NBFC E-news - Thursday, February 5, 2009
Spotlight!
AS
SCENE
FROM HERE
By Jim Lavoie
School Daze
I attended a Film Co-op Directing workshop this past weekend. I did so with some degree of trepidation as the last time (no it wasn't in a one room school house nor did I go by covered wagon) I was in a classroom setting, the classic Canada/Russia hockey game in 1972 was just ending!
It was a great experience; interesting and informative thanks to our Instructor Chris Fulton (SWFF Award Winning Co-director of Gamers' Manifesto). I also saw members I knew and met some new members....great networking I must say. I have been really missing the boat by not taking these workshops and I encourage people to register. Learning can be fun-who knew? email Cat at: info@nbfilmcoop.com to sign up for any required workshops in Moncton/Fredericton soon as some of them have filled up already....there are plenty of elective workshops too...enjoy.
Gruff & Ready: The Mazzuca's Story Goes to Market
The Audience Viewer's Choice film from the 2008 Silver Wave Film Festival, Gruff & Ready: The Mazzuca's Story will be available for sale this Saturday, Feb 7 at Ma Cat and Pa Tony's stall at the Farmers Market at the crack of dawn (7:30am).
This amazing documentary which chronicles the life of the Mazucca family (primarily John and Gus at their store) is the brainchild of Tony Merzetti.
Tony recently received a letter from the Premier of New Brunswick congratulating him on his film.
You can get your very own copy this Saturday. Hey, for only $15 you too can own a piece of history and help Tony break even on his dvds as we all know that filmmakers seldom make money on their creations...if they are lucky, they break even.
Growing Op: Coming Soon to a Video Store Near You
Principal actor Denis Theriault who showed his acting chops in Michael Melskis' feature debut Growing Op tells me that within 2 weeks, DVD copies of the film will be available in Video Rental stores (actual date is Feb 17, 2009).
If you would rather buy then rent, you can pre-order your copy for $24.47 (a saving of $10) at www.amazon.ca
The film continues to appear at various festivals and you can check out the Growing Op Facebook page for all the latest news. Growing Op , was the sold out opening film for the 2008 SWFF, AFF, VIFF and is a must see for all. I refer to Growing Op as this generation's Risky Business!
Art: www.feelsgood.ca - Paints for Darfur!
Visual artists have undertaken a fundraising project to assist the embattled citizenry of Darfur for complete details contact mumble@feelsgood.ca
Here is the schedule as it stands now:
Information and Inspiration Films
Wednesday February 11th @ 7pm Room 102 Brian Mulroney Hall
STU Feels good To Paint
Tuesday February 24th 6-9pm at Craft College
Tuesday March 3rd 6-9pm at Craft College
Feels good to Help Darfur Show
Monday March 16th 7-closing time
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THINGS FOR MEMBERS TO BORROW FROM THE NBFC LIBRARY
- Canadian Heritage and the National Film Board Present: Tribute to Quebec City: Celebrating 400 years of history
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MEMBERSHIP STUFF, MEMBERSHIP STUFF, MEMBERSHIP STUFF
NB FILM CO-OP MEMBER RENEWALS DUE FOR 2009!
It's that time of the year again members....membership dues time.
For those of you who have already renewed in the late days of December or these early days of January...thank you very much for your support of the Film Co-op.
If you have any questions about your membership (upgrading-downgrading etc.) email Cat at: info@nbfilmcoop.com and she will be happy to help you out.
Recent Renewals for 2009: Alex Brewer (Fredericton), Ralf Bindels (Petitcodiac), Martin Sabattis (Kingsclear), Stephen McKinnon (Miramichi), Michael Hayes (Moncton), Jennifer Chiasson (Fredericton), Glen D. Ross (Fredericton), Chris Fulton (Miramichi), Michael Cowie (Fredericton), Jeff Crawford (Fredericton), Michelle Lovegrove Thomson (Fredericton), Keving Herring (Fredericton), Shawna Scott (Fredericton)
Recent New members for 2009: Tom Henheffer (Fredericton), Susan McAdam (Fredericton), A.J. Guptill (Fredericton)
Memberships run from Jan-Dec annually for all members.
