NBFC E-news - Thur, August 28, 2008
Spotlight!
THE BUSINESS OF ART AND THE ART OF BUSINESS
By Tara K. Wells, Sackville, NB
I'm one of those people who likes things their own way. I think the more common term is control freak. It's pretty obvious, but I still don't like to admit it.
It's certainly a lot easier for me to tell you that I am an independent animator in a small town in a small maritime province and as such I'm pretty much relegated to doing all of the work myself.
Of course, being someone who likes things their own way, I love that I get to do it all: writing, props, sets, storyboards, lighting, cinematography, animating, special effects, editing, titles, soundtrack, distribution, everything. And as everyone reading this probably knows, animating takes time, and, as the saying goes, time is money. I guess that means I'm also the financier, and of all my jobs that's one I'm happy to give up.
But I do enjoy having total control over my projects. Especially when it means that I can explore ideas as they come to me. You see, I never know when I'll have an idea or an inspiration and I've found that if I don't roll with them quickly, I lose interest. It's just the way I work. Sometimes my method of working means redoing hours of perfectly acceptable work because I think it might look better done differently. Other times it means not correcting small mistakes because even though I'm aware that they are there because I've moved on. Whatever the case, I've found that my unorthodox way of working doesn't really fit into the current arts granting system which generally wants you to plan and describe everything you're going to do months or years in advance. Personally, I think this is rather ridiculous. But then again, I've spoiled myself into thinking that I'm always right, too.
Whatever the reasons, I find it difficult to plan for art. I see planning as something you do in business or for big weddings and all other things official and complicated. For me, art just happens and inspiration can't be scheduled or postponed. Which is fine when you're working alone. But sometimes making art can directly involve other people. And just because they're your friends or just because you want everything to go well, doesn't mean that it will. Especially when things like dollars and copyrights enter the picture.
I got my first taste of collaborating a few years ago when I heard this awesome song by a singer/songwriter who I was just getting to know, both musically and personally. As soon as I heard it, I fell in love with her song and wanted to make an animation for it. She liked my ideas and gave me her full permission to use her music for my project. I figured that I had what I needed so, I set to work.
My husband, who works with musicians regularly, suggested getting things in writing.
But being the socially-stunted, stubbornly-optimistic and too-shy-to-insist-on-formalities kinda gal that I am, I did not heed his advice. From those early conversations to the final product took well over a year, because I did everything myself while still earning a living with other more lucrative forms of work. When her album was released, and I had enough props built and ideas in hand, it was time to finally focus on the project and get it finished. I lived off my savings for two months while I feverishly photographed, animated and edited.
By the time the animation was done, her label, rather than digging deep to reward me with some meager pittance for what was essentially an awesome new ad for their product, instead declared that they owned half of all her music and that I would need to get their permission to distribute my animation to festivals and the like. I was also advised that I would have to re-negotiate the terms with them if I started making any money from the video. And to add insult to injury, they insisted that I give them credit on the project. Now, I give credit where credit is due, freely and happily, but I still can't figure out what it is that they contributed to the video that deserved credit. I will credit them with freely distributing the video to television stations without my permission or any notion of compensation.
But I learned a lesson. When collaborating with another artist, get it in writing.
My next collaborative effort was at least a paying gig. And because no faceless recording label was involved I felt confident that it would go much more smoothly. We were all just in it for the art. I took notes this time figuring that's what my husband meant by "get it in writing."
But then I ended up being so inspired by the subject matter that I devoted perhaps more energy to the project than was required. About 400 hours more than I probably should have. In the end, who owned what became only a minor issue, capped with a casual verbal agreement that we would share any great windfall. But our agreement doesn't take into account that I'm paying for all the distribution expenses out of my own pocket, Don't get me wrong. I'm not looking to earn millions here. But a girl's gotta eat.
So, what are my new rules to live by?
The first step in any collaboration should be to get the entire scope of the project clearly defined in writing beforehand.
This should include, among other things:
Who does what.
Who pays for what.
Who owns what.
Who has final say on what.
What is expected from all parties.
And anything else you can think of.
Contracts and agreements don't have to be scary or involve lawyers. Plain and simple language will do nicely.
If I am ever inclined to collaborate on another project with a fellow artist or musician, part of me hopes that the love of art will prevail. But ultimately if I'm entering into a collaboration with someone, even and perhaps especially if it's a friend, I intend to discuss all the details upfront and put it all in writing. The process itself might be a bit of a pain but it will give everyone a chance to have their say and maybe even discover issues that might have been left until it was too late. Don't make the mistake of assuming that just because you agree on some things, that you will agree on everything.
