Woman of Tomorrow, decides to take this man under her wing with the goal of turning around his worldview. To achieve her goal she introduces the Man of Today to a variety of the world's great minds in the arts and sciences, with the hope of opening his eyes to the possibilities that the future has to offer.

Rain Down (Western Region; Rain Down Pictures Inc.; Executive Producer: Alyson Drysdale; Producers: Alyson Drysdale & Johanne Gregory; Director: Garwin Sanford; Writer: Alyson Drysdale; Telefilm Investment: $249,000). Carla Springer, 28, ekes out a living on her ranch by training reining horses and barrel racing riders. Tall, lean and taciturn, Carla has successfully shielded herself from meaningful human contact after an abusive upbringing and a divorce. But the unexpected arrival of her 5 year-old niece who clearly needs her help, followed shortly by the reappearance of her felonious ex-husband, and the pressures on her carefully constructed world exacerbated by a government with plans to expropriate her ranch, all force Carla to face her past and take drastic measures to save that which is most precious.

Red Coat Justice (Ontario & Nunavut Region; Travesty Productions Inc.; Producers: Phillip Daniels & Michael Vernon; Writers: S. Wyeth Clarkson, Grant Sauve & Charles Johnston; Director: S. Wyeth Clarkson; Telefilm investment: $612,500) is a Western drama that takes place in 1894 in Canada's Yukon Territory just before the gold rush. Wade Grayling an N.W.M.P., who began a promising career, was dishonourably reassigned to the most desolate area of the Yukon to survey land for a new garrison. Instead, he finds himself sitting down to eat with the leader of a small Russian pioneer community while a limp body hangs from a nearby tree. Wade soon finds himself in the midst of an opium dispute with a murder to solve.

Stained (Western Region; Goonworks Films Ltd. & Angel Entertainment Corporation; Executive Producers: Karen Lam & Bob Crowe; Producers: Katie Weekley, Wally Start & Bob Crowe; Director/Writer: Karen Lam; Telefilm Investment: $350,000). Isabelle & Jennifer have been friends since childhood. When Isabelle rekindles a romance with an abusive ex-boyfriend, Jennifer is the only one who can save her. But does Isabelle really need saving?

The Year Dolly Parton was My Mom (Quebec Region; Palomar & Buffalo Gal Pictures; Producers: Barbara Shrier & Liz Jarvis; Writer/Director: Tara Johns; Distributor: Mongrel Media Inc. / Métropole Films; Telefilm investment: $800,000) is a charming and funny coming of age story. It’s 1976 and Elizabeth is just your average 11-year-old living in the suburbs of Winnipeg when she discovers her whole life has been a lie. With only her imagination and an Ouija Board to guide her, Elizabeth runs away in search of her true identity. Her adoptive mother, Marion is then forced to go after her daughter. This leads to a cathartic cross-country trek by a mother searching for a daughter who’s searching for a mother – both of them really searching for themselves.

Click here to view the full list of films receiving funding

Telefilm Canada: Developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry
Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry. Telefilm provides financial support to the private sector to create distinctively Canadian productions that appeal to domestic and international audiences. The Corporation also administers the funding programs of the Canada Feature Film Fund, the Canadian Television Fund and the Canada New Media Fund.

Telefilm Canada and the Rogers Group of Funds provide financial support for feature-length documentaries

Montréal, December 4, 2009 –Telefilm Canada and the Rogers Group of Funds are pleased to announce the names of the feature-length documentary projects that will receive funding support under the Theatrical Documentary Program in 2009-2010. Participating filmmakers will receive funding support for the production or post-production stage of their project.

The goal of the Theatrical Documentary Program is to broaden both the slate and audiences for Canadian feature-length documentaries produced for commercial screening in Canada, while jointly financing a number of French- and English-language projects likely to be successful in Canada and abroad.

“Through this program, we are looking to attract new audiences in theatres for Canadian documentaries by providing support at crucial stages so projects can be commercially viable,” stated Michel Pradier, Director of Project Financing, Telefilm Canada. “The feature films selected this year testify once again to Canadian documentary filmmakers’ spirit of innovation and creativity.”

Launched in 2005-2006 as a one-year pilot project, this unique public-private partnership was recently renewed until 2011. The program has a total budget of $4.5 million and provides funding, during production and post-production stages, for feature-length documentary projects with production budgets of $500,000 or more in French and $600,000 or more in English as well as financing for projects at the post-production stage.

English-language projects (From Manitoba)

Project, Production company, Director, Distributor, Phase, Region

Tutu Much, Ballet Girls Inc., Merit Motion Pictures Inc., 2802031 Manitoba Inc., Elise Swerhone, KinoSmith inc., Post-production, Vancouver

Click here to view the full list of recipients

About Rogers Communications
Rogers Communications is a diversified Canadian communications and media company. We are engaged in wireless voice and data communications services through Wireless, Canada's largest wireless provider. Through Cable, we are one of Canada's leading providers of cable television services as well as high-speed Internet access and telephony services. Through Media, we are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, televised shopping, magazines and trade publications, and sports entertainment. We are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). For further information about the Rogers group of companies, please visit www.rogers.com.

Telefilm Canada: Developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry
Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry. Telefilm provides financial support to the private sector to create distinctively Canadian productions that appeal to domestic and international audiences. The Corporation also administers the funding programs of the Canadian Feature Film Fund, the Canadian Television Fund and the Canada New Media Fund. Visit www.telefilm.gc.ca.

If you are in a festive mood (or need help getting into one) please join us at The District Cocktail Lounge at 177 Lombard Avenue on Friday, December 4 at 9:30 PM for the Winnipeg Film Group Holiday Party.

Map to party 

Those who attend the 90 Second Quickie event at the Cinematheque (7:00 PM start) on that same night will get a wristband that entitles them to happy hour prices and snacks at The District.

We wish you all a wonderful holiday season and look forward to seeing you!

With the CMF regulations looming, cross-media experts at Rogue Nation Studios are now offering film & TV production companies a free one-hour consultation on digital interactive extensions for producers. Discussions can be high-altitude or targeted upon non-linear narrative, brand extension, audience/community inclusion, budgeting for interactive media or other Q&A.

To make an appointment, please contact:

Vancouver: Timo Puolitaipale | 778.995.2734 | timo@roguenationstudios.com
Winnipeg: Ryan FitzGerald | 204.510.2030 | ryan@roguenationstudios.com

I regret to inform the community that I have, unfortunately, lost my job with Super Channel. Due to their financial situation they have found it necessary to disband the entire Creative Development team except for Marguerite Pigott who will continue to operate out of Toronto. They will keep the Creative Development team on until the end of February and at that time they will make a formal announcement. Further to that, Super Channel is suspending development financing until they are in a better financial position and have found an investor. The CRTC is aware that Super Channel is suspending their conditions of license.

It has been such a pleasure working within this remarkably talented and creative community over the past two years. I am very proud of the projects that I was able to develop and only regret that I wasn’t able to do more.

Thanks to all of you. xoxox

Melissa Kajpust
Creative Development, Manitoba
Super Channel

Administrative Assistant
Film Training Manitoba is seeking a highly motivated individual for the position of Administrative Assistant.

Job Summary
• Provide front desk reception duties
• Provide administrative support to the Executive Director
• Maintain office systems and act as key contact for vendors
• Maintain general office files
• Maintain office inventory and order supplies
• Register individuals for courses including processing Visa/MC payments
• Reconcile Visa/MC payments and office petty cash
• Maintain course database and compile training statistics

Workshop duties:
• Assist with the arrangement of workshop logistics
• Assist with preparing course materials
• Compile course evaluations and complete summary reports
• Attend workshops as FTM representative as required

Qualifications
The ideal candidate for this position has an understanding of the film and television industry in Manitoba as well as experience in office administration.

Other qualities will include:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent computer skills
• Strong organizational skills
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Employment Conditions
• Reports to the Executive Director and works within a team environment
• Salary: $28,000 to $30,000 per annum (dependant on qualifications)
• Work schedule may require occasional evenings and weekends
• Computer environment is Macintosh, Microsoft Office Suite

The Organization
Film Training Manitoba is an industry-driven training organization that identifies and trains individuals for employment in the local film industry. FTM is committed to training that is practical, innovative and responsive to the demands of the industry in Manitoba.

Click here to download the PDF document of the job posting.

Application Process
Please submit your application (in confidence) by noon on Monday, Dec. 14th 2009 to:

Neila Benson
Film Training Manitoba
100-62 Albert Street, Winnipeg, MB R3B 1E9
P: 204.989.9669
E: info@filmtraining.mb.ca

Communications Coordinator – Montreal

Reporting to the Director of Marketing, the Communications Coordinator will be responsible for assisting the Director in developing and fostering relationships and in gaining a larger viewing French audience. He/she will also be responsible for assisting the APTN Communications Team with the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of strategic communication campaigns for all market audiences.

Requirements:
· A degree or diploma in Communications or equivalent; a minimum of 3 years previous experience writing copy at a marketing or advertising agency, internal communications team (or other relevant experience)
· Broadcasting knowledge is essential
· The ability to communicate in French is mandatory with English being secondary; an Aboriginal language is considered an asset
· Public relations skills and experience working with media
· Ability to travel
· Proof of valid driver’s license in good standing

Remuneration: DOQ/DOE

Please forward your resume quoting Competition 09/10-12 and where you saw this ad, by 3 p.m. (CST), Thursday, December 31, 2009, to:

Human Resources
Aboriginal Peoples Television Network
339 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3B 2C3
Fax: 204-943-2368 E-Mail: careers@aptn.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. As an Aboriginal employer we encourage First Nations, Inuit and Métis applicants to apply.
_________________________________________________________________

Coordonnateur(trice) des communications – Montréal

Le (la) coordonnateur(trice) des communications, qui relèvera du directeur du marketing, sera chargé d’aider celui-ci à établir et à entretenir des liens, ainsi qu’à élargir le bassin des téléspectateurs francophones. Il (elle) devra aussi aider l’équipe des communications d’APTN à élaborer, mettre en oeuvre, suivre et évaluer les campagnes de communication stratégique auprès de toutes les clientèles cibles.

Exigences :
· Baccalauréat ou diplôme en communications ou l’équivalent; au moins 3 années d’expérience de rédaction au sein d’une entreprise de marketing, d’une agence de publicité ou d’une équipe de communications (ou autre expérience pertinente);
· Connaissance essentielle du monde de la radiodiffusion;
· Capacité de communiquer en français (la maîtrise de l’anglais est secondaire, et la connaissance d’une langue autochtone constitue un atout);
· Aptitudes pour les relations publiques et expérience de travail auprès des médias;
· Capacité de voyager;
· Preuve d’un permis de conduire valide.

Salaire : En fonction de l’expérience et des compétences

Veuillez soumettre votre curriculum vitae en citant le numéro de concours 09/10-12 et en nous disant où vous avez pris connaissance de l’annonce, d’ici à 15 h (HNC), le jeudi 31 décembre 2009, à :

Ressources humaines
Réseau de télévision des peuples autochtones
339, avenue Portage
Winnipeg MB R3B 2C3
Téléc. : 204-943-2368 Courriel : careers@aptn.ca

Nous remercions tous les candidats de leur intérêt. Toutefois, nous ne communiquerons qu'avec les personnes retenues pour une entrevue. En tant qu’employeur autochtone, nous invitons les Métis, les Inuits et les membres des Premières Nations à postuler.

OPEN SCREEN DOOR presents:
“LIPSTICK AND A REVOLVER: The Peggy Taylor Story”
a staged public reading of a new feature script by Cam Patterrson

THE KING’S HEAD PUB
120 KING STREET
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2009
1:00 pm
Free Admission (donations welcome)

On Screen Manitoba is pleased to announce that the 2nd OPEN SCREEN DOOR will take place this Sunday, December 6th at 1:00 pm at the King’s Head Pub.

This month’s staged public reading of a new screenplay by a Manitoba writer is LIPSTICK AND A REVOLVER: THE PEGGY TAYLOR STORY by CAM PATTERSON.

The action-packed drama is based on the true story of Peggy Taylor, a spy for the Allies in occupied France during WW II. ALICIA JOHNSTON recently seen in Tom Tom Theatre’s production of A WINTER’S TALE will take the role of Peggy at Sunday’s reading.

OPEN SCREEN DOOR is an initiative designed to build community among Manitoba’s pool of writer, directors, actors, producers and the film going public. Each writer receives a set of notes from a story editor as well as the staged reading by professional actors.

Submissions from actors wanting to join our pool of readers or writers wanting to submit a script should be sent to openscreendoor@mts.net.

Montréal, December 3, 2009 – Telefilm Canada is unveiling today its 2008 International Markets report, highlighting Telefilm’s role in providing support to the Canadian audiovisual industry in their activities abroad.

For the third year in a row, the report shows a substantial growth in international sales made by Canadian producers and distributors at international festivals and markets where Telefilm is spearheading the Canada Pavilion, including European Film Market Berlinale, Hong Kong FILMART, MIPTV, Cannes Film Market and MIPCOM.

Highlights

-In 2008, aggregated sales and presales for Canadian film and TV at international markets reached close to $14M. On‐going and working negotiations at international markets created an additional $71M in likely sales (sales expected to close as a direct result of discussions initiated at the market). This is total of $85M, up 21% from the previous year’s $70M.
-Telefilm invested about $1.2M to support Canadian companies at international markets. Every dollar invested in international markets by Telefilm resulted in over $11 in sales for companies, up from $9 the previous year.
-As per the last three years, MIPTV was the most successful market in terms of percentage of participants achieving sales: 96% of participating companies saw some sales activity. It is also the market that saw the highest volume of sales, with more than $5.2M.
-Co-production and co-venture partnerships increased by 20% over the previous year, with 65 Canadian companies involved in 115 deals with 21 different countries, reported to be worth over $23M.

“With an important increase in international sales for Canadian producers and distributors, we are happy to see the Canadian audiovisual industry benefiting from Telefilm’s strategic support abroad,” stated Michel Roy, Chair of Telefilm’s Board of Directors. “Over the past few years, we have made a priority of forging alliances with foreign partners and promoting co-production activities across international markets, as they help build industry capacity and ensure its long-term viability,” he concluded.

Telefilm’s role abroad
On the international scene, Telefilm, in partnership with members of the International Business Development Group (IBDG), until recently known as the International Initiative Advisory Committee (IIAC), provides support to Canadian companies by spearheading the Canada Pavilion at selected festivals and markets. There, it works at bolstering the sales efforts of producers and distributors with initiatives directed at investors and buyers. It also enables Canadian and foreign producers to pool resources in co-producing film and television programs. Finally, Telefilm also supports the international launch of select Canadian productions with special marketing initiatives at festivals identified as priority opportunities.

Overall, Canadian companies reported being satisfied with all the services offered by Telefilm abroad in 2008.

Of participating companies attending international festivals and markets, 92% used the Canada Pavilion. All Canada Pavilions saw an average satisfaction score of 7.8 out of 10 and very few specific market elements received a mark of less than 7 out of 10.

Read Telefilm Canada’s 2008 International Markets report.

Developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry
Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry. Telefilm provides financial support to the private sector to create distinctively Canadian productions that appeal to domestic and international audiences. The Corporation also administers the funding programs of the Canada Feature Film Fund, the Canadian Television Fund and the Canada New Media Fund. Visit www.telefilm.gc.ca.

About IBDG
The International Business Development Group (IBDG) is composed of federal, provincial and industry partners working together to increase the international competitiveness of the Canadian audiovisual industry. Member institutions are: Association des producteurs de films et de télévision du Québec (APFTQ), the Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA), the Department of Canadian Heritage (DCH), Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Alberta Film, BC Film, Film Nova Scotia, Manitoba Film & Sound, New Brunswick Film, Newfoundland Film Development Corporation (NFLDC), Ontario Media Development Corporation (OMDC), SaskFilm, Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC) and Telefilm Canada, acting as Chair.

Amreeka, Fifty Dead Men Walking and Anvil! The Story of Anvil are all up for Independent Spirit Awards, as nominees for the 25th annual honors were unveiled in Los Angeles on Tuesday morning.

Amreeka, a U.S./Canada/Kuwait copro, produced on this side of the border by Buffalo Gal Pictures in Manitoba and Toronto's Alcine Pictures, is up for the top prize, Best Feature, alongside recent indie hits (500) Days of Summer, Precious, Sin Nombre and The Last Station.

The story of a Palestinian family's struggle to adapt to life in the U.S. also earned nods for writer/director Cherien Dabis, up for the best first screenplay prize, and female lead Nisreen Faour. The picture arrived in the U.S. over the Labor Day weekend and in Canada in late October via E1 Entertainment.

Producer Christina Piovesan credits the film's appeal at home and abroad to its take on the immigrant experience. "At its heart it's the story of a single mom looking for a second chance and a better life for her son," she tells Playback Daily. "To see a single mom triumph, I think that has broad and international appeal."

Natalie Press, meanwhile, is up for best supporting actress for her turn in Kari Skogland's IRA drama Fifty Dead Men Walking, while Anvil! is among the nominees for best documentary, a prize that will go to first-time director Sacha Gervasi if it wins on March 5. The U.S.-made doc follows the Canadian heavy metal band and was last month left off the short list of nominees for best documentary at next year's Oscars -- prompting some grumbling from the music press.

The Last Station and Precious lead the Independent Spirit nominations with five each, followed by the post-war drama The Messenger with four.

Amreeka is also nominated for Best First Screenplay by Cherien Dabis and Best Female Lead for Nisreen Faour.

For the full list of nominees click here.

Call for Entries - “Multi-talents pour le multiplateforme!” Workshop for Francophone Professionals Outside Quebec and Francophone Professionals in Quebec

Montréal, December 1, 2009 – Telefilm Canada is pleased to announce a call for entries from professionals in the audiovisual and interactive media industries wishing to participate in the training workshop “Multi-talents pour le multiplateforme !” to be held in Montréal in late February/early March 2010.

Francophone professionals outside Quebec are invited to register for the workshop to be held on February 27 and 28 and March 1, while francophone professionals in Quebec may register for the workshop to be held on March 1, 2 and 3, 2010. The two groups will overlap on March 1 in order to promote networking among francophone creators from across the country.

The “Multi-talents pour le multiplateforme !” workshop is specially designed to enable participants to explore the creation and exploitation of content in a multiplatform environment and to help them understand the issues facing the industry today.

The workshop for francophones outside Quebec (February 27 and 28 and March 1, 2010) is offered as part of the multi-year action plan on Official Languages Activities (OLA) that Telefilm drafted in 2007 within the framework of its agreement with Canadian Heritage regarding the Interdepartmental Partnership with the Official-Language Communities (IPOLC).

The application deadline is 5 p.m. EST on Tuesday, December 22, 2009.

Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For the specific eligibility criteria for each group and to download the registration form for this professional development initiative, please follow these links on our website:

OLA training workshop “Multi-talents pour le multiplateforme !” for francophone professionals outside Quebec OR training workshop “Multi-talents pour le multiplateforme !” for professionals in Quebec.

An information session on Telefilm’s programs will be given on February 26, 2010 for francophone clients working outside Quebec. Professionals outside Quebec can register now by checking the appropriate box on the registration form. More details will be published in the coming weeks.

For more information, please contact:

Marie-Claude Viau
Montréal
1-800-567-0890, ext. 2009
viaum@telefilm.gc.ca

CINEPLEX ENTERTAINMENT FILM PROGRAM
APPLICATION DEADLINE | JANUARY 25, 2010

PRODUCERS – EDITORS – WRITERS – DIRECTORS

The Cineplex Entertainment Film Program is a five-and-a-half month complete immersion in the art and business of dramatic filmmaking for directors, producers, writers and editors. Filmmakers develop their technical, collaborative and business skills, while developing project slates and refining their artistic expression in an intensely demanding, creative and professional environment. With a focus on entrepreneurial spirit, the program maintains a balance between the artistic and commercial aspects of the filmmaking industry, while nurturing originality and fostering creative risk-taking.

Any filmmakers (directors, producers, writers, editors) looking to advance their careers and develop their craft and business skills or who may be interested in the CFC Film Program, please tell them to contact us or visit our website at www.cfccreates.com/film. New applications and updated program information are available online now.

The 2010 CINEPLEX ENTERTAINMENT Film Program application deadline for next year is January 25, 2010

Apply today at www.cfccreates.com/film

For more information contact: amcguigan@cfccreates.com

ITVS INTERNATIONAL CALL

International Call provides production funds for independent producers who are non-U.S. citizens, helping them create documentaries for American television. Through the ITVS International Call, storytellers from other countries introduce U.S. audiences to their global neighbors, opening a window into unfamiliar lives, experiences and perspectives.

In addition to production funding and support, ITVS International will premiere funded programs on U.S public and commercial television, engaging viewers and maximizing impact through national promotion and educational outreach campaigns.

Deadline: February 5, 2010

Details available here: www.itvs.org

CALL FOR ENTRIES
Canada at Game Connection
San Francisco, United States, March 8 to 10, 2010
(New Media)

Telefilm Canada through the Canada New Media Fund (CNMF) presents Canada at Game Connection AMERICA GDC (San Francisco) 2010

Offer
A discount of 30% on an accreditation / registration package for Canadian video game developers exhibiting as sellers under the Canada banner at the next Game Connection event in San Francisco at GDC (USA, March 8-10, 2010).

Don’t miss out on this opportunity, only 16 spots available!

Service Providers are invited to find out more about our offer in the attached information document.

Information and registration procedure
Application form

Application deadline for this event : January 7, 2010

Eligibility
Please review the information and registration procedure for all details and entry procedures.

Game Connection is one of the main business events for the videogame industry. It is an international marketplace for game developers, service providers and publishers looking to expand their network and find the right business partners.

Consult the complete list of current calls for entries

National and International Business Development
Telefilm Canada, Montréal
514 283-6363

Project Proposals Now Being Accepted for the Toronto Documentary Forum

Hot Docs is accepting project proposals for the upcoming Toronto Documentary Forum (TDF), May 5 & 6, taking place during the 2010 Hot Docs Festival, April 29-May 9.

Widely regarded as the most effective international documentary market in North America, the TDF is a dynamic pitching event that stimulates international co-production financing for projects at various levels of completion.

Selected documentary producers publicly pitch their projects to over 150 key international broadcasters and financiers from Europe, Australia, Japan, the USA and Canada and to a gallery of accredited observers.

For complete submission guidelines visit www.hotdocs.ca

Deadline for submissions is January 15, 2010.
_____________________________________________________________

Applications Now Being Accepted for documentary’s Don Haig Award

Throughout his life Don Haig gave generously of his time, knowledge and resources to help emerging filmmakers nurture their talents. In this spirit, documentary’s Don Haig Award is presented annually to an emerging Canadian documentary filmmaker. The winner will receive a $20,000 cash prize generously sponsored by documentary. The award will be presented at the 2010 Hot Docs Awards Presentation.

For complete application guidelines please visit www.donhaig.org

Deadline for applications is January 29, 2010.
_____________________________________________________________

Film Submission Deadlines Approaching

Hot Docs accepts Canadian and international documentaries of all lengths and subject matter. All Hot Docs screening programs are curated and all submissions will be fully considered by Hot Docs' programming team.

The early film submission deadline for the 2010 Hot Docs Festival is December 18, 2009.
The final deadline is January 15, 2010.

For complete submission guidelines visit www.hotdocs.ca

OTTAWA-GATINEAU, November 30, 2009 —The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today opened an online consultation to receive the comments of Canadians on the future of television. This consultation is part of the public hearing that will begin on December 7, 2009, in Gatineau, Que. The government has requested that the CRTC submit a report following the public hearing.

The Canadian broadcasting system is evolving quickly, and some regulatory changes may prove necessary. The Commission is looking at various options, including the possibility of negotiations between local stations and cable and satellite companies to determine the value of signals, and the transition of television signals from analog to digital. With this online consultation, the CRTC is seeking the views of consumers and the industry on the impact such developments could have on:

* the availability of local television services, including local news, information and public affairs programming
* the ability to choose different types of channels and packages
* the affordability of cable and satellite television services
* the industry as it adapts to the new digital communications environment, and
* the industry’s current or future business plans.

The CRTC has already received numerous comments since the public hearing was announced. These were submitted by fax, e-mail or through the online form. With the online consultation, the CRTC is offering consumers a new way to express their opinions. The CRTC will take all comments received into account when preparing its report.

The online consultation will conclude on December 21, 2009, at midnight (EST). You may participate by visiting the following Web address: http://television.askingcanadians.com

The CRTC is an independent public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada.

Reference documents:
News release, “The CRTC seeks consumer input on television services,”
News release, “CRTC to seek views on a compensation regime for the value of local television services,”
Broadcasting Notice of Consultation CRTC 2009-614

Below is beloved Randall King's article on the Government's $2.5 million investment in Manitoba's screen-based industry. Read the article, but make sure you read the interesting commentary that follows. As expected, the first comment was about how we should be investing our money in 'the essentials' and that this investment was comparable to 'a family on welfare going to Las Vegas for the weekend.'  This post was followed by several positive comments that understood this was an investment that would generate more money for the province. It's great to see support for the industry!

Manitoba film industry gets $2.5-million boost
By: Randall King

WINNIPEG - Federal and provincial governments officially ponied up $2.5 million Friday morning in an effort to provide a boost to the beleaguered Manitoba film industry.

The recipient of the money was On Screen Manitoba, a membership-driven association representing the Manitoba motion picture industry.

Following the joint announcement by Treasury Board President Vic Toews and Manitoba Trade Minister Peter Bjornson at Midcanada Production Services, On Screen Manitoba’s executive director Tara Walker explained the money would be used to fund OSM’s ACCESS project, an economic development strategy to strengthen Manitoba’s film production companies.

The project is multi-faceted, Walker said, incorporating a number of different programs designed to help production companies adapt to changes in the industry.

Manitoba became Canada’s fourth largest film and television production industry after Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal in 2007-08. In the previous five years, Manitoba’s volume of production totaled $685 million and attracted $385 million of investment from outside the province.

But in the wake of a rising Canadian dollar, a worldwide recession and more aggressive tax incentives offered by other provinces and states, the Manitoba industry’s production dropped to $62 million in 2008-9 -– less than half of the prior year’s level of $133 million.

The ACCESS project is designed to strengthen individual production companies by "supporting their ability to adapt to new technology, improving their competitiveness and increasing their global market share," Walker said.

The project may be used to help fund a trip to a film festival, or it might be used to enable a production company to explore options in new digital media, Walker said.

"We need to encourage traditional media producers to work outside the Canadian film and broadcast industries, where the funds are limited, and think outside the traditional markets," Walker said.

Comments from the Peanut Gallery

Posted by: dyachison
November 27, 2009 at 3:01 PM

Obviously these people are reading the article about the feds being a wash in red ink. Billions of dollars in the hole and we are digging fast giving more to this great venture. What are we thinking. At this point we should be funding the essentials. It is kind of like a family on welfare going to Las Vegas for a weekend. It is not a priority right now all things considered. Especially with health care and senior care, education, and roads and bridges falling apart. We are spending money on this. Please give me a break.
__________________________________________________________________

Posted by: Earl Tunnley
November 27, 2009 at 3:40 PM

Why not spend the money? We're creating a white elephant at the Forks, so why not this?
__________________________________________________________________

Posted by: whywinnipeg
November 27, 2009 at 4:15 PM

Why do this??? Lets see a $2.5 Million investment to support an industry that "in the previous five years, Manitoba’s volume of production totaled $685 million and attracted $385 million of investment from outside the province".

Sounds like one of the best investments the province has made in decades...

Would we rather give away $ Millions in land to a private investor so we can have a new stadium?... oh right, did that. Or maybe we should "invest" $130 Million to make a bus run faster down Pembina highway... oh right, did that too... Or, maybe we need to spend $ Millions on a museum that does not have the money to support itself for more than 2 years... right did that too...

At least this investment brings money back in!
__________________________________________________________________

Posted by: JustVisiting
November 27, 2009 at 9:06 PM

Does this mean that On Screen staff members will be attending more out of town festival parties?
__________________________________________________________________

Posted by: pwarkentin2pc
November 27, 2009 at 9:32 PM

While on the surface, putting money into the film industry in tough times may seem questionable, I think that the value of job and revenue generation merits the investment. Even with the weaker 2008-9 production dollars, $2.5M represents a 4% investment, so it is worth supporting.
__________________________________________________________________

Posted by: gepinniw
November 27, 2009 at 11:13 PM

This isn't a handout. It is a sound investment. The film industry brings in money from outside Manitoba. It's quite simple, actually.