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PAYPAL IS HERE, USE IT!
To renew your annual membership fee for the year, please Click Here
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NB FILM CO-OP'S NEW SOCIAL NETWORK SITE
Introducing the new NBFC Online Community.
This private social network will only be made available to NB Film Co-op members and will be administered by Cat with Chafic Haddad's technical expertise.
Here members will have access to several web services such posting photos, videos, website information and important information for shoots and past films. This resource will allow NB Film members to stay in the loop with projects on the go and will put a face to some of the names we read about in the weekly newsletter.
Why would you start ANOTHER social network if you already have facebook? Well the difference here is that this new network will focus only on members of the film co-op and can be used almost as the IMDB (Internet movie database) for the NB Filmmakers Co-op. Please take a minute to explore the new website @ http://nbfilmcoop.ning.com
The Film Co-op staff thanks Chafic Haddad for all his hard work creating the Film Co-op network and getting the Film Co-op involved in Twitter!
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Come on new members, contact cat and start volunteering to get your hours in....there is lots to do!
Click here to send Cat the volunteer hours you have put in so far as a member of the Film Co-op.
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THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
- To Tim Rayne who keeps on bringing home cooked meals to Tony and Cat at the Film Co-op. Tim, you can really cook.
- To all the members who help spread the word of the Film Co-op far and wide.
- To Britany Sparrow for all her work preparing the SWFF member films for the Co-op's library.
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RENEWED MEMBERS FOR 2009 RENEWED MEMBERS FOR 2009
JENNIFER CHIASSON - FREDERICTON
I believe I originally signed up for a Film Co-op membership back in 2006. Since then I have worked on a number of projects in various positions.
My roster to date of job titles includes: Project Manager, Art Director, Hair/Makeup/Costume designer, Location Management, Editor, Graphic Designer, First Aid, and Special FX Make-up.
In 2008 I was nominated for Best Art Direction for the film A Lion's Tale which won a SWFF Award for Best NB Short Drama for filmmaker Bunthivy Nou.
I currently work fulltime at Atlantic Media works as an Editor, Graphic Designer, Videographer, Sound Operator, and Associate Producer in training. I also freelance for a Magazine called L'Image based in Halifax as their Graphics and Layout designer.
I've taken part in charity events such as Cabaret at boom nightclub as a dancer, choreographer, graphics designer, and Video editor and am very grateful to the Film Co-op for supporting our charity work.
Finally, I have recently received my Level 1 Apple Certification in FCP 6 and am going back to Halifax in a month or so to complete my Level 2 Certification. I continuously study new software through Lynda.com tutorials and look forward to implementing and sharing my new knowledge whenever possible!
This year I hope to be able to foster my own projects through the Film Co-op as well as focusing on Editing and Design jobs.
I heartily enjoy the Film Co-op, it's networking, and it's support in fostering creative growth in New Brunswick. What would we ever do without you guys? Much love to all and hope to collaborate with any who are interested.
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RENEWED MEMBERS FOR 2009 RENEWED MEMBERS FOR 2009
JILLIAN ACREMAN - FREDERICTON
I was born and raised in Ottawa and moved to New Brunswick in 2004. Since moving to Fredericton I have enjoyed working on film projects and I look forward to learning more and gaining more experience with old and new members!
I have been a huge movie buff since I could crawl and have spent a great deal of my life watching and studying great filmmakers and their works. (I'm also proud to say that I have made a movie lover out of my cat Peeshnutt). I look forward to new projects and new friends in 2009, cheers fellow members!
Email Jillian
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RENEWED MEMBERS FOR 2009 RENEWED MEMBERS FOR 2009
STEPHEN MCKINNON - MIRAMICHI
Stephen retired from the Canadian Forces as a photo/video technician in 2007.
