FILM NEWS
FIRST WEEKEND CLUB NEWS 
Great Canadian Films at The Ridge
The First Weekend Club is proud to be supporting Canadian Auteurs, a new cinema series dedicated to the showcasing of Canadian films at The Ridge Theatre. Please see more information in the listing below. Information about future screenings at The Ridge through Canadian Auteurs will be posted on the First Weekend Club's website: http://www.firstweekendclub.ca .
Ridge Theatre presents new retrospective of Canadian Films in a series entitled Canadian Auteurs.
The Ridge Theatre is happy to announce the coming retrospective exhibition of Canadian feature films made over the past 35 years. Over the next several months we will exhibit such films as Lesage's "Le Confessional", Ransom's "Margaret's Museum", Wheeler's "Bye Bye Blues", and many more.
Please check our flyer (and online at www.ridgetheatre.com). Also included is a very strong line-up of short films focusing on local talent, a showcase of the best of BC filmmaking. Included in this program will be Q &A sessions with local filmmakers after their work is presented.
Filmmakers who wish to submit their work for consideration in the upcoming schedule should get in touch with Michael Gazetas at gazetas@telus.net.
This series is being programmed by Aristides and Michael Gazetas, a father and son team who share a love of film and are passionate advocates for Canadian filmmaking .
CINEWORKS NEWS
Cineworks Announces...Special Exhibition #4
IMAGE PLAYGROUND: an evening of mixed media cinema
8pm - Reception to follow
March 18th 2004
The Western Front, 303 East 8th Ave.
$5 admission
See the web for program titles: www.cineworks.ca.
Image Playground is an explosive visual collection of shorts from mostly emerging filmmakers. These artists incorporate film, video, paint, animation, digital effects, printmaking and still photography into works that will visually delight and intrigue the audience. In a world of big budget Hollywood wonders and low budget Hollywood wannabes, Image Playground breaks traditional genre barriers.
6TH ANNUAL SCRIPTALOOZA SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
Supported by the Writers Guild of America, West
Regular deadline is March 5, 2004
First prize is $10,000 and screenwriting software for the top 30 winners from Write Brothers. Over 50 production companies are reading all the entered scripts!
All thirteen winners will be considered by Scriptapalooza's outstanding participants; A Band Apart, Samuel Goldwyn Films, HBO, Material, Disney and many more. Sponsors include Write Brothers and Filmmaker Magazine. For information visit
www.scriptapalooza.com
or call 323-654-5809
THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY CINEMA FOUNDATION GRANTS
The Museum of Contemporary Cinema Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2004 grants. Two grants, in the amount of 2,000 Euros each, are available this year. The grants are open to experimental films, as well as experimental film installations and performances. The deadline is March 31st, 2004. The entry form and information can be downloaded at
www.m-o-c-c.com
CRAZY8S
Pitch For The Chance To Make a CRAZY8S Short Film!
Prospective Crazy8s filmmakers will once again be given the chance to pitch a panel of industry professionals and sponsors for the opportunity to make a Crazy8s film. Successful applicants will be given a short film package for free, provided that they can complete a film in 8 days and for only $800.
"Pitch day" is April 2nd, 2004 from 10am to 5pm. The application fee is $40 per pitch and each Director and/or Producer will be given 5 minutes to pitch their project. Further pitch details are available on the application form.
Applications are available from the DGC Office (430-1152 Mainland Street - 604-688-2976) and can be downloaded from the DGC website: www.dgcbc.com
Contact: Jason Cameron / Nancy Welsh: contact@crazy8s.cc
Tel: 604-688-2976
24 HOUR FILM CONTEST NEWS
WINNERS PROVE OVERNIGHT SUCCESS IS POSSIBLE
Vancouver, BC, Canada
At 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 21st at the Pacific Cinematheque, filmmakers, film lovers and judges such as BRUCE McDONALD eagerly viewed the favorite films from The 24 Hour Film Contest Series at the second annual Overnight Success Festival. "It's incredibly inspiring - it's like the Olympics," McDonald said at the screening's conclusion.