Click here to view and comment on the article.

By Gemma Manangan

On Monday November 23, 2009 representatives from AMPIA, SMPIA and On Screen Manitoba had a chance to speak on behalf of regional producers at a CRTC Hearing panel discussion pertaining to the restructuring of conventional television.

The panel was formed to voice the interests of regional producers and consisted of Joanne Levy (Producer, Buffalo Gal Pictures) and Lisa Meeches (Executive Producer and President, Eagle Vision Inc) on behalf of On Screen Manitoba, Shawn McGrath (VP Business and Legal Affairs, Vérité Films) on behalf of SMPIA and Jane Bisbee, the Interim Executive Director of AMPIA.

With the current debate of restructuring Canada’s TV broadcasting model in full swing, the regional producers did not waste this opportunity to have their voices heard to help ensure that more regional Canadian content be incorporated into conventional broadcaster’s programming.

The need for more indigenous productions and for producers to own the rights to the programs they create was emphasized by AMPIA’s Jane Bisbee emphasized, “through exploiting these rights to those programs we can create a sustainable business model for independent companies, thereby ensuring a continued supply of innovative and relative content from all regions of Canada.”

SMPIA’s Shawn McGrath let the CRTC know that providing independent producers with access to the CMF & LPIF isn’t enough to fulfill their requirement of supporting local television, “a greater commitment from all stakeholders to better scheduling and promotion of Canadian programming is necessary.”

The panel also proposed a modest increase to the minimum proportion of Canadian Programming Expenditures (CPE) in regional television production to 15% of total production in the country. This increase would take place over a span of seven years, and is proposed as a jumping off point to help regional producers not lose any more ground in the rapidly changing market place.

Chairman of the CRTC Konrad Von Finckenstein voiced his concern over the regional requirements of CPEs creating too many restrictions on broadcasters that would take away the desired flexibility that would help them remain competitive. The panel asserted the need for the CRTC to support regional producers, stating that flexibility would be ideal, but in this case history shows that without a requirement there is just no incentive for broadcasters to support regional production.

Joanne Levy from On Screen Manitoba also took some time to speak about the strengths that regional producers bring to the television industry; “We are able to offer broadcasters top quality original regional programming at bargain prices; we consider ourselves part of the solution to the economic difficulties of conventional broadcasters.”

The panel shared their concern about the current trend towards centralization and consolidation in the television industry and spoke of the difficulty regional producers faced in finding support for their productions. A proposed suggestion that there be development officers in the region to provide a liaison to broadcasters was brought forth.

With Manitoba being a strong center for aboriginal heritage, Lisa Meeches took the opportunity to call for more aboriginal content on conventional broadcasters. She cited the difficulties she had encountered in finding a conventional broadcaster for a documentary about residential schools called We Were Children to help build the case that conventional broadcasters are just not committed enough to providing regional programs about important Canadian issues.

At the end of the forty-minute session, On Screen Manitoba representative Joanne Levy was ecstatic about their meeting with the CRTC and felt it was a great success; "We have a great team on the Prairies. The questions allowed us to underline our points and showed they are listening."

Click here to watch the full video of the hearing.

November 27, 2009

Winnipeg, Manitoba – Manitoba's film industry will be able to strengthen its position in national and international markets, thanks to an investment of more than $2.5 million to On Screen Manitoba from the Governments of Canada and Manitoba.

"Our Government recognizes the importance of Manitoba's film industry and we are proud to support their continued development," said the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, Member of Parliament for Provencher, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. "This funding will help On Screen Manitoba expand the Manitoba film industry and create jobs, while showcasing our province as a premier film production destination."

"Film and video production is a rapidly evolving sector that requires significant training and development opportunities for people working in the industry," said Peter Bjornson, Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade. "On Screen Manitoba ensures our province continues to enjoy a national and international reputation of being a great place to produce films."

This funding will enable On Screen Manitoba to undertake the ACCESS project, an economic development strategy to strengthen Manitoba's film production companies by supporting their ability to adapt to new technology, address emerging skill requirements, improve their competitiveness and increase their global market share. This strategy will also aim to develop the Aboriginal and Francophone film communities in Manitoba into recognized hubs of Aboriginal production, and Francophone film production outside of Quebec.

"This project comes at a crucial time for the screen-based media industry. To remain competitive internationally and grow our sector we needed to become more aggressive with our business development strategies and marketing," said Tara Walker, Executive Director of On Screen Manitoba. "ACCESS will provide us with the resources and the leveraging power needed to address the sustainability needs of the industry so that we can continue to make significant contributions to Manitoba's economy."

On Screen Manitoba is an innovative, membership-driven association that leads, builds and represents Manitoba's motion picture industry.

The investment by the Governments of Canada and Manitoba is made through the Canada-Manitoba Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA). Both Canada and Manitoba are contributing $2.5 million each, over four years, to strengthen economic activity and improve quality of life in western Canadian communities.

The Government of Manitoba is distributing this news release on behalf of the Governments of Canada and Manitoba.

Please take a moment to read the notice below. There are proposed by-law changes that will be voted on at the On Screen Manitoba AGM along with the elections for the Board of Directors. There’s still time to throw your name in the ring!

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Tara Walker, Executive Director at tara@onscreenmanitoba.com

Proposed amendments to On Screen Manitoba’s Constitution and By-Laws for approval at AGM
The Governance Committee conducted a review of the constitution and bylaws of the association and made recommendations to the Board. The Board has approved the attached proposed changes for the members to vote on at the upcoming AGM. This year the Committee focused on a proposal for the introduction of term limits and clearing up language around the Past-Chair position

Click here for a full description of the proposed amendments and by-laws
(if you have trouble downloading this file - click "view online" at the very top of this email)

Want to join our active On Screen Manitoba Board?
On Screen Manitoba has 6 seats on the Board of Directors up for election at the AGM on December 8th.

The Board of Directors positions are up for election at the AGM:

3 Producer chairs (eligible candidates must be current Producer members)
1 Supplier/Service chair (eligible candidates represent an industry service or goods supplier)
1 Professional services chair (eligible candidates work in legal, financial or insurance services)
1 Broadcaster chair (eligible candidates represent a broadcaster)

Expectations of Board members:

- Serve a two year term
- Attend a minimum of 50% of the Board meetings which are bi-monthly over lunch
- Serve on Committees
- Uphold the Mission, Vision and Values of On Screen Manitoba
- Be a champion of our plans and activities
- Assist with fundraising

If you are interested in running for a position please complete and send the nomination form by
Friday, November 27th to gemma@onscreenmanitoba.com.

Profiles of all nominees will be distributed in the days running up to the AGM and we encourage all On Screen Manitoba Voting Members to come out and vote!

Nominations will be taken from the floor from eligible voting members.

On Screen Manitoba's Annual General Meeting
DATE: Tuesday, December 8, 2009
TIME: 4:00pm-7:00pm
PLACE: The District Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge
177 Lombard Place

Please RSVP to Gemma Manangan, Communications Assistant, at 927-5898 or gemma@onscreenmanitoba.com by 5pm on Monday, November 30, 2009

Remember only members can vote!
Not certain of your membership status? Please contact Gemma Manangan at 927-5898 or email gemma@onscreenmanitoba.com to ask.

Following the AGM be sure to stick around for the INDUSTRY WIDE HOLIDAY PARTY! This year’s event will feature a silent auction filled with great prizes you won’t want to miss out on! Tickets are just $5 and are available at On Screen Manitoba (62 Albert St) and at the door.

Limitless Thinking for the Successful Artist
November 27, 2009, 1-2pm
Presenter: Talia Pura

$7 ACI Manitoba members / $12 non members
Includes lunch from Human Bean Coffee & Tea

Have you tried everything you can think of to achieve success in your field, but still come up short of what you had dreamed your career could be?

This workshop will look at strategies to increase your chances of getting the breaks you want. You will learn different exercises focusing your efforts in ways that produce results.

Talia Pura is an actor, teacher, writer, dancer, filmmaker and arts administrator. As well as writing many plays and screenplays, her book, STAGES: Creative Ideas for Teaching Drama, is in its sixth printing. Currently she is teaching at the University of Winnipeg and is the Youth Mentorship Program Coordinator at ACI Manitoba.

The Secret World of Shoplifting
Thursday, December 3, 2009 on CBC’s Doc Zone
8 PM (8:30 NT)

In a fascinating and eye-opening documentary, CBC TV’s Doc Zone brings to audiences, The Secret World of Shoplifting on Thursday, December 3, 2009 at 8 PM (8:30 NT).

Click here to watch the promotional video

Every single day in North America, there are more than 600,000 shoplifting incidents. Eighty percent of us have stolen at least once in our lives. One out of every 10 of us shoplifts often. And now, organized crime has discovered that it’s a low risk way to turn a handsome profit. The truth is... stealing from stores is a big part of our consumer culture And it’s a crime you pay for every time you step up to the cash register.

Directed by Andy Blicq (The Truth About Liars, Pioneer Quest) and produced by Merit Motion Pictures, The Secret World of Shoplifting examines the rise in retail crime and how the consumer’s quest for the lowest discount price fuels the market for stolen merchandise. Featuring astonishing security camera footage, the latest crime-fighting technology and interviews from both sides of the law, The Secret World of Shoplifting investigates why people steal, who is doing the stealing, what others are doing to fight it, and how retail theft affects us all.

Thieves call it ‘The Five Finger Discount’, but there’s nothing funny about the true impact it’s having on retailers, especially in these tough economic times. North American business will lose approximately $40 billion this year to what they call “Shrink.” Some will be forced into bankruptcy.

In this fascinating journey into the “real world” of retail crime, specialists share their experiences and thoughts on why this crime is on the rise including: lawyer and retail theft expert, Terry Shulman, a former shoplifter who now helps others who can’t stop stealing; Jerry Biggs, a retail crime investigator who demonstrates the techniques and the technology his team uses to track professional shoplifters; Florida Sheriff Grady Judd, who reveals how the arrest of a couple of shoplifters led his officers to a multi-million dollar crime syndicate; and Rick Osborne, a Canadian crime consultant who uses his own experience behind bars to explain where shoplifters fit into the business plan for gangs.

The Secret World of Shoplifting reveals the latest technology being used by store owners and shoplifters alike . It’s a cat and mouse game as thieves counter every new invention designed to catch them. And now, the economic downturn has raised the stakes. Consumers are hunting down the lowest prices... at any cost. Often they don’t know or don’t want to know where all that cheap merchandise is coming from. Internet commerce, discount vendors and local flea markets are all part of the problem.

The Secret World of Shoplifting isn’t just about stealing – it’s about the test of honesty in an economic downturn.

For more information, to receive a screener or photos, or to schedule an interview with the director or one of our featured specialists, please contact:

Jennifer Jensen Tracy
Publicist, Merit Motion Pictures
T: (519) 442-9179
E: jen.jensen@sympatico.ca
W: www.meritmotionpictures.com

Industry Advisory - Telefilm Canada announces English CFFF Development & Writer’s First decisions

Montreal, November 25, 2009 – Telefilm Canada is pleased to announce that 32 English-language projects have received financing from the development component of the Canada Feature Film Fund (CFFF). Telefilm’s Writer’s First program, whose intent is to develop and retain a pool of creative and talented screenwriters as well as a bank of screenplays that are likely to succeed at the box office, has financed 19 English-language projects from its two phases: Outline to Treatment and Treatment to First Draft.

Please note the projects noted here are reflective of projects that were contracted and fully executed during the period July 11 – November 16, 2009. Please note that projects listed in previous Industry Advisories are not included.

Development Program – Canada Feature Film Fund

Western Region - Listed by Project, Screenwriter, Production company

B Town Boyz, Raj Paul Dhillon, MMM Film Finance International Ltd.

Bubble, Anthony Couture, Cinematotale Media & Communications Inc.

Damn Cold, Gregory Mackenzie, Impatient Pictures Ltd.

Darren Gets Whacked, Jonathan Joffe, Panacea Entertainment Inc.

Gospel According to Doug (The), Quinn Merkeley, Sunburst Productions Ltd.

Honey, Baby, Sweetheart, Katie Ford, Nine Mile Productions Inc.

Innercity Girl Like Me, Alexandra Zarowny, OP Development Inc. & Eagle Vision Inc.

Jigsaw, Pascal Boutroy, Buffalo Gal Pictures Development Inc. & Picnic Communications Inc.

Last Crossing (The), Rob King, Minds Eye Development Inc.

Nearly Wed, Jason Filiatrault, Combustion Inc.

**Nocturnia, Derek Schreyer, Perfect Circle Productions Ltd.

On a Good Day, David Schultz, Etch Media Inc.

Passengers of Industry, Gary Burns, Burns Film Ltd.

Prison Boy, Reece Crothers, Hope of Glory Pictures Ltd.

Really Into Her, Christian Bruyere & Mary Bissell, Mystique Films Ltd.

Splinter, Christian Betley, Axel Pictures Inc.

Squirts (The), Quinn Merkeley, Sunburst Productions Ltd.

Svengali, Guy Maddin, 2802031 Manitoba Inc.

Tazed, Laurence Keane, Utopia Pictures Ltd.

Tombs, Marie Clements, Frog Girl Film Productions Inc.

Trapper Johnson, Michael Konyves, Na Ho Productions Inc., OP Development Inc., & Trapline Productions Inc.

Well Oiled, David Spencer & Eric Finkel, Finkelfilms BC Inc.

Yearning (The), Dominika Wolski, Purpose Films Ltd.

** Indicates that Telefilm Canada has extended offers of financial support.

Click here for a complete listing of all projects accepted for financing

Emergency First Aid & CPR
Includes the latest First Aid and CPR Guidelines that meet federal and provincial regulations.

Dates: Saturday, December 5th, 2009
Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Instructor: Certified Red Cross First Aid Instructor, Van McLean
Certification: Three-year certification in Emergency First Aid, One-year certification CPR Level C, and AED
Location: 1000 Waverley Street
Cost: $40, includes Red Cross First Aid & CPR manual ($24 value)
Note: Maximum 12 participants

*IATSE Local 856 may be able provide a reimbursement for some, or all of course costs for a First Aid Course. Please contact the union office for details.

**Film Training Manitoba is offering this course at a significantly reduced cost to the Manitoba Film industry.

Who Should Take This Course
• This is a required course for those applying to the First Aid/Craft Services department.
• This is a recommended course for those applying for permit and membership status with IATSE Local 856.
• Interested permits and members of DGC Manitoba District Council, IATSE Local 669 and anyone wanting to work in the film industry.

The Course
Injuries can happen anywhere, anytime. Knowing what to do, and reacting quickly, can save a life. This one-day course is the Canadian Red Cross Workplace Emergency First Aid & CPR Course. A certified Red Cross First Aid Instructor will provide relevant first aid scenarios and continuous guidance during the course.

The Instructor
Van Mclean has been teaching First Aid for more than 20 years, starting with the Canadian Ski Patrol and now through the Canadian Red Cross. Van’s first aid experience through the Ski Patrol and in the workplace allows him to share real life scenarios, which rarely match what most of us have seen on TV or in the movies. Van has worked in both the FACS and Construction departments under IATSE 856 giving him the ability to make the course content more relevant to those in the film industry.

Topics to be covered
• Preparing to respond
• Emergency Scene Management
• Check, Call, Care
• Airway emergencies
• Breathing and circulation emergencies
• First Aid for respiratory and cardiac arrest

How to Register
Payment can be made in person at the FTM office with cash, cheque, MasterCard or Visa or over the phone with MasterCard or Visa.

For more information or to register, contact FTM at:
• phone 989-9669
• email: info@filmtraining.mb.ca

Course Refund Policy
• Film Training Manitoba may cancel or postpone courses if minimum registration is not met. Full refunds will be issued.
• A refund less a 20% cancellation fee is given up to four working days before the course begins.
• No refund is given if you cancel three or less working days before the course begins or if you do not attend the course.

Download the document here

CALL FOR ENTRIES
CANADIAN PRODUCERS IN BERLIN
Berlin, Germany, February 11 to 21, 2010

Berlin International Film Festival & European Film Market
FEBRUARY 11 – 21, 2010

Application for inclusion in Telefilm Canada’s CANADA AT BERLIN 2010 Industry directory, online networking group & promo campaign open to all Canadian producers at Berlin.

Application for selection in Telefilm Canada’s Observer Programme at the Berlinale Co-Production Market PRODUCERS WITHOUT BORDERS (open to 20 Canadian Producers in Berlin with a feature-length project in development)

A Telefilm Canada initiative in partnership with its

Principal Partners
Bristish Columbia Film
Canadian Heritage – Trade Routes
Ontario Media Development Corporation

Contributors
Film Nova Scotia
Manitoba Film & Music
SaskFilm Video Development Corporation

Telefilm Canada Submission Form
Information and Application Procedure

Submission Deadline : December 7, 2009

The selection process will be conducted by Telefilm Canada.
Telefilm Canada will render its decision by December 11.

The European Film Market (EFM), a "must do" event for the international film industry, is the business component of the Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival).

To round out our existing initiatives at the EFM, such as the CANADA SALES DESK and PERSPECTIVE CANADA, Telefilm Canada has created an initiative to assist Canadian producers attending Berlin looking to introduce feature-length projects in development to potential investors, distributors, and production partners.

PRODUCERS WITHOUT BORDERS
The initiative will:

• Provide producers with an accreditation to an Observer Programme at the Berlinale Co-Production Market (February 14 – 16) granting access to the market’s programme, including panel discussions, workshops and networking events (click here for details of their Tailormade Programme)
• Set an agenda to meet face-to-face with a variety of international decision makers at industry events;

Include participants in a PRODUCERS WITHOUT BORDERS directory integrated into the Canada at Berlin marketing campaign.

Consult the complete list of current calls for entries

National and International Business Development
Telefilm Canada, Montréal
514 283-6363

Premiere of Guy Maddin's New Film - The Little White Cloud That Cried

When: Saturday, Nov 28th at 10pm
Where: AceArt Studio
2nd Floor, 290 McDermot Avenue

Goddesses unharnessing the power of the sea and putting it into a whole new element as they engage in orgiastic battles and whoopla. This is a 16mm spectacular by Guy Maddin, starring Lexi Tronic and Breanna Taylor and featuring photos by Steve Ackerman. This is the WINNIPEG PREMIERE!

Advisory: this film contains explicit material.

For more details click here.

Super Channel's third quarter (July - September 2009) issue of Super Catalyst is out!

Get the low-down on what their Creative Development Representatives (CDR) from across the country have been up to.

Manitoba's CDR is the wonderful Melissa Kajpust and if you haven't had a chance to meet her yet, you can at the Industry Wide Holiday Party.

Manitoban Highlights from the issue include news on; Super Channel supported film, Danishka Esterhazy's Black Field, Rogers and Manitoba Film & Music Pitch Competition at the 2009 Gimli Film Festival and Guy Maddin working with Super Channel on a dance-world version of Svengali set in Weimar era Germany!

For the current edition of the Super Catalyst Newsletter please click here.

In Conversation – The Actor’s Life
Saturday, December 5, 2009
at the Whistler Film Festival

Sit in on an animated conversation with some of the leading lights whose work is featured at this year’s Whistler Film Festival. In a session moderated by Patrick Gallagher (Coach Ken Tanaka, Glee), actors Tygh Runyan and Sarah Lind (A Gun to the Head), Stephen Eric McIntyre (High Life), Emily Hampshire (The Trotsky), and Paul Anthony (Suck and A Gun to the Head) will share their stories and dish on the biz of making movies.

Part of the Forum at the Whistler Film Festival
December 3-6, 2009.

Passes available at: www.whistlerfilmfestival.com

November 25, 2009

A new parliamentary arts caucus made up of MPs and senators from all parties is scheduled to hold its second-ever meeting Wednesday.

Nancy Oakley, general manager at the Ottawa-based Great Canadian Theatre Company, helped promote the creation of the caucus.

She said artists want to reach MPs on a more regular basis to help them better understand the arts sector. She approached the theatre company's MP — the NDP's Paul Dewar — who suggested a solution other than letters and lobbying.

All-party groups already exist for discussing abortion and human rights issues. Dewar said the new informal arts caucus will give arts groups and parliamentarians a chance to talk to one another.

“What hopefully will change is that there won’t be this huge chasm between decision-makers and artists, that there will be a lot less ignorance among decision-makers,” Dewar said.

A small group attended the inaugural, administrative meeting — but about 40 MPs and senators from all four parties have expressed interest in joining the new group

“Maybe, just maybe, when there's not the spotlight of an election, we might be able to agree on something, put forth some ideas as a group to support the arts,” Dewar said.

The parliamentary caucus begins with broad strokes: MPs at Wednesday’s meeting will hear an overview of the arts sector.

HOUSE OF SWEET MAGIC: THE ANIMATED FILMS OF HELEN HILL
Sat. Dec. 5 - 7 PM
FREE ADMISSION

FILM PROGRAM:
Rain Dance | 1990 | 3:45 min.
Vessel | 1992 | 6:15 min.
The World’s Smallest Fair | 1995 | 4:26 min.
Scratch and Crow | 1995 | 4:23 min.
Tunnel of Love | 1996 | 4:00 min.
Your New Pig Is Down the Road | 1999 | 5:00 min.
Film for Rosie | 2000 | 3:13 min.
Mouseholes | 1999 | 7:40 min.
Madame Winger Makes A Film: A Survival Guide for the 21st Century | 2001 | 9:29 min.
Bohemian Town | 2004 | 2:42 min

Helen Hill was an experimental animator, educator, filmmaker, artist, writer, and social activist who was a native of Columbia, South Carolina. After completing a B.A. with a major in English and a minor in Visual and Environmental Studies at Harvard University in 1992 she went on to complete a Masters of Fine Arts at the California Institute of the Arts (CALARTS) which she completed in 1995.

After graduation, she moved to Halifax where her longtime partner, a Canadian named Paul Gailiunas, was attending Dalhousie University Medical School. Her time in Halifax was very productive and Hill continued to make films and taught animation classes at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) and the Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative (AFCOOP).

Hill was a life-long peace activist and an advocate for social justice causes. Together with her husband, Dr. Gailiunas, she helped initiate the Free Food Organization (now part of Food Not Bombs) in Halifax, in 1996. They also lived in Halifax's culturally-diverse but economically depressed north-end which later became an inspiration for Hill's 2004 film Bohemian Town.

In December 2000, Hill and Gailiunas moved to New Orleans where she continued to teach animation at the New Orleans Video Access Center (NOVAC) and the New Orleans Film Collective, of which she was a co-founding member. She gave birth to her son Francis Pop on October 15, 2004.

However, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Helen Hill's life came to a tragic end on January 4th, 2007 when her home was invaded by a stranger who murdered her and shot her husband three times. Gailiunas and their son Francis survived the horrifying ordeal but were left to mourn their loss. Hill's murder was one of a spate of killings in the first week of 2007 in New Orleans that prompted civic outrage and culminated in a protest march on City Hall on January 11th of that same year.

This retrospective of Hill's work is from the Harvard Film Archive who established the Helen Hill Collection in 2007, a repository of films, drawings, photographs, art works, writings, music and ephemera. Hills work was noted for its free spirit and strong sense of invention. This combined with her egalitarianism and teachings were integral to her influence of a new generation of east coast animators.

(FREE ADMISSION)

ABOUT LESLIE SUPNET: Leslie Supnet is a visual artist and animator from Winnipeg, MB whose whimsical reproductions of everyday experiences enter into the key of the surreal and aims to give an outlet to our trials and struggles. (www.sundaestories.com)

CHAINED HEAT
WITH A SPECIAL INTRODUCTION BY LOCAL PLAYWRIGHT AND SONGWRITER ANGUS KOHM!

NOVEMBER 25 AT 7:00 PM
This B-grade genre of sexploitation, blaxploitation, and jailhouse flick is mixed with this grotesque sex- and violence-filled melodrama.

ABOUT ANGUS KOHM - Probably best known for his off the wall musical parodies such as Bad Girls Jailhouse, and Sorority Girls Slumber Party Massacre: The Musical, which have been seen at Fringe Festivals all over Canada and on university campuses in the USA. His musical for teenagers, I Was A Teenage Zombie, has been performed at high schools in Canada and the USA. He live in Winnipeg, where he produces the Manitoba High School Playwriting Competition and is currently the editor of Ellipsis...the newsletter for Manitoba playwrights.

DECO DAWSON'S PERSONAL TOP TEN SHORTS
CURATED AND INTRODUCED BY LOCAL FILMMAKER DECO DAWSON!

NOVEMBER 26 AT 7:00 PM
A personal selection of the ten best Canadian films of the year by acclaimed independent filmmaker Deco Dawson.

ABOUT DECO DAWSON - Named on of the top 25 young independent filmmakers by New York's Filmmaker Magazine in 2002 and on of the Top 10 Canadian Industry Trailerblazers by the Reel World Film Festival, Deco Dawson has been achieving international acclaim for his body of short film work for a number of years. Having directed and produced ten short films including "FILM" (Dzama), winner of the BEST SHORT FILM at the 2001 Toronto International Film Festival and the Ann Arbor 2002 Best Technical Innovation award he has screened his films in festivals across the globe from Paris to Spain. He also associate co-directed and edited the dance feature film "Dracula: Pages From A Virgin's Diary" with cult director Guy Maddin which won an International Emmy for Best Performing Arts. More information at decodawson.com.

THE STORYTELLING PROJECT
OPENING NIGHT INTRODUCED BY THE FILMMAKERS (JOHN PASKIEVICH + JOHN WHITEWAY), TEACHER MARC KULY AND THE KIDS FROM GORDEN BELL HIGH SCHOOL!!

NOVEMBER 27 + 28 AT 7:00 PM
NOVEMBER 29 AT 4:00 PM

ABOUT THE STORYTELLING PROJECT
Veteran Winnipeg documentary photographer and filmmaker John Paskievich ( "Ted Barlyuk's Grocery" + " The Gypsies of Svinia" ) and teacher John Whiteway have created a remarkably poignant new film about the healing power of storytelling based on a workshop initiated by Marc Kuly, a dynamic young teacher at Gordon Bell High School. Based on his students reading a new book by author Ishmael Beah about his one time experience as a child soldier in Sierra Leone's civil war, Kuly initiated an after-school storytelling project whereby the immigrant students would share their stories with their Canadian peers.

IT MIGHT GET LOUD: JIMMY PAGE, JACK WHITE & THE EDGE
NOVEMBER 27 + 28 AT 9:00 pm
NOVEMBER 29 AT 7:00 PM
DECEMBER 2 + 3 AT 9:00 PM
DECEMBER 4 AT 9:30 PM
DECEMBER 5 AT 9:00 PM
DECEMBER 6 AT 7:00 PM

IT MIGHT GET LOUD is the definitive MUST SEE film for anyone who has ever picked up the electric or acoustic guitar. The film is an affectionate documentary by Davis Guggenheim (director of "An Inconvenient Truth") featuring three master electric guitarists: Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, The Edge of U2, and Jack White of the White Stripes. Page talks about rebelling against the sticky 1960's pop sound, White rhapsodizes about his love of the rawness of the great bluesman Son House, and The Edge uncovers the original four-track rehearsals for "Where the Streets Have No Name". Each man has his own distinctive style, and yet when they jam together it sounds like the most natural thing in the world. (Peter Rainer)

CALL FOR ENTRIES
53rd San Francisco International Film Festival
San Francisco, United States, April 22 to May 6, 2010
(Feature-length, short films and videos, all genres)

Information and registration process

Application deadline : November 6, 2009

Late application Deadline (higher entry fees) : December 4, 2009

Eligibility
Please note that all films must be submitted directly to the festival.

Consult the Information and registration process for all the details and entry procedures.

Founded in 1957, the San Francisco International Film Festival is the longest-running film festival in the Americas. Held each spring for two weeks, this showcase of cinematic discovery and innovation accepts films of all genres and length and awards cash prizes.

Consult the complete list of current calls for entries

National and International Business Development
Telefilm Canada, Montréal
514 283-6363

Winnipeg Press Club presents ON THE RECORD: with Ken Goldstein

The Media in Manitoba: Past, Present and (uncertain) Future

The Winnipeg Free Press and the Winnipeg Sun have weathered economic and technological upheavals before, but will they survive this one? Will changing media models finally bring CBC to its knees?