I still believe that art just happens. But collaborations, however friendly, should be treated as business. Like any business they require planning and lots and lots of communication.
So get it in writing. Especially if you're a control freak or plan on working with one.
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MEMBER UPDATES, MEMBER UPDATES, MEMBER UPDATES
DON FLATT - FREDERICTON
This is an interesting article comparing the two editing systems (Avid VS FCP) and making some industry predictions.
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MEMBER UPDATES, MEMBER UPDATES, MEMBER UPDATES
MATTHEW BROWN - SAINT JOHN
Intrepid filmmaker Matthew Brown is shooting his newest short film this Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun. Entitled Thy Will Be Done, the story centers around an evil priest who steals art works.
On board to help Matt are Film Co-op members Jeff Crawford and Blake Edwards.
Email Matt
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MEMBER UPDATES, MEMBER UPDATES, MEMBER UPDATES
CHRIS GILES - FREDERICTON
Film Co-op Filmmaker and NB Joy Award Winner Chris Giles is shooting his newest experimental film
Birth of a Nicola
on next weekend. He and fellow Film Co-op crew members Joe Blades and Dennis Poirier are doing back breaking heavy lifting and carrying today to get things set up and moved around at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre. (Flats and Props are from TNB, UNB and Joe!)
Film Co-op member Rebecca Flewelling is working on the potato babies and the wardrobe for the film.
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MEMBER UPDATES, MEMBER UPDATES, MEMBER UPDATES
BUNTHIVY NOU - FREDERICTON
A Lion's Tale will be screening at this year's Atlantic Film Festival.
Bunthivy Nou received a grant to produce her calling card short film through the Short Film Venture Program. NB Film gives out the much needed cash component of the grant and the New Brunswick Filmmakers' Co-operative provides the full complimentary professional equipment package, volunteer member crew resources as well as post production facility access.
Click Here
to learn more about this valuable NB Program for New Brunswick Filmmakers and the partners involved.
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MEMBER UPDATES, MEMBER UPDATES, MEMBER UPDATES
GLEN ROSS AND RODRIGO GUTIERREZ - FREDERICTON
Glen Ross and Rodrigo Gutierrez are in the middle of their latest project. They are producing a documentary on famous New Brunswick artist Gordon Dunphy.
Gordon Dunphy was born into a farming family on the Nashwaak River Valley in central New Brunswick. He attended the Nova Scotia Agricultural College and set about the task of developing what was to become well known in the industry as " Nashwaak Holsteins."
In the seventies, his friendship with artists and craftspeople heightened his sensitivity to and appreciation of the natural world. He developed a particular affinity for the hard wood trees of New Brunswick.
In 1981, he made a bold and unprecedented move. He left dairy farming and set up a woodturning studio in Taymouth, New Brunswick. He rapidly gained a reputation as a superb craftsman and was invited to exhibit his wares at exhibitions across the country.
Gordon Dunphy's contribution to New Brunswick's cultural landscape has been marked by numerous awards. In 1998 and 1990, he received the New Brunswick Craft's Council Premier's Prize. In 1995, he received the Deichmann Award for Excellence in Craft. In 2002, he received the Strathbutler Award for Excellence.
His work can be found in many private and public collections across Canada and around the world, most notably, the British Royal family, the premiers of Canada and the Bronfman Claridge Collection.
Gordon's work has also been shown in a group exhibition in Germany.
He continues to live on the banks of the Nashwaak River where he continues to turn and teach his art.
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AS SCENE FROM HERE
By Jim Lavoie
2008 Cabaret Update:
Tickets ($10 advance $12 at the door) are selling fast for Friday night's opening show (Aug 29) and For Saturday (Aug 30).
Tickets are available from Cabaret cast and at boom! nightclu b at 474 Queen St. The nightclub doors open at 8:00 pm both Fri and Sat nights. Show times are 8:30 pm
The curtain will soon rise on this entertaining show and important fundraiser for Transition House. All those involved have done the hard work and now you, the audience, get the easy part: buy a ticket and enjoy a terrific show. Break a leg Cabaret ladies and gents!
The Cabaret ensemble would like to thank all who have/will lend their support to make their 08 event great. A special thank to Pierre Huard and Michel Guitard for answering the call to help and lending their expertise for taking on the camera task and for the New Brunswick Filmmakers' Co-operative for their loan of a camera.
The NB Film Co-operative staff and its members, a number of whom are involved with this event, offer their best wishes for a successful night!