He has since founded 3RB Productions Ltd and shot a feature film in 2008, with several scripts now on his desk for 2009/2010.
He is presently working on a short film Whispers , which he hopes to shoot in the near future. Always open to learning more and networking, Stephen will be taking as many workshops as possible through the Film Co-op to hone his skills even further in the film industry and so he can continue to build a strong, committed cast and crew for future endeavors.
President/Executive Producer for 3RB Productions Ltd.
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Training & Development
The New Brunswick Film Co-op proudly presents its 2009 annual workshop program!
This year there are workshop programmes in both Fredericton and Moncton. Check out the new schedules at: http://www.nbfilmcoop.com/activities.htm
Contact cat at: info@nbfilmcoop.com to register for all workshops please. Workshops can be paid for through PayPal, but check to ensure there are seats left before you pay please.
NOTE: for those members hoping to use Co-op resources and equipment to shoot their own projects in the future, please remember there are 5 required workshops that you have to take before you can do that (Screenwriting, Directing, Digital Cam and Lighting, Production Management & One Editing Workshop). On top of the required workshops, volunteers hours must be put in and you must be a full member in good standing. Talk to Cat if you have any questions: info@nbfilmcoop.com
THE REQUIRED SCREENWRITING WORKSHOP IS NOW CLOSED FOR REGISTRATION. IF YOU NEED TO GET THIS WORKSHOP IN, CONTACT CAT TO INQUIRE ABOUT ONE-ON-ONE OR SMALL GROUP TRAINING WITH THE INSTRUCTOR.
THE REQUIRED FINAL CUT PRO - HD WORKSHOP IS NOW CLOSED FOR REGISTRATION. THERE WILL BE FUTURE SCHEDULED WORKSHOPS FOR FINAL CUT PRO - HD. EMAIL CAT TO GET ON A WAITING LIST.
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Festivals
SILVER WAVE FILM FESTIVAL 2009
November 12-15, 2009, Fredericton
SWFF 2008: Recognition Award for a person, group, or organization who has contributed significantly to film and video in New Brunswick in a volunteer capacity - presented to Kendra Black! (photo by Jeff Crawford of Kendra with her family).
The 9th annual Silver Wave Film Festival (SWFF) is now accepting submissions. This year's festival takes place from NOVEMBER 12-15, 2009, in Fredericton, NB.
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 9th year with new programming 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 those filmmakers from away are eligible for the Silver Wave Awards.
The deadline for submissions is Monday, August 3rd, 2009, 5pm Atlantic Standard Time.
Incomplete applications and applications received after this deadline will not be accepted under any circumstances.
The following items must accompany the application:
· Completed Application form, on CD in an MS Word or .rtf type document;
· List of credits from project;
(NB filmmakers who, along with their cast and crew, wish to be considered for the various NB awards must show proof of NB residency for all those involved.)
· 3 DVD pre-screening copies of the finished project for jury consideration for awards; (NOTE: only Mini DV, Beta SP and 35 mm will be screened at the Festival. DVDS will not be accepted)
· Productions stills, in jpeg format at 300dpi resolution, on CD to be used in festival promotional materials;
· Press Kit (if available of past festival/special screenings of film/video);
· Director's Bio and headshot;
· Poster representing the film or documentary (if available);
NOTE: Submissions materials will not be returned to you by the SWFF. Please email: info@nbfilmcoop.com if you have any questions. You will be advised whether or not your submission has been accepted for screening in advance of the festival
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The Arts
FREDERICTON - MONDAY NIGHT FILM SERIES!
I'VE LOVED YOU SO LONG
February 9, 8pm at Tilley Hall, UNB Campus
Director: Philippe Claudel
Cast: Kristin Scott Thomas, Elsa
Zylberstein, Serge Hazanavicius,
Laurent Grevill, Frédéric Pierrot
Run Time: 117 minutes
Country: France
Year: 2008
Language: French with English
subtitles
A Special Presentation at the 2008 Toronto International Film
Festival®, I’ve Loved You So Long is the touching and emotional
debut of director Philippe Claudel, who also wrote the screenplay. The film tells the profoundly moving story of two sisters rediscovering their relationship after years of separation.