As one of Canada's leading authorities on media trends, Ken Goldstein knows the broadcasting and newspaper business well, and what he has to say about where Manitoba's media are heading is very sobering.

Join us for this tough but necessary look at the rapidly shifting landscape of the news business and find out where journalists fit into the changing news-scape.

Ken Goldstein is the president of Communications Management Inc., and has appeared many times before the CRTC on behalf of media organizations, and lectured at Canadian and American universitites. He is currently writing a book on the remarkable history of the media in Manitoba.

Time: Wednesday, November 25 2009 at 6:30-7:30 pm
Location: The Irish Club, 654 Erin St., Winnipeg (The bar opens at 5:30)
Admission: Free, but a donation is suggested. Munchies are free too and so is the parking.

Open to members and non-members of the Press Club.

Contact: Sheilla Jones
sheilla_jones@yahoo.com

Joanne Levy and Lisa Meeches are representing Manitoba at the CRTC hearings in Gatineau, Quebec. The topic of conversation: local television.

God, I love Technology! You can watch all the action live in English or French at www.cpac.ca.

RSVP REQUIRED

DATE: Tuesday, December 8, 2009
TIME: 4:00pm-7:00pm
PLACE: The District Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge
177 Lombard Place

Members and non-members welcome!
Refreshments will be served

Come find out what On Screen Manitoba has been up to, what we have planned for the year ahead and how you can get involved!

Please RSVP to Gemma Manangan, Communications Assistant, at 927-5898 or gemma@onscreenmanitoba.com by 5pm on Monday, November 30, 2009.

Interested in running for a seat on the Board?
Contact Tara Walker, Executive Director, at 927-5893 or tara@onscreenmanitoba.com.

Remember only members can vote!
Not certain of your membership status? Please contact Gemma Manangan at 927-5898 or email gemma@onscreenmanitoba.com to ask.

Notice of proposed changes to On Screen Manitoba's bylaws and specific positions opening on the Board will be circulated approximately 14 days prior to the AGM.

Following the AGM be sure to stick around for the INDUSTRY WIDE HOLIDAY PARTY! This year’s event will feature a silent auction filled with great prizes you won’t want to miss out on!

CALL FOR ENTRIES
CANADA SALES DESK AT THE EUROPEAN FILM MARKET (EFM)
BERLIN, GERMANY, February 11 to 21, 2010
(For Canadian International Distribution Companies)

Information on the Canada Sales Desk and the EFM
Application Form

Registration deadline with Telefilm Canada : November 27, 2009

An initiative of Telefilm Canada in partnership with its

Principal Partners
Bristish Columbia Film
Canadian Heritage – Trade Routes
Ontario Media Development Corporation

Contributors
Film Nova Scotia
Manitoba Film & Music
SaskFilm Video Development Corporation

Telefilm Canada is calling for the registration of Canadian sales companies planning to attend the European Film Market in Berlin (EFM), the business component of the Berlinale.

The Canada Sales Desk offers turnkey spaces (6) for distributors complete with furnishings, AV equipment, reception service and wireless Internet access. These spaces will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Canada Sales Desk’s information counter and message centre as well as a general meeting space will be at the disposal of all Canadian industry members attending the EFM.

European Film Market accreditation:
Deadline: December 15, 2009
Deadline for Special Discount: November 30, 2009

On the occasion of the Berlinale's 60th anniversary, the EFM is offering all participants a special discount on the Market Badge and EFM Screening Pass. Register for the EFM before November 30, 2009 and take advantage of this Birthday Present.

European Film Market film screenings:
Deadline: December 22, 2009

These screenings are in great demand, so book early!

National and International Business Development
Telefilm Canada, Montréal
514 283-6363

Minds Eye Entertainment has won a court battle against the State of Iowa over millions of dollars worth of frozen tax credits for its latest feature Clean Out.

A Polk County District Court judge has ordered the Iowa Department of Economic Development to issue $6.5 million in film tax credit certificates for Clean Out, an $18.7 million movie that had been set to shoot in Iowa in October, but was forced to postpone production when the state suspended its film incentive program.

"I am very pleased the court has recognized my right to receive tax credits issued by the State of Iowa," said Kevin DeWalt, president and CEO of the Saskatchewan-based production company, in a statement. "As a multi-country co-production this is an incredibly important project for me and my company. I certainly feel vindicated by this ruling. The most important thing is that this ruling should allow the project to move forward, assuming there are no more surprises. We are anxious to reassemble our cast and crew and get rolling as soon as possible."

According to DeWalt, Clean Out was approved to receive the state's lucrative tax credit -- 50% (of the cost of production in Iowa -- and began preproduction in September. However, that same month Iowa Governor Chet Culver froze the tax-credit program over allegations of mismanagement and an investigation launched.

Although Minds Eye and Clean Out are not part of the criminal probe, the Department of Economic Development withheld the tax credit, so the production company launched a breach of contract lawsuit, which was heard in an Iowa courtroom on Nov. 9.

Clean Out is a crime caper starring Timothy Dalton, Elliott Gould and Harvey Keitel. The dark comedy features rival Russian and Italian mobsters collaborating on a money-laundering scheme.

Minds Eye has not yet set a new date for filming to begin in Iowa. Shooting will also take place in Winnipeg, Zurich and Cannes.

Clean Out is an internationally financed coproduction between Canada, U.S., France and Switzerland

CRTC HEARING -- Cable Companies A Threat To Broadcasting -- Canwest Global

Cable companies have gained so much power they have become a threat to Canadian broadcasting, and the CRTC is mostly to blame, says Canada's second-largest network. Canwest Global Corp. president Leonard Asper blamed the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission for setting ground rules that have impoverished broadcasters and made cable companies wealthy.

"Broadcasting is a regulated business. Once you decide to regulate, it should be fair regulation," he chided the CRTC during hearings on the future of broadcasting today. "Yet over the past 40 years, regulatory policies and decisions have favoured one sector to the detriment of another, resulting in a massive wealth transfer." Cable firms like Rogers and Shaw have most of the power in the industry today, he said.

As he has on each day of the hearings to date, CRTC's Konrad von Finckenstein again stressed that he is interested in a solution that won't involve a rate increase for subscribers to cable and satellite services. The CRTC chairman has at times alternated from pleas to frustration in asking broadcasters and distributors to get together and take the hot potato out of his hands.

One of the worries for the CRTC is that the Conservative government has put the regulator on notice it will not tolerate charging consumers more.

Earlier today, Quebecor president Pierre Karl Peladeau, who runs both Quebec's dominant broadcasting and cable service, noted the CRTC's concerns. "You seem to be worried about the public reaction of (fee hikes). Well you are right to be," he warned. "The government is absolutely right ... (to) care about the customers," he added, stressing there is enough money in the system to support all the stakeholders.

Peladeau, whose Quebecor firm has a foot in both camps as both the province's dominant broadcaster and cable operator, said the solution is not to increase what consumers pay, but to divvy it up differently. The party that needs to give, he said, is specialty channels that have risen from virtually nothing in the 1980s to capturing almost half the television viewership today.

He asked the CRTC to give stakeholders three years to rebalance the system, in essence allow both specialty channels that currently get a fee-for-carriage and conventional stations that don't to duke it out. And to make sure there is real negotiation, he said, the regulator should remove the "must-carry" label on all signals except for the English and French-language CBC, which would be excluded from the bargaining.

That way, Canadians get to pay for only the stations they want to watch and the market determines the value of specialty and conventional signals.

Peladeau said the CBC should be excluded from fee-for-carriage since it already receives $1.1 billion in government funds, adding it was "scandalous" that the public broadcaster is also asking to be paid for its signal.

Like all the broadcasters, Peladeau said the system began losing its balance with the advent of specialty channels, which fragmented viewership and ad revenues. He noted that while conventional television revenues keep dropping, the CRTC imposes on them the onerous costs of producing domestic programming.

The CRTC also was more than receptive Tuesday to a proposal by CBC executives that the regulator dictate cable firms offer viewers an inexpensive "skinny basic" package that would include mostly the Canadian channels. That wouldn't prevent the distributors from raising fees on their expanded packages, but the existence of a low-cost option would dissuade gouging, the CBC said.

For even more information read the article:

CRTC HEARING -- System Must Be Re-balanced for Survival -- Quebecor

Bravo!FACT – Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent

The subjects of Bravo!FACT videos may include:
Dance (Classical, modern, ethnic), Music (Classical, contemporary, world beat, blues, jazz), Spoken Word Poetry (Poetry, prose, theatre), Opera, Animation, Visual Arts (Architechture, painting sculpture, decorative objects), Drama

Funding is reserved for new projects. Awards are not granted to works in progress.

Projects with running times of up to 6 minutes are considered; projects of up to a maximum of 4 minutes are preferred.

Funding is awarded on the basis of merit. The criteria include originality in the translation of the art form for television, and feasibility of production.

The jury evaluates the synopsis, storyboard, technical treatment, budget, resumes, audio-visual support material (demo reels, photographs, drawings), and music. Proof of music, literary and/or stock footage rights must be granted on the understanding that Bravo! and its related services retain non-exclusive broadcast and non-broadcast rights, in perpetuity and worldwide, for all Bravo!FACT shorts.

To apply
A completed application form must be submitted, together with all support material.

Applications must be received in the Bravo!FACT office by 5 p.m. ET on the day of the deadline. Late submissions will be held until the next adjudication. Incomplete applications will not be brought before the jury and will be returned.

Artist organizations and individual artists interested in having their work featured in a Bravo!FACT short should prepare their application together with a production company or filmmaker. You can find a list of production companies from your region with whom you might wish to consult about the production of a new project by looking in the Yellow Pages under "Motion Picture Producers & Studios."

The copyright is retained by the awardee, while Bravo! and its affiliated and related services receive non-exclusive broadcast and non-broadcast rights.

Deadlines for 2010 will be in March, June, September, and December - exact dates will be released shortly.

Applications must be received in the Bravo!FACT office by five o'clock on the day of the deadline. YOU MAY NOT SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION VIA EMAIL.

The Awards
Bravo!FACT awards cover up to 50% of a project's total cost. The amounts vary from several hundred dollars to a maximum of $25,000.

Payment of the award is made upon receipt of the completed video (Betacam SP), a detailed breakdown of expenditures with corresponding invoices and receipts, and a CRTC or CAVCO registration number.

Bravo!FACT reserves the right to withdraw the offer of the award if changes are made to a proposal after receiving a grant (including, but not limited to) changes in the production team, performers or concept.

For more info please visit: www.bravofact.com

The 13th Annual Brooklyn International Film Festival
Brooklyn, Newyork - Brooklyn Heights Cinema
June 4 - 13, 2010

Categories: Feature Narrative, Short Narrative, Experimental, Documentary, Animation

Awards: $50,000 in services, products, and cash

Early Deadline: November 30, 2009 (posted by)

Submission Deadlines:
- Early Deadline ($30): Postmarked by November 30th, 2009
- Final Deadline ($50): Postmarked by March 17, 2010
**Postmarked by = Submission packages can be mailed until the day of the deadline.

Click for more info or to submit online

Mailing Address:

Nathan Kensinger, Programmer
13th Brooklyn International Film Festival
180 South 4th Street, Ste 2 South,
Brooklyn, New York 11211 - USA

submit10@wbff.org
ph: +1 (718) 388 4306

2010 DOXA Documentary Film Festival
Vancouver, Canada
May 7th - 16th, 2010

DOXA is now seeking recent, independent documentary films in all styles, lengths or formats (www.doxafestival.ca).

The entry deadline for the 2010 DOXA Documentary Film Festival in Vancouver is December 18th, 2009.

To submit a film please visit www.doxafestival.ca for an entry form.

DOXA is the largest documentary festival in Western Canada and dates for 2010 will be May 6th to 14th. In 2009, DOXA grew from a 6-day to a 10-day festival and had a 43% increase in audience attendance making it our most successful festival ever.

History Makers
The Grand Hyatt New York
January 27th - 29th, 2010

History Makers: International Summit of History and Current Affairs Producers presents the latest ideas and trends which inspire the world's best programs and program creators. We take pride in producing original sessions featuring provocative thinkers and top program makers.

Register today to guarantee face time with top names in the industry! There are only 10 days left to register and save $275 with the Early Bird Rate. Registering early allows you first access to booking the meetings you want through our Delegate Log-In which will launch at the end of November.

The History Makers Delegate Log-In allows you to request meetings with our Commissioning Editors, take advantage of our match-making tool which provides meeting suggestions based on similar interests. It’s also the only way you can reserve a seat at the Decision Maker lunch - spaces are limited and can only be requested by delegates. Register now so you don’t miss out on these opportunities.

Fall & Winter 2009

Our workshops are held in various venues in the downtown area so please visit our website, www.filmtraining.mb.ca, for more information on how to find us, and how to register for these workshops. You can also call us at 989-9669!

Locations, Locations, Locations
Nov. 21 and 22 (Sat. and Sun.) | 10 am – 6 pm | $100
*Participants will be required to provide their SINs (social insurance numbers).

Are you interested in the film and television industry and want to know more about the location department? Then this two-day workshop is for you. Film Training Manitoba is holding an in-depth locations workshop aimed at those who are interested in learning more about this dynamic department. This course will provide participants with a detailed overview of the duties and responsibilities of working in the Locations Department. Participants will take part in a combination of in class and hands on activities, which will include keeping a location safe, crew directions, parking and set support and building a locations truck.

Led by two experienced location managers, Michael Cowles and Cathie Edgar, topics covered will include:
- Locations Department Overview
- City Regulations and Permits
- Goodwill and PR – Keeping the neighbours happy and protecting the location.
- Traffic Control
- Maps and Arrows – How we use them.
- Building the Locations Truck

Note: This intermediate course is not the same as the required locations course for DGC Manitoba.

Dealing with Difficult Situations
November 28th | 10 am – 6 pm | $50

Dealing with difficult workplace situations is a challenge faced by many people and the way you handle these situations can significantly shape your reputation within the workplace. This one-day session examines the nature of workplace conflict and will provide you with the skills needed to clear up misunderstandings, resolve disagreements, and address difficult situations.

Instructor David Falk will cover the following objectives:
* Assess, analyze and understand real-life conflict dynamics
* Learn practical skills for use in difficult situations
* Develop confidence in clarifying expectations and clearing up misunderstandings
* Increase your ability to transform arguments and power struggles into problem solving conversations
* Learn how to give clear and concise feedback
* Increase your confidence in managing differences in work and communication styles

Set Etiquette, part of the Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival
November 21st | 10 am – 6 pm | FREE
Instructor: Tasia Geras

The course is designed to provide participants with an overview of the Manitoba film industry. It is designed for those wishing to gain knowledge of, or to pursue a career in, the film industry. The film industry uses set etiquette to enable productions to work efficiently and professionally within its military-like structure and chain of command. Since a production can employ as many as 150 people in diverse occupational fields, crewmembers rely on set etiquette for standards of behavior, terminology, and communication that are used within and between departments. Set etiquette applies to all departments and positions in film. It encompasses an understanding of the filmmaking process, and includes a familiarity with the various types of paperwork that are vitally important for communication and scheduling on a day-to-day basis.

WAFF partners with Film Training Manitoba to offer 2 days of FREE workshops. To register, contact the WAFF office at 204-774-1375 or info@aboriginalfilmfest.org.

Intro to Paper, part of the Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival
November 22nd | 10 am – 6 pm | FREE
Instructor: Tasia Geras

Intro to Paper is designed to familiarize participants the many forms and documents you will encounter when working on a film or television project (or “show” as we call them). Communication is essential in the film industry and the paperwork that we work with is one of the most important organizational tools and resources we have. So jump right in and see exactly what it takes to keep a show running and a crew on track!

WAFF partners with Film Training Manitoba to offer 2 days of FREE workshops. To register, contact the WAFF office at 204-774-1375 or info@aboriginalfilmfest.org.

CRTC HEARING -- Fee-For-Carriage War Begins

Beginning today representatives of Canada's television industry will go before the CRTC throwing verbal bombs at each other over the issue of whether cable companies should pay for the right to carry conventional television. It's the third time in the last three years the issue has come before Canada's broadcast regulator.

The fee-for-carriage issue is without question the most contentious facing Canadian broadcasting for one rather prosaic reason - it's all about money, who gets to keep more and who winds up paying.

Depending on who is doing the counting, it could involve the transfer of up to $350 million from the pipeline of the industry - cable and satellite firms that carry the signals - to TV networks that buy or produce the shows. More likely, it could involve television viewers paying anywhere from $2 to $10 a month extra on the cable bills.

The battle is so bitter that even before Monday's start of hearings, one of the parties, Rogers Communications Inc., argued that CRTC chairman Konrad von Finckenstein and at least one other commissioner should "recuse themselves" because they had earlier called for a negotiated fee between the parties.

The request does not make mention of the fact that presumably von Finckenstein and at least one other member of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission had also twice before ruled the other way.

But as Ian Morrison of Friends of Canadian Broadcasting noted, facts are in short supply when both sides are busy throwing mud at each other.

"They say the truth is the first casualty of war and this is one case," he said. "Nobody who has seen those ads has any idea who to believe."

Michael Janigan of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre agrees, calling the millions spent on trying to bring public pressure to bear on the CRTC by companies it regulates "unprecedented."

"I find the roles assumed by the participants bewildering. I suspect the commission is not terribly happy," he said.

The roles assumed by the cable companies in launching the "Stop the TV Tax" blitz of ads is that if they are forced to pay over-the-air broadcasters for carrying signals that viewers with TV antennas pick up for free, they will have no choice but charge consumers $10 a month extra. Independent observers say the fee will likely be more like $2 or $3 a month.

In filing before the CRTC, the carriers have also blasted CTV and Global for making hapless business decisions, including overpaying for popular U.S. shows such as CSI series or Desperate Housewives.

On the other side, CTVglobemedia Inc., Canwest Global Communications Corp, and the CBC have responded with the "Local TV Matters" campaign, arguing they are being squeezed by dwindling ad revenue and increasing costs.

The say the carriers have gotten fat on their backs because they pay nothing for the privilege of distributing those popular and expensive programs, including local news.

They also argue that while profitability has been rising among carriers - particularly the cable companies - it has been plummeting among broadcasters to the point they reported a mere $8 million in profits last year, before the recession hit.

Meanwhile, cable company profits, including Shaw Communications Inc, can be measured in the billions.

"This is a case where both sides are desperate," says Morrison, who mostly sides with the broadcasters. "One side because it is sinking; the other because it is bloated and wants to stay that way."

The CRTC will have to weigh a number of issues, including whether the advent of the 500-channel universe has unalterably tipped the scale away from the broadcasters to the carriers, and if corrective measures are needed.

That's what a panel decided earlier this year, so if the CRTC reaffirms that judgment, it will have to set the parameters for how the parties would negotiate market value for the signals.

In its tabled arguments, Rogers quoted from a study it commissioned from respected economist Jack Mintz of the University of Calgary that carriers would be at a disadvantage in negotiating a value for the over-the-air signals because the CRTC requires that they carry them.

Such negotiations occur in the U.S., but carriers are not obliged to include any specific channel on its menu.

A complicating factor is that some of the cable firms own TV stations, some over-the-air for which they pay no fee, and some cable, such as Rogers' Sportsnet, for which they do.

Still another is that Heritage Minister James Moore jumped into the fray this summer and ordered the CRTC to hold hearings on how fee-for-carriage would impact consumers. Those will be held in December.

Some observers, such as Morrison and Janigan, say there is no reason for the cable companies to charge consumers any more, given their profit margins. A separate case can be made for satellite, which as yet is not as profitable.

One possible solution is for the CRTC to dictate that the carriers offer a basic package of stations at a minimal monthly rate set by the regulator.

Also check out the following articles for more information on the fee-for-carriage issue:

CRTC Hearing -- Commission Hears New Proposal for TV Industry
CRTC Hearing -- Rogers Argues Against TV Tax
CRTC Hearing -- CTV Presentation to Sustain Local Television

Toronto - October 24, 2009

The 2009 Directors Guild of Canada Awards brought out the film and television industry's best and brightest to last night's event at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. The star-studded celebration kicked-off with a cocktail reception before comedian Shaun Majumder inaugurated the eighth annual awards ceremony to honour the best work created by DGC members last year.

A Special Congratulations to Manitoban Norma Bailey won the award for Best Direction - Television Movie/Mini-Series for The Capture of the Green River Killer.

For a complete list of winners click here

Ink Drinks Winnipeg

Paging Winnipeg screenwriters! The Canadian screenwriter meet-up event Ink Drinks is coming to Winnipeg for the first time!

Friday, November 27, 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Confusion Corner Grill (500 Corydon Avenue)

Polly Washburn & Danishka Esterhazy are hosting the event, and hope to see screenwriters of all levels step away from their keyboards, typewriters and notepads to meet each other!

Details and RSVP on the Facebook Event Page

CALL FOR ENTRIES
9th TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL
New York, United States, April 21 to May 2, 2010
(LONG AND SHORT FILMS – ALL GENRE)

Telefilm Canada is currently accepting entries on behalf of the Festival and will coordinate a consolidated shipment of screeners of Canadian films.

Information and registration process

Application Deadline via Telefilm Canada : November 25, 2009

Entry deadline, if submitted directly to the festival : December 14, 2009

Late entry deadline : January 11, 2010

The Société de développement des entreprises culturelles du Québec (SODEC) is handling the submission process for the entries from Québec. Please contact José Dubeau at 514-841-2299 or jose.dubeau@sodec.gouv.qc.ca

The Tribeca Film Festival was founded in 2002 by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff to celebrate New York City as a major filmmaking capital and to contribute to the long-term recovery of lower Manhattan after the attacks of September 11, 2001. The Festival's mission is to create platforms for filmmakers to reach the best possible audience for their work. It screens about 150 features and 100 shorts from around the world. In 2010, cash awards will total US$140,000 in addition to US$20,000 worth of in-kind services and products.

National and International Business Development
Telefilm Canada, Montréal
514 283-6363

THE BEACHES OF AGNES
Dir. Agnes Varda France | 2008 | 110 mins. | French w/ English subtitles |

Wed Nov 18, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Thu Nov 19, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Fri Nov 20, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Sun Nov 22, 2009 at 7:00 PM

For filmgoers determined to see cinema not just as mass entertainment but as an art form, The Beaches of Agnes arrives like an exhilarating call to arms. The Agnes in question would be Agnes Varda, the venerable French filmmaker (by way of Brussels) who in this lively, visually stunning autobiographical essay has created a poignant summa of her extraordinary life and career. If you can't recall Varda's films -- her best-known titles are Cleo from 5 to 7, The Gleaners and I and Vagabond -- no matter. The Beaches of Agnes will no doubt enchant newcomers to her work just as thoroughly as it will captivate her long time fans.

In a swiftly moving life story, Varda proceeds to touch on her birth in Belgium, a move during World War II to the harbor town of Sete, France, her stint in art school in Paris and finally her partnership with the love of her life, New Wave director Jacques Demy (The Umbrellas of Cherbourg). But rather than a straightforward autobiography, Varga conceives "The Beaches of Agnes" as a densely layered collage, wherein she revisits and re enacts singular moments in her experience, arranges family portraits, uses clips of her films and stages surreal scenes depicting both the events and interior life of an artist. The Beaches of Agnes might be the best film yet from a director who for half a century has managed to inspire, astonish and endure. - Washington Post

WATERLIFE
Dir. Kevin McMahon | Canada | 2008 | 109 mins | Documentary

Wed Nov 18, 2009 at 9:00 PM
Thu Nov 19, 2009 at 9:00 PM
Fri Nov 20, 2009 at 9:00 PM
Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 9:00 PM

The source of drinking water, fish and emotional sustenance for 35 million people, the Great Lakes are under assault by toxins, sewage, invasive species, dropping water levels and profound apathy. Some scientists believe the lakes are on the verge of ecological collapse. Filled with fascinating characters and stunning imagery, WATERLIFE is an epic cinematic poem about the beauty of water and the dangers of taking it for granted.

The film is narrated by The Tragically Hip’s Gord Downie and features music by Sam Roberts, Sufjan Stevens, Sigur Ros, Robbie Robertson and Brian Eno.

"One of the most stunning films about the environmental crisis I’ve ever seen...not only does it contain important information presented in a way that we haven’t seen before but it is a beautiful cinematic experience." - Agnes Varnum, doc it out

Prairie Theatre Exchange had such an exciting turnout and positive response at their Performance Training Ensemble auditions that they've scheduled an extra audition date, in order to give everyone a chance to participate in this exciting training opportunity.

A new concept to the Winnipeg arts community, Performance Training Ensemble at Prairie Theatre Exchange (PTE@PTE) gives emerging artists a chance to hone their talent and skills in preparation for a serious acting career.

“At recent auditions held at the Manitoba Theatre Centre (MTC), I couldn’t help noticing that the participants of the PTE@PTE program who auditioned were exceptionally skilled and well-prepared,” says Steven Schipper, Artistic Director of MTC.

The course is a performance-based program that provides advanced training to emerging actors with some experience and a serious commitment to acting. After months of preparation and rehearsals, PTE@PTE members perform a full-length play on the main stage at PTE.

“It’s something Winnipeg had never seen before last year,” says John B. Lowe, School & Community Programs Director. “We were surprised by the level of interest in this kind of training. We’re very excited about the quality and dedication of the participants, and the program exceeded all our expectations.”

All PTE@PTE classes will be taught by the highest caliber of working, professional theatre & film artists including Miriam Smith, Debbie Patterson, Brenda Mclean and John B. Lowe. PTE’s Artistic Director Robert Metcalfe will act as Artistic Consultant. The PTE@PTE main stage production will be directed by Chris Sigurdson, one of Winnipeg’s leading actor/directors.

The second round of auditions is for the afternoon of Sunday, November 29, 2009. To book your audition or for more information call 925-5253.

Click here for more information on the program.

Prairie Theatre Exchange is a professional theatre company in the heart of Downtown Winnipeg. PTE is one of the largest professional arts organizations in Manitoba with an excellent national reputation. PTE School has been providing quality theatre education to Manitobans for over 35 years.

8TH Annual WINNIPEG ABORIGINAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Best New Indigenous Cinema from Canada and Around the World
Garrick Event Centre, 330 Garry St. Wpg,
November 18-22, 2009

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS (For full schedule go to www.aboriginalfilmfest.org)

WEDNESDAY NOV 18 2009 - OPENING NIGHT
7 PM: Keynote Speaker: Film Veteran Gordon Tootoosis
8 PM: Opening night Feature Night Film: FROZEN RIVER
Nominated for 2 Oscars in 2008. Actress Misty Upham in attendance.

THURSDAY NOV 19 2009
7 PM / MANITOBA FILMMAKERS’ NIGHT Hosted by Wab Kinew

FRIDAY NOV 20 2009
7 PM Theatre 1 / Feature Film: RUN *WORLD PREMIERE
9:30 PM Feature Film: SIN NOMBRE (Without a Name)
7 PM – MIDNIGHT: Documentaries, Short Dramas, and Experimentals

SATURDAY NOV 21 2009
1 & 3 PM / FAMILY FEST – Movies for the whole family – FREE ADMISSION!
5 PM BLACKSTONE *World Premiere of APTN’s contraversial new series
7 PM / Feature Film: BARKING WATER / RESIDENTAL SCHOOL FILM SCREENINGS: TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION PANEL TO FOLLOW
9:30 PM Theatre 1 / Feature Film: KISSED BY LIGHTNING *Manitoba premiere

SUNDAY NOV 22 2009
1 PM – WAFF Award Winners

YOUTH FILMMAKING WORKSHOPS - WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY
FREE INDUSTRY WORKSHOPS - SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (Value $120)

Under 15 FREE / “FAMILY FEST” Films 1 & 3 PM Sat. FREE /
Single Screening $4 / Festival Pass $40 / Limited number of free passes available to individuals and organizations – call to request.
Tickets available at the door. Advance tickets: call 204 774 1375 or email info@aboriginalfilmfest.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: CLAIRE MARCHAND 204 774 1375 waff@live.ca

FOR FULL SCHEDULE GO TO: www.aborginalfilmfest.org

MANITOBA PREMIERE OF OSCAR-NOMINATED FILM “FROZEN RIVER”
OPENING NIGHT AT THE WINNIPEG ABORIGINAL FILM FESTIVAL
7 pm, Wednesday November 18, 2009
Garrick Event Centre, 330 Garry St.