The screened films were determined by over one thousand online votes at
www.the24hourfilmcontest.com. All filmmakers had only 24 hours to make their films, incorporating story elements such as fairy tale and motherhood themes, questions, even stock footage.
Judging the event were HARD CORE LOGO, ROADKILL and HIGHWAY 61 director BRUCE McDONALD; MIRACLE, COLD SQUAD and EDGEMONT casting director DOROTHY SZMANSKA; and veteran talent agent DEBORAH HARRY.
The following four teams took home the awards, presented at an evening awards party shared with New Media SLAM (www.newmediaslam.com) at The Cambie Film Centre. These films, along with over one hundred others, can be viewed at www.the24hourfilmcontest.com.
BEST FILM & BEST CAST: The hilarious comedy ROUSING DOUG, about an outcast's revenge. Created by Lincoln Clay Baker, Clint Baker, Tammie Leanne Eros, Aaron Houston, Tom Hackett and Lisa Baker.
AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD & BEST STORY: The beautiful silent film ERATO, about a composer's search for inspiration. Created by Ashley Fester, Michael Van Kuyk, Wendy McDonald, Eric Salomon Zareski, Wade Taves, Jane Weitzel, Shannon Jardine and Greg Lund.
INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARD: The stunning all-animated SLEEPING BOOTY, in which a pumpkin princess is put to sleep by a magic spell. The film was an LA / Toronto / Vancouver collaboration created by Kaare Andrews, Dave Stephens, Dave McCaig and Jeff Tymoschuk across the Internet: Foregrounds were animated in Toronto, backgrounds in LA, and music and sound design was orchestrated in Vancouver.
BEST TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT: The haunting JOUEZ AVEC CA HENRY, about deals in a dark forest. The film was shot and developed entirely on 16mm film (in 24 hours, of course). Created by Terry Mialkowsky, Don Besse, Tisha Simpkins, Shawn Patrick Murphy, Melissa Rooney, Dixie Plaxton, Eliza Bayn and Erica Carroll.
The other films screened were: AFFECTION, EDISON COMPLEX, FUTURISTIC FRUIT FLY PEOPLE AND A TAMBOURINE, GROW YOUR OWN, REUNION and THE MOTHER LOAD.
The next 24 Hour Film Contest is April 3rd 2004.
Tickets will be available online shortly.
For more information about The 24 Hour Film Contest, please visit:
www.the24hourfilmcontest.com, contact Kryshan Randel at 604 640 4749, or email the contest at the24hourfilmcontest@hotmail.com.
THE 24 HOUR FILM CONTEST GETS NATIONAL NEWS COVERAGE
We are proud to report that The 24 Hour Film Contest has received national news coverage in the article "Make A Great Movie In A Day?", featured in Moviemaker Magazine's 10th anniversary issue, currently at your local magazine shop. The article also spotlights other marathon film festivals across North America, for those of you unable to participate in the Vancouver one.
EVERY ADIDAS HAS A STORY. DO YOU?
What does Adidas mean to you? Your answer to that question, expressed on celluloid (or, of course, digitally) could be worth $10,000 toward your next film project. The winning 30 second to 3 minute short will get plenty of positive exposure and the wining filmmaker will get a hefty start toward bringing his or her next project to fruition. Adidas has a long history of working with world-renowned graphic artists, fashion designers, musicians and other members of the creative community. You can rest assured we will treat your submission with respect and taste. Our goal is not to commercialize, it is to discover what a few smart, creative people will see in our brand that we don't. For full details about the competition and an application form, go to www.nwfilm.org or www.adidas.com/originalslifestyle.
Deadline for entries: April 16, 2004.
THE SECOND ANNUAL ABTV CONTEST
Spread the word - we have $5,000 to give away to the ten most original /subversive / wacky short videos, flash and audio (animation, music, mocumentaries or whatever) sent in to our Second Annual ABTV Contest!