Reaching beyond the traditional family drama, Claudel’s film,
which won the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury at the 2008 Berlin
International Film Festival, crafts a sophisticated examination of forgiveness. Immediately following her release from prison after serving a fifteen-year sentence for committing an inexplicable crime,
Juliette (Kristin Scott Thomas, Gosford Park, Tell No One) reunites
with her sister Léa (Elsa Zylberstein), having not seen
her since childhood. Léa, who is now married with two adopted
children, warmly accepts her older sister into her home, doing
everything she can to reconstruct their stunted relationship. As
Juliette struggles to find and maintain a job, overcome her demons and keep her dark secret under wraps from her sister’s
gossipy social circle, she finds it increasingly difficult to adapt
to her newfound freedom.
In what can best be described as a career-defining achievement,
Scott Thomas delivers a commanding performance that
underscores the dynamic relationship of the two siblings. Given its serious subject matter, the film could have remained dramatically downbeat throughout, but Claudel interweaves flashes
of dry humour and moments of uplifting warm-heartedness
with extremely smart dialogue, offering additional complexity
to a visually stunning film.
“Rarely do head and heart coalesce to such sublime effect
in film as in I’ve Loved You So Long, the debut feature by
Philippe Claudel, who directs like a veteran.”
– Maggie Lee,
The Hollywood Reporter
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FREDERICTON @theplayhouse MOVE! Series presents Toronto Dance Theatre
Friday, February 13, 2009 at 8 PM
A dance for the twenty-first century, Christopher House’s Timecode Break is about time, presence and the ephemeral beauty of the body. Choreographed simultaneously for stage and screen, it integrates razor-sharp dancing with gorgeous video images to create a brave new kinetic landscape. Timecode Break is intertwines dance and video by incorporating a compelling video design by Nico Stagias (http://www.stagias.com/). “Split screens allows Stagias to isolate just part of an arm or a leg, or put one movement in a loop. There are also full and partial head shots of the dancers interpolated with their movement to give a burst of humanity to the abstraction” (except of Globe and Mail review by Paula Citron, June 6, 2006).
Yours to discover, this ultra modern stage production will open your eyes to a whole new avenue of dance.
The performance is also part of the In Conversation series which gives patrons a chance to talk with the choreographer Christopher House following the show. In Conversation takes place at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and includes complimentary glass of wine and sweets. Tickets are complimentary but need to be requested from the box office: http://www.theplayhouse.ca/event_detail_conversation.aspx?ID=58
FOR CO-OP MEMBERS: CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT OUT THIS VOUCHER. SHOW THIS VOUCHER WITH YOUR C0-OP MEMBERSHIP 2009 MEMBERSHIPCARD TO GET A $10 TICKET TO THIS EVENT. The regular tickets are $32 so it’s quite a savings.
Toronto Dance Theatre will be hosting an Open Rehearsal at the Playhouse from 3 – 5 PM on February 13, 2009. Free and open to all: http://www.theplayhouse.ca/Event_Detail_create.aspx?ID=63
For more information on Education and Outreach activities, please contact Amani Wassef at amani@theplayhouse.ca or 459-6212.
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SAINT JOHN - UNBSJ's WINTER FILM SERIES
Here is the list of the films we'll be showing through our series. We'll also be screening NB Film Co-op member Pamela Gallant's Secrets of Autumn before our first feature film screening.
Contact: arif.hussain@unb.ca
When: Every Sunday January 25th- March 29th at 2pm.
Where: The New Brunswick Museum's Mary Oland Theatre.
Cost: Zero, Zip, Zilch, Nada ...
To check out our Facebook group: Click Here
THE FILMS
Little Children (Feb 8)
Based on the novel by Tom Perrotta,
Little Children
centers on a handful of individuals whose lives intersect on the playgrounds, town pools and streets of their small community in surprising and potentially dangerous ways.