(Winnipeg) The Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival gets underway Wednesday, November 18th, with the Manitoba premiere of a movie that garnered 2 Oscar nominations in 2008 “Best Writing” and “Best Actress.” To date, the film has won 24 awards. Film veteran Gordon Tootoosis (Legends of the Fall, North of 60) will deliver the keynote address opening night.

Supporting Actress Misty Upham will be in attendance. The unknown actress literally went form working in a laundromat to walking the red carpet with the release of the movie that was made on a shoestring budget. Upham gave a spellbinding performance as a single mother living in a Mohawk community near the Canada-US border who, struggling to support her family, is drawn into the world of cross-border smuggling.

"With Frozen River, I have become the first Native-American woman to have a leading role -- which means through the entire feature -- in a non-native film that went to box office cinema," said Upham. "So it broke open this barrier, this ceiling, this glass ceiling that for 70 years we've been fighting to break open."

The Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival will be screening over 60 new indigenous films from Canada and around the World during the 5-day festival at the Garrick Event Centre, along with industry workshops and nightly events. It is the third largest Aboriginal film festival in North America in the Canadian city with the highest Aboriginal population.

Under 15 FREE / “FAMILY FEST” Films 1 & 3 PM Sat. FREE / Single Screening $4 / Festival Pass $40 / Limited number of free passes available to individuals and organizations – call to request.
Tickets available at the door. Advance tickets: call 204 774 1375 or email info@aboriginalfilmfest.org

Toronto, November 12, 2009 - CBC and Telefilm Canada today announced a new initiative aimed at bringing an integrated approach to the commissioning, marketing and distribution of Canadian English-language feature films.

The approach will focus on developing and financing films that would have an initial theatrical release followed shortly thereafter by broadcast on CBC Television and distribution via other platforms.

“We know there is a tremendous amount of demand and creativity within the Canadian film industry that can be served through innovative new approaches to film development, financing, production and distribution,” says Richard Stursberg, Executive Vice President of CBC English Services. “As the country’s premier broadcaster of Canadian programming, we want to explore every opportunity to bring the best of Canadian film to our audiences.”

“Telefilm Canada is committed to innovative partnerships like this that benefit the development, production, marketing and distribution of Canadian feature films that will engage Canadian audiences across all platforms,” says Wayne Clarkson, Executive Director of Telefilm Canada.

Under the proposed approach, CBC will contribute to the development and production of up to four projects per year, focusing on films that would be suited for both commercial theatres and CBC’s Sunday evening prime time movie program slot. CBC, in collaboration with Telefilm, will also work with independent producers, their creative teams and distributors on production and promotion of films. Key to the concept will be the ability to collapse the amount of time between theatrical release and CBC broadcast to enhance cross-promotion opportunities.

CBC and Telefilm, also in cooperation with the country’s film production community, will work to develop new financing models as a viable alternative to existing models from the standpoint of producers, distributors and equity investors. CBC’s current acquisition strategies will remain unchanged.

About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages.

About Telefilm Canada
Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry. Telefilm provides financial support to the private sector to create distinctively Canadian productions that appeal to domestic and international audiences. The Corporation also administers the funding programs of the Canada Feature Film Fund, the Canadian Television Fund and the Canada New Media Fund. Visit www.telefilm.gc.ca.

The Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival & On Screen Manitoba present

MANITOBA FILMMAKERS’ NIGHT
Thursday November 19th 2009 at the Garrick Event Centre 330 Garry St
7 PM Screenings / 9 PM Party

Filmmakers and actors in attendance: Ervin Chartrand, Jeremy Torrie, Gordon Tootoosis, Ryan Black

Hosted by CBC’s Wab Kinew, this extraordinary night is devoted to celebrating local Aboriginal film talent and announcing the latest news on the support that is available to all local filmmakers. Filmmakers and actors will be in attendance.

SCREENINGS INCLUDE:

IKWE
By Caroline Monnet is an experimental film that weaves the narrative of one woman’s (IKWE) intimate thoughts with the teachings of her grandmother, the Moon, creating a surreal narrative experience that comunicates the power of thoughts and personal reflection.

THE STRAWBERRY CONFESSION
Director Talia Pura brings us the story of Arlene - a woman who is very long on opinions, but short on life experience. One of her greatest joys and most heartfelt obligations is her daily trip to her local parish priest, for confession. He is the one person in her life who is obliged to sit and listen to whatever she wants to unburden herself of. Generally, this leads to nothing more than yawn-inducing trivialities. However, today’s confession goes in a completely unexpected direction, jolting the priest awake in spite of himself.

JULIANA AND THE MEDICINE FISH *Manitoba Premiere
The new short drama by director Jeremy Torrie. After the tragic death of her mother, twelve year-old Juliana returns to the majestic Lake of the Woods where her father owns a tourist lodge. The lodge is about to go bankrupt. In a last-ditch attempt tosave the lodge, dad organizes a high-stakes fishing derby. Powerless to help until she finds a legendary musky lurking in the waters around the lodge. Juliana devises a plan to capture it to save the business. But when Juliana seeks the help of an old Ojibway guide (Gordon Tootoosis). She learns this is an ancient “medicine fish” with a spirit-essence crucial to the survival of the lake, and all other muskies. Will she capture the mythic beast and save the lodge, or will she allow it to live? Jeremy Torrie and Gordon Tootoosis in attendance.

I-N-D-I-A-N
From director Daryl Neepinak – the classic spelling bee – rez style. Daryl Neepinak in attendance.

DEAR DADDY *World Premiere *First-time filmmaker
This short drama is actress Calumpa Bob’s directorial debut about a young girl coming to terms with her father’s absence.
*Starring Ryan Black. Calumpa Bob and Ryan Black in attendance

LIFE FROM ’95 *World Premiere
New from director Ervin Chartrand: A group of new Canadian youth living in inner city Winnipeg struggle to fit into their new environment. Creating their own lyrics, music and video with rap artist and CBC personality Wab Kinew, they’re finding their voices and exploring their creative potential. Ervin Chartrand and Wab Kinew in attendance.

DOWN(TOWN) TIME
In this experimental drama by director Steven Loft, a split screen depicts two different yet equally disturbing worlds in a Winnipeg night-club.

The Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival (WAFF) is the third largest festival in North America dedicated to indigenous cinema. The 2009 Festival offers over 60 screenings of new feature films, documentaries, shorts, and experimental films by Aboriginal filmmakers, Industry Workshops for emerging and established filmmakers, and 2 full days of Youth Workshops.

9 PM Following Screenings – MANITOBA FILMMAKERS NIGHT PARTY
Ramada/Marlborough Hotel Lounge, 331 Smith (accessible through theatre). Meet the filmmakers!

Under 15 FREE / Family Fest 1 & 3 PM Saturday FREE / Single Screening $4 / Festival Pass $40.
We have a limited number of free passes available, which can be requested by individuals or organizations.
For tickets, call 204 774 1375 or email info@aboriginalfilmfest.org

FOR FULL SCHEDULE GO TO WWW.ABORIGINALFILMFEST.ORG

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS - Golden Sheaf Awards
(SHORT FILMS)

Yorkton Film Festival, May 27 - 30, 2010

Canadian filmmakers, producers and distributors are invited to submit their original work to the competition for the Golden Sheaf Awards. Canadian productions 60 minutes and under that have been completed in the period between February 1, 2000 and January 31, 2010 and not have been entered in a previous Golden Sheaf Awards competition will be accepted.

Along with the 19 category awards, the Festival is pleased to once again offer a number of special awards. Submissions that qualify will also be considered for the Ruth Shaw Best of Saskatchewan, Emerging and Aboriginal awards. New this year is an automatic consideration for the Craft awards - additional entry is no longer required!

Complete your online submission and pay before December 18, 2010 and receive the Early Bird Discount of $75.00! Submissions received after the early bird deadline will be charged $85.00. Submit early and save! The submission fee for Student productions is $40.00.

The entry form, list of categories, rules and regulations and all information about the 2010 Golden Sheaf Awards competition can be found on the Festival’s website at www.goldensheafawards.com

Entries will be accepted until the deadline of February 1, 2010 at which time the adjudication process will begin. The nominees will be announced in March 2010 and the Golden Sheaf Statues awarded at the Yorkton Film Festival Gala on Saturday May 29, 2010 in Yorkton, SK.

The Yorkton Film Festival is the longest running film festival in North America. In the 63 years of its existence the Festival has developed a tradition of recognizing excellent films and providing great professional development and learning opportunities. The Festival recognizes outstanding Canadian short films and rewards the very best with the annual Golden Sheaf Awards.

Yorkton Film Festival office
P: 306.782.7077
E: info@goldensheafawards.com
www.goldensheafawards.com

CALL FOR ENTRIES
PERSPECTIVE CANADA_BERLIN 2010
European Film Market (EFM), Berlin, Germany, February 11 to 21, 2010
(Feature-length films)

PERSPECTIVE CANADA_BERLIN is a Telefilm Canada initiative showcasing 12 recent Canadian films at the European Film Market (EFM) at the Berlin Film Festival (Berlinale) with the objective of increasing their international exploitation.

The selection process will be conducted by Telefilm Canada.
Telefilm Canada will render this decision on December 1, 2009

Information and registration procedure
Telefilm Canada submission form

Submission deadline of a completed application form to Telefilm Canada : November 23, 2009

PERSPECTIVE CANADA_BERLIN

The third edition of PERSPECTIVE CANADA_BERLIN will take place during the EFM that runs parallel to the Berlinale. The showcase strives to increase the international exploitation of Canadian feature-length narrative films and to spotlight Canadian companies, films, and talent to the more than 6,300 potential buyers, sellers, and producers from over 80 countries accredited by the EFM.

PERSPECTIVE CANADA_BERLIN participants will also benefit from a promotional campaign developed and entirely funded by Telefilm Canada to guarantee the best possible exposure for the invited Canadian films.

Every film selected will be screened twice at the EFM. Hourly screening rates at the EFM range from 500 – 1000 Euros plus VAT (currently at 19%).

Rights holder of films must cover 50% of the screening costs at the market.

Applicant must also meet the EFM’s deadlines for print copy delivery, market accreditation form, and market screening registration form: www.berlinale.de

Applicant must also meet Telefilm Canada delivery deadlines of the materials for the production of the promotional campaign (December 9, 2009) as well as shipment of materials to Berlin.

National and International Business Development
Telefilm Canada, Montréal
514 283-6363

ROCKSTEADY: THE ROOTS OF REGGAE
Dir. Stascha Bader | 97 mins. | 2009

CINEMATHEQUE
Fri Nov 13, 2009 at 9:45 PM
Sat Nov 14, 2009 at 9:00 PM
Sun Nov 15, 2009 at 7:00 PM

Bob Marley began his career in the Rocksteady eras as a singer & songwriter. Emerging from the ghettos of Kingston, he became the Third World’s first international superstar. Rocksteady: The Roots of Reggae brings together the last of the great singers and musicians of Jamaica’s Golden Age of music, Rocksteady. Forty years after the Rocksteady era, they gather to record an album of greatest hits, to perform at a reunion concert and to tell their story.

As a musical romp through the artists’ memories and stories of the 1960s social scene in Jamaica, the film features a mix of recording sessions at Tuff Gong Studios, archival footage from the period and interviews with the performers at home or at places on the island that had profound effects on their music and lives. Featured singers include Judy Mowatt, Marcia Griffiths, Dawn Penn, Hopeton Lewis, Streager Cole, Derrick Morgan, Ken Boothe, Leroy Sibbles and U-Roy. Among the musicians are Ernest Ranglin, Sly Dunbar, Jackie Jackson, Gladstone Anderson, Hux Brown and Scully Simms. Also featuring Rita Marley, widow of Bob.

Click here for the trailer

Film Training Manitoba’s Upcoming Workshops
Fall & Winter 2009

Our workshops are held in various venues in the downtown area so please visit our website, www.filmtraining.mb.ca, for more information on how to find us, and how to register for these workshops. You can also call us at 989-9669!

Locations, Locations, Locations
Nov. 21 and 22 (Sat. and Sun.) | 10 am – 6 pm | $100
Instructors: Michael Cowles, Cathie Edgar

This intermediate course is not the same as the required locations course for DGC Manitoba.
This course will provide participants with a detailed introduction to the duties and responsibilities of the locations department. Participants will learn about city regulations, location permits, scouting and prepping location, and much more. This course will be a combination of in class and hands on components, which will include visiting various locations throughout Winnipeg.
*Participants will be required to provide their SINs (social insurance numbers).

Dealing with Difficult Situations
November 28th | 10 am – 6 pm | $50
Instructor: David Falk

Dealing with difficult workplace situations is a challenge faced by many people and the way you handle these situations can significantly shape your reputation within the workplace. This one-day session examines the nature of workplace conflict and will provide you with the skills needed to clear up misunderstandings, resolve disagreements, and address difficult situations.

Set Etiquette, part of the Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival
November 21st | TBD | TBD
Instructor: Tasia Geras

FTM’s Set Etiquette course provides participants with a practical understanding of what is expected on and off of a film set. It will empower you to make a positive contribution to the film making process, enabling you to work competently and safely in various worksites, weather, and situations.

Intro to Paper, part of the Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival
November 22nd | TBD | TBD
Instructor: Tasia Geras

Intro to Paper is designed to familiarize participants the many forms and documents you will encounter when working on a film or television project (or “show” as we call them). Communication is essential in the film industry and the paperwork that we work with is one of the most important organizational tools and resources we have.

The call for entries for the 2010 History Makers Awards is officially open! This year we have expanded the History Makers Awards to five categories including:

• Best History Production
• Best Use of Archive in a History Production
• Best Current Affairs Production
• Best Use of Archive in a Current Affairs Production
• Most Innovative Production

Click here to review the awards categories definitions.

ENTER NOW for your chance to be featured amongst the best in International History and Current Affairs productions. Winners will be announced during an Awards Gala at History Makers taking place on January 28, 2010 in New York City! Nominees and winners will be selected by members of international juries, who are appointed by the History Makers Awards Committee.

Price per entry is $100 USD. Final deadline for entries is December 4, 2009.

To register click here

For questions regarding the 2010 History Makers Awards Call for Entries, please contact:

Tiffany Rushton
Program Producer - Awards
trushton@achillesmedia.com
416-921-3171 ext. 227

Congratulations Brendon Sawatzky who was one of five Canadian Producers chosen to attend the Mannheim Meetings 2009 taking place in Mannheim, Germany from November 11 to 15.

Brendon will be representing Inferno Pictures with the project Shed Devil, a story about a man who never ignores the pleas of people in need and who one day finds himself in a less than ideal situation when he goes to his shed and finds "Satan" who "wants to hang out".

The Mannheim Meetings offer a unique and innovative concept of one-to-one business meetings for different players in the arthouse arena: film producers, distributors, and sales agents.

On Thursday, November 19 CWC will be presenting Adaptation, Success or Extinction? Understanding the Impact of the Evolving Communications Trends and Industry on Your Career at the Norwood Hotel with Dr. David Jacobson.

Don’t let yourself miss this event regarding technology that everyone working in the communications field or related to the communications industry should be hearing about! It features high profile speaker, David Jacobson, a true thought leader on the many uses of future technologies, who is globally respected within his community. Jacobson will outline valuable strategies to help you take advantage of the evolving communications trends.

Check out a video where David speaks to some of the key topics to be highlighted during the presentation.

Date and Time: Thursday, November 19 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Norwood Hotel, 112 Marlon St, Promenade A Room, Winnipeg
Tickets: Members $45, Non-Members $55, Students – Limited available $20 (Includes light meal and refreshments.)

Attendees will have an opportunity to win an Apple iPod, donated by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

For more information and to register please visit www.cwc-afc.com

Feel free to download and distribute the poster for the event

A CWC Leadership Initiative generously sponsored by Citytv.

FOR THE LOVE OF MOVIES: THE STORY OF AMERICAN FILM CRITICISM
( Fortheloveofmovies.net )
Dir. Gerald Peary | USA | 2009 | 81 min.

*Opening Night PANEL to follow the Friday Night SCREENING on Nov. 13 at 8:30 PM
w/ filmmaker/moderator SEAN GARRITY, critics ROBERT ENRIGHT (Border Crossings), RANDALL KING (Winnipeg Free Press), ALISON GILLMOR (CBC Radio) and AARON GRAHAM (Uptown)

Fri. & Sat. / Nov. 13 & 14 / 7:00 PM
Sun. / Nov. 15 / 4:00 PM
THE CINEMATHEQUE, 100 ARTHUR STREET

For the Love of Movies: The Story of American Film Criticism is the first documentary to dramatize the rich saga of American movie reviewing. The film includes interviews with many critics and reviewers including Richard Schickel, J. Hoberman, Jonathan Rosenbaum, Elvis Mitchell, Andrew Sarris and rare footage of Manny Farber. Directed by The Boston Phoenix critic, Gerald Peary, For the Love of Movies offers an insider’s view of the critics’ profession, with commentary from America’s best-regarded reviewers, Roger Ebert (The Chicago Sun-Times), A.O. Scott (The New York Times), Lisa Schwarzbaum (Entertainment Weekly), Kenneth Turan (The Los Angeles Times). 

We also hear from young, articulate, Internet voices, including Harry Knowles (ainitcoolnews.com) and Karina Longworth (spout.com). Their stories are entertaining, humorous, and personal. Those who hear them may gain new respect for the film critic profession, knowing the faces and voices, and also the history. From the raw beginnings of criticism before The Birth of a Nation to the incendiary Pauline Kael-Andrew Sarris debates of the 1960s and 70s to the battle today between youthful on-liners and the print establishment, this documentary tells all. How did they come to their jobs and to their abiding love for cinema? Peary outlines the critics’ goal to illuminate the film-going experience, suggesting paths for readers to enter cinema more deeply, thoughtfully, appreciatively.

5th ANNUAL WIFTV WOMEN IN FILM FESTIVAL 2010
April 17 - 18, 2010

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: December 17, 2009
REGULAR DEADLINE: January 14, 2010
EXTENDED DEADLINE: January 28, 2010

Vancouver, BC - Women In Film & Television Vancouver (WIFTV) is pleased to announce that the 5th Annual Women In Film Festival (WIFF) will be presented April 17 & 18th, 2010 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Our 2009 festival was a huge success and a huge undertaking. We had great films, great parties, movie stars and plenty of inspirational moments from our multi-talented WIFTV members and the film community.

"Our 2010 film festival will continue to inspire and celebrate the contributions of our members and non-members alike. It will be a more compact version of our festival, as we are also presenting the Women In View Symposium in October 2010," says WIFTV Film Festival Chair, Roslyn Muir.

Highlights of the spring festival include a feature film presentation that will be followed with a panel discussion with the female director, presented by The Creative Women Workshops Association CTV/CAM program. In addition, there will be short film programs, an opening reception as well as networking and pitching opportunities. The festival is produced by WIFTV, an internationally affiliated non-profit society committed to advancing and celebrating women in screen based media.

This year, the Women In Film Festival will accept Canadian and international SHORT FILM submissions (20 minutes maximum) in the following categories: narrative, documentary, new media, music videos, video poems, or experimental shorts.

Submissions featuring strong female characters and stories are encouraged. Eligible films must have THREE of the following (one woman may serve more than one role): a woman as Writer, a woman as Producer, a woman as Director, a woman as D.O.P., a woman as lead Actor, a woman as lead Animator / Editor.

In addition, the Legacy Awards will be presented by festival sponsor, Producer Deboragh Gabler of Legacy Filmworks, to three B.C. filmmaking teams for outstanding achievement in film.

CTV WIDC Career Advancement Module (CAM) ~ Creative Women Workshops Association (producer of the annual Women In the Director's Chair Workshop) will present an intensive career advancement program for four (4) mid-career Canadian women directors. This module focuses on the personal skills needed to achieve success in screen fiction.

New this year: Use our online submission form. Submission information can be found at www.womeninfilm.ca

For further information, check our website www.womeninfilm.ca, email info@womeninfilm.ca or call 604-685-1152.

WIFTV is an internationally affiliated non-profit society committed to advancing and celebrating women in screen-based media. We are the Vancouver chapter of Women In Film & Television International (WIFTI), which counts more than 10,000 members world-wide.

Frantic Films' popular reality series 'Til Debt Do Us Part is headed to U.S. cable channel CNBC, following a deal reached on behalf of the producers by Toronto's Picture Box Distribution.

The sale gives Debt -- which previously aired stateside on the smaller American Life TV Network -- more prominent exposure in the U.S. on CNBC, which reaches 97 million American homes. The deal, comprised of three seasons, was negotiated by Picture Box's director of sales for the Americas Kate Sanagan and CNBC's Andre Yonteff.

Debt, which airs here on Slice, will premiere on CNBC on Saturday. It is produced by Winnipeg-based Frantic in association with Canwest, and follows financial guru Gail Vaz-Oxlade as she uses tough love to help families get to the bottom of their destructive spending habits.

"We are pleased to have placed this important show with an American broadcaster such as CNBC," commented Sanagan in a release, adding the cable channel is an "excellent fit" for the series.

Picture Box has also sold the series to international broadcasters including Discovery Asia, Zone Media in the U.K. and Sweden's TV4.

CALL FOR ENTRIES
40th TAMPERE INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
Tampere, Finland, March 10 to 14, 2010
(For short films under 30 minutes)

Information and registration process

Application deadline : December 1, 2009

Eligibility
Please note that all films must be submitted directly to the festival.

Consult the Information and registration process for all the details and entry procedures.

The Tampere International Short Film Festival, located in Finland, has established itself as one of the most prominent independent short film festivals alongside the Oberhausen and Clermont-Ferrand festivals. In addition to the screenings, the Festival hosts an international short film market.

National and International Business Development
Telefilm Canada, Montréal
514 283-6363

Winnipeg - November 4, 2009

On Nov 18, representatives from six of Winnipeg’s multi-award winning screen-based production companies will arrive in Quebec City with the goal of creating alliances with production companies based in Quebec.

They are:

• Buffalo Gal Pictures
• Media RendezVous
• DACAPO Productions
• Merit Motion Pictures
• Eagle Vision
• Les Productions Rivard

Organized through the support of A.N.I.M. (Agence National et International du Manitoba), this Manitoba Trade Mission is the first time On Screen Manitoba has partnered with the francophone trade agency.

On Screen Manitoba (formerly MMPIA) is an innovative membership-driven association that leads, builds and represents Manitoba’s screen based industry. In existence for more than 20 years now, On Screen Manitoba has just launched a new multi-year industry development strategy called ACCESS. It includes a francophone media strategy that will offer programs aimed at fast-tracking growth and diversification in this under serviced community.

A recent study completed by CDEM (Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities) found that there are 5 small businesses in film within the Manitoba Francophone community. They employ an estimated 40 full time persons, 5 part-time and more than 160 contract workers. These businesses inject an approximate $7-million into the Manitoba economy.

Claudia Garcia de la Huerta is the Programs Manager for On Screen Manitoba. She will also be joining the Trade Mission on behalf of the association. She says this new niche strategy will only help to grow an already exploding local industry.

“We are the fourth largest film & television production centre in Canada right now after Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. The industry is recognized as a leading economic driver of the creative economy that as a whole injects more than $100-million into the local economy. By promoting Manitoba as a centre for Francophone production outside of Quebec, we hope to attract even more opportunities to the province.”

Charles Clement is the owner of Media RendezVous. A producer and a director himself, his company focuses on creating innovative content in both English and French.

"As one of the only Franco-Aboriginal production companies working outside of Québec, Media RendezVous is very excited to forge new alliances with producers inside Québec with the goal of one day producing shows for all Canadians to enjoy!"

Buffalo Gal Pictures will also be represented in the trade mission through Joanne Levy, Producer & Head of Television for the Manitoba production company.

“For 15 years now, Buffalo Gal Pictures has co-produced award-winning film and television projects with production companies in Canada and throughout the world. This trade mission creates opportunities for new partnerships with some of the many well-established Quebec production companies.

At the same time, we are excited to show Quebec's business community the value of Buffalo Gal Pictures as an experienced partner bringing originality, excellence and significant support to our joint ventures.”

No stranger to trade missions, On Screen Manitoba is excited about the countless possibilities this could mean for its participating members.

We would like to publicly thank A.N.I.M. for making us a part of this trade mission and hope it will be the first of many collaborations.

For more information and/or to set up any interviews please contact: Claudia Garcia de la Huerta at 927-5895

Winnipeg, Manitoba, November 5, 2009

Winnipeg-based Buffalo Gal Pictures is thrilled to celebrate 15 years of award-winning film and television production and production partnerships.

Working with some of the best and brightest filmmakers in the world, the company’s success arises from a focus on originality, demonstrated by the diverse collection of industry awards it has earned throughout the years. As key representatives of Manitoba’s motion picture industry, Buffalo Gal takes pride in its ability to attract some of the most lucrative projects this province has ever seen.

“Buffalo Gal Pictures is like a crucible for our indie production community,” says Tara Walker, executive director of On Screen Manitoba. “The company nurtures talent to create its best work, and builds solid partnerships with partners here and around the world. Phyllis Laing, Liz Jarvis and all the staff share a sense of purpose in the work of the company and a commitment to community-building.”

“Like many in this creative business, they have come through great transformations, highs and lows. It’s a testament to their tenacity, skill and passion that they keep getting stronger.”

Some of Buffalo Gal Pictures’ latest co-productions include Cherien Dabis’ awardwinning film Amreeka, which opened with excellent box office figures at Grant Park Theater last weekend, and the critically acclaimed Winnipeg-based TV sitcom Less Than Kind, which features renowned Canadian actor and writer Mark McKinney as executive producer.

Major success stories also include Guy Maddin’s fantasy/documentary My Winnipeg, as well as his well-known cinematic masterpiece, the Saddest Music in the World. Additionally, Buffalo Gal was involved in recent box-office successes The Haunting in Connecticut and The Stone Angel.

“It’s a great privilege to bring Manitoba projects to the world, and to have the world bring its projects to us,” says Phyllis Laing, Buffalo Gal’s president and senior producer. “I can only imagine, with the amazing team we have built here, what the next 15 years will bring.”

Buffalo Gal Pictures is an independent film and television production company based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. President Phyllis Laing and producer Liz Jarvis have developed and produced many challenging and diverse projects by creating collaborative relationships with creative talent and building successful co-production partnerships.

For more information, visit www.buffalogalpictures.com, or contact Marketing and Distribution coordinator Tim Phelan at (204) 956-2777 (ext. 233)

90 SECOND QUICKIE - for people who like it short

RULES: Create a 90 second (or less) film between October 14 & November 24. It’s as simple as that.

DEADLINE: All completed films must arrive at the WFG office (304-100 Arthur St. Winnipeg, MB R3B 1H3) by 5pm on Tuesday, November 24. (no extensions)

FORMATS: We will be compiling all films onto one screening tape so please submit either:

1. a 16mm or 35mm film print or
2. a playable DVD and file of your film/video on DVD (.mov, .avi)

SCREENING: Friday, December 4 at 7pm at the Cinematheque. Admission is $5.00.
PRIZE: 1/3 of the door will go to the makers of the film awarded the special jury prize!
PARTY: Immediately following the contest we will be having a rockin’ x-mas party in the WFG studio! Come one, come all!
MORE INFO: distribution@winnipegfilmgroup.com | (204) 925-3452

DOWNLOAD ENTRY FORM

With the announcement of a $2,000 prize, provided by the National Film Board of Canada, the deadline for submissions to PITCH FEST WEST at the Whistler Film Festival has been extended to 12 noon, November 12.

Pitch Fest West will showcase film, TV and digital media producers who are in search of the knowledge, relationships and financing strategies required to successfully tell their stories across several platforms (i.e. web extensions, mobile content, interactive games).

It gives up to five Canadian producers the opportunity to pitch projects to a distinguished panel of Canadian and International industry leaders in front of a live audience.

Feature film, documentary, scripted series are eligible to apply provided a cross-platform media component is included in the project. Pitches that team film or television producers with new media companies are highly encouraged. Producers must be Canadian residents. Pitches will take place on Saturday, December 5, 2009.