The three entry categories are:
1. DIRECT ACTION (jams, spoofs, pranks, protests)
2. EPIPHANIES (personal works)
3. MINI-DOCUMENTARIES
Check out our submission guidelines for more info and last year's winners at www.adbusters.org/abtv/contest/
Meanwhile...tune in, turn on, rise up!
NSI (NATIONAL SCREEN INSTITUTE) ANNOUNCEMENTS 
NSI FILMEXCHANGE STARTS TUESDAY
The final countdown is on to NSI FilmExchange - Canada’s Coolest Film Festival
Cool films, cool guests, cool snow, cool festival…Canada’s coolest film festival, NSI FilmExchange begins on Tuesday!
NSI FilmExchange is a great opportunity for movie fans and the film industry to come together. The festival kicks off at The Forks, Tuesday March 2 at 7 p.m. with SnowScreen, a free outdoor movie screen carved out of snow that has movies projected onto it! This year SnowScreen has a two-part program: first up is animation from the National Film Board of Canada - a great family friendly program. Following a short break, part two features short films from the Winnipeg Film Group.
Also at SnowScreen, Premier Gary Doer will be presenting the $10,000 Manitoba Emerging Filmmaker Award. The Province announced this prize last fall, funded by the Manitoba Film & Sound Recording Development Corporation and administered by the Winnipeg Film Group.
“SnowScreen has become an annual tradition with NSI FilmExchange,” said Festival Director Bill Evans. “What could be more Canadian than spending an evening outside, sipping hot chocolate and watching Canadian movies on a screen made of snow? We’re also very excited to be involved with the Manitoba Emerging Filmmaker Award.”
In addition to over 30 short films, a great line up of feature films includes The Blue Butterfly starring Oscar® winner William Hurt, Emile starring Sir Ian McKellen (“Gandalf”, The Lord of the Rings), the sexy comedy Love, Sex & Eating the Bones, and made-in-Manitoba movies East of Euclid, Seven Times Lucky and The Saddest Music in the World. Hockey fans remember or know the legend of the Canada-Russia hockey series of 1972. The movie Luck, starring Luke Kirby (Mambo Italiano) uses the games as a backdrop as some young slackers gamble against the wrong team. On the Corner, Goldirocks, Les Immortels, Graveyard Alive - A Zombie Nurse in Love, The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz and the documentary Totem: The Return of the G’psgolox Pole complete the film schedule.
At the Telefilm Industry Centre, there are many master classes, panels, forums and workshops for television and filmmakers to learn from and provide mentorship. From Brent Butt, creator and star of Corner Gas, to noted Aboriginal director Gil Cardinal, and writers Barrie Dunn, Michael Volpe and Al Magee from Trailer Park Boys, the master classes provide an intimate, personal and dynamic way to learn from masters of their craft.
Got a DVD collection? Want to find out more about the technical and creative side of the business? David Phillips, Manager of DVD Development at The Criterion Collection, leads a forum Wednesday, March 3 at 10:45 a.m. at The Fort Garry Hotel.
If you’re a television or a film maker, NSI FilmExchange is pleased to welcome industry executives from Canada, the United States and Europe to meet with delegates and discuss marketing projects outside of Canada, in forum and producer roundtable sessions.
Something for everyone catch the cool at NSI FilmExchange. Visit
www.nsi-canada.ca/filmexchange for more details.
Delegate and screening passes, and all individual film and industry event tickets, are on sale through Ticketmaster. Visit www.ticketmaster.ca (keywords: NSI or film festival) or call (204) 780-3333/(800) 780-3797
NSI GLOBAL MARKETING PARTICIPANTS ANNOUNCED
The National Screen Institute - Canada (NSI) is excited to announce the selected television producers for the 2004 NSI Global Marketing Program.
The 2004 NSI Global Marketing participants are:
Gigi Boyd from Tricycle Films Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia
Merit Jensen Carr from Merit Motion Pictures, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Bob Crowe from Angel Entertainment Corporation, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Greg Jones from Creative Atlantic Communications Inc., Halifax, Nova Scotia
Sarah King from The May Street Group Film & Video Animation Ltd., Victoria, British Columbia
Jennifer Podemski from Big Soul Productions, Toronto, Ontario
"The NSI Global Marketing Program is an important tool for Canadian producers. We are glad that we can give these Canadian producers a unique opportunity to grow internationally," said Mickey Rogers, Program Manager.
