tHE POSTmAN SPONSORs major award at swff 2010
(Photo of Marc Savoie by Emmanuel Albert: Marc Savoie is a creative expert at what he does and he has a crack team that he works with to make it happen. You will very seldom find him sitting and relaxing, even now, his creative work never stops)
NBFC E-news - Thursday, August 5, 2010
Spotlight
NEW BRUNSWICK - THE POSTMAN CELEBRATES SWFF 2010 WITH MAJOR SPONSORSHIP
Since November of 2006, The PostMan Post-Production Studio has become one of the largest full service post-production facilities in Atlantic Canada.
(Photo or Marc Savoie by Emmanuel Albert)
This bilingual studio is complemented by the highest calibre equipment and installations in the region. Currently equipped with nine editing suites, an animation station, fully equipped machine room and a screening theatre, clients include the largest producers of television, film and new media in the province.
The PostMan has come onboard the SWFF NB Joy Award this year in a big way and is offering $7500.00 in HD Video Finishing and Audio Mixing in Moncton as part of the award.
The 2010 New Brunswick Joy
$7,500 in HD Video Finishing and Audio Mixing at The PostMan Post-Production Studio
$10,000 in rental services from PS Atlantic (Halifax)
$5,5000 in equipment or facilities from the New Brunswick Filmmakers’ Co-operative.
$1000 cash from New Brunswick Filmmakers’ Co-operative.
$1,000 in film stock from Kodak Canada Inc.
Total Award Value: $25,000
As every independent and commercial filmmaker knows, sound can be the biggest issue to be dealt with in a lot of cases in post. This kind of sponsorship is pure gold. It would be incredibly expensive to pay for this type of work in studio with a tech so this award is quite amazing and very generous.
When Cat discussed a sponsorship with Marc that would directly help NB Filmmakers, he was keen to help in this way without hesitation.
Cat : Marc, when did you decide to start a business and why this specific type of business? How long has it been running?
Marc: I started The PostMan in 2006. It rose from the ashes of the post-production company I had been working at for the decade preceding. I never planned it and I definitely never imagined this would be my career. It all just kind of happened.
Cat: Since beginning your own company, what would you say is the biggest lesson you have learned the hard way?
Marc: It takes a ridiculous amount of time to start and run a company. The first few years were 16 hour days and often 7 day weeks. But I'm lucky because I now have an amazing staff and have been able to have more of a life in the last while thanks to them.
Cat: What is your honest appraisal of the NB Film Community (independent and commercial) since you have come on the scene?
Marc:
NB has a long sorted history of companies and producers who have come and gone, but I feel like we've really started to hit our stride in the past few years. There are some great production companies that I've been lucky enough to work with in the past few years that are putting out amazing work. Having access to high end equipment has made a huge difference and the quality of what we're producing now is better than ever.
Cat:
Why is it so important for you to annually sponsor and support the NB Film Co-op members in their endeavors and its Silver Wave Film Festival Festival?
Marc: The NB Film Co-op has obviously been a great training ground for our little industry here in NB and I've been really impressed by the quality of work shown at the festival. I know that finishing a film properly can be very difficult and hope that by sponsoring the NB Joy award we can help filmmakers do that.
Cat:
What frustrates you the most about the NB film industry at large?
Marc:
There's not a lot of communication in the industry. I think there's a huge void between the independent crowd and the commercial producers. There seems to be a lack of mentoring and training in the larger industry and I think we're really going to feel it in the next 10 years as producers start to retire and there's no one to take up the reins.
Cat: What has been the biggest success for your company?
Marc:
We destroy each others work. We'll get the whole staff in a room to watch a film and just pick it apart. It's very easy for a director, editor or mixer to get too close to their project and I believe that being able to take critical feedback and apply it correctly is the key to success in this industry. You definitely can't be sensitive if you want to survive.
Cat:
Why is New Brunswick talent: crew and actors, so under appreciated?
Marc:
I'm not sure if they're under appreciated as much as underutilized. We're still a new industry compared to other provinces and don't really get a huge volume of work. So we tend to take whatever projects are offered to us no matter what the pay or quality. It's hard to gain experience and improve in your work in these kinds of situations, but I think as the industry grows, we'll be able to be more competitive.
Cat: What is the craziest thing a client has asked you to do for them film wise?
Marc: That would be blowing up the boat for American Sunset . We wanted to actually blow up a boat but couldn't get the proper permission, so we did it using a combination of Nuke, After Effects and 3DS Max with some specialized plugins for fire and water simulation. I think it turned out pretty good considering the time and budget limitations. Next time we'll just blow one up though...