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MEMBERSHIP STUFF, MEMBERSHIP STUFF, MEMBERSHIP STUFF
Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you
Thank you to Lynn and Herve Richard for donating a fridge to the Film Co-op for its downstairs resource centre!
Thank you to Dan Thebeau and Cavendish Farms Corporation for their sponsorship of Silver Wave 2008!
Thank you to John and Rachel Christenson for their kind donation of office supplies for the Co-op (lights, clipboards and wall file system)!
NEW MEMBERS: Things you can do to get your required volunteer hours in for August 28 Through September 4: Tidying up Co-op, typing, creating video jacket covers, watering the plants, redoing the library # sticker labels on videos, updating the production forms/workshop handouts/film and video production info binders and more!
Contact Cat at: info@nbfilmcoop.com
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Training & Development
Check out the Intro/Intermediate Workshop Schedule for 2008 on the Film Co-op website by going to our activities link at: http://www.nbfilmcoop.com/activities.htm
Email Cat at: info@nbfilmcoop.com to register for the below workshop as we are taking limited numbers.
ONE-MINUTES-0R-LESS DOCUMENTARIES
Intro - Theory & Hands-on
Sept 6/7, Sat/Sun, 11am - 6pm
Instructor: Semra Yüksel
Location: New Brunswick Film Co-op, (732 Charlotte Street, Fredericton), Charlotte Street Arts Centre
Fee: $30 for NBFC Members
$40 for Non-Members
Number Limit: 8
It is a challenge to get your ideas into a one minute or thirty second documentary, but it is a rewarding and smart way to tell interesting stories. How to design, write and deliver a short form documentary is the topic of this workshop.
INSTRUCTOR’S BIOGRAPHY
Semra N. Yüksel is a sociologist, researcher, writer, documentary filmmaker and the president of Acrolect International Inc.
Semra chooses her film subjects carefully to heighten people’s knowledge and understanding of social and economic justice, human rights, and cultural equalities.
Her films have been used as an educational tool in the schools and she is frequently called upon by teachers, professors and community groups to show and talk about her films. In August 2007, she was invited to Sydney Australia to talk about her film Colours of Hope. Semra also spoke at the University of Prishtina in Kosova, in the Kingdom of Bhutan , at the Bilkent University in Ankara , Turkiye. She has given numerous workshops at the New Brunswick Filmmakers’ Co-operative.
Recently, Semra completed her documentary film Sabian was broadcast in primetime on Bravo and CBC Atlantic.
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PUBLICITY 101 ON INDIE FILMS
Sept 9, Tues, 7pm - 11pm
Instructor: Jim Lavoie
Location: New Brunswick Film Co-op
(732 Charlotte Street, Fredericton)
Charlotte Street Arts Centre
Fee: $15 for NBFC Members
$25 for Non-Members
Number Limit: 6
Getting the best publicity during and after the shooting of your short or low budget feature can make the difference between the finished film growing old and musty on a shelf to it having a golden premiere with your cast, crew and supporters.
Jim Lavoie will take you through the process of publicity on a production answering some of the eternal questions of the indie filmmaker: How much press is too much? What should be the focus of the promotion: the film or the filmmaker? How do I get press coverage of my production to garner me
sponsorship and support from the community? Will getting a lot of press for my film help me to get support for my next film or project?
INSTRUCTOR'S BIOGRAPHY
Jim has been a member of the NB Film Co-op since 2005 and has worked in publicity for Film Co-op member's projects since the beginning, most notably NBFC member Joel Thompson's low budget feature, They Didn't Make It .
Currently Jim is the Silver Wave Film Festival Publicity lead and as well through his writing for HERE and other media promotes the Co-op's numerous activities ongoing.
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Festivals
SILVER WAVE FILM FESTIVAL 2008
November 13-16, Fredericton
(Blast from the Film Past - Guess who this young filmmaker is and win one full pass to Silver Wave 2008 - all inclusive! Hint: He is now a successful producer based in a city in NB.
The Winner of last week's above question is Film Co-op filmmaker member Pierre Huard. Pierre guessed correctly that the above young filmmaker is Greg Hemmings who is now a successful producer/filmmaker in Saint John with his own company Hemmings House Pictures. Pierre wins a full all inclusive pass to Silver Wave 2008!
Greg, you've come a long way baby! Check out Hemmings House Pictures at: http://www.hemmingshousepictures.com/hemmings/
SWFF is the annual film and video festival presented by the New Brunswick Filmmakers' Co-operative. It has both curated and competitive streams, as well as a solid line-up of social activities and workshops that get the town buzzing.