"The caliber and quality of the selected participants was impressive."
NSI Global Marketing is an ambitious training program, which provides professional and project development to Canadian television producers, culminating with at-market mentoring and support during MIPTV in Cannes, France.
KICKSTART@MIPTV REGISTRATION OPEN
The National Screen Institute - Canada, through the NSI Global Marketing Program, has opened registration for KickStart@MIPTV in Cannes, France, March 28, 2004.
NSI encourages producers to register now for KickStart@MIPTV March 28, 2004 in Cannes, France.
KickStart@MIPTV 2004 is an afternoon networking session and workshop followed by a cocktail reception hosted by NABET 700 CEP. It is an opportunity to meet producers before the market opens, to find potential co-production partners, meet broadcasters, distributors, commissioning agents, co-production agencies and financial experts. KickStart@MIPTV 2004 will focus on documentaries by bringing together experts in the genre to discuss their experience with co-production and international partnerships.
The KickStart registration form and Frequently Asked Questions are available for download at www.nsi-canada.ca/kickstart.
Deadlines and costs:
Registrations received by March 17, 2004: $40 US
Registrations received after March 17, 2004 or on-site: $50 US
Win Cash & Diamonds at NSI FilmExchange!
Think you know Canadian film? Take our Canadian FilmBiz Quiz*. Link to:
www.nsi-canada.ca/fexcontest/
and enter for your chance to win Ladies 10k gold 0.50 ct Diamond Earrings retail value $699. Forward the link to a friend and increase your chances to win! Contest Deadline March 5, 2004, 12:00 p.m. Central Time.
NSI National Exposure Amateur Movie Contest is gaining momentum as the February 16 deadline for entries approaches. Just a video camera, some friends and an idea could lead to a big screen premiere, cash and prizes.
Visit www.nsi-canada.ca/filmexchange/exposure
for more information and application details. 12 finalists* will compete for cash prizes for Best Director, Best Actor or Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Film Under 18 and Best Film from Manitoba. At the March 6 screening, the audience will select a grand prize ($1,000) and second prize ($500) People's Choice Award.
The contest is open to all residents of Canada except residents of Quebec, employees (and those persons with whom they are domiciled) of National Screen Institute - Canada, Ben Moss Jewellers, Rogers, Taylor George Design, and of the corporations, the contest jury, and the advertising and promotional agencies involved in the Contest.
Delegate and screening passes are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Individual tickets for The Saddest Music in the World, Seven Times Lucky and the Opening Night Party following SnowScreen, plus industry centre events and luncheons went on sale Friday, January 23 through Ticketmaster. Visit:
www.nsi-canada.ca/filmexchange
for festival details and ticket information.
The National Screen Institute - Canada, with headquarters in Winnipeg, is one of Canada's four nationally recognized film and television training schools. With over 80% of NSI graduates working in the industry, participants don't just learn about the process - they live it.
The National Screen Institute - Canada operates with ongoing funding from Telefilm Canada through Canadian Heritage, and Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism. Additional support provided by Patrons: Global Television Network, CTV and CBC Television. Further support provided by our Partners: Alliance Atlantis and Warner Bros. Canada Inc.
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
NFB Seeks New Filmmakers, New Ideas
With $1 Million REEL DIVERSITY Competition
Got an idea for a bold, distinctive documentary?
If you're an emerging filmmaker and you'd like to direct your own documentary at the world-famous National Film Board of Canada - then enter the 2004 REEL DIVERSITY competition. With a budget of $1 million, REEL DIVERSITY will offer five emerging directors from visible minority groups the chance to direct their own English-language, 40-minute NFB documentary, to be broadcast nationally on CBC Newsworld.