Cat:
List your 5 top films of all time. (can be Canadian, American, European etc...)
Marc:
Hmmmm... that's always a hard question to answer. I watch
The Lord of the Rings
trilogy yearly (often in one sitting...),
Momento's
great,
American Beauty
,
28 Days Later
and all three original
Star Wars
films.
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NBFC MEMBER AGM AND BBQ PLAYS OUT AS FUN IN THE SUN with BUN!
The NB Film Co-op recently had its annual Member AGM and BBQ hosted by member and board president Bunthivy Nou and member Randy Pelletier. (Photo by Tony Merzetti: members chatting at the 31st Annual AGM)
It was a great event with a short meeting part (Tony and the Board set a record of less than an hour for all the year's activities reporting) and then it was onto the BBQ and social!
Thank you to our helpers:
Members Tim Rayne and Larry Tannahill were the BBQ Chefs for the evening and Larry provided fresh lettuce from his garden
for the salads.
Members Jillian Acreman, Matt Carr, Tim O'Neill, Tim Rayne, Randy Pelletier and Bunthivy Nou helped with set-up.
(sorry if I forgot anyone)
(photo by Tony Merzetti: past president and always active member John Christenson and newer member actor/tech guru Rob Imeson. Rob's arm may be injured but he can still lift that beer!)
The pictures that Tony Merzetti took at the AGM will be up on Facebook on the New Brunswick Filmmakers' Co-operative: The Official Site page this evening.
We say a very fond goodbye to Bunthivy Nou as our President but lucky us, Bun is still on the board of directors. Welcome to Saint John board director Tim O'Neill as our new President and new board director Britany Sparrow as our Secretary/Treasurer with yet another very fond goodbye to Corena Walby (past Secretary/Treasurer) who stepped down as a board director at the AGM. Moncton board director Donovan Richard is back onboard as Vice President :)
The remaining board directors are: Tim Rayne (Fredericton), Dan Thebeau (Dieppe), Jeremy Robinson (Saint John) and Colin Smart (Mount Hope).
We are very lucky to have the board we have, they work closely with staff, are team players and great volunteers.
By Staff: Cat, Tony and Michel
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NBFC MEMBER UPDATES
And now for something completely different, seriously!
By Jim Lavoie
(Photo: NB Film Co-op members Jim Lavoie and Natasha Rose Arlusion in a scene from "Romantic Gestures" directed by Suzanne Caines)
One of my recent objectives has been to try to verse myself, or at least understand, the creative minds and productions of my very talented artistic friends. I have actually attended a few exhibitions and have moved beyond making observations like "what a great concept" whilst looking at a shipping crate etc!
So, when Gallery Connexion Artist in Residence Suzanne Caines requested volunteers to participate in an experimental film called "Romantic Gestures" I was all in! This would be great to be in a Visual Art production and be able to bring something to the table. I anxiously awaited my script so I could own my lines and character. When all I was provided was the date, time and location it baffled me (not a hard task to do) but I am a trooper so I accepted my mission without question (nor any answers).
On a sunny day I reported for my call time at Officers Square and Director Suzanne Caines instructed me to sit on a park bench and act natural which meant lady watching and other activities happening all around. I was to do this until my fellow actor Natasha Rose Arluison came and sat down beside me which would cue the action. I had noted that Natasha who stayed clear of me prior to the start of filming had what appeared to be a script. Being the astute fella I am, I immediately knew much like my knowledge of Art, I was to be kept in the dark. Bring it on I thought nothing she can say or do will faze me right? wrong! Natasha delivers with perfection as she ................
But in order for you to find out what transpires between us and the other six equally intriguing scenarios you should be in the audience as part of the opening night reception. That's tonight! (Thursday August 5) at 440 York St., Gallery Connextion, 7-9 pm to meet Suzanne Caines and see her truly unique film "Romantic Gestures."
I Hope to see you there as I will be watching it for the first time myself.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=118074834903881&index=1
(for complete info)
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AHA FREDERICTON FALL SESSION IS NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS
The NB Film Co-op is opening the doors for the September- December, Actors Helping Actors Fredericton Sessions and we would like to hear from you.
We would first like to thank NBFC members BronweN and Bunthivy Nou for being the leads on the prior AHA Sessions.
Your leads for the 2010 Fall Sessions are NBFC members Colin Smart and Natasha Arluison
If you have any interest in acting and can commit the necessary time every couple of weeks to the AHA group then please contact Cat at the Film Co-op to receive the membership form to fill out. info@nbfilmcoop.com
There is only room in this Actor Lab Group for 10 people so, get your forms in early!