Download the application at: www.whistlerfilmfestival.com

INPUT is now accepting entries for the 2010 conference in Budapest, Hungary this coming May.

INPUT isn't a competition or festival; it is an international conference that aims "to celebrate and encourage the development of public service television."

Please note as you consider whether to submit that if your program is selected you must send someone to present it. Funding from INPUT for Canadian productions is very rare so it is also advisable to consider how you would pay for your representative to attend.

Deadline: Please note the deadline for Canadian selection is considerably earlier this year...DVDs and copies of the online entry forms should be sent no later than Friday, Nov 20, 2009. (See below for full mailing and shipping addresses.)

Submitting a production for INPUT means to submit a filled out submission form found at www.input-tv.org with two DVD copies of the production and accepting the 10 conditions and rules that apply:

1. Productions produced or broadcast after 1 January 2008 are eligible. It is not essential that programmes have had to be broadcast, but it must be clear that programmes have been produced for television.

2. Productions submitted to the conference may not include any commercial advertising.

3. A co-production will be regarded as the submission of whichever organisation submits it.

4. All co-production partners must be named on the submission form. It will be presumed by INPUT and the conference host that the other co-producers have agreed to the programme being submitted.

5. All productions screened at INPUT will be presented by a Key Staff member such as the Director, Author or Producer. The submitting company is responsible to bear all costs to and from the conference for this staff member unless an agreement is reached between the conference hosts and the production submitter before the programme is screened during the conference.

6. The conference host and/or INPUT shall have the right to release stills and excerpts of up to 3 minutes from any submission for screening free of charge by TV stations reporting on the conference or for use in the internet or other media.

7. All graphic material sent in by the entrants is released free of charge for use in all publications about the conference (press, printed material, Internet etc.).

8. Freight, customs and insurance costs for the shipment of entries and accompanying material shall be borne by the submitter.

9. The conference host will keep the DigiBeta cassettes of all submissions and all productions screened during the conference for its archive and for use in the INPUT archive.

10. INPUT may use all productions screened during the annual conference strictly for non-profit and educational events such as Mini-INPUT, Best of INPUT, Post INPUT etc. The screening of the submitted production - in full or in part - shall not occur until the organisers of such INPUT events have informed the submitters beforehand about their intention to use the production at such an event.

Send submissions attention:

Ilka Nicole De laat
at CBC Toronto in room 5A300-A of the Broadcast Centre
Independent Documentary Unit
CBC Television

t: 416.205.8646 f: 416.205.8842
e: ilka_delaat@cbc.ca

mail: P.O. Box 500, Station A
Toronto, ON M5W 1E6

courier: 205 Wellington St. W.
Toronto, ON M5V 3G7

Winnipeg Film Group’s Cinematheque and the Manitoba Association of Playwrights (MAP) would like to invite you to a series of special presentations curated by MAP’s Artistic Director, Rory Runnells called Labyrinth of the Play: Manitoba playwrights on film playing at Winnipeg’s Cinematheque from November 4th till December 6th, 2009.

As Mr. Runnells notes: "theatre and film interconnect in many ways, but one way, not usually considered, is how playwrights are inspired, in countless ways by a film in their own creative process, or how they see that an adaptation into film can change the perception of their own writing. It’s certainly true for theatre artists in Manitoba. On the 30th Anniversary of the Manitoba Association of Playwrights, it is valuable for the art itself to ponder how a theatrical community relates to the medium of film, what it does as an art form and an art. The following six Manitoba playwrights have used film to help inspire, question and develop their own themes and approaches to art.

Please join us for this special collection of films introduced by 6 renowned Manitoban playwrights Celeste Sansregret, Carolyn Gray, Grant Guy, Angus Kohm, Ross Mc Millan and Mike Bell over the course of the series. For more information on this and other events please go to our website at www.winnipegcinematheque.com.

PLAYWRIGHTS ON FILM: LOVE AND HUMAN REMAINS
Wednesday November 4th - 7pm

Celeste Sansregret Introduces: LOVE AND HUMAIN REMAINS Dir. Denys Arcand | Canada | 2003 | 99 min| Drama * adapted from the play by Brad Fraser Celeste Sansregret on LOVE AND HUMAIN REMAINS - "In its themes of love, friendship, desire and the damage people inflict on each other as they search for love and acceptance are compelling and enduring. Fraser wrote the screenplay and none of the poignancy, wit, affection or B movie terror of the original is lost in this adaptation. At the same time Arcand brings the desolation of the urban landscape of the unnamed Canadian city to the foreground, using the visual element of landscape as a metaphor for the emptiness and isolation of the character's inner lives."

ROMAN POLANSKI'S THE TENANT
Sunday, November 8 - 1PM

Caroly Gray introduces - THE TENANT (Le Locataire) Dir. Roman Polanski | France | 1976 | 126 min.| Caroly Gray on THE TENANT : "I named the main character of my new play Confessional after the protagonist of Roman Polanski’s THE TENANT Trelkovsky, and his journey inspired me to let go of reality and lead my characters deep into the labyrinth of the play."

THE MIRROR (Zerkalo)
Sunday, November 15 - 1PM

Grant Guy introduces: THE MIRROR (Zerkalo) Dir. Andrei Tarkovsky | Soviet Union | 1974 | 106 min. | Grant Guy on THE MIRROR: "There are certain filmmakers who use film not only to tell a story but as a piece of sculpture or painting, inviting us into a world of slow reflection and the passage of time. Bringing this sensibility into the theatre is important."

CHAINED HEAT
Wednesday, November 25 - 7PM

Angus Kohm introduces - CHAINED HEAT Dir. Paul Nicholas | USA | 1983 | 95 mins. Angus Kohm on CHAINED HEAT : "Chained Heat was a seminal viewing experience for me. It was the first women’s prison film I ever saw, and perhaps the first film of its kind (over the top exploitation) that I ever saw. For a thirteen year old boy, it was an unforgettable experience. It inspired me, when I was at university, to write a major film paper about the genre. This, is turn, inspired me to write my first musical, Bad Girls Jailhouse."

ROSS MCMILLAIN INTRODUCES BERGMAN'S PERSONA
Sunday, November 29 - 1PM

Dir. Ingmar Bergman | Sweden | 1966 | 91 mins. | Swedish with English subtitles Ross McMillan on PERSONA: Few films by Bergman can match the aesthetic qualities and the psychological depth of Persona. It remains one of the most classic examples of his work but at the same time one of the most difficult, both in terms of form and content. There’s very little to be said about the plot which is again a vehicle for Bergman’s inquiry into the human psyche.

CARNAL KNOWLEDGE
Sunday, December 6 - 1PM

Dir. Mike Nichols | 1971 | 98 min.| Starring Art Garfunkel, Jack Nicholson, Ann Margret, Candice Bergen, Carol Kane. Mike Bell on CARNAL KNOWLEDGE: "Carnal Knowledge is a film I revisit from time to time. I'm a fan of the writer, Jules Feiffer, and the director, Mike Nichols. But mostly I'm drawn to the film's narrative ingenuities and diversity of tone, which wavers between comedy and savagery."

Winnipeg Film Group and On Screen Manitoba is pleased to announce the launch of its open public screenplay reading series:

OPEN SCREEN DOOR at the King’s Head Pub this Sunday, November 8, 2009

PRESENTING:

KOSHER SEXY, a staged reading of a new screenplay by Jonas Chernick.
KING’S HEAD PUB, 120 King Street
Sunday November 8, 2009 at 1:00 pm
PWYC (pay what you can) at the door.

Spearheaded by WFG’s Training and Outreach Programs Coordinator and local Maddin regular, Darcy Fehr, and screenwriting teacher, writer and performer, Celeste Sansregret, OPEN SCREEN DOOR is supported by Winnipeg Film Group and On Screen Manitoba and sponsored by the King’s Head Pub.

OPEN SCREEN DOOR is an initiative designed to further the development of locally created film projects. Publically staged readings by local actors will provide screenwriters with audience feedback on their scripts while still in the development phase. In addition to this, the screenwriters will receive a professional set of notes from Sansregret.

The first reading will be of Jonas Chernick’s KOSHER SEXY, a comedy about a young man’s struggles with his own desires and those of his conservative Jewish family. This is a first feature film script for actor Jonas Chernick (INERTIA, The Border) that finds him teaming up again with Winnipeg filmmaker, Sean Garrity.

For more information about this event please contact Celeste Sansregret by email at celestes@mts.net or by phone (204) 291 9340.

Download the poster here

FTM Trains the Next Wave of Aboriginal Crew
Written by Dawn Bourbonnais

Film Training Manitoba has created a unique opportunity for our Aboriginal trainees this past year with a series of Film Shoot Workshops. The goal of these workshops was to create a realistic working environment so that trainees would not only learn about their areas of interest, but would also get a real sense for how a film shoot unfolds.

“The idea of this workshop series was to show our trainees that being a successful crewmember is not just about the final product, it’s about the process you take to get to that product,” explained Neila Benson Executive Director of FTM. Benson also stressed that these workshops were about creating mentorship opportunities for the Aboriginal crew trainees. A working film set is an extremely hectic environment and to have trainees be able to stop the work and ask questions they may have about the process would be very difficult on a working film set.

The first workshop took place in March and was made possible with the cooperation of CAHRD (Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development). Directed by Randy Guest and shot on location at the CAHRD offices, this documentary on the CAHRD organization was created over the course of three days. The trainees were matched with experienced crewmembers for the duration of the shoot and were guided through the process of making a documentary film.

During the shoot, First Assistant Director Richard Duffy took FTM trainee Alanais Moar under his wing. Moar was given a first-hand idea of all the paperwork involved in a film shoot, including the creation of the famous Call Sheets. The project went into post-production and a short, twelve-minute film was created. A screening is planned for the trainees and copies of their work will be kept at the FTM office for future reference.

This past August, FTM made it possible for our trainees to build on what they learned in March with the second workshop in this series that showed them first-hand how a dramatic production is created. With a script written by local actor Ryan Black, and John Barnard of Farpoint Films as the director, the trainees began the day with a group discussion facilitated by FTM staff member Adam Smoluk, who recently directed his second feature film Foodland.

According to Smoluk, “It was cool because we had each crewmember review their dept and introduce themselves to the group. It was very revealing, I think, for these trainees to hear what each department is responsible for and to understand the big picture of how a film shoot comes together. That type of knowledge and training just makes everyone a better crew member.”

Knowing that the goal of this workshop was to create a strong training environment for the trainees, Barnard was able to create a realistic adaptation of a film shoot as well as a strong training environment for everyone involved. “Of course I said yes. FTM is an invaluable organization for the entire film community,” said Barnard. “I began by breaking down the script for blocking and beats. I knew that the trainees would need more time on each scene and I took that into consideration. I think we ended up with a great project that allowed them to learn at their own pace.”

Download the full article here

For more information on Film Training Manitoba and its programs, please visit our website at www.filmtraining.mb.ca.

Get more information on one of FTMs upcoming workshops Locations, Locations, Locations, taking place Nov. 21 and 22 (Sat. and Sun.) | 10 am – 6 pm | $100

CALL FOR ENTRIES
CANADIAN PRODUCERS IN BERLIN
Berlin, Germany, February 11 to 21, 2010

Berlin International Film Festival & European Film Market
FEBRUARY 11 – 21, 2010

Application for inclusion in Telefilm Canada’s CANADA AT BERLIN 2010 Industry directory, online networking group & promo campaign open to all Canadian producers at Berlin.

Application for selection in Telefilm Canada’s Observer Programme at the Berlinale Co-Production Market PRODUCERS WITHOUT BORDERS open to 20 Canadian Producers in Berlin with a feature-length project in development.

A Telefilm Canada initiative in partnership with its

Principal Partners
Bristish Columbia Film
Canadian Heritage – Trade Routes
Ontario Media Development Corporation

Contributors
Film Nova Scotia
Manitoba Film & Music
SaskFilm Video Development Corporation

Telefilm Canada Submission Form
Information and Application Procedure

Submission Deadline : December 7, 2009

The selection process will be conducted by Telefilm Canada. Telefilm Canada will render its decision by December 11.

The European Film Market (EFM), a "must do" event for the international film industry, is the business component of the Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival).

To round out our existing initiatives at the EFM, such as the CANADA SALES DESK and PERSPECTIVE CANADA, Telefilm Canada has created an initiative to assist Canadian producers attending Berlin looking to introduce feature-length projects in development to potential investors, distributors, and production partners.

PRODUCERS WITHOUT BORDERS
The initiative will:

• Provide producers with an accreditation to an Observer Programme at the Berlinale Co-Production Market (February 14 – 16) granting access to the market’s programme, including panel discussions, workshops and networking events (click here for details of their Tailormade Programme)

• Set an agenda to meet face-to-face with a variety of international decision makers at industry events

• Include participants in a PRODUCERS WITHOUT BORDERS directory integrated into the Canada at Berlin marketing campaign.

National and International Business Development
Telefilm Canada, Montréal
514 283-6363

PATRICIA ROZEMA INTRODUCES:

Atom Egoyan’s The Sweet Hereafter / Fri. Nov. 6 / 7:00 PM
Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park / Sat. Nov. 7 / 7:00 PM / ( Q & A hosted by *Brenda Austin Smith )
Patricia Rozema's I’ve Heard The Mermaids Singing / Sun. Nov. 8 / 4:00 PM
@ THE CINEMATHEQUE 100 ARTHUR STREET 

The Winnipeg Film Group welcomes to WINNIPEG the acclaimed Canadian director PATRICIA ROZEMA, one of Canada’s most accomplished and internationally recognized filmmakers and an exceptional, distinctly sensual visual stylist. Patricia will host a special Cinema Lounge introduction to Atom Egoyan’s THE SWEET HEREAFTER, participate in a master class/directors workshop, and introduce special screenings of her films MANSFIELD PARK (based on Jane Austen’s novel) and her Cannes sensation I’VE HEARD THE MERMAIDS SINGING. All films will play @ THE CINEMATHEQUE this weekend.

Rozema has created a large body of feature and television work including I’ve Heard The Mermaids Singing, White Room, When Night is Falling and Mansfield Park. More recently Patricia directed Kit Kittredge: An American Girl and was nominated for an Emmy Award for her co-writing on the Drew Barrymore TV movie GREY GARDENS, which won an OUTSTANDING EMMY AWARD as a made for television movie.

While she was writing and preparing her first feature, I’ve Heard the Mermaids Singing, she worked as an assistant director on Cronenberg's The Fly and on TV dramas, such as Night Heat and The Campbells. I’ve Heard the Mermaids Singing, a serious comedy about a socially inept Girl Friday, completed for only $350,000, made one of the most outstanding feature debuts in the history of Canadian cinema. And Rozema, at 28, became one of Canada's first female filmmakers to win serious international acclaim. At the 1987 Cannes Film Festival, I’ve Heard the Mermaids Singing won the coveted Prix de la jeunesse.

Friday / Nov. 6 / 7:00 PM
Atom Egoyan’s THE SWEET HEREAFTER
CINEMA LOUNGE: (Free Admission)
INTRODUCED BY PATRICIA ROZEMA
Starring Sarah Polley, Ian Holm

Based on the novel by Russell Banks The Sweet Hereafter recounts the events leading up to and following a school bus accident that kills fourteen children. The story follows the families whose lives irrevocably change, and a big city lawyer who shows up in the community hoping to sign people up for a class action lawsuit. In the ensuing atmosphere of suspicion, guilt and doubt, a surviving teenager manages to regain her strength and dignity and by telling a lie reunites the community and drives the lawyer from town. Atom Egoyan’s excellent adaptation of Bank’s complex tale of guilt and redemption is told in a Rashomon-like fashion.

Saturday / Nov. 7 / 7:00 PM
MANSFIELD PARK
* Q & A following the screening of MANSFIELD PARK w/ Patricia Rozema and Brenda Austin Smith
Starring Hannah-Taylor Gordon, Harold Pinter, Tayla Gordon

“Patricia Rozema’s daring, gorgeous interpretation of Jane Austen’s MANSFIELD PARK shuns vapors and swooning in favour of the author’s satirical commentary upon class and her times. What Rozema has done is alter the nature of the book’s insufferable protagonist, Fanny Price, by pulling from Austen’s journals and writings and injecting some conviction, chutzpah and outspoken rebelliousness into a heroine who has been termed “a monster of complacency. Fanny is, as a child called to Mansfield Park by her aunt, Lady Bertram to work as a servant in the huge ramshackle estate. Sir Thomas Bertram owns Mansfield Park and, over time, he and his large brood look upon Fanny as one of their own. They watch her grow into a sturdy young woman who has a keen imagination, a wilful spirit and a secret love for her cousin, Edmund Bertram. Mansfield Park is a more daring, radically darker, and even naughtier version than the 1983 miniseries.” Paula Nechak/Seattle Post Intelligencer

“Intelligence and beauty –and teasing romance –shape Mansfield Park into a gorgeous, enchanting experience. This may be the first film that truly captures Jane Austen’s characters in flesh and bone.” Peter Stack / San Francisco Chronicle

Sun / Nov. 8 / 4:00 PM
I’VE HEARD THE MERMAIDS SINGING
INTRODUCED BY PATRICA ROZEMA
Starring Shelia McCarthy, Paule Baillargeron, Anne Marie MacDonald

Patricia Rozema’s feature film debut was invited to the Director’s Fortnight in Cannes and won the coveted “Prix de la Jeunesse” at Cannes in 1987 where it received a lengthy ten minute standing ovation. Winner of dozens of awards around the world it was also voted “Top Ten Canadian Films of All Time” by a group of international critics. A critical and commercial success, the film features a terrific performance by actress Sheila McCarthy as a socially inept temporary secretary named Polly and the tale of her fascination with the church gallery’s worldly art curator Gabrielle St. Peres and her girlfriend Mary Joseph (played by novelist/actress/playwright Anne Marie MacDonald) - a maker of magically glowing paintings. Polly’s story is told in the form of a self confession, taped on video. The film’s title is drawn from T.S. Eliot’s poem The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.

The Future Leaders of Manitoba Council in partnership with the Business Council of Manitoba, the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce & The Manitoba Chamber of Commerce are pleased to present the 2010 Annual Future Leaders of Manitoba Awards.

Nominations are now open at www.flmc.mb.ca

If you know an Exceptional Young Manitoban we encourage you to nominate them for one of the 2010 Future Leaders of Manitoba Awards!

PROFESSIONAL/BUSINESS AWARD

This award recognizes and honours a young Manitoban who is quickly making a name for himself/herself in the local business community, while, at the same time, also making a concerted effort to give back to the community. The winner will be a strong advocate of our great Province who promotes Manitoba and encourages others to stay or alternatively, come back home. Lawyers, doctors, skilled trades, teachers, nurses or anyone who is a young professional, passionate about our Province and gives back to the community, can be nominated in this category.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

This award recognizes a young Manitoban who is focused on giving back to the community. The winner will be an active volunteer who donates their time in order to improve the livelihood of others. University students or people employed by the government or a non-profit organization who are heavily active in the community are best qualified for this award.

ARTS AWARD

This award recognizes and honours a young Manitoban who is active in the Arts Community and is an advocate of Manitoba. Artists, musicians, dancers or anyone involved in the Arts who is passionate about our Province and gives back to the local community can be nominated in this category.

STANDARD CRITERIA FOR ALL AWARDS
The following requirements must be met in order to be considered for an award:

Nominees must be between the ages of 20 and 35 as of January 2010
Nominees must either; Reside in Manitoba, having lived in Province for a minimum of 4 (four) years as of January 2010; OR Reside in Manitoba, having returned to (or moved to) Manitoba prior to January 2008

On Thursday, December 3, 2009, New Media Manitoba is partnering with the Graphic Designers of Canada, the International Game Developer's Association, On Screen Manitoba, and Flash in the Peg to bring you a Holiday Digital Media Showcase!

Register here

Every year around December we get together with other related digital media groups to celebrate Christmas festivities, network, and share in some good holiday cheer. This year we promise to bring you the fanciest new media holiday event ever.

The party starts at 6 pm at the IMAX Portage Place to celebrate a digital media production that has been 6-months in the making. Eight new media companies and eight industry leaders will be featured during the evening on the larger than life IMAX screen in a celebration that is as close as we've ever gotten to an awards show.

In July 2009 we invited digital media companies around the province to share stories about their companies and the industry. December's holiday event will be the culmination of the videos we've been shooting that highlight some insightful and funny anecdotes from the people that make new media in Manitoba.

Companies being showcased in the presentation are:

8 Industry Leaders + MB Venues

Ryan Fitzgerald, Fortune Cat and Rogue Nation
Jeff Peeler, Frantic Films
Kevin Hnatiuk, NMM
Chris Lobay, Lovingly Handcrafted
Coree Francisco, Girlone
Norm Lee, Mindset
Ed Suzuki, Destination Winnipeg
Minister Jim Rondeau, STEM

8 Profiles: Companies + People Interviewed + MB Venues

Manoverboard, Andrew Boardman
Infinite Ammo, Alec Holowka
Stunt Software, Dan Messing
Frogrocket, Chris Chuckry
Elemental Motion Media, Simon Burgess, Adam Duguay and Lori Dyck
Debreuil Digital Works, Robin and Sandy Debreuil
Complex Games, Noah Decter-Jackson and Adrian Cheater
Mars Hill Group, David Baker, Colin Whitney, Patrick Hanan, Chris Bachinski

Following this feature presentation, the videos will go on tour around the country and beyond, helping to spread the word about our new media industry and why we do business here!

Manitoba Motion Graphics Companies, Digital Illustrators, Web Developers, Graphic Designers, Video Game Producers, Animators, Mobile Content Creators, and Software Developers will all be the toast of the evening as we share a night of food, music, and drinks on a 7-story IMAX screen filled with some of your closest comrades.

Tickets are just $15, or $10 if you are a paid member of one of the participating groups hosting the event: NMM, IGDA, the GDC, OSM, or FITP. If you don't know what at least one of these acronyms stand for you probably aren't a paid member. :) Star Grill is catering appetizers and your admission includes a drink. There is free, toasty warm, underground parking within Portage Place. Just bring your parking ticket upstairs to be validated when you arrive!

We have a limited number of seats available so we encourage you to register online as soon as possible. We have sold out previous events in just a matter of days, and while this is certainly a larger venue, there will be a great deal more people in attendance.

When: Thursday, December 3, at 6 pm. Video Showcase starts at 7 pm.
Where: IMAX Portage Place Downtown
*How Much: $15 or $10 for paid members and students
What to Wear: Something nice, Business or Business Casual
*Price includes admission, appetizers, and a drink (cash bar is available)

If you pick just one new media mixer to attend all year this should definitely be it! Feel free to bring family and friends too. The video presentation will be the perfect opportunity for them to learn what you do. ;)

Prejudice close to home for Amreeka director
By Randall King

For her feature debut Amreeka, writer-director Cherian Dabis filmed well away from her birthplace in Omaha, Neb.. But the movie's portrayal of prejudice towards Arabs was close to home for the 33-year-old, whose previous writing credits include episodes for The L Word.The story of Muna (Nisreen Faour), a Palestinian single mom making her way in the U.S. was largely shot in Winnipeg in the spring of 2008, though the story is set in a suburb in Illinois where Muna gets a job at a White Castle restaurant, a comedown after working in banking in her native West Bank.

It is at the house of Muna's sister Raghda (Hiam Abbass) where the film becomes almost autobiographical when it comes to portraying the tribulations of an Arab-American family.

Dabis talked to the Free Press on a publicity tour for the film.

RK: Apart from the absence of a White Castle restaurant, how was shooting in Winnipeg as a substitute for Illinois?

CD: It was great! Manitoba Film & Music was extremely helpful and the crew was incredibly skilled, swift and so friendly! Plus we got snow in May, which I was praying for! We would've never gotten that in Illinois.

RK: Given that the movie does portray some anti-Arab sentiment in the U.S., exacerbated by the war in Iraq, was shooting in Canada a less prickly proposition, or was it just a case of tax incentives and a cheaper dollar?

CD: It was simply the tax incentives combined with the fact that Manitoba offered us provincial equity for shooting the film there. That was huge! It enabled us to close our financing and go into production sooner rather than later.

RK: You were raised in the Midwest by a Jordanian mother and a Palestinian father, so is your own growing-up experience during the first Gulf War closer to the family of Muna's sister Raghda?

CD: Yes. I was one of the first generation nieces in the film. In fact, my experience most closely resembles that of the oldest niece (played by Alia Shawkat), the one defending the Arabs in the classroom and the Americans to her Arab parents. And similar to the family in the film, during the first Gulf War, my family was really scapegoated. My father lost many of his patients because people suddenly decided that they didn't want to support an Arab doctor. We got death threats on a daily basis for a time. And in real life, things were actually much worse than they are in the film: the Secret Service came to my high school to investigate a tip that my older sister allegedly threatened to kill the president. My 17-year-old sister! That was the pinnacle of absurdity that served as the turning point in my own coming of age!

RK: There is something of a dearth of Arab voices in western cinema. Did that compel you as a writer and now a director to fill a void?

CD: Absolutely. I was 14 years old during the first Gulf War. And what my family experienced really opened my eyes. I became obsessed with the media and the stereotypes it perpetuated. I realized that there were virtually no authentic portrayals of Arabs anywhere in popular culture. I wanted to have a hand in changing that.

RK: Amreeka is unexpectedly comic. When I heard the basic plot prior to your filming here, I assumed it was a heavy drama. Why did you choose to give Muna's story a comic spin?

CD: I knew that I was dealing with potentially heavy material and the last thing I wanted was to be didactic. On the contrary, I wanted it to tell an authentic human story that was relatable, appealing and entertaining. In order to accomplish that, I chose to tell the story through the eyes of a woman who believes that people are inherently good and trustworthy. Muna is somewhat of an unexpected character -- a Palestinian single mom who has every reason to be cynical but is instead filled with naïve hope. It's, in large part, her point of view that lends itself to the humour in the script. She's disarming to the point where even if people want to find her suspicious, they have a hard time. And if they do, it's laughable because we, the audience, know how absolutely harmless she is.

RK: What has the reaction been to the film stateside?

CD: Our reviews have been stellar and our opening weekend was fantastic. We're in our eighth week in theatres all over the U.S. and have bookings all the way through the end of December. Audience members walk out of the theatre and say things like: "Anyone who comes from a family can relate to this film." Or: "Anyone who's ever felt like an outsider can relate." So it's been remarkably encouraging.

RK: When Winnipeg's Nia Vardalos came out with My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Greek-Americans turned out in droves to support the film, one of the reasons it became a hit. Were there plans to market your film to Arab-American audiences?

CD: For sure! They were a huge part of our grassroots efforts in the United States. In fact, we had an unprecedented number of cultural and community partners on the film. Arab, Muslim and progressive Jewish organizations included. So we relied heavily on the word of mouth of the Arab American community.

RK: To what extent has the film been seen in the Middle East, and what has been the reaction?

CD: It premiered at the Al-Kasaba Film Festival in Ramallah earlier this month where the reception was really emotional and extremely warm. We got a 15-minute standing ovation! It also went on to play at the Beirut International Film Festival where we won the audience award for Best Feature Film and Best Director. So it's been incredible thus far. We're currently out in theatres in the West Bank and Lebanon. We'll soon be screening at the Cairo International Film Festival then releasing in Egypt. And the Dubai International Film Festival premiere will precede our Gulf release in December. So my fingers are crossed that the terrific response continues!

Amreeka is now playing at Grant Park Cinema.

Winnipeg Heats Up
By Karen Burshtein

Our picks for keeping warm with Canada’s hottest arts scene. How can such a cold city have such a hot arts scene, you ask? Sure, winters can be harsh, but all those long, cold prairie nights tend to stir the creative juices, making Winnipeg’s artists and arts organizations among the country’s best. Just ask British author Ben Elton and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. The duo chose Winnipeg for the North American premiere of their musical The Boy in the Photograph last year. It may be Guy Maddin’s Winnipeg, but creative types from all over the world are getting a piece of it.