This year, we are celebrating our 8th year with some new programming approaches and again we’ve waived the submission fee for filmmakers submitting so, it promises to be a good year. Save the dates and plan to attend!
Film and video projects that are accepted for screening into the SWFF and created by New Brunswick Filmmakers residing in the province and shorts from away will be considered for specific Silver Wave Awards.
JUST A FEW OF THE
SILVER WAVE 08 HIGHLIGHTS!
- Shorts Galore! Shorts from NB and from around the world are in the lineup for your viewing pleasure including multicultural stories with a message.
- Excellent youth based screenings.
- The NB Film Summit will take place at Silver Wave this year.
- The alumni sponsors are back in full force showing their generous support for another year.
- Industry series will focus on feature dramas and docs and helping emerging filmmakers get to the stage where they can produce them in NB.
- A fantastic line up of hot docs will be screened and there will be a cutting edge hot doc panel with NFB guest producers.
- Diplomatic Relations films to Premiere.
- Receptions, parties and fun stuff!
- New fresh faces on the Silver Wave Festival Organizing Team!
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The Arts
FREDERICTON - UNDER THE STARS, FILMS IN THE PARK
Join our community for a movie night under the stars in a National Historic Site. Sundays at dusk, Barracks Square. Refreshments available.
Admission is free
August 31
Short Film
- Monologue
Director/Writer/Producer: Matthew Perry
Cast: Mark Campbell, Matthew Perry
Length: 2:00
Contact:
palooko@hotmail.com
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, 2007
The trials of an actor trying to get through a monologue with a more than incompetent director.
August 31
Classic Feature Films
- Double Bill
Gidget Goes Hawaiian (Sandra Dee) 1961 Comedy (Length: 101 minutes) & The Man Who Knew Too Much (Doris Day, James Stewart) 1956 Suspense (Length: 120 minutes)
Francis is desperate: her parents want to force her to come with them on vacation to Hawaii - just during the two weeks when her beloved "Moondoggy" is home from College. When he suggests her to go for it, she's even more in panic - doesn't he care to be with her? So she sets out for Hawaii in the worst mood. On the plane she meets the sociable Abby, who gives her the advice to forget about Jeff - and regrets it shortly after, when Francis follows the advice and steals her boyfriend Eddie, a famous dancer. But then Jeff discovers he's missing Francis
Whilst on holiday in Morocco the McKenna family meet the mysterious Louis Bernard. Later the next day the same man stumbles into the marketplace, stabbed and dying. With his last words Bernard whispers the details of a conspiracy to assassinate a statesman in London. To keep McKenna quiet the criminals kidnap his son. The McKenna's go to London to try and track down their son with the one clue they have – Ambrose Chappell.
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Biz & Indie News
NEW BRUNSWICK FILM PRODUCTION GUIDE
New Brunswick Film is compiling a New Brunswick Production Guide. The completed guide will be a basic listing of Industry contacts, Producers Profiles, Production Lists, Crew and Production Personnel, Independent Directors / Filmmakers, Production Companies, and other related industry material. The guide will ultimately be used to update the NB Film website, and will be available in a basic printed format for the NB Film Industry Summit, on November 13, 2008.
Production Company and Producers Profiles will be distributed at the Atlantic Film Festival in September 2008.
PRODUCTION GUIDE DEADLINE: for Completed forms is August 29, 2008! (send by email, fax, or mail to New Brunswick Film, address below).
To be listed in the NB Film Production Guide, please use one (or more) of the attached forms, and attach a separate production credit list. DEADLINE: for all Completed forms and production credit lists: August 29, 2008!
2008 FORM - CREW AND PRODUCTION PERSONNEL
2008 FORM - INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR, FILMMAKER
2008 FORM PRODUCER
2008 FORM - PRODUCTION COMPANY
2008 FORM- SUPPORT SERVICE COMPANY
2008 Formulaire - l'ÉQUIPE DE TOURNAGE ET DE PRODUCTION
2008 Formulaire - MAISON DE PRODUCTION
2008 Formulaire - PRODUCTEUR
2008 Formulaire - RÉALISATEUR OU CINÉASTE INDÉPENDANT
2008 Formulaire - SERVICE DE SOUTIEN
For more information contact:
Margo Flewelling
Locations & Promotions Manager / Repérage de lieux et marketing
Direct: 506-453-6508
Cell:
506-470-1754
Margo.Flewelling@gnb.ca
New Brunswick Film / Film Nouveau-Brunswick
P.O. Box 5001
Moncton, New Brunswick, E1C 8R3
http://www.nbfilm.ca
http://nbfilm@gnb.ca
OTHER NEWS:
The 3rd annual New Brunswick Film Industry Summit will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Fredericton. More details soon.