The deadline for AHA forms is August 31st 2010
Below is the tentative schedule of subjects that will be covered during the sessions.
AHA Sessions Fall 2010 Outline:
WK 1. Sept.7 - Introduction, Improvisation & Dialogue.
WK 2. Sept. 21 - Character Studies, Jobs on the Film Set and Acting Techniques.
WK 3.Oct. 5 - Scene Study - Romantic scenes.
WK 4. Oct. 19 - Scene Study - Fainting, Sickness and Acting Drunk.
WK 5. Nov. 9 - Scene Study - Working with Directors.
WK 6 Nov. 23 - Mini - Production - Short script shot on DV.
WK 7. Dec. 7 - Mini - Production - Short Script shot on DV.
WK 8. Dec. 21 - Session Wind Up, Review and Social.
Thank you for all of your support and interest but remember, only those of you who get your forms in before the deadline and are contacted by the AHA leads, will be able to participate in the AHA
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NBFC MEMBER CREW & CAST DATABASE ONLINE
Cat has created a new film/television crew database for Film Co-op
members across New Brunswick. Go to: Click Here
and check out some of the crew profiles online now....more to come!
(Film Kitty is very surprised that more talented crew and cast are not sending in their credits to Cat!)
Please check out the instructions very carefully.
Any questions: email Cat at info@nbfilmcoop.com Let's promote New Brunswick Crew and Cast! We need to tell everybody WHO is out there working hard in the creative film and video sector whether they are volunteering or being paid, it all counts. Non-members can be listed as well in the database for a annual fee of $10.
Get your credits to Cat! This way, people will no longer have to call the Film Co-op for crew and cast info. Everybody will have the info at their finger tips at any time on the world wide web.
Latest Credits sent to Cat: Terry Daly
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TIME TO RENEW FILM CO-OP MEMBERS!
Hi Members, if you have not already, please contact Cat and renew your membership or talk to her about it. Membership Renewals are annual and should be paid by February/March each year at the latest but the Film Co-op loves you and will still take your money and take you back into the NBFC fold with a smile. You can renew in person at the Film Co-op, by mail or by paypal by going to this link on the Film Co-op website: http://www.nbfilmcoop.com/ members.htm
If you can't remember if you renewed, ask Cat.
NEW MEMBERS FOR 2010
Shirley McLaughlin (Saint John)
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MEMBER VOLUNTEER HOURS - HELP WANTED
Cat is looking for a member to input all Festival submission information into Excel. This has to be completed in 3 days soon.
Cat is looking for a member to wash some dishes in the office tomorrow (Friday)
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NEW BRUNSWICK FILMMAKERS CO-OPERATIVE MEMBER PRODUCTION CALENDAR
(Refresh web page if info does not show up on Calendar)
member film shoots and activities are added on an ongoing basis.
(Click on below shaded dates to get information on scheduled member film and video shoots for 2010)
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Training & Development
The NBFC annual workshop series provides hands-on practical film and video training for members & non-members alike. The program is now finished for this year. If instructors are available, Film Co-op staff can set up one-on-one sessions with members and instructors for a fee.
www.nbfilmcoop.com/training.htm
For more information you can call Cat at: 506-455-1632 or email at info@nbfilmcoop.com
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Festivals
(Photo of NBFC member Rob Imeson, on-board as a SWFF Venue Manger this year)
SILVER WAVE 2010 WILL ROLL INTO NB!
Register to become a SWFF volunteer!
SWFF 2010 volunteer registration is now open!
SWFF is always looking for enthusiastic and dedicated people to volunteer during Festival week - it takes anywhere between 40 - 60 volunteers to run the Festival. From ticket sellers and ticket takers to security. hosting, venues, awards show, tech support and many more, there's a position for everyone!
It's up to you!
To register to become a SWFF volunteer, visit http://swfilmfest.com/volunteer-e.html
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SPOTLIGHT ON TRAILERS FOR SWFF
SWFF is calling out to all independent and commercial filmmakers in NB to create a trailer to celebrate the SWFF 10th Anniversary. Your reward if your trailer is chosen? You will receive two full passes to SWFF and your trailer may be played before some of the bigger SWFF Screening programs depending on it themes.
Themes for SWFF this year for trailers: 10 anniversary of SWFF, Filmmaking in NB (a comedic or darker twist works well), caricatures of well known people in the NB independent film community and commercial industry, zombie or vampire trailers.
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NEW BRUNSWICK -
ST. ANDREWS FILM FESTIVAL
Saint Andrews Film Festival is currently accepting film submissions of all genres with the deadline being August 15th. And for more info they can check out
www.saff.ca
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The Arts
A very special thank you to NBFC past president John Christenson for spearheading and taking the lead on this below film series, your insight and volunteer assistance have been invaluable over the years :)
The NB Film Co-op staff and board of directors
FREDERICTON - UNDER THE STARS: CLASSIC FILM SERIES!