18A
130 min
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FREDERICTON - "TALKABOUT"
"TALKABOUT" heats up with Fredericton Interior Designer Shaune Walsh Daigle
Fredericton. 1/27/2009. "Talkabout", The New Brunswick College of Craft and Design's new lecture series with leading designers, makers, artists and educators. The series complements the new Diploma of Advanced Studies curriculum at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design. Every week from January 26 to February 2 some of New Brunswick's leading designers, makers, artists and educators will present topical areas of interest to students, educators and the public. The TALKabout series will be presented in the fourth floor Communication Arts studio, Mondays at 6 pm.
Click Here for full schedule (PDF)
- 30 -
For more information contact Linda Brine at 453-5940.
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Biz & Indie Film News
SAINT JOHN
- My wife and I relocated to NB from BC early last year and it has taken some time to get established in Saint John.
Currently I am working with several major Saint John Software Companies in a consulting capacity as I have worked in Operations and Technology for over 20 years.
Having been in BC for the last 10 years, I have worked on several movie, tv and commercial productions around my main stream consultancy work. I love the movie industry and must admit that it is the most enjoyable job I have ever had.
I have some key friends who run production companies in Vancouver and outside of working directly on productions I have helped them with renegotiating their banking operations and with their website development and marketing plans. I sort of fell into it, starting as a driver for the key talent and then moving into being an essential PA on several major productions. I have no aspirations to being a Director or Producer but did want to contact you to say that if you needed a highly skilled PA or driver for any productions in or around Saint John, I would be more than willing to assist for pay.
Depending on work constraints this could be evening or weekend shoots or full time for a few days or weeks depending on how far in advance I could get some notice. I am fully qualified to enter the DGC (WHMIS, Shape, BC Film School and Traffic Control TCP) but as this has never been main stream for me I have always operated as "third man in" on Union Productions.
I know that being a PA is the lowest rank on the totem pole but I do enjoy it and I assume that NB is like BC in that it is really difficult to get good, competent PA's as the salaries are so low.
I am not sure if there is anything I could do to assist but would be open to having discussions around any topic of film production in the Province.
Kind regards,
Rex.
rexbaldwin@gmail.com
506 608 2959
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CYNOPSIS
02.05.09 – “Yesterday the USA House approved a bill to move the DTV transition date firmly to June 12, 2009. The final tally was 264 in favor - 158 against. The bill also allows the approximately two million households with expired DTV-to-analog converter box coupons to reapply for them. The DTV delay bill had the support of major broadcast networks including ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX as well as Verizon, AT&T and numerous public safety organizations.”
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NEW PRE-DEVELOPMENT FUND AT COGECO
http://www.ipf.ca/Cogeco/English/HomePageCogeco.html
http://www.ipf.ca/Cogeco/French/HomePageCogeco_fr.html
by: Marise Strauss, Playback.com
Jan 29, 2009
Producers looking to get television dramas pitch-ready for broadcasters may be eligible for cash from a new funding stream recently created by the Cogeco Program Development Fund.
The fund is making money available for dramatic series, miniseries and MOWs in the pre-development stage -- for up to $10,000 per production per year -- with the stipulation that the projects have not yet secured a broadcaster.
Cogeco Fund executive director Andra Sheffer says until now there wasn't a fund in Canada for the "high-risk" early stages of development when all the producer has is a great concept.
"We identified this as an area of need. A lot of producers don't have the cash flow between projects to hire a good writer to develop a concept," Sheffer tells Playback Daily, adding, "We're giving them the opportunity to take some time, so that when they go to a broadcaster with a proposal, it's ready."
The Cogeco Fund did not pump any additional cash into the new initiative, which falls under the same $250,000 funding bracket for development.
Sheffer says they were able to spring for the new initiative thanks to a lower demand for funds due to changes made by the Canadian Television Fund to its rules. The new rules encouraged broadcasters to put up 50% of the money for drama, while the CTF topped it off.