One winner will be selected from each of Canada's five regions. Winners will work on a contract basis at the NFB, with supportive, experienced colleagues and mentors. The maximum budget per project is $200,000, including all costs from research to delivery of completed production. The REEL DIVERSITY competition is a National Film Board of Canada initiative in partnership with CBCand CBC Newsworld.
Apply by March 31, 2004.
To apply for REEL DIVERSITY contact the NFB studio in your region. For more information or an application form, visit http://www.nfb.ca/reeldiversity or call 1-800-267-7710.
JUST SAY Y.A.S.!
Second Avenue Studios presents The Young Actors' Studio!
YOUNG ACTORS' STUDIO focuses on individuals’ strengths and creative needs by offering a strong foundation in technique and personalized instruction.
SIX WEEK COURSE
Start Dates: Sunday, March 7th and Sunday, May 2
Ages 7-13
COST: $200.00 + GST
SPRING TRAINING
March 15-19
ages 7-12
9:30 am - 12:00 noon
COST: $225.00 + GST
Ages 13-16
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
COST: $325.00 + GST
OUR INSTRUCTOR: Leanne Jijian Hume has been acting on stage professionally for over 11 years. She holds a B.A. Honours degree in Theatre (both in Performance and Production) and has over a decade of combined experience teaching in traditional classrooms, as well as a variety of theatre settings.
Leanne is also a working Film and TV actor here in Vancouver, represented by Kirk Talent. Some of her selected film and television credits are "Honestly Stan", "Dead Like Me" and "The L Word."
Space is limited, so please contact us today!
Second Avenue Studios
p. 604.877.7705
f. 604.877.0021
classes@second-ave.com
www.second-ave.com
P.S.: don't forget to have fun!!
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY
Audition Workshop with Casting Director CANDICE ELZINGA
Candice Elzinga is an Emmy Nominated Casting Director whose recent credits include "The Lazarus Child", "Jack" and "Chasing Freedom". She was the co-casting director for "Jeremiah"and "The Twilight Zone". In 2003, Candice was honored to receive an Emmy Nomination for casting "Door to Door", a Movie for TNT starring William H. Macy. Sides will be hand picked for the students and the day will be kept moving with a lot of "on camera" time.
Candice believes strongly in "learning by doing", so theory will be kept to a minimum and questions will be addressed as they surface throughout the day. A strong emphasis will be placed on the importance of making strong, creative choices and empowering actors with the confidence to take risks and "own" their auditions!
WHEN: Friday February 27
TIME: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
WHERE: Tarlington Training, #609-525 Seymour St.
COST: $120 plus GST
Call now to register. Enrollment strictly limited 604-664-0315
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY
Power House Casting & Minty's Bo-Bo Doll Productions
The Successful Commercial Audition Workshop
Sunday February 29th 2004
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch provided
Cost $175.00
Power House Casting Studio
Casting Director Drew Walker of Power House Casting and Producer Minty Thompson invite you to attend this intensive full day workshop specifically designed for successfully auditioning for a television commercial. Drew Walker has 20 years experience in Toronto working for an array of international clients including Mazda, Budweiser, Home Depot, etc.
Proper slating; Party scene techniques; Dialogue to camera; Dialogue to other actors; Hitting marks and blocking; Improv; Eating for the camera; etc.
Attendees will watch and review tapes with feedback from the casting director and will leave with an audition tape. Space is limited to 14 people. This workshop is almost full.
To register please contact Minty Thompson: mintyt@shaw.ca
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Moondance International Film Festival
Call for entries
Postmark deadline: March 15, 2004
"The American Cannes" - Changing the World, One Writer, One Filmmaker at a Time
www.moondancefilmfestival.com
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
New Media BC is proud to present the Vancouver International Digital Festival (VIDFEST), taking place June 25-26, 2004. Our call for entries is now open! We are seeking the superlative in digital film, animation and interactive design. The digital world is watching. We are looking for fresh, creative, and inventive work.
If your work is selected you will be awarded a complimentary conference pass and an invitation to the hi-fi VIDFEST gala on June 25th, 2004.