July 25, 9:15pm (Barracks Square by the Craft College)
Short Film Presentation:
Sitansisk
Director: Jon Collicott
Writer: Jon Collicott, Lloyd Salomone
Producer: Lloyd Salomone
Cast: Valerie Brooks, Imelda Perley, Alan Polchies Jr.
Length: 10:00
Contact:
dbhorizons@hotmail.com
Screening Format: Beta Sp
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, 2009
This short documentary film explores the “Festival of Lights,” an event
that takes place in the Wolastok community of Sitansisk. What started
in the 1990’s with a few individuals putting up Christmas lights on their
houses has become an annual community event that represents
generosity, spirit, and hope for the future.
Produced through Fredericton: A Cultural Capital Film Project.
Feature Film Presentation: Casablanca (1942)
102 minutes
Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henreid
Casablanca is the consummate Hollywood film. It is superbly directed, acted, and filmed. Bogart is amazing, the characters are deep and engaging.
This is easily one of the greatest films of all time. The story is timeless and meaningful, full of heart and should endure for another fifty years with no problems. A true masterpiece and the benchmark by which all other films should be measured. If you haven't seen it, you are at a profound loss. If you have then you know the greatness of this film.
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NB FILM CO-OP YOUTH OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
NB Film Co-op Summer Film Camps for kids in full swing
(Photo by Matt Carr: Kids Camp Instructor Michel Guitard with his camp kids on location on shooting day recently in Film Camp I)
FREDERICTON - NBFC KIDS SUMMER CAMPS 2 & 3
For further details, check out the below websites and email Cat at:
info@nbfilmcoop.com
ONE SPOT LEFT IN THE SECOND KIDS CAMP IN AUGUST RUNNING FROM 9-13
ONE SPOT LEFT IN THE AUGUST TEEN CAMP RUNNING FROM 23-27!
http://www.nbfilmcoop.com/KidsCamp/KidsCamp/Welcome.html
http://www.nbfilmcoop.com/KidsCamp2/Welcome.html
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Very Important Concert
Mick's brother, Chris Jagger is coming to Fredericton!
Tues Aug 10th @ 7:30 pm
Charlotte St Art Center: 732 Charlotte Street, Fredericton, NB
Tickets: Tony's Music Box $10 (downtown Fredericton)
You tube him! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2NNB-Fp5-Y
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Biz & Indie Film News
FREDERICTON - TWO DAY VOICE ACTING WORKSHOP: COMMERCIALS and CARTOONS
SPONSORED BY OUTREACH PRODUCTIONS AND NEW BRUNSWICK FILMMAKERS' CO-OPERATIVE
OVERVIEW
This two-day workshop is designed for beginner and intermediate Voice Artists. Every participant will have time to work in front of the microphone, ask questions and gain an in-depth understanding of his/her voice, along with the voice industry both locally and internationally. Each day will be from 9am to 5pm with one our lunch and periodic 15 minute breaks.
TWO DAY VOICE WORKSHOP
DAY 1
I. Announcer / Narrator scripts
Learn how to analyze and perform Announcer / Narrator
Scripts. You will be taught how to musically score your script
so that you can take any direction thrown at you. You
will also learn how to break down and analyze any script
given to you. Afterwards you will have time to practice your
script before performing it and receive coaching.
II. Couple / Duo Scripts
Learn the techniques of performing a script with someone else. You will be taught about character relationships, finding the comedy, script analysis and more. Afterwards you will have time to practice and perform your script while receiving coaching in the booth.
DAY 2
I. Continue performances of Couple / Duo Scripts
II. Cartoons & Animations: Learn how to create a cartoon character from scratch using famous techniques from Voice Artists such as Mel Blanc. You will also be taught the three types of Cartoons and Animations that are out there and learn how to prepare for each one. Everyone will receive a Cartoon / Animation script and perform after some rehearsal in the sound booth.
III. Final Performances - You will record your Announcer / Narrator script that was given to you on the first day. You can also perform two original cartoon voices. Afterwards you will receive an MP3 or CD (your choice) of your work.
WHEN
Saturday, August 14th - 9am - 5pm (one hour lunch break)
Sunday, August 15th - 9am - 5pm (one hour lunch break)
PRICE
Cost for the entire course is:
$75 for New Brunswick Film Co-op members
$100 for non-members
(Prices are with taxes included)
NOTE: this is typically a course that costs $150 and beyond so take advantage of this incredible offer!