"When that happened, the demand on the Cogeco Fund in development lessened somewhat," she explains.
The next deadline for pre-development funds is March 1. Applicants are required to have a minimum of two years production experience and have produced at least one broadcast Canadian drama. Details are available at www.ipf.ca
The Cogeco Fund has contributed over $21 million for development of television and feature film dramas since 1993.
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Advertise
Co-op member Brian Atkinson writes:
Run don't walk to the National Film Board of Canada's site: www.nfb.ca
Yes, the NFB, home to many of Canada's best documentaries, animations, historical dramatizations and news magazines has opened up the vaults. Not every title is on line yet, but it's a good start and each month they will be adding more. And they are open to suggestions as well, so if you don't see something you think should be online, let them know.
This is online streaming at it's best. You can view your choice in standard or high quality and so far, most of the pieces I have watched can be viewed across the full computer monitor with no loss in quality.
The site features playlists put together for you, a link to your own viewing history, suggestions for other movies to watch that are similar to the one you just watched and a place to recommend your choice to others.
You can search by title, by genre, by language etc. I don't usually loose myself in front of the computer, but on this site I have spent hours following leads around. One night it was all native documentaries, the next animations and the following World War 1 footage- with a bit of 1950s hockey thrown in as well.
This note isn't an ad, but I wouldn't mind if it was. It's a great site and a great chance to catch up on one of Canada's iconic institutions. And it's all yours for free, or for no more than the price of your broadband connection.
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Co-op member Ida Orenbach writes:
A thrill at the Grill! The Jim Axelrod Big Little Band will be playing at the Grill on York in Fredericton on Friday, February 13, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The band features Jim Axelrod on trumpet and vocals, Silvio Pupo on piano, and Tom Richards on saxophone. Enjoy your meal, spiced up with great blues tunes and jazz standards.
Ida Orenbach
Certified Translator (Fr-En)
New Brunswick Translation Bureau
506-444-2565
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UNB SJ AND FREDERICTON - $2,500 SHOOT FOR THE LOOT VIDEO CONTEST FOR STUDENTS
Deadline: March 15, 2009
Prizes
Grand Prize - $2,500 tuition credit for the year 09/10
People's Choice Award - $250 Pizza Party
Details at: www.OnlyOneU.ca/loot
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BOX OF HOUSEHOLD GOODIES FOR ANY MEMBER WHO NEEDS THEM
Cat's mom has donated a box of the following: dishes, knives, forks, spoons, bowels, dish towels plates etc... for any member in good standing who is in need of these things. You can pick them up anytime next week, just email cat at: info@nbfilmcoop.com to confirm or if you want to look at the stuff.
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FREDERICTON - JOB OPPORTUNITY
21inc is looking for an entrepreneurial and dynamic individual to join us as a project coordinator. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of building a new organization making a significant contribution to the future of New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada.
More details on 21inc, the opportunity, the candidate requirements and the application process are in the attached. I would be grateful if you would take a look, and forward this email along to anyone you think may be interested. I am happy to receive questions or comments at any time.
Click Here (PDF)Thanks so much for your help!
Tim
Executive Director/Directeur général, 21inc
506-444-0554,
tim@21inc.ca
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OTTAWA - JOB OPPORTUNITY
Canada Council for the Arts is presently recruiting for a Head, Digital Media and Creative Services, Communications Division. Please post this vacancy internally or forward this e-mail to candidates that may be interested in this position.
Please visit our website at www.canadacouncil.ca to view the posting.
Applications should be submitted to Roch Brunelle, Human Resources, no later than February 27, 2009 at competition1@canadacouncil.ca quoting competition number 2402. For more information or for a complete job profile, please contact Rachelle Malone at 613-566-4414 extension 4114 or send an e-mail to competition@canadacouncil.ca. All applications can also be sent by fax to 613-566-4323.
The Employment Application Form must be completed and submitted in order to be considered for this position.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Canada Council for the Arts is committed to employment equity.