Indeed, in suburban basements and indie galleries, on mainstream stages and at makeshift venues, everybody seems to be making art. Or celebrating it. Or attending it. It’s not uncommon to find experimental theatre performances packed to the rafters even as the mercury dips into the negative double digits. As the city’s new website boasts, there’s culture on every corner. All of which adds up to what Winnipeggers, in a rare lapse in modesty, insist has become one of North America’s premier cultural destinations. And this fall’s memorable culture calendar will definitely make you warm up to Winter-peg. Winnipeg will be mucho caliente thanks to two Cuban-themed events. The first, at the beautifully restored Pantages Theatre, is Juan de Marcos with the Afro-Cuban All Stars, a group that’s been central to the booming worldwide popularity of Afro-Cuban music. And at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, Cuba Avant-Garde encompasses the full scope of Cuban Modernism with works from one of North America’s most important private collections of Cuban art.

In French-speaking St. Boniface, spicy social satire is served up at the Cercle Molière, the oldest permanent theatre company to offer uninterrupted programming in Canada. They’ll be presenting L’Inscription, a play by French comic auteur Gerald Sibleyras that skewers upwardly mobile Parisians. And if it’s heartwarming theatre you’re after, don’t miss the featured attraction at the Manitoba Theatre Centre (where Keanu Reeves played an anguished Hamlet a few winters ago). Joe Landry’s It’s a Wonderful Life is Frank Capra’s classic 1940s feel-good film charmingly readapted as a live radio play. On the classical music front, Alexander Mickelthwaite, the bright young music director of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, recently came to Winter-peg from L.A., apparently convinced that what this city lacks in climate, it makes up for in culture. His northward migration was inspired, in part, because he was so impressed by the WSO’s New Music Festival, one of the most respected of its kind in North America. This series features a world premiere by composer-in-residence Vincent Ho that’s based on his extraordinary trip to Canada’s Arctic aboard the Coast Guard Ship Amundsen.

Another great annual event that takes place in the fall is the Manito Ahbee Festival, which turns Winnipeg into a hub of aboriginal culture and artistic talent every November. The Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival, which follows later in the month, offers some of the best in indigenous filmmaking from across Canada, the U.S. and the world.

Last, but certainly not least, is Winnipeg’s most famous cultural institution, which really starts to heat up in the fall and winter. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is one of North America’s premier ballet troupes. Even the Queen thinks so. In 1953, the RWB was the first ballet troupe to receive a royal designation from Her Majesty. This Christmas, the company presents the perennial favourite The Nutcracker Suite. Set to Tchaikovsky’s traditional score and choreographed by Galina Yordanova and Nina Menon, the two-hour spectacle delights with gorgeous sets, lively costumes and lots of homegrown references: It’s set in a turn-of-the-century prairie house, and one scene even features a pickup hockey game.

(Karen Burshtein is a food and culture writer who splits her time between Winnipeg and Paris.)

For more travel news check out www.aircanada.com

CALL FOR ENTRIES
17th SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST FILM FESTIVAL
Austin, Texas, United States, March 12 to 20, 2010
(SHORT AND FULL LENGTH FILMS – ALL GENRES)

Information and registration process

Early deadline : November 5, 2009

Late deadline : December 3, 2009

Last minute : December 11, 2009

Eligibility
Please note that all films must be submitted directly to the festival.

Consult the Information and registration process for all the details and entry procedures.

South by Southwest (SXSW) is a competitive Festival of films, videos, interactive websites and music acts, which runs concurrent to a series of seminars on film, music and interactivity.

National and International Business Development
Telefilm Canada, Montréal
514 283-6363

Montréal, October 30, 2009 – Telefilm Canada made public its annual report today for fiscal 2008-2009. During the fiscal year, Telefilm refined its industry-development strategies on both the domestic and international scenes and continued to work with the Canada Feature Film Fund (CFFF) Working Groups and the International Initiatives Advisory Committee to better support the industry and Canadian creators.

“We are placing a great deal of importance on forging alliances with foreign partners and promoting co-production activities which help to build industry capacity and ensure its long-term viability,” stated Michel Roy, Chair of Telefilm’s Board of Directors. “In terms of results for our international activities, it’s worth noting that in 2008, each dollar Telefilm invested in markets generated close to $12 worth of foreign sales.”

In fiscal 2008-2009, Telefilm supported 41 feature films through the CFFF’s main program: 21 in French, for a total of $27.2 million and 20 in English, for a total of $37.5 million. Several Telefilm-supported films did very well at the box office with earnings of $1 million or more, including Passchendaele ($4.4 million), Cruising Bar 2 ($3.5 million), Babine ($2.2 million), Dans une galaxie près de chez vous ($1.9 million) and Borderline ($1.3 million).

“The creators and the success of Canadian content are at the heart of everything we do at Telefilm,” said Wayne Clarkson, Executive Director of Telefilm. “Although market share for Canadian feature films and audiences for on-line projects declined last year, production has remained robust and diversified. In fact Telefilm-supported productions received a total of 119 awards while a number of films achieved impressive commercial success.”

During fiscal 2008-2009, three new experienced members were appointed to Telefilm Canada’s Board of Directors. In addition, committees were created to support the Board in the execution of its mandate and business activities. As well, Telefilm’s executive management team was reorganized to ensure broader representation of its core activities including project funding, national and international business development, contracts and certification.

To read Telefilm Canada’s annual report for 2008-2009, visit www.telefilm.gc.ca.

Developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry
Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry. Telefilm provides financial support to the private sector to create distinctively Canadian productions that appeal to domestic and international audiences. The Corporation also administers the funding programs of the Canada Feature Film Fund, the Canadian Television Fund and the Canada New Media Fund. Visit www.telefilm.gc.ca.

Media inquiries:
Eva Hartling
Senior Advisor, External communications
Telefilm Canada
514-283-0838 or 1-800-567-08920, ext. 2090
hartlie@telefilm.gc.ca

CALL FOR ENTRIES
9th TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL
New York, United States, April 21 to May 2, 2010
(LONG AND SHORT FILMS – ALL GENRE)

Telefilm Canada is currently accepting entries on behalf of the Festival and will coordinate a consolidated shipment of screeners of Canadian films.

Information and registration process

Application Deadline via Telefilm Canada: November 25, 2009

Entry deadline, if submitted directly to the festival : December 14, 2009

Late entry deadline : January 11, 2010

The Société de développement des entreprises culturelles du Québec (SODEC) is handling the submission process for the entries from Québec. Please contact José Dubeau at 514-841-2299 or jose.dubeau@sodec.gouv.qc.ca

The Tribeca Film Festival was founded in 2002 by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff to celebrate New York City as a major filmmaking capital and to contribute to the long-term recovery of lower Manhattan after the attacks of September 11, 2001. The Festival's mission is to create platforms for filmmakers to reach the best possible audience for their work. It screens about 150 features and 100 shorts from around the world. In 2010, cash awards will total US$140,000 in addition to US$20,000 worth of in-kind services and products.

National and International Business Development
Telefilm Canada, Montréal
514 283-6363

Mark McKinney Writing Workshop
November 11 & 12 | 10 am – 6 pm | $200 ($25 discount for participants of Pilar Alessandra workshops)

This workshop will take place over two days and will help participants learn more about the process of writing for television. Two writing groups, both led by McKinney, will learn to develop a plot line for several characters using the premise of Less Than Kind. The exercise will simulate what it is like to write for a television series. Day two will have actors come in and do a reading of these scripts, prompting a group discussion on the final product.

All applicants are asked to submit a resume of previous writing experience along with their payment. Resumes will be reviewed to determine eligibility for the course. Payment will be processed upon acceptance into the course. Please submit your resume by email to rharder@filmtraining.mb.ca.

Dealing with Difficult Situations
November 28th | 10 am – 6 pm | $50
Instructor: David Falk

Dealing with difficult workplace situations is a challenge faced by many people and the way you handle these situations can significantly shape your reputation within the workplace. This one-day session examines the nature of workplace conflict and will provide you with the skills needed to clear up misunderstandings, resolve disagreements, and address difficult situations.

For more information on the different FTM workshops available download the PDF listing here or visit www.filmtraining.mb.ca/calendar.

Tuesday - October 27, 2009

The Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) struck a new deal for Canadian screenwriters with the Canadian Film & Television Production Association (CFTPA) and the Quebec Film and Television Producers Association (APFTQ). The WGC’s Independent Production Agreement (IPA), which governs English-language screenwriting in Canada, was set to expire on December 31, 2009. When ratified, the new collective agreement will take effect January 1, 2010, and set the terms of engagement until December 31, 2011.

The new agreement includes a 2% increase across the board to the minimum script fee – the up-front fee paid to a writer on delivery of the script – in each of the two years of the agreement.

At the WGC’s request, the parties had a significant and engaging discussion about current fees and conditions for screenwriters working in animation. A working group of producers and screenwriters was established to meet regularly over the next two years to continue the dialogue.

All parties to the deal – the WGC, CFTPA and APFTQ – are pleased with the new agreement. The three industry groups arrived at the bargaining table with a short list of issues, recognizing the current instability and uncertainty in the industry, and seeking a workable deal. The next year will see all three associations involved in a significant reshaping of the production and regulatory landscape, with a new Canada Media Fund coming into play, CRTC hearings on TV policy, fee-for-carriage and station-group licence renewals, terms of trade negotiations and more.

"The CFTPA believes this deal is a fair one and will bring added stability to the production sector as we enter a period of unprecedented transition," says John Barrack, National Executive Vice-President and Counsel, CFTPA.

Julie Patry, Director of Industrial Relations, APFTQ, said “we are happy that we could reach a deal so rapidly and we believe that it will contribute to maintain the good industrial climate all parties are looking for.

Rebecca Schechter, President, WGC, said that, “in this economic climate, a script fee increase is good news for screenwriters, and these increases will be especially beneficial for writers working in development. We tailored these negotiations to the times, and all parties set aside larger issues in the interests of a unified creative community. The shorter contract term reflects our optimism that conditions will improve when the regulatory upheaval subsides.

The deal was ratified by the CFTPA board and the board and general assembly of the APFTQ on October 23, 2009, and will be presented to WGC members for ratification.

CALL FOR ENTRIES
53rd San Francisco International Film Festival
San Francisco, United States, April 22 to May 6, 2010
(Feature-length, short films and videos, all genres)

Information and registration process

Application deadline : November 6, 2009
Late application Deadline (higher entry fees) : December 4, 2009

Eligibility
Please note that all films must be submitted directly to the festival.

Consult the Information and registration process for all the details and entry procedures.

Founded in 1957, the San Francisco International Film Festival is the longest-running film festival in the Americas. Held each spring for two weeks, this showcase of cinematic discovery and innovation accepts films of all genres and length and awards cash prizes.

National and International Business Development
Telefilm Canada, Montréal
514 283-6363

Urban Music Night & Aboriginal Film Screenings

DATE: Wednesday, November 4, 2009
TIME: Films start at 6pm, music starts at 6:45
PLACE: The West End Cultural Centre - 586 Ellice Ave

MUSIC: Wab Kinew | isKwe | Sadie
FILMS: Nikamowin | Ikwe | Aboriginality

Tickets $2.50 Advance, $5 Door

Three short films will be projected on three separate walls in the atrium of the West End Cultural Centre. Each of these short films focus on the theme of 'musicality'. In conjunction with these short films, Jesse McMann-Sparvier, a brass flute player and Hoop Dancer, along with a few other musicians will play a music set.

FILM SCREENINGS

NIKAMOWIN | Kevin Lee Burton | Canada | 12:00 minutes
Creating a linguistic soundscape through aural elements of Cree, Kevin Lee Burton weaves sound and image with a political and rhythmic resonance. Exploring diverse landscapes by remixing their formal textures, the visual construction of this experimental video underscores questions of how languages emerge, exist, transform and dissolve.

IKWE | Caroline Monnet | Canada | 5:00 minutes
IKWÉ (meaning “woman” in Algonquin) is a visually fluid experimental film centred on the internal dialogue between a young woman and the teachings of her grandmother, the moon. Referencing ancestral traditions of oral storytelling, the narrative unfolds in both French and Cree as two generations form a bridge between the natural and modern worlds.

Filmmaker bio: Caroline Monnet grew up in Quebec and Brittany, France. She has directed the short films 360 Degrees (08), which won best short documentary at the Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival, and IKWÉ (09).

ABORIGINALITY | Dominique Keller & Tom Jackson | 14:00 minutes
Aboriginality follows an urban youth as he heads down the mystical Red Road, to re-connect and be inspired by both new and traditional elements of First Nations culture. Aboriginality re-imagines the strength and spirit of First Nations culture through new narrative mediums that connect urban First Nations youth to their rural ancestral histories.

For more details on the festival visit www.aboriginalmusicweek.ca

On Screen Manitoba proudly supports this night of screenings.

Camera/Editor – Saskatoon
Reporting to the Manager of Operations in Winnipeg, we have a full-time career opportunity for an experienced individual who will be responsible for all day-to-day production operations in the Saskatoon News Bureau, including the shooting and editing of news materials for APTN National News & Current Affairs programming and transmitting the news material to the Winnipeg Newsroom.

For more information on the position download the job posting.

Please forward your resume quoting Competition 09/10-09 and where you saw this ad, by 3 p.m. (CST), Tuesday, November 10, 2009.

Reporter/Correspondent – Saskatoon
Reporting to the Executive Producer – Western Region, we have a full-time career opportunity for an experienced individual who will be responsible for submitting daily television news stories for broadcast on APTN National News.

For more information on the position download the job posting.

Please provide a demo of you delivering a newscast, a paragraph stating how you would focus and visualize a current Aboriginal story of your choice, and your resume quoting Competition 09/10-08 and where you saw this ad, by 3 p.m. (CST), Tuesday, November 10, 2009.

All applications must be sent to:

Human Resources
Aboriginal Peoples Television Network
339 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3B 2C3

Fax: 204-943-2368 E-Mail: careers@aptn.ca

Buffalo Gal Pictures is thrilled to announce the theatrical release of Amreeka this Friday, October 30, at Grant Park Theater.

Amreeka, which has screened at numerous film festivals around the world, is well on its way to becoming a major success story. Predominantly filmed right here in Winnipeg, the picture features a talented local cast and crew, and recently won the prestigious FIPRESCI Prize from the Cannes Film Festival. 

Please come out to and see Amreeka on the big screen and support Winnipeg's film industry... and don't forget to tell your friends!

To view the official trailer, check out www.amreeka.com

Synopsis:  An ever-optimistic Palestinian single mom (Nisreen Faour as "Muna") and her teenage son (Melkar Muallem as "Fadi") leave their homeland for the heartland intent on starting a new life, despite the fallout from America's war on Iraq. A lighthearted drama full of humor, Amreeka is an intimate portrait of one Palestinian family's sense of displacement, nostalgia for a home that exists, but in their collective memory and struggle for a sense of belonging in a country that gives all newcomers a run for their money.

CALL FOR ENTRIES
PERSPECTIVE CANADA_BERLIN 2010
European Film Market (EFM), Berlin, Germany, February 11 to 21, 2010
(Feature-length films)

PERSPECTIVE CANADA_BERLIN is a Telefilm Canada initiative showcasing 12 recent Canadian films at the European Film Market (EFM) at the Berlin Film Festival (Berlinale) with the objective of increasing their international exploitation.

The selection process will be conducted by Telefilm Canada.
Telefilm Canada will render this decision on December 1, 2009

Information and registration procedure
Telefilm Canada submission form

Submission deadline of a completed application form to Telefilm Canada : November 23, 2009

PERSPECTIVE CANADA_BERLIN

The third edition of PERSPECTIVE CANADA_BERLIN will take place during the EFM that runs parallel to the Berlinale. The showcase strives to increase the international exploitation of Canadian feature-length narrative films and to spotlight Canadian companies, films, and talent to the more than 6,300 potential buyers, sellers, and producers from over 80 countries accredited by the EFM.

PERSPECTIVE CANADA_BERLIN participants will also benefit from a promotional campaign developed and entirely funded by Telefilm Canada to guarantee the best possible exposure for the invited Canadian films.

Every film selected will be screened twice at the EFM. Hourly screening rates at the EFM range from 500 – 1000 Euros plus VAT (currently at 19%).

Rights holder of films must cover 50% of the screening costs at the market.

Applicant must also meet the EFM’s deadlines for print copy delivery, market accreditation form, and market screening registration form: www.berlinale.de

Applicant must also meet Telefilm Canada delivery deadlines of the materials for the production of the promotional campaign (December 9, 2009) as well as shipment of materials to Berlin.

National and International Business Development
Telefilm Canada, Montréal
514 283-6363

Toronto - October 24, 2009

The 2009 Directors Guild of Canada Awards brought out the film and television industry's best and brightest to last night's event at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. The star-studded celebration kicked-off with a cocktail reception before comedian Shaun Majumder inaugurated the eighth annual awards ceremony to honour the best work created by DGC members last year.

A special Congratulations to the Manitobans and Manitoba Productions that took home awards!

Manitoban Norma Bailey won the award for Best Direction - Television Movie/Mini-Series for "The Capture of the Green River Killer".

Jeff Warren won Best Picture Editing - Feature Film for his work on the Buffalo Gal Pictures' produced "High Life".

For a complete list of winners click here

October 25, 2009

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA - There’s a difference between perceived talent vs. actual talent: William Hung vs. Justin Timberlake. It’s a difference that people are noticing in our PTE@PTE actors. Now, Prairie Theatre Exchange (PTE) is holding auditions for the 2009/10 session of PTE@PTE and hoping to expand that talent pool.

A new concept to the Winnipeg arts community, Performance Training Ensemble at Prairie Theatre Exchange (PTE@PTE) gives emerging artists a chance to hone their talent and skills in preparation for a serious acting career.

“At recent auditions held at the Manitoba Theatre Centre (MTC), I couldn’t help noticing that the participants of the PTE@PTE program who auditioned were exceptionally skilled and well-prepared,” says Steven Schipper, Artistic Director of MTC.

The course is a performance-based program that provides advanced training to emerging actors with some experience and a serious commitment to acting. After months of preparation and rehearsals, PTE@PTE members perform a full-length play on the main stage at PTE.

“It’s something Winnipeg had never seen before last year,” says John B. Lowe, School & Community Programs Director. “We were surprised by the level of interest in this kind of training. We’re very excited about the quality and dedication of the participants, and the program exceeded all our expectations.”

All PTE@PTE classes will be taught by the highest caliber of working, professional theatre & film artists including Miriam Smith, Debbie Patterson, Brenda Mclean and John B. Lowe. PTE’s Artistic Director Robert Metcalfe will act as Artistic Consultant. The PTE@PTE main stage production will be directed by Chris Sigurdson, one of Winnipeg’s leading actor/directors.

Audition dates are Thurs. Nov. 5 and Sun. Nov. 8, 2009. To book your audition, or for more information, call 925-5253.

Download the PTE Brochure

Download the PTE Poster

Prairie Theatre Exchange is a professional theatre company in the heart of Downtown Winnipeg. PTE is one of the largest professional arts organizations in Manitoba with an excellent national reputation. PTE School has been providing quality theatre education to Manitobans for over 35 years.

NOVEMBER 4TH TO 8TH, 2009!

The Manito Ahbee Festival and the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards invite participants from around the world to gather in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to celebrate music, arts and culture in the heart of Turtle Island.

For more info on the festival pleae visit www.manitoahbee.com.

Seat fillers are required for The Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards, that will take place on Friday, November 6, 2009, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the MTS Centre.

To become a seat filler, download and complete the registration form and email it to volunteer@manitoahbee.com or by fax: 204-956-0241.  Completed registration forms can also be dropped off at 376 Donald, Lower Level.

If you have any questions please call:  956-1849.

Year of the Skunk Productions is proud to present the Canadian Short Screenplay Competition (CSSC), the premiere script contest for short film screenplays. CSSC is a champion for screen writers and a launching pad for short film writers’ professional careers.

Established in 2008, The CSSC is the single-most competitive, prestigious, short screenplay festival in Canada, a champion for screenwriters everywhere and a launching pad for writers’ professional careers.

The competition will herald and reward the best and most successful writers of short film for the year (amongst all submissions received) with the ultimate prize: a professionally produced, live-action short film of the top first place (Grand Prize) award-winning scripted entry as determined by the industry judges.

Prizes Include:
Produced screenplay, cash, industry materials, software and more!

Deadlines:
Kick-off deadline: September 30, 2009
Early-bird deadline: October 31, 2009
Half-time deadline: November 30, 2009
Final deadline: December 31, 2009
I-Missed-The-Deadline deadline: January 31, 2010

Find out more about the Canadian Short Screenplay Competition here: www.Screenplay-Competition.com

Sponsors
Playback Magazine, Raindance Canada, Meridian Artists, InkTip.com, The Spoke Club, Year of the Skunk Productions

(Toronto) - The Canadian Short Screenplay Competition (CSSC) -- the most prestigious short film script contest in Canada -- is thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with Amazon-owned, Without A Box Inc..

Withoutabox (WAB), an online service dedicated to streamlining the entire festival submission process for writers and filmmakers, will allow screenwriters and CSSC hopefuls navigate the submission process and make informed and well-researched decisions about their screenplay competition entry, while saving time and money–including a web-exclusive I-Missed-The-Deadline deadline of January 31, 2010 that will save WAB entrants an eyebrow popping $20 off the extended deadline submission rate.

This new partnership with Without A Box removes a lot of the administrative hassles by transforming the entire script contest back office into a secure, paperless, postage free environment. “Essentially, the whole process is streamlined, which helps the CSSC operate more efficiently”, says competition founder David Cormican.

Applications and scripts will be received digitally; the competition organizers will be able to communicate instantly with screenwriters through an internal messaging system; graphic designers and press from around the world will have direct access to press kits, and the process of interfacing with judges and scheduling will be expedited and simplified.

About The Canadian Short Screenplay Competition (CSSC)
The Canadian Short Screenplay Competition, administered by Year of the Skunk Productions (Regina), and established in 2008, is the premiere script contest for short film screenplays. CSSC is the single-most competitive, prestigious, short screenplay festival in Canada, a champion for screenwriters everywhere and a launching pad for writers’ professional careers.

For complete details on the 2008 Canadian Short Screenplay Competition winners, as well as deadline and fee information for entry to the 2009 competition, please visit www.Screenplay-Competition.com.

2009 Telefilm Canada/BNMI Interactive Project Lab
Program dates: December 10 - 13, 2009
Application deadline: November 3, 2009
Scholarships available
Peer Advisors: Dante Anderson, Marty Avery, Michael Ede, Evan Jones, and Ravi Shukla

Accelerate your future in new media with industry leaders and new media visionaries. This four-day program will help you refine new media content ideas, advance prototypes, strategize start-up company development, build partnerships, clarify your legal framework, identify target markets, and attract investment.

There are 15 scholarships available for Canadian independent new media producers and artists. Successful applicants will receive four days of intensive mentorship by staff and guest advisors as well as business plan advice and presentation skills training.

More Info

Co-production Residency: Almost Perfect
Program dates: June 3 – July 3, 2010
Application deadline: December 5, 2009
Peer advisors: Jeremy Hight, Fee Plumley, and Laura Silver

Almost Perfect aims to explore location-based artwork and the repercussions of producing work for place. This annual, concentrated, experimental lab focuses on the creation and context of location. We especially welcome project proposals that extend beyond the device out into the environment, be it landscape or datascape.

More Info

R.I.P. - Recycling Pervasive Media, Intervening in Planned Obsolescence and Practicing Technological Sustainability
Program dates: July 26 – August 2, 2010
Workshop Fee: $300 institutional and $150 artist/student
Registrations ongoing

Are you worried about the mountains of garbage accumulating in our landfills? Do you wonder what happens to discarded, but still working, computers and televisions? During this week-long residency, participants will explore new ways of working with municipal waste management facilities to reclaim “good” garbage. Come and learn about the possibilities for social transformation and creative expression as presented by the world’s leading technology and recycling artists. This program is co-produced by Jonah Brucker-Cohen and Katherine Moriwaki.

Self-directed Co-production Residencies

The BNMI invites artists, producers, content creators, and researchers working with form, content, and themes that connect with the field of new media to submit project proposals for Self-directed Co-production residencies. We provide the time and space for focused work in a retreat setting.
Design your own residency. Projects in all stages, from experimentation to production, are welcome.

More Info

Work Study positions
Come live and learn in the inspiring Rocky Mountains, while exploring the diverse world of new media. The BNMI provides a multidisciplinary learning environment and participants gain an outstanding learning experience.

More Info

BNMI Advanced Research Technology (ART) Mobile Lab: Line Producer Work Study
Program dates: As soon as possible - March 31, 2010

More Info

TV and New Media Line Producer Work Study
Program dates: November 30, 2009 - February 12, 2010
Application deadline: October 16, 2009 deadline has been extended.

More Info

Liminal Screen Co-production Residency: Technical Line Producer Work Study
Program dates: February 17 - March 31, 2010
Application deadline: December 04, 2009

More Info

For more Information and to apply:
1-403-762-6100
arts_info@banffcentre.ca
www.banffcentre.ca

S-VOX looking for Winnipeg Faith Celebration Docs for Joytv
Deadline October 29th

S-VOX is inviting proposals for one-off, one-hour documentaries, that feature faith celebrations tied to specific dates in the calendar year. They already have documentaries on Christmas, Easter, Eid (Festival of Sacrifice), Day of the Dead/All Saints Day (Halloween), the Hindu Night of Shiva, Yom Kippur (forgiveness), and the Buddhist new year. They are open to all faiths as long as the focus is a notable faith day celebration.

They will commission two documentaries, each with a licence fee of $50K. They also have some 4ER CTF funds available.

This money was designated as part of the benefits package promised by Rogers for the Winnipeg OMNI station.

Unfortunately, there is little time. The deadline for proposal is October 29th and decisions will be made on October 30th. All cheques for deliverables must be issued by the end of January. However, cheques will be held until deliverables are received. The documentaries must be completed by mid-March 2010.

Please see submissions guidelines at the end of their producers guide at www.visiontv.ca. If your project is selected they will need a budget, finance plan, and schedule within a couple of weeks.

Contact:
Joan Jenkinson | Director, Independent Production, Executive Producer
S-VOX: VisionTV | One: the Body, Mind & Spirit channel | Joytv 10 & 11
171 East Liberty St., Ste. 230, Toronto, ON M6K 3P6 Canada
Direct 416-216-6307 | www.s-vox.com
JJenkinson@s-vox.com

October 20th, 2009
Toronto, ON

Congratulations to our Manitoban Productions who took home awards at the 24th Annual Gemini Awards Industry Gala!

Eagle Vision's Elijah won the award for Best TV Movie, with screenwriter Blake Corbet winning the award for Best Writing in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series.

Buffalo Gal Pictures produced Less Than Kind won Best Direction in a Comedy Program or Series for the episode "The Daters", directed by Kelly Makin.

Frantic Films owned Red Apple Productions won the award for Best Science, Technology, Nature, Environment or Adventure Documentary Program for The Disappearing Male.

For a complete list of winners visit www.geminiawards.ca

CALL FOR ENTRIES
CANADA SALES DESK AT THE EUROPEAN FILM MARKET (EFM)
Berlin, Germany, February 11 to 21, 2010
(For Canadian International Distribution Companies)

Information on the Canada Sales Desk and the EFM
Application Form

Registration deadline with Telefilm Canada : November 6, 2009

An initiative of Telefilm Canada in partnership with its

Principal Partners
Bristish Columbia Film
Canadian Heritage – Trade Routes
Ontario Media Development Corporation

Contributors
Film Nova Scotia
Manitoba Film & Music
SaskFilm Video Development Corporation

Telefilm Canada is calling for the registration of Canadian sales companies planning to attend the European Film Market in Berlin (EFM), the business component of the Berlinale.

The Canada Sales Desk offers turnkey spaces (6) for distributors complete with furnishings, AV equipment, reception service and wireless Internet access. These spaces will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Canada Sales Desk’s information counter and message centre as well as a general meeting space will be at the disposal of all Canadian industry members attending the EFM.

European Film Market accreditation:
Deadline: December 15, 2009
Deadline for Special Discount: November 30, 2009

On the occasion of the Berlinale's 60th anniversary, the EFM is offering all participants a special discount on the Market Badge and EFM Screening Pass. Register for the EFM before November 30, 2009 and take advantage of this Birthday Present.

European Film Market film screenings:
Deadline: December 22, 2009

These screenings are in great demand, so book early!

National and International Business Development
Telefilm Canada, Montréal
514 283-6363

The CFTPA reveals this year's theme for its Prime Time in Ottawa conference.  "With exceptional speakers and an exciting series of panels all focussed on how to thrive in the ever-expanding multiplatform universe, we are thrilled this year's event is already lining up to be another banner year," said Norm Bolen, the CFTPA's President and CEO.