The 8th annual Silver Wave Film Festival, organized by the New Brunswick Filmmakers’ Co-operative, will be November 13-16, 2008 in Fredericton. More details on www.nbfilmcoop.com
New Brunswick Film has a new website address, www.nbfilm.ca .
Please correct any links you have to New Brunswick Film, and change the old address
http://www.nbfilm.com to the new address
www.nbfilm.ca
Thank you for your help.
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Advertise
CASTING CALL - PAID WORK
Hello all,
Thanks for helping us with finding extras for the project Leo Huff with Luc Picard & Patrick Huard.
We are now looking for roles. Please see below for descriptions. We are giving UDA rates for pay.
ROLES DESCRIPTIONS:
1. LEON HIVON (Shooting Oct. 1st)– Male, age range 35-50. The performer must be able to do the text in a Quebecoise accent. He is a banker, bored of his job. THE PERFORMER MUST PHYSICALLY RESEMBLE LUC PICARD OR HAVE THE SAME PHYSICAL QUALITIES (SKINNY, SMALL FACE, ETC).
2. Conseillers (Shooting Oct. 1st)– Male 35-50. City Council Men who calm down a citizen who is angry with Luc Picard.
Please only apply if you are a trained actor. Please send a picture, resume & contact number to andaction77@hotmail.com with subject heading “NB Role”. Please also mention which city you live in.
Many thanks,
Bruno Rosato Casitng Inc
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Bonjour à tous,
Nous voudrions vous remercier de nous aider à trouver des figurants pour le projet "Léo Huff" avec Luc Picard et Patrick Huard.
Nous sommes maintenant à la recherche des rôles. Voir svp ci-dessous pour des descriptions. C'est taux payé d'UDA. SHOOTING IN MONCTON
ROLES:
LÉON HIVON (Tournage le 1 octobre) - 2ieme rôle. Homme entre 35ans et 50ans. Il faut que le comédien peut faire le text avec un accent québécois. Il est un conseiller en finances qui s'ennuie avec son travail. LE COMÉDIEN DOIT PHYSIQUEMENT RESSEMBLER LUC PICARD OU AVOIR DES CARACTERISTIQUES PHYSIQUES SEMBLABLES (Maigre, visage petit, etc.).
CONSEILLERS (Tournage le 1 octobre) - Rôles muets. Des hommes entre 35ans et 50 ans. Des conseillers municipaux qui maîtrisent un citoyen qui est fâché avec Luc Picard.
SVP repondez seulement si vous êtes un comédien entraîné. SVP nous envoyez votre photo, CV et information de contact par courriel à l'adresse
andaction77@hotmail.com
avec le sujet "NB Rôle." svp aussi indiquez la ville dans laquelle vous habitez.
Merçi,
L'équipe de Bruno Rosato Casting
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CREW NEEDED FOR SHOOT ON THE MIRAMICHI
3RB Productions Ltd is seeking volunteers for the positions of:
Producer/Assistant Producer
Co-Director
Script Supervisor
Production Assistants, and
Other support positions
Please contact Stephen McKinnon at
Producer@3rb.ca
Or
Stephen McKinnon
Executive Producer
3RB Productions Ltd
518 King George Highway
Miramichi, NB E1V 7G1
773-FILM (3456)
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justFRED.ca - FREDERICTON'S COMMUNITY WEBSITE
We're always looking for interesting shoots in Fredericton and we don't mind sharing our photos with you as long as we get credit. If you have an activity you think might make a good photo story, or just want to promote it, visit justFRED.ca and click on the contact link. Or sign up for a free justFRED account and post your event directly into our calendar.
Cheers,
George Butters
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CALL FOR ATLANTIC CANADIAN SCRIPT WRITERS
Looking for Atlantic Canadian Script Writers! Charlie Mac Productions is looking for feature length script in one of the following genres: romance, comedy, drama for Fall 2009 Production. Please send all materials to: PO BOX 140, 3-644 Portland St, Dartmouth, NS, B2W 6A3.
Check out: www.charliemacproductions.com
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UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA – VANCOUVER
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR POSITION IN FILM PRODUCTION
The Department of Theatre and Film is pleased to announce that it is accepting applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Film Production. Applicants should have professional expertise in directing feature length and short fiction film. Please visit www.film.ubc.ca for the official published faculty posting and directions on how to apply. Deadline for applications is October 17th, 2008.