WHERE
Outreach Productions
2534 Hanwell Road Fredericton, New Brunswick
WHAT YOU GET
At the end of this weekend workshop you will get MP3 audio files of your final commercial and cartoon performances or a CD. The choice is yours.
To Register or for more information:
Call Joshua: 902-412-3405 or E-mail: yourcoach@youractingcoach.ca
or visit: www.youractingcoach.ca
YOUR INSTRUCTOR:
Joshua Young, workshop leader, is a producer, director and writer for films; he has over ten years experience in front of and behind the camera. He lives now in Halifax. He is also a very successful actor and voice artist as well.
If you have a hard time reaching Joshua to register, please contact Cat at
info@nbfilmcoop.com
and she will take your registration fee as well for Joshua as this workshop will fill up quickly. Limited seating!
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Advertise
Border services agency seeks actors
Lights, camera, search!
Reprinted from CBC online news
The Canada Border Services Agency is holding a casting call for actors to help train newly hired officers.
The agency is looking for 55 men and women with the acting chops to improvise being searched and questioned by new border guards.
The actors will play travellers trying to cross the border and the guards will be graded on how well they do in different scenarios.
They won't win any Academy Awards for their parts, but the actors have to be versatile enough to play as many as three different roles a day.
A contract document says the scenes could be as long as 20 minutes, and the agency may ask for up to 18 takes until the guards and actors get it right.
Read more: Click here
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CAMERA FOR SALE
I'd like to sell a Sony HVR-Z5U HDV camera that is one year old and in
excellent condition. It has been only slightly used. Price is negotiable.
My phone number is 506-832-4487 and email is
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Casting for Plaster Rock: The Vengeance
1- Character - Mimi, A showgirl looking person, About 5'5'', long hair if possible.
2-Character - Brigitte, tall athletic type, This is a strong character, who will have to stand toe to toe with our other lead, Roger Cormier.
3-Daily's - Police lieutenant, police officer, 2 police detectives (O'Brien and other), real estate person, and fisherman.
For more info: email benoitmartin707@hotmail.com
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PEI - JOB OPPORTUNITY
For the Position of Executive Director of The Island Media Arts Co-op (IMAC)
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Deadline: Monday, August 23rd, 2010
IMAC is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting the production of media arts on Prince Edward Island. IMAC is the cornerstone of the media arts community on PEI, it provides human resources, equipment, progressive programming, training, and dissemination opportunities to PEI's media arts storytellers.
The Executive Director of IMAC is given the exciting opportunity to vision for and inspire the media arts community in Prince Edward Island. Through the ED's leadership, films and videos are produced, screenings and media arts exhibitions engage the public, young minds are inspired by the tools of media arts creation, and a network of talented and prolific media artists is strengthened.
The position of Executive Director is integral to IMAC's organization. The ED is in charge of sustaining and growing the media arts sector and community on PEI, through forward-thinking programming, responsible administration, out-reach initiatives, advocacy, education, celebration, and communications. The ED is the central figure in IMAC's landscape and must demonstrate a true dedication and appreciation of the independent media arts.
The Executive Director at IMAC is a position of 24 hrs./week at $15/hr. However, there is real opportunity for the ED to increase his or her hours and hourly wage, through their own initiative.
Applicants for the ED position must meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrate an integration of administrative skills and artistic vision.
- Have the skills to enhance the brand of IMAC to the general public, media artists, and government on all levels.
- Demonstrate a sensitivity to media arts and/or arts communities in general.
- Demonstrate a commitment to outreach to youth, under-served, and culturally-diverse communities.
- Have a working knowledge of the media arts sector and/or experience in arts administration.
- Demonstrate strong communications skills.
- Have a working knowledge of internet technologies and computers. (Both PC and Mac)
- Have experience in, or aptitude for grant-writing.
- Book-keeping/accounting experience is a plus (Simply Accounting a big plus).
If you are interested in applying for this position please contact Jeremy Larter, President on the IMAC Board of Directors, no later than Monday August, 23rd, 2010.
Send a complete resume and cover letter to: reargearproductions@gmail.com
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FREDERICTON - ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS - CENTRE FOR ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY
The Centre for Arts and Technology is still accepting applications for their October intake. Seats are filling up fast and applications must be received 6 weeks prior to the program start date.
Nine programs will be running in October; 3D Animation, 3D Game Animation, Audio Engineering, Digital Filmmaking, Digital Photography, Event & Promotions Management, Graphic & Digital Media Design, Interior Design and Network Security Specialist. For more information about the Centre and their programs, visit their website at www.digitalartschool.com