2010 will be pivotal for all businesses involved in content production, television broadcasting and new platform distribution. And, changing viewer expectations will without doubt continue to be a major force driving key trends.

Join us at Prime Time in Ottawa, February 17-19, 2010 at The Westin Ottawa, to network with key decision-makers, to do business and to learn about what the New Brave New World will mean for the industry.

Registration opens November 2nd at www.primetimeinottawa.ca.

"We surprised our delegates last year with our iPod touch initiative. Not only was this an innovative way to be environmentally responsible, it was also a concrete example of the huge potential offered by interactive media and handheld devices," Bolen noted. "The feedback was so overwhelmingly positive that we are repeating the initiative again this February, but with a new twist." Delegates will be able to use their own Apple iPod touch or iPhone and will receive a discount on registration fees if they chose to do so.

MANITOBA FILM & MUSIC announces $700,000 in funding commitments to two Manitoba productions with combined budgets totaling over $13 million for fiscal year 2009/2010.

Approved projects are funded through the Jump-Start Production Financing Program, which provides equity investments to eligible projects produced or co-produced by Manitoba production companies. Total Manitoba expenditures on the projects must be at least $1.5 million.

The Drama projects approved for funding through the Jump-Start Production Financing Program to date are as follows:

Frantic Films with Aircraft Pictures Inc.
“Todd and the Book of Pure Evil”
a 13-episode dramatic series
$500,000

Buffalo Gal Pictures with Breakthrough Films and Television Inc.
“Shadow Island Mysteries”
a 2-MOW mini-series
$200,000

As of today, Jump-Start funding remains available for qualifying projects through MANITOBA FILM & MUSIC.

MANITOBA FILM & MUSIC exists so that our film and music industries flourish! MANITOBA FILM & MUSIC participates in the on-going development of Manitoba’s motion picture and music industries by way of equity investments, loans, recoupable advances and financial contributions in the areas of development and production.

For Further information, please contact:

Sebastien Nasse, Senior Analyst - Film, Television, and Tax Credits
MANITOBA FILM & MUSIC
Phone: 204-947-2040
Fax: 204-956-5261
sebastien@mbfilmmusic.ca
www.mbfilmmusic.ca

Telefilm Canada announces the 2009 TVA-HEC Film and Television Management Program bursary recipients
Montréal, October 20, 2009

Telefilm Canada is pleased to announce the names of the five recipients of a $3,200 bursary for the TVA-HEC Film and Television Management Program, which runs from November 18 to 25, 2009. The Telefilm Canada bursaries, which cover most of the program’s fees, are being awarded for a sixth consecutive year in partnership with HEC-Montréal’s Executive Education Program. The TVA-HEC Program is aimed at professionals occupying current or future management roles in the television, film and new media sectors.

“We are delighted to support this training program in television and film management. This program offers managers working for private-sector production and distribution companies the opportunity to improve their general business skills, which will ultimately help them better ensure that their projects are profitable and effective,” said Melanie Hartley, Telefilm Canada’s Regional Director for Business Development – Quebec Region. “Providing managers with access to specialized training is another way that Telefilm fulfils its mandate to support the development of Canada’s audiovisual industry.”

Bursary recipients for 2009:

Caroline R. Maria
Cinemaria

Kenny Brown
Pimiento Dev.

Louise Girard
Productions Nova Media

Marie-Eve Fortin
Productions Marie Brissette

Michael Solomon
Band With Pictures

The bursaries are intended for professionals from Quebec as well as for Francophones outside Quebec. For further information about the eligible participants and about eligible production companies, please visit Telefilm Canada’s website at www.telefilm.gc.ca.

Developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry
Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry. Telefilm provides financial support to the private sector to create distinctively Canadian productions that appeal to domestic and international audiences. The Corporation also administers the funding programs of the Canada Feature Film Fund, the Canadian Television Fund and the Canada New Media Fund. Visit www.telefilm.gc.ca.

Original Pictures got together with Sandy Taronno, Jamie Taronno, David Pankratz and Jason Pankratz from the Winnipeg band Quinzy to show their breakout tour to Singapore this summer.

Three 10 minute episodes produced by OP's Ellen Rutter will be aired on MTS On Demand.

Click here to check out the promo

Submit films for free by 4:30 P.M. CST, Friday, October 23, 2009.
Films must be no longer than 30 minutes.
Drama, comedy, animation, short documentaries and experimental films are all eligible and must be Canadian.

New films are solicited four times a year. Get details and a submission form here.

The NSI Online Short Film Festival is a year-round 100% Canadian short film showcase with new films added every week. All NSI website content can be accessed for free.

“We’re pleased with the way the festival has grown in its first year,” says Liz Janzen, Director of Programming for NSI. “We continue to receive high quality film submissions from filmmakers across Canada and the numbers continue to grow. It’s fabulous that more people are discovering and watching the festival online – it will help to build audiences for Canadian film, which is what we hoped to do!”

Adds Liz Hover, NSI Website Manager, “In addition to the films we add weekly, we have a great library of archived films that can be viewed. We hope that the NSI Online Short Film Festival will become a 'go to' site to enjoy Canadian short film.”

The NSI website also features the NSI Online Industry Centre with professional development resources including blogs, industry articles and video and audio interviews with writers, directors, producers and actors from the film, television and digital media industries.

The NSI Online Short Film Festival has been made possible through the support of Presenting Sponsor Canwest, and A&E Television Networks which has generously funded the A&E Short Filmmakers Award. The latest winner of the A&E Short Filmmakers Award will be announced in early September.

News release: October 19 | 2009
Prepare to Pitch Your Series at MIPTV in Cannes with NSI Global Marketing

Mid-level Canadian television producers who have projects ready to sell internationally can now apply for training through NSI Global Marketing. This professional development program offered by the National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI) teaches the essentials of selling, pitching, promoting and networking in preparation for MIPTV 2010 in France.

Get the application kit here

Apply by Friday, November 20, 4:30 pm, Central Time.

Some of Canada’s best known producers are graduates of the NSI Global Marketing program crediting it with providing valuable training and experience that they have incorporated into their daily jobs.

NSI Global Marketing graduates include producers such as: Kirk Shaw (Battle in Seattle, Personal Effects), Laura Lightbown (Da Vinci’s Inquest, Intelligence), and Virginia Rankin (ReGenesis, The Murdoch Mysteries).

2008 NSI Global Marketing grad Heather Hawthorn-Doyle (Omni Film) says that the skills she learned led not just to meetings but to actual sales.

"France's DCCVTV buyer Nadia Corbino saw some of our one sheets at MIPTV, set up a meeting, and has since bought two of our series, She's Crafty and Pure Design.  We also, even now, get emails from international broadcasters who saw some of the one sheets and are following up with sales or at least strong interest."

Another of Heather’s shows, Word Travels, is seen internationally.

Added Jennifer Holness, Hungry Eyes/Film Food Inc., "Being a participant in the NSI Global Marketing program proved helpful in orienting me with the nuances of attending such a large market. The intensive one-week workshop proved invaluable as it allowed me to focus on the bigger picture for my company. At market we were encouraged and showed how to make use of every opportunity to make connections with producers and broadcasters."

Special training program podcasts with key industry leaders involved with NSI Global Marketing have been added to the NSI website. These audio interviews give extra information about applying to the program, what makes a successful application and what students can expect if they are accepted into the program.

Interview with Mickey Rogers, NSI Global Marketing Program Manager
Interview with Ursula Lawson, NSI Manager, Program Support

Interested participants can get a sense of the high calibre movers and shakers in the program’s associate faculty by watching White Pine Pictures’ Peter Raymont share his experiences about pitching projects and how documentary filmmaking has evolved.

For a complete list of NSI Global Marketing alumni and their thoughts on the program, visit the NSI website.

Program manager Mickey Rogers’ goal is to assist companies to move to the next level by increasing their revenues, forming strategic partnerships and honing their products for the international marketplace. She has worked in the film and television industry for over 20 years and is using her expertise in workshops on leadership and strategy within the content community. Her presence in both the national and international television communities has given Mickey a stellar reputation forming key strategic alliances with broadcasters, financiers and international production houses. Some of Mickey’s consulting clients have included Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Creative Business Wales and numerous independent producers. As one of the founding partners of Forefront Entertainment Group, she was responsible for the building of an integrated film and television production and distribution company. She launched award-winning productions such as Madison, The Adventures of Shirley Holmes, and The Magician's House. She’s a graduate of the executive coaching program at Royal Roads University and is writing a book and creating a website on pitching.

As part of the NSI Global Marketing program, NSI will cover travel and accommodation costs to and from the pre-market training session. NSI reimburses 100% of the MIPTV registration cost, and travel and accommodation costs to the market up to a maximum of $1,000 per participant.

NSI Global Marketing is made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor Canwest.

CALL FOR ENTRIES
ROTTERDAM LAB 2010 - 27th CINEMART
Rotterdam, Netherlands, January 31 to February 3, 2010
(FOR EMERGING PRODUCERS)

Telefilm Canada, one of the CineMart's International Partners, is now accepting applications from emerging producers interested in participating in the Rotterdam Lab 2010 held during the Rotterdam International Film Festival's 27th annual edition of the CineMart.

The Rotterdam Lab, a 5-day training workshop, gives producers the opportunity to develop international market experience, advance projects and develop an international network, through privileged access to CineMart participants (sales agents, producers, distributors, buyers, national funds representative).

In addition to panel discussions and round tables sessions with key members from the industry (covering topics such as production, sales, financing, distribution), the Lab participants are also offered the opportunity to address personal queries to industry consultants.

Telefilm Canada's partnership with the CineMart will allow for three Canadian producers to participate in the Rotterdam Lab 2010.

Application form
Information and registration procedure

Application Deadline - TELEFILM CANADA : : October 23, 2009

Eligibility
Please consult the Information and registration process for all the details and entry procedures

For further information, contact Brigitte Hubmann or Marie-Claude Giroux, or by phone: (514) 283-0838 or 1-800-567-0890.

National and International Business Development
Telefilm Canada, Montréal
514 283-6363

CWC 2010 Jeanne Sauvé Professional Development Programs
Call for applications!

Broaden your understanding of industry regulation and policy.

In Canada’s broadcast and communications industry, knowledge is power. The CWC 2010 Jeanne Sauvé Professional Development programs are designed to give you both.

Whether you work in the private or public sector, the programs give you a “backstage pass” to learn how the other half lives. These intensive learning experiences do more than educate and empower; they give you new perspectives, insights and direct access to some of the industry’s most influential policy and regulatory decision makers, as well as new ways to think, work and springboard your career.

The programs offer you two unique ways to gain unparalleled access to the area of communications regulation and policy.

The Jeanne Sauvé Convergence program
The Convergence program is a chance for five participants – one each from Industry Canada, Canadian Heritage and the CRTC, as well as two from private-sector organizations – to take part in three separate two-week rotations that total six weeks. Participants tailor the agenda for this in-depth look at communications regulation and policy.

The Jeanne Sauvé Industry Canada program
The Industry Canada program provides an exclusive opportunity for a participant from Industry Canada to see things from the private-sector perspective. This experience matches the Industry Canada participant with a host company in the broadcast-telecom industry. The content and structure of the program is tailored to the participant's professional development goals.

The application deadline for private sector applications is 5 p.m. (EST), November 20, 2009.

For public sector application deadlines, please contact the designated departmental contact listed on the CWC website and the application form.

For detailed information or to download an application form, click here.

Adaptation, Success or Extinction? Understanding the Impact of the Evolving Communications Trends and Industry on Your Career

Learn to ride the wave of technological change that's impacting the communications industry.

With the Communications industry in a continuing state of flux, the seminar being presented by your Region in November, will provide you with an opportunity to learn about some key concepts that will help you to move forward during this time of unprecedented change.

During the seminar, guest speaker, Dr. David Jacobson, Futurist and Director, Emerging Technologies, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, will outline valuable strategies to help you take advantage of the evolving communications trends.

In the video below, he explains why it's critical you attend and outlines the key concepts that you will learn. To view the video, please click here. 

Date: Thursday, November 19, 2009
Time: 11:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (registration at 11:45 a.m., lunch at 12:15 p.m.)
Location: Norwood Hotel, 112 Marlon St, Promenade A Room, Winnipeg

Members: $45*
Non-Members: $55
Students: $20 (Only 10 spaces available, student I.D. is required upon arrival.)
All Prices include GST (R130652902)

*Members who have registered for the 2009-2010 Full-Season Subscription DO NOT have to register for this event! You're already on the list!

On-line Registration Deadline: November 16, 2009

For more information on the seminar being presented in your Region, please click here.

A CWC Leadership Initiative generously sponsored by Citytv.

Winnipeg, Manitoba - MANITOBA FILM & MUSIC (MFM) is pleased to announce the welcome addition of Jason Smith as the corporation’s Manager, Music Programs.

Prior to joining MANITOBA FILM & MUSIC, Jason has enjoyed success for over two decades in many positions within the local, national and international music industries. He has had 14 years experience as co-owner and operator of record label, Smallman Records (with over 50 releases internationally and over 100,000 albums sold to date); as production manager with Paquin Entertainment; production manager of Edgefest, concert production work for The Union and Live Nation concerts; MUCH MUSIC and the Music West Festival; and as a musician for five years as lead guitar, vocals and manager with Twelve Eyes.

“We are so thrilled with Jason’s decision to join MFM as Manager, Music Programs,” acknowledged Carole Vivier, CEO of MFM. “Jason brings with him over 20 years experience in every facet of the music industry: as a musician, production manager, concert promoter, agent, manager and most recently co-owner of record label, Smallman Records since 1996. Jason is passionate about growing Manitoba’s music talent pool and possesses an entrepreneurial spirit that includes cutting edge knowledge of the ins and outs of what’s involved in the successful growth of a musician. We are delighted that Jason has accepted the position and look forward to working with him closely to continue to see Manitoba’s music industry flourish.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the amazing staff at Manitoba Film & Music,” Smith noted. “I have been utilizing their programs for over 10 years and have always admired and respected the outstanding work they do both in Manitoba and abroad. I look forward to adding my efforts in assisting Manitoba artists reach their full potential, and continuing to let the world know the great wealth of talent we possess.”

Jason Smith will begin his position as Manager, Music Programs with MANITOBA FILM & MUSIC on October 26, 2009. Should you wish to contact him after this time, he can be reached via email at: jason@mbfilmmusic.ca or by phone at 204.947.2040 x 12.

The Manitoba Film & Sound Recording Development Corporation (MANITOBA FILM & MUSIC) is a statutory corporation of government proclaimed under the Manitoba Film and Sound Recording Development Corporation Act funded by the Province of Manitoba through the Department of Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport. The management of MANITOBA FILM & MUSIC reports directly to the Board of Directors appointed by the Lieutenant Governor.

MANITOBA FILM & MUSIC supports Manitoba film and music through our objectives, which are to create, stimulate, employ and invest in Manitoba by developing and promoting Manitoba companies, producing, distributing and marketing of film, television, video and music recording projects, as well as to promote Manitoba as a film location for off-shore production companies. MANITOBA FILM & MUSIC EXISTS SO OUR FILM & MUSIC INDUSTRIES FLOURISH!

FOR INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Tannis Scott
Communications & Marketing Representative
Manitoba Film & Music
410-93 Lombard Avenue
Winnipeg, MB. R3B 3B1
phone: 204-947-2040 x 16
email: tannis@mbfilmmusic.ca

Film Training Manitoba is proud to partner on the following three workshops during Gimme Some Truth.

THE WINNIPEG DOCUMENTARY PROJECT:  OCTOBER 22 TO 25

ADVANCED EDITING TOOLS AND SHORT CUTS WITH DAVE CERF
SUNDAY OCTOBER 25, 10 AM TO 2 PM
WINNIPEG CONTEMPORARY DANCERS/RACHEL BROWNE THEATRE
211 BANNATYNE AVENUE

In this workshop, Cerf will share some of his editing tricks and short cuts to get the
computer to do the work for you, combining technologies like AppleScript, XML, and
a host of other tools to help in the editing process. This workshop will focus on
enabling tools for better transcript management and “paper editing” for
documentaries. Cerf will also share his technique for auto-subtitling documentary
footage in foreign languages, making it possible to edit footage in a foreign
language.

MASTER CLASS WITH JUDY IRVING
SATURDAY OCTOBER 24, 10 AM TO 12 NOON
CINEMATHEQUE @ ARTSPACE, 100 ARTHUR STREET

Ms Irving will talk about her 30-year career as a filmmaker, showing clips from works
such as Alaska: Land in the Balance (1975, Sierra Club), Dark Circle (1983 theatrical
release, Independent Documentary Group), Secrets of the Bay (1990, Independent
Documentary Group) and The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill (2005, theatrical release,
Pelican Media) in a discussion of how her concept of environmental filmmaking has
changed since she first began making films.

DIY DOCUMENTARY: A MASTER CLASS WITH SAM GREEN
SUNDAY DAY OCTOBER 25, 10 AM TO 12 NOON
CINEMATHEQUE @ ARTSPACE, 100 ARTHUR STREET

In this session he will elaborate on how to shape a documentary idea
into a compelling non-fiction film. Topics include: crafting framework and storyline,
creating relationships with subjects, researching, managing the production,
collaborating with a director of photography adistribution process.

CALL FOR ENTRIES
THE ACE IPA PROGRAMME 2010 - Ateliers du Cinéma Européen
Paris, France (3 days) and Zurich, Switzerland (5 days), March 14 to 21, 2010
(FOR FEATURE LENGTH FICTION FILM PRODUCERS)

ACE (Ateliers du Cinéma Européen) was founded in Paris (France) in 1993 as a selective training programme and development centre for independent European producers. Since its creation, more than 200 feature length fiction films producers from 23 European territories have joined the ranks of ACE.

In 2009, ACE opened its doors for the first time to non-EU independent producers by launching a new training session (ACE IPA), specially designed for them, with the support of the MEDIA International Program. This initiative will take place again in 2010 from March 14 to 21 in Paris (France) and Zurich (Switzerland).

Telefilm Canada's agreement with ACE will allow for two Canadian producers to participate in ACE IPA Programme 2010, one producer from the English market and one producer from the French market. This agreement covers - for both producers - the following costs: tuition costs, travel from Paris to Zurich and back, accommodation and subsistence expenses in Europe. Canada/Paris round-trip airfare is covered by ACE.

October 19, 2009: to communicate your interest in applying (mandatory)

November 7, 2009: to submit your complete application and screenplay

Consult the document Call for Candidates and Telefilms’ website for further details.


 

October 14, 2009 - Digital Nations Goes Online for ImagiNative Film & Media Fest

Winnipeg, MB-based Animiki See Digital Production is partnering with the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) to create an online initiative, called Digital Nations, that will help present Aboriginal perspectives and stories to an international audience.

Digital Nations is a website with 75 short films and vignettes showcasing Aboriginal art, culture and history.  Visit the Digital Nations website at www.digitalnations.ca.

This APTN initiative, programmers describe, consists of three strands:

ARTSAYERS: 36 profiles on contemporary Aboriginal artists produced in collaboration with the Canada Council For The

ArtsVISTAS: 13 commissioned short films created by Aboriginal filmmakers from across Canada, all with the theme of “nationhood” and produced by the National Film Board of Canada

FOOTPRINTS: 26 two-minute cultural vignettes on a wide variety of subjects, including medicine, longhouses and birch bark canoes

Five of the short films from the VISTAS strand will have their world premiere as part of the festival.

Inukshop by Jobie Weetaluktuk
Presented as part of Art Without Reservations
1 p.m. Thursday, October 15
Al Green Theatre

Boxed In by Shane Belcourt
Presented as part of This Place I Stand
Shorts Program II
1 p.m. Sunday, October 18
Al Green Theatre

The Visit by Lisa Jackson
Presented as part of Pencil Shavings
Animation Shorts Program
5 p.m. Sunday, October 18
Al Green Theatre

Dancers of the Grass by Dennis and Melanie Jackson, creators of Wapos Bay
Presented as part of Pencil Shavings
Animation Shorts Program
5 p.m. Sunday, October 18
Al Green Theatre

Wave a Red Flag by Adam Garnet Jones, writer on Cashing In (season one)
Presented as part of Closing Night
7 p.m. Sunday, October 18
Royal Cinema

“We at APTN appreciate all of the work imagineNative Film and Media Arts have done for the exceptional Aboriginal talent of the film and media industries who contribute to the growth of our art and culture,” said Sky Bridges, APTN Director of Marketing. “The Digital Nations website is another innovative concept that will evolve networking for these artists as well as accessibly showcase and promote their bodies of work.”

September 1, 2009 marked the 10-year anniversary of the launch of the first national Aboriginal television network in the world with programming by, for and about Aboriginal Peoples to share with all Canadians and viewers around the world. APTN is available in approximately 10 million Canadian households and commercial establishments with cable, direct-to-home satellite (DTH), telco-delivered and fixed wireless television service providers. The network launched its high definition channel APTNHD in the spring of 2008. APTN does not receive government funding for operations but generates revenue through subscriber fees, advertising sales and strategic partnerships. APTN broadcasts programming with 56% offered in English, 16% in French and 28% in Aboriginal languages.

October 15, 2009 - The Pompidou Centre in Paris begins a retrospective of the work of Guy Maddin Thursday night, the first major show in France to centre on the Winnipeg filmmaker.

The influential centre for the arts opens its series with My Winnipeg, Maddin's fantastical black-and-white tribute to his home city.

Maddin will be in attendance, along with comedian Isabella Rossellini who stars in the film.

In a festival extending to Nov. 7, the Pompidou Centre will screen 10 feature films and 15 shorts by Maddin, including The Saddest Music in the World, Brand Upon the Brain, Archangel and Tales from the Gimli Hospital.

Many of Maddin's films use gothic imagery to reflect a surreal view of the world. Manitoba figures in most of his work, along with images of hockey and snow and references to old movies.

Paris Match is hailing him as a Canadian David Lynch and interviewed the filmmaker about his Manitoba childhood.

The interviewer also posed the question "How do you define your films?"

"As honest as possible," Maddin replies. "The public can easily identify where I show my ego, my cowardice, my hidden desires and my fantasies."

Photo Credit: David Leyes

Patricia Rozema - Master Class:
Writing Great Images & Directing the Writer

When: Saturday, November 7th, 10 am – 4 pm
Where: Winnipeg Film Group Studio
$60 + GST* | non - $90 + GST* | 18 spots available

Renowned Canadian writer and director, Patricia Rozema will pop by the Winnipeg Film Group to lead a master workshop on writing and directing. Patricia will educate participants based on her style as a writer for cinema and share her experiences and insights as a critically acclaimed film director.

Space is limited so register now by going to www.winnipegfilmgroup.com or contact Darcy Fehr at darcy@winnipegfilmgroup.com or 925-3450.

*Participants will also receive free passes to see Patricia’s films, Mansfield Park and I’ve heard the Mermaids Sing as well as Atom Egoyan’s The Sweet Hereafter, all of which will be introduced by Ms. Rozema.

About the Instructor:

Canadian filmmaker Patricia Rozema is known for making films imbued with feminist passion that enrapture art-house audiences even as they mystify those headed for the multiplex. She made an auspicious feature directorial debut in 1987 with I've Heard the Mermaids Singing. The story of an unfulfilled thirty-something single woman living in Toronto, the film -- which Rozema also wrote, co-produced, and edited -- earned stellar reviews and was subsequently voted by 100 international critics, filmmakers, and scholars as one of the ten best Canadian films ever made. Rozema went on to win additional recognition with her somewhat controversial adaptation of Jane Austen's Mansfield Park, which was released in 1999. The daughter of strict Dutch Calvinist immigrants, Rozema was born in Ontario in 1958 and raised in Sarnia, a small petrochemical industrial town on Lake Huron.

Register here

Hot on the heels of our Apple Certification Announcement, New Media Manitoba would like to invite you to an exciting event coming up next Tuesday, October 20, 2009, at 7 pm.

Dennis Tam and Liem Nguyen have made a name for themselves on the world stage for their work with motion graphics from their studio base here in Winnipeg. Most notably, Dennis won an Emmy for his animation work on the 2004 Superbowl!

Since then they've worked on significant projects for Hockey Night in Canada, Comcast, ABC World News with Peter Jennings, the FIFA World Cup, and with Television Stations all around the world.

On Tuesday night they will share with you their methodology on motion graphics development including planning, storyboarding, and development with Adobe After Effects CS4 and 3D Studio Max 9.

For the first half of the evening Liem and Dennis will show plenty of eye candy they've created and deconstruct a project for they worked on for the multicultural Television station "KTSF" in San Francisco.

During the second half of the evening they will demonstrate how the 3D Studio Max plugin "VRay" can make a 3D render look like a million dollar production and various animation tricks using After Effects.

If you're looking to watch two motion graphics masters at work, and the opportunity to discover how to network with an international audience, then you will definitely want to be in attendance at Tuesday's event.

Please note our new location!

We are meeting in our new training space at 1000 Waverley Street and you may park anywhere in the front of the building. Come early if you want a peek at our Apple Authorized Training Centre or just to chat and grab some coffee.

The meeting begins promptly at 7 pm so please arrive at least 20-mins early to find the building and get settled.

You must register online and there is no charge to attend! Paid Members will be entered to win one of several juicy prizes we'll be giving away. Paid membership is available for just $30/yr (we take cash or cheque).

This is a great opportunity to see two motion graphic masters share some exceptional work and build your own strategy to take on some world clients!

Hope to see you on Tuesday,

Kevin Hnatiuk

A very wise man once said "You can't handle the truth!" But some filmmakers beg to differ and they've decided to congregate at Gimme Some Truth to prove you wrong Jack.

Here are some highlights from next week's Gimme Some Truth

BRETT GAYLOR AND MARK ELLAM

The director and co-director/cinematographer of RiP: a remix manifesto will team up again to talk copyright in the digital age next Friday October 23 at 4 pm in the Cinematheque, following a screening of RiP that begins at 2 pm. Matthew Rankin and Mike Maryniuk, whose Death by Popcorn: The Tragedy of the Winnipeg Jets sold out the Cinematheque join DOC members Gaylor and Ellam.

Brett Gaylor is a frequent poster to the DOC Discussion list and a familiar name to many.

Panel moderated by Sean McManus of M.A.R.I.A.

Click here for RiP Film website

SAM GREEN & DAVE CERF

Oscar-nominated director Sam Green (The Weather Underground) with Dave Cerf (Final Cut Pro software developer, documentary editor and San Francisco musician) present work in progress Utopia in Four Movements, a live performance by Green with accompaniment by Cerf on Saturday October 24 at 9 pm at the Cinematheque.

Part lecture, part documentary, this piece explores the battered state of the utopian impulse at the dawn of the 21st century through several seemingly unrelated vignettes — including a history of Esperanto, a portrait of an exiled American radical, and a meditation on the world’s largest shopping mall. Green narrates Utopia in person and uses PowerPoint to cue images while San Francisco musician Dave Cerf performs a live soundtrack. Drawing on performative practices such as Benshi, the travelogue, and the public lecture, Utopia in Four Movements uses the collective experience of cinema as a starting point for a meditation on the value of the utopian and its problematic nature in an era without big ideas.

Sam Green will do a DIY Documentary Master Class Sunday morning at 10 am at the Cinematheque.

Read Sam’s bio here

ALANIS OBOMSAWIN

One of Canada’s premiere documentary filmmakers, recently honoured at Hot Docs, will be screening her recent film, Dr Norman Cornett: Since When Do We Divorce the Right Answer from the Honest Answer on Friday October 23 AT 7 pm. She will introduce her film and do a Q and A to follow.

She will screen Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance at Urban Shaman Gallery Saturday October 24 at 7 pm. FREE SCREENING.

ONE ON ONE MEETINGS, ENGEL AND BATTLE:

As per the previous update, please email Kristin Tresoor, not the broadcasters, if you would like to meet with Charlotte Engel or Murray Battle. Priority given to DOC Winnipeg members over non-members.

GST passes are $55 for DOC members, available at the Film Group, 3rd floor Artspace or at the door next week October 22 at 4 pm. Program books available Friday October 16.