Entry deadline is extended until March 15, 2004. For more information and entry forms, visit
www.vidfest.com.
SPRING BREAK SCHOLARSHIPS
20 Spring Break SCHOLARSHIPS to be awarded NOW for the Gulf Islands Film and Television School!! They're celebrating their 10th year with a big big BIG scholarship award program. During every week-long session, they're awarding four scholarships worth half tuition costs ($340 each).
Concept: Each Award honours one of 21 individuals that have made a significant contribution to the establishment of G.I.F.T.S. Each group of 4 scholarship winners will form a team and produce a video/film/animation that includes the theme of the Award. These content/focus influenced productions will further support G.I.F.T.S.' mission to facilitate media producers creating stories that matter - artistically and politically.
How to Apply: Submit a short (up to 250 words) essay, story, poem, song, picture, drawing or video that expresses your PASSION to create media. Don't forget to include your phone number, address, email address and your first and second choice of award.
The deadline is 6 weeks prior to each session date. The first deadline was February 1, 2004 for the March 14 session and the last is September 5 for October 17. You will be notified 4 weeks before the session starts.
Apply on-line: www.GIFTSfilms.com.
GRANVILLE ACTORS STUDIO
BARRY LEVY - SCENE STUDY
On camera scene study.
Get coached by a working professional actor.
Ongoing Thursdays 7-10pm
LISA BUNTING - ON CAMERA AUDITION
Transform your acting, Transform your life!
Ongoing Tuesdays 7-10pm
TODD CARROLL - ACTING THROUGH IMAGERY
Make every scene your own, sink deeper into the story.
Eat up cold reads
Ongoing Mondays 7-10pm
604-609-0788
Act Now!
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
The Feature Film Project, an initiative of the Canadian Film Centre, provides a fully mentored, hands-on opportunity to train and develop the creative, technical and business skills of filmmakers ready to make their first low-budget and ultra-low-budget feature films.
The next deadline for submissions to The Feature Film Project at both Low-Budget (up to $500,000) and Ultra-Low Budget ($250,000 and under) levels is April 30, 2004. For guidelines and application package, call 416-445-2890 or visit the website at www.cdnfilmcentre.com.
KICKSTART
Kick Start is designed for emerging filmmakers from British Columbia who have demonstrated the talent, imagination and craft skills necessary to understand the job function of directing. Successful applicants will clearly express their vision and their ability to meet the challenges of making a short film. Kick Start assists five winning directors each year with the production of a ten-minute dramatic film or video. Each director completes his or her project under the guidance of an experienced industry mentor, who acts as a consultant and resource person. Applicants must be either a graduate from a post-secondary institution or a recognized film school, or possess equivalent experience in the film industry. Projects must be completed within a year and have a maximum cash budget of $35,000. Both program partners are excited to support emerging filmmakers in British Columbia by providing them with a "calling card film" to assist them in developing their directing careers.
The application deadline for Kick Start 2005 is September 10, 2004.
Applications and information are available from the Directors Guild of Canada, BC District Council Office or on their website at www.dgcbc.com
AN OPEN CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Writers: Would you like to have your work read by professional actors in front of an audience? Would you appreciate valuable criticism and commentary from an industry insider?
Final Draught, Vancouver’s newest forum for developing scripts, began its second season on Monday, October 20th, 2003. All submitted scripts will be carefully considered. There are no entry fees or dues. All genres of stage and screenplay are welcome, especially shorts. In most cases, 10 to 20 minutes of material will be selected from a work and presented with one or two other works over the course of an evening. Writers are welcome to indicate their preference in this regard at the time of submission. To submit, please send two properly formatted copies of your script to:
Bob Hume / Final Draught
207 – 1928 E. 11th Ave
Vancouver, British Columbia
V5N 1Z2
Include a SASE if you want your scripts returned. Writers may also submit Word, Final Draft or PDF files to: submissions@finaldraught.com
Scripts will be read in the order they are received. Multiple submissions by a single writer are welcome – please mail each title separately.
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