Schedule online here
 

Industry Advisory
Canada Feature Film Fund
Montreal – October 15, 2009 

Please take note that as of October 16, 2009, Telefilm Canada’s Western and Ontario & Nunavut Regional offices will stop accepting applications to the Canada Feature Film Fund’s English-language Development, Writers First, Regional Production, Low Budget Independent Feature Film Assistance (including completion) and Alternative Distribution programs for the remainder of this fiscal year.

Applications will be accepted until end of business day October 16, 2009.

Telefilm’s offices will re-open doors to applications to the above-noted programs on Monday, February 22, 2010, five weeks in advance of Telefilm’s new fiscal year.

Applications for National Packaging and National Production funds will continue to be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Please contact the Feature Film Executive in your region prior to submitting an application. Canada Feature Film Fund guidelines and application deadlines can be found at www.telefilm.gc.ca.

History Makers 2010 presents the latest ideas and trends which inspire the world's best programs and program creators. We take pride in producing original sessions featuring provocative thinkers and top program makers. History Makers 2010 will be truly International in its scope and delegate mix, and this year we want to make sure that our program reflects this emphasis.

Our themes of Investigation and Archives transcend borders, so session participants will be globally represented, making History Makers the ideal place to meet the key Commissioning Editors and producers from around the world. As well, our Awards will be expanded to include the individuals and programs that exhibit excellence in Investigation. Use this link  to register with a 15% discount on the Early-Bird registration rate until November 27th, 2009.

History Makers 2010 takes place January 27th-29th, 2010 at the Grand Hyatt New York, New York City.

Industry Advisory
Staff Appointments
Montreal, October 9, 2009

Telefilm Canada is delighted to announce three new staff appointments: Brigitte Monneau has been appointed to the role of Director, International Business Development; Dominique Lapierre has been promoted to the position of Director, Television French Market and Julie Blondin has been appointed to the position of Deputy Director Business Affairs (Quebec Region & French outside Quebec).

Brigitte Monneau’s mandate will focus on developing the international business development plan focussed on strengthening co-production relations with priority countries and developing new international business opportunities for the Canadian production sector. Brigitte joined Telefilm Canada in 2001 and became Director of Coproduction in 2004.

Ms. Lapierre joined Telefilm in 2002 and in her new role will be an integral part of the Television Business Unit, where she has been since 2006. Dominique’s key function will be to manage, plan and implement policies to help the business unit operate efficiently and effectively.

Ms. Blondin’s focus will be to help further refine the processes and policies in Business Affairs. Having worked as Legal Counsel within Telefilm’s legal department since 2002, Julie is well-versed in the inner workings of policy.

All three appointments are effective immediately and reside in the Montreal (Head) office of Telefilm Canada.

Industry Advisory 
Canada Feature Film Fund Deadline Announced
Montréal, October 14, 2009

Telefilm Canada is announcing application deadlines to those submitting projects to programs under the Canada Feature Film Fund.

The first deadline of December 7, 2009 is for regional production companies in Quebec applying for development financing.

Additional deadlines to note:

April 12, 2010 – Writers First for English projects within the Quebec Region;

April 19, 2010 – Programme d'aide à l'écriture de scénarios all French-language projects across Canada;

May 3, 2010 – Low Budget Independent Feature Film Assistance Program – all French-language projects and English-language projects within the Quebec Region.

All clients applying to the above-noted programs should submit to the Quebec regional office.

For additional information visit www.telefilm.gc.ca

Thurs. / Oct. 15th
7:00 PM – ENLIGHTEN UP ! ( & Yoga Classes www.winnipegcinematheque.com)
9:00 PM – EDGAR ALLAN POE: LAST DAYS OF THE RAVEN w / Director Brent Fidler

Fri. / Oct. 16th
7:00 PM - ENLIGHTEN UP ! ( & Yoga Classes www.winnipegcinematheque.com)
9:00 PM – EDGAR ALLAN POE: LAST DAYS OF THE RAVEN w / Director Brent Fidler

Sat. / Oct. 17th
7:00 PM - REEL PRIDE FESTIVAL  (reelpride.org)
9:00 PM -  REEL PRIDE FESTIVAL   (reelpride.org)
MIDNIGHT- EDGAR ALLAN POE: LAST DAYS OF THE RAVEN w / Director Brent Fidler

Sun. / Oct. 18th
7:00 PM:  ENLIGHTEN UP ! ( & Yoga Classes www.winnipegcinematheque.com)

*THE CINEMATHEQUE WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY / Oct. 19 & 20

Weds. / Oct. 21st
5:00 PM – PLACE: WINNIPEG FILM GROUP BOOK LAUNCH
7:30 PM - ENLIGHTEN UP ! ( & Yoga Classes www.winnipegcinematheque.com)

Thurs. / Oct. 22ND
4:00 PM – GIMME SOME TRUTH PANEL: TRUE STORIES OF GETTING FILMS MADE & SEEN
7:00 PM - PREMIERE: CAPTURING REALITY & WHO HAS SEEN ALLAN KING ?  
9:00 PM - OPENING RECEPTION

Looking for a way to celebrate Festivus at the office but don't want to do any planning or clean up the next day?

Delta Winnipeg has your answer with downtown's largest office block party December 11 at the Grand Ballroom.

Call 944-7205 for reservations.

Download the invitation here

Because no office should celebrate Festivus alone.

Focus | ckuw 95.9 fm | Mondays | 3 pm.

This week's guest: Caelum Vatnsdal.

Caelum has directed music videos, documentaries, experimental short films and a feature film. He has written two books, Kino Delirium: The Films of Guy Maddin, and They Came From Within - A History of Canadian Horror Cinema. We will discuss these and the Winnipeg Film Group's new publication PLACE: 13 Essays 13 Filmmakers 1 City, which has an article about Caelum and one written by him.

Hosted By: Matthew Etches.

Focus is a radio show that interviews winnipeg filmmakers, and explores their passions and influences.

Future Guests:

Oct 26th, 2009: Curtis Wiebe
Nov 2nd, 2009: Jonathan Ball
Nov 9th, 2009: Darren Wall
Nov 16th, 2009: Patrick Lowe

Join the Facebook group

Listen Online

If you have any comments, or would like to be on the show, email Matthew Etches at focus.ckuw@gmail.com

Register Here

We've been talking about it for awhile, but now we are making it official: Winnipeg's Apple Authorized Training Centre is open for business!

This project has been over two-years in the making with the goal of creating a globally recognized certification centre to increase jobs for the Manitoba new media industry. Our hands-on training lab is filled with Macintosh Pro Dual Quad Core 3 GHZ Computers sporting pristine dual 24" Apple Displays. So what does this mean to you? Wicked fast computers and big-ass monitors are perfect for learning a new application!

Out of the gate we're proud to announce our first worldwide certification is Aperture 101, Introduction to Aperture 2

This two-day certification will run on Saturday, November 28, and Sunday, November 29, 2009 from 9 am - 5 pm.

Aperture is like a "digital light room" for people seeking the best application to work with their digital photographs. Aperture is used by Graphic Designers, New Media Developers, and of course; Photographers, to manage and manipulate digital photographs. Hobbyists and Professional alike love Aperture's integrated workflow and gorgeous output.

We've worked extremely hard at ensuring that worldwide certification is accessible and affordable for our province. That is why Manitoban residents will receive a discount on ALL Apple Certification Courses delivered from our Training Centre at 1000 Waverly Street.

Winnipeg's Apple Authorized Training CentreBetter yet, if you are a paid member of New Media Manitoba, you will receive an ADDITIONAL discount on top of your Manitoba discount. These kind of discounts would have made Kern Hill proud.

The two-day Aperture 101 course is $795, which is one of the lowest prices in Canada for this kind of training. Manitoba residents receive a 10% discount and if you are a paid New Media Manitoba Member, you will receive a 15% discount. This pricing is practically unheard of for an Apple 2-day pro certification that is recognized around the world!

For more information on what the course offers, please browse the Aperture 101 Course outline here

If you think you already have the necessary knowledge to challenge the Aperture exam (or any Apple Pro app), we will be holding an Exam Day on November 14th, 2009. The cost to challenge an exam is $250.

If you have any questions regarding the Aperture 101 course or challenging an exam, please email our Certification Co-ordinator; Kert Gartner, at kert@newmediamanitoba.com. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Register soon, as we only have 11 seats remaining for this session

More Info here

We had the opportunity to provide a few VIPs the chance to see the crew and cast of CASHING IN in action filming episodes of the second season of the series for APTN.

Senator Janis Johnson and Member of Parliament Shelly Glover along with her son Michael Strickland spent some time watching Norma Bailey direct a scene being filmed at Club Regent Casino.

The production allowed us to return a few days later with Nicole Matiation of Manitoba Culture, Heritage, Tourism & Sport, and guests from the Canadian Women in Communications regional board, Terri Leigh and Robin Hildebrand. OSM's Claudia Garcia de la Huerta and interns Gemma Manangan and Richelle Cerrer rounded out the group.

Many thanks to producers (and OSM members) Vanessa Loewen of Animiki See and Phyllis Laing and Jean Du Toit of Buffalo Gal Pictures. Special thanks to RoseAnna Schick, Unit Publicist for serving as our gracious host and making the arrangements for these visits.

Check out the full sized images here

CASHING IN
A half-hour comedy drama set on Stonewalker First Nation, nestled comfortably beside an affluent beach community in Southern Manitoba. With a diverse cast of shark executives, smooth dealers, scheming slicksters and colourful community members, the North Beach Casino is a successful gaming palace recently purchased by Matthew Tommy and his casino empire. His mission: to make North Beach North America's #1 First Nation Casino.

More information available here

Set visit CASHING IN Oct 6, 2009 (CWC & OSM) Left to Right:
Laurence Mardon (Gaffer), Gemma Manangan (OSM), Len Peterson (Camera Op), Doug Mitchell (1st AD), Robin Hildebrand (CWC), Terri Leigh (CWC), Sacha Rosen (Boom Op), Richelle Cerrer (OSM), Nicole Matiation (MB CHTS), Tara Walker and Claudia Garcia de la Huerta (OSM)

PHOTO CREDIT: Allen Fraser Photography

Oct 1st was Joe's last day at the NFB as he retires from his position as producer. He started his career at the NFB back in 1977 and went on to produce many of Manitoba's classic documentaries.

Included in his credits:

• Apples & Indians (filmmaker Lorne Olsen)
• Letters from Karelia (Kelly Saxberg)
• The Gypsies of Svinia (John Paskievich)
• The Pill (Elise Swerhone, Erna Buffie and Merit Jensen-Carr)
• Personal Alarm (Paula Kelly)
• If Only I Were An Indian (John Paskievich)
• The True Story of Linda M. (Norma Bailey)
• Fat Chance (Jeff McKay)
• Leo Mol in Light and Shadow
• For the Moment
• Bordertown Cafe
• A Kind of Family
• Sedna: The Making of a Myth

... And the list goes on!

Fittingly Guy Maddin's TIFF selected Night Mayor is the latest entry!

A fuller list at IMDB

Already very busy, Joe has opened a nutrition and wellness store, Thrive located at 755 Corydon Avenue, with his wife and son who is a qualified nutritionist (with degrees from University of Winnipeg in Psychology and University of Manitoba in nutrition). All members of the filmmaking community are entitled to the family discount!

On behalf of OSM, thank you Joe for all your contributions to the Manitoba film community and to the association. Your mentorship of new filmmakers and work with the most established of Manitoba's creative documentarians have given us such amazing films!

Sincerely,

Tara Walker
Executive Director
On Screen Manitoba

Our national picture is incomplete without yours!

Canada CODE is a website where Canadians are creating a collaborative online portrait of the country to share with the world at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games. Your words. Your photos. This Canada.

Act now to be part of the story on the big screen during the Olympic Torch Relay. It’s EASY!
1) Go to Canada CODE
3) Upload an image or text of 10 to 15 words about your torch celebration community.
4) Tag your submission with your community name and the words “torch community”
5) Watch for your content and enjoy the celebration

In addition to the Torch Celebration videos your content could appear in other high-profile places:

• As content for big screens at the 2010 Winter Games!
•  Highlighted on www.vancouver2010.com

Never been to one of the route communities? No worries! Great Canada CODE content from across the country will be displayed at each of the 190 celebration communities every time the torch makes a stop.

Show the world what your community is made of! Visit Canada CODE www.canadacode.vancouver2010.com/, part of CODE, the Cultural Olympiad’s digital edition.

For more information, email us at code@vancouver2010.com

Thank you!

Lisa Nielsen
Outreach Producer
Canada CODE

Women in Film & Television-Toronto Announces the 21st Annual Crystal Award Winners

For Immediate Release
October 8, 2009

Toronto, ON - Women in Film & Television-Toronto (WIFT-T) is pleased to announce the winners of the 21st Annual Crystal Awards. The awards will be presented at a gala luncheon on Monday, November 30, 2009 at The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.

“This year’s winners competed against a slate of exceptional nominees in all categories,” says Sadia Zaman, Executive Director of WIFT-T. “The winners are a testament to hard work, passion, and creativity. We are honoured to celebrate their achievements.”

The 21st Annual Crystal Award winners, selected by an independent jury of former Crystal Award recipients, are:

Outstanding Achievement Award
CHRISTINE SHIPTON, Senior Vice President, Drama/Factual Content, CanWest

Creative Excellence Award
TASSIE CAMERON, Screenwriter & Producer

Mentorship Award
LISA MEECHES, Executive Producer, President, Eagle Vision Inc., Meeches Video Production

Special Jury Award of Distinction
CHRISTA SINGER, Independent Producer & Director (retired)

Biographies of the 2009 Crystal Award winners are available at www.wift.com.

The 2009 Crystal Awards are presented by NBC Universal and CanWest Broadcasting.

The Crystal Awards recognize the extraordinary achievements of women in film, television, and digital media, and are acknowledged as one of the industry’s most prestigious accolades. Each year, the Crystal Awards bring together industry, business, government, and media from across the country to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women in Canadian screen-based media.

Since the awards’ inception in 1988, more than 90 remarkable people have been honoured. Many of today’s senior executives and industry leaders are past recipients of a Crystal Award—a testament to the impact of women on the Canadian screen-based industry, as well as the global entertainment community at large.

For more information, visit www.wift.com or www.canadianfilmmaker.com

Katy Swailes
Communications Officer
Women in Film & Television – Toronto (WIFT-T)
(416) 322-3430 ext. 226
kswailes@wift.com

An NFB event to celebrate Wolrd Animation Day
Ocotber 27-31, 2009
Winnipeg Film Group's Cinematheque
100 Arthur Street
Phone: (204)-925-3457

All events are FREE

Screenings, Workshops and More!

Winnipeg, October 7, 2009 – In celebration of International Animation Day and the National Film Board of Canada’s 70th anniversary, the NFB is launching a special edition of Get Animated! – a series of free public screenings, from October 23–31, 2009, in 13 communities across Canada. The NFB’s Get Animated! website will also offer exclusive animation programming from October 8, 2009.

The NFB’s third edition of Get Animated! will showcase the Winnipeg premiere of local filmmaker Cordell Barker’s latest animation, Runaway, coming straight from the screens of Cannes and TIFF. Also featured are amazing new creations for all ages from the NFB’s Oscar-winning animation studios in two programs: Animation Feast and the NFB Family Program. The Family Program will feature special presentations by acclaimed filmmakers Cordell Barker, and Chris Landreth, as well as hands-on animation workshops for all ages. The NFB’s new 2-disc set Animation Express, a dazzling collection of films by today’s animation innovators, will also be on sale at screening venues.

Taking place October 28, 2009, International Animation Day is an annual celebration in over 40 countries, initiated by the International Animated Film Association (ASIFA) in 2002. NFB animation founder Norman McLaren was the first president of ASIFA, and the NFB is proud to be bringing this global celebration to Canadian communities for the third consecutive year.

This year, the NFB celebrates 70 Oscar nominations in 70 years – more nominations than any production company or organization outside Hollywood. Get Animated! is part of a broader commitment to ensuring that Canadians from coast to coast have access to outstanding NFB productions.

Tuesday October 27th, 2009
7 pm: Special presentation with Cordell Barker
Reception at Artspace lobby after special presentation

Wednesday October 28th, 2009
7 pm: Animation Feast — NFB New Releases Program

Thursday October 29th, 2009
7 pm: International Program — selected by Danny Lennon

Friday October 30th, 2009
7 pm: Pierre Hebert’s Only The Hand – An Animation Performance
9 pm: Local independent & student animation

Saturday October 31st, 2009
12 pm: Kids' Animation Workshop, Scott Kiborn in conjunction with Freeze Frame Festival
2 pm: NFB Kids’ screening & Halloween Party

More info & schedule at: www.nfb.ca/getanimated

Wednesday, October 28 at 6:30 PM – WFG Studio

During the AGM, the Winnipeg Film Group will present its 08 / 09 audited statements and provide an annual report.

Elections will also take place for five Board members (two year terms). Board member candidates should be practicing independent filmmakers, video artists or curators. Nominations are accepted from the floor by qualified members. Interested candidates are encouraged to identify themselves to Executive Director Cecilia Araneda at cecilia@winnipegfilmgroup.com prior to the AGM.

The position of President will also be elected (one year term). President candidates must be elected Board members of the WFG with a minimum one year tenure.

There are four categories of members (who have been members for a minimum of three months prior to the AGM) who are eligible to vote at the AGM – WFG general members, WFG basic user members, WFG full user members and WFG honourary members. Membership fees must be paid up to date at the time of the meeting.

Young People F---ing, the film comedy that was a flashpoint in the debate over federal film sponsorship last year, has won three awards at the Canadian Comedy Awards in Saint John.

It won the awards for best writing (Martin Gero and Aaron Abrams), best directing (Gero) and best performance by a male (Peter Oldring) in a gala at the Imperial Theatre on Friday.

The mild-mannered sex comedy had eight nominations going into the awards.

The film was much talked about in Senate hearings last year as Canadian politicians debated whether a movie with such a provocative title should be allowed to have government funding.

The TV series Less Than Kind and The Jon Dore Television Show were among the multiple winners at the awards show presented by The Comedy Network.

Citytv's Less Than Kind, about a dysfunctional family in Winnipeg, won two trophies. One award was for best performance by an ensemble and the other was for best performance by an actress, for Wendel Meldrum, who plays the pyromaniac mother.

Image Source: Buffalo Gal Pictures

MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Whistler Film Festival Goes Multi-Platform At This Year’s Pitch Fest West Submission deadline Monday, November 02, 2009

Whistler, BC (October 5, 2009) – For the first time ever, the Whistler Film Festival (WFF) is introducing a multi-platform component to the highly anticipated Pitch Fest West, a signature event taking place during the industry Forum at the Whistler Film Festival, December 3-6, 2009.

Deadline for entries is November 2

Drawing on innovation in technology and the changing landscape for content creation, this year’s Pitch Fest West will showcase film, TV and digital media producers who are in search of the knowledge, relationships and financing strategies required to successfully develop and exhibit their content across several platforms. Pitch Fest West gives up to five Canadian producers the opportunity to pitch projects to a distinguished panel of Canadian and International industry leaders in front of a live audience.

Feature film, documentary, scripted series are eligible to apply provided cross-platform media component is included in the project. "Last year’s Pitch Fest West was a huge success with us receiving 36 entries," says Angela Heck, Forum Manager of the Whistler Film Festival. "This year, we’ve expanded the scope to include projects that engage with creative content across multi-platforms. We expect to see some amazing pitches from Canada’s best producers." The Forum at the Whistler Film Festival features innovative industry programming by providing a full range of professional development, market and networking opportunities for Canadian filmmakers and content creators. Designed to provide industry professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge to compete in the Canadian and international film industry, the Forum offers intimate access to industry experts and key decision makers, and brings together Canadian and international delegates to form new alliances and financial partnerships.

This premier three-day event features innovative panels, interactive workshops, one-on-one meetings, film showcases and invaluable networking events that connect filmmakers with commissioning editors, broadcasters, sales agents and distributors. In 2008, the Whistler Filmmaker Forum connected over 650 industry delegates with broadcasters, distributors, sales agents and commissioning editors including industry executives from China, the United States and Canada. This year, the Forum focus is on strengthening ties between the production centers of Vancouver and Los Angeles. The deadline for submissions to this year’s Pitch Fest West is Monday, November 2, 2009. Pitch Fest West 2009 will only accept projects that include multi-platform content. Pitches that team film or television producers with new media companies are highly encouraged. Producers must be Canadian residents. For more information and Pitch Fest West application forms visit www.whistlerfilmfestival.com.

The ninth annual Whistler Film Festival, presented by American Express, runs from December 3 to 6, 2009. The Whistler Film Festival + Forum is sponsored by Cadillac, Directors Guild of Canada, Whistler Brewing, The Vancouver Sun, Whistler Blackcomb, Dose.ca and Quick Mobile, and is supported by Telefilm Canada, BC Film and the Resort Municipality of Whistler. The Whistler Film Festival Society (WFFS) is a charitable, not for profit cultural and educational organization committed to promoting, developing and celebrating a strong film industry in Western Canada, and to showcasing the best films from Canada and around the world. WFFS offers two main programs for the international community to discover Canadian filmmakers and do business with the Canadian film industry: the Whistler Film Festival (December 3-6, 2009), and the Forum at the Whistler Film Festival, Western Canada’s premier industry event. For details, visit www.whistlerfilmfestival.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Jeanette Miller, limelitePR, Publicity Manager, Whistler Film Festival
778.786.1495 jeanette@limelitepr.com

Film Training Manitoba’s Upcoming Workshops
Fall 2009

Our workshops are held in various venues in the downtown area so please visit our website, www.filmtraining.mb.ca, for more information on how to find us, and how to register for these workshops. You can also call us at 989-9669!

Dealing with Difficult Situations and Conflict in the Workplace

October 27 & 29 | November 10 & 12 | 17 & 19| December 1 & 3
Instructor: David Falk
Course Cost $150.00

FTM presents these evening workshop sessions to help you examine the nature of workplace conflict and provide you with the resources and skills to assist you in overcoming certain situations. Learning how to deal with conflict in the workplace is a challenge faced by many people. The stress can have a negative effect on the way you handle difficult situations and can affect your workplace reputation. Participants will learn ways to clear up misunderstandings, resolve disagreements, and provide constructive feedback to help manage differences in the workplace.

For more details, please visit our course calendar at www.filmtraining.mb.ca/calendar, or call us at 989-9669.

Scene Study with William B. Davis

October 29, 30, & 31 | November 1 & 2
Morning Class - 9:30 am to 1:00 pm* | Evening Class - 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm*
Course Cost $150.00

Best known for his role as “The Smoking Man” in The X-Files, Davis started acting as a young child, working summer stock theatres in Ontario. After university, he embarked on a twenty-year career as a theatre director and acting teacher. In the early eighties, he returned to acting and his career blossomed. In addition to acting, Davis is also a highly regarded director of theatre and film.

This workshop takes place over five days and participants will be split into two groups; morning and evening. Each group will begin with a brief review of the audition process and then move on to scene work for film and television. The scene work will be recorded and participants will be allowed to retain a copy.

*Each class holds a maximum of 8 participants.

For more details, please visit our course calendar at www.filmtraining.mb.ca/calendar, or call us at 989-9669.

 
Winnipeg's Festival of Film and Video Art
2009 FESTIVAL DATES: THURS OCT 8 – SUN OCT 11

Established in 2006, WNDX places special attention on the most innovative and ground-breaking work by Canadian filmmakers and video artists, with a special focus on the work of Manitoba and prairie artists. We celebrate the impetus to create in motion picture as a means of artistic expression and bring to the forefront works that may be overlooked by the mainstream. WNDX is a film festival that was created by filmmakers, in support of filmmakers.

For the Complete Program, Ticket, and Venue information please visit: www.wndx.org

Winnipeg Film Group’s documentary project “Gimme Some Truth” returns to Winnipeg October 22-25, 2009

Winnipeg – Gimme Some Truth, a four day documentary project featuring master classes, panels rich with filmmakers from across the country and a fantastic selection of film screenings, returns to a city known for its independent film spirit. Presented by the Winnipeg Film Group, this is the second annual Gimme Some Truth project, which provides filmmakers and audiences alike the opportunity to discuss creative, ethical and technical issues related to the documentary form.

This year’s project spreads throughout the city in five venues: Cinematheque, Winnipeg Contemporary Dancers’ Rachel Browne Theatre, the West End Cultural Centre, Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface’s Salle Martial Caron and the Urban Shaman Gallery.

Highlights for the second annual event include

Nearly two dozen filmmakers and industry specialists from across the globe, including featured guests:

• Academy award nominees Paul Cowan (Paris 1919), Montreal
• Academy award nominee Sam Green (Utopia in Four Movements), San Francisco
• Pepita Ferrari (Capturing Reality), Montreal
• Brett Gaylor (Rip! A Remix Manifesto), Montreal
• John Greyson (Fig Trees), Toronto
• Judy Irving (The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill ), San Francisco
• Sylvain L'Espérance (Un fleuve humain ), Montreal
• Guy Maddin (My Winnipeg), Winnipeg
• Alanis Obomsawin (Professor Norman Cornett), Montreal
• L’Atelier national de Manitoba, aka Walter Forsberg, Mike Maryniuk and Matthew Rankin (Death by Popcorn: The Tragedy of the Winnipeg Jets), Winnipeg
• Malcolm Rogge (Under Rich Earth), Winnipeg/Toronto
• Michelle Van Beusekom, Assistant Director General of the English Program of the NFB

Seven series of film and panel pairings:

• Capturing Reality (panel featuring Pepita Ferrari, Paul Cowan and Malcolm Rogge, facilitated by Michelle Van Buesekom)
   
• Copyright in the Digital Age (panel featuring Brett Gaylor and L’Atelier national du Manitoba, facilitated by Sean McManus)
   
• Working in Hybrid Forms (includes a live performance film, with panel featuring Sam Green, John Greyson and Guy Maddin, facilitated by Noam Gonick)
   
• Resistance in Documentary Film (panel featuring legendary Aboriginal director Alanis Obomsawin, joined by Malcolm Rogge, facilitated by Claudia Garcia de la Huerta)
   
• Humans and Animals Within the Urban Habitat (panel featuring Judy Irving and Shereen Jerrett, facilitated by Nigel Simms)
   
• Quebec Documentaries of the 21st Century – a very special series of seven French-language films presented FREE of charge at the CUSB (panel featuring Martin Delisle and Sylvain L’Esperance, facilitated by Matthew Rankin)
   
• Showcase Canada - with two feature films accompanied by two collections of short films; Canadian Documentary Shorts and Canadian Aboriginal Shorts

Daily workshops, Master Classes and Industry Panels (full schedule attached below) including “DIY Documentary” led by Oscar nominated director Sam Green, an advanced editing workshop with Dave Cerf, and a session on environmental filmmaking with Judy Irving.

Community programming - Gimme Some Truth takes the ‘documentary’ out into the community to foster cinema appreciation and hands-on filmmaking learning among inner city drop-in pro–grams, high school students and university students alike in both traditional documentary film production and remixing / new forms utilizing the resources at www.opensourcecinema.org.

Gimme Some Truth runs from Thursday, October 22 through to Sunday, October 25th. For a full schedule, see next page or visit www.gimmesometruth.ca . Event passes and single tickets are available for online purchase, in person at the Winnipeg Film Group's offices (3rd Floor, Artspace, 100 Arthur).

Gimme Some Truth is a programming partnership of DOC Winnipeg, the National Indigenous Media Arts Coalition, Urban Shaman Gallery and Winnipeg Film Group.

For interviews and information please contact:
Anne Dawson, Gimme Some Truth Publicist
(204) 229-2762
eannedawson@gmail.com

CALL FOR ENTRIES
Short Films for the 60th Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin 2010
Berlin, Germany, February 11 to 21, 2010
(Short Films of 30 minutes or less)

Please note that all films must be submitted directly to the festival

The BERLIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (BERLINALE), along with Cannes and Venice, counts as one of the oldest and most important competitive festivals in the world. The Berlinale is also a public festival selling almost 300,000 tickets to the city’s cinephiles.

Since 1955, the Berlinale has awarded a Golden and Silver Bear to the Best Short Film. Since 2003, short films have had their own international jury and since 2006 their own section. With the introduction of a dedicated section, the festival has expressed its commitment to raising the profile of short films.

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