NBFC E-news - Thursday, July 16, 2009
Spotlight!
nbfc 30th ANNIVERSARY ACTIVITIES
30TH ANNIVERSARY SCREENINGS!
A line-up of classic Film Co-op films will projected on August 27 and 28 (Thursday and Friday) at 12 noon in the Film Co-op's downstairs resource centre. There will be refreshments on hand and all are welcome!
Anniversary screenings will be scheduled for Moncton and Saint John in the fall thanks to intrepid members Dan Thebeau and Donovan Richard in Dieppe/Moncton and Jeremy Robinson and Tim O'Neill in Saint John.
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NEW BRUNSWICK FILM CO-OP 30TH ANNIVERSARY WEBSITE!
Check out the NBFC anniversary website! Send your stories and tributes to cat at: info@nbfilmcoop.com
http://www.nbfilmcoop.com/30years/
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CHECK OUT THE NEW CO-OP ACTIVITY CALENDAR ON THE FILM CO-OP HOMEPAGE ON A REGULAR BASIS! WWW.NBFILMCOOP.COM
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
- Thank you to Josh Linton for volunteering his truck recently to help with the Charlotte Street Arts Centre/Gallery Connexion BBQ!
- Thank you to Nancy Lynch for going well beyond the call of duty helping Tony and Cat out with wardrobe and sewing on Francis Sherman.
NB FILM CO-OP MEMBERS UNDERSTAND SPIRIT OF GIVING
There has been an increase in member donations to the Film Co-op over the past 2 years. As members across the province are renewing their memberships with the Film Co-op annually, they are also donating monies to the organization to help out with: special projects, assisting members on low incomes with their membership and workshop fees, outreach activities, screenings etc. Thank you to all those who have donated, your ongoing support is very much appreciated.
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MEMBER UPDATES MEMBER UPDATES MEMBER UPDATES
MONCTON - TRUE CRIME, TRUE FANTASY
Published Thursday July 9th, 2009 in HERE
Graphic novel/comic book reviews
By Bernard C. Cormier
This week, we begin with a historic look at an unsolved crime from the early days of Hollywood.
Famous Players, by writer/illustrator Rick Geary (born: 1946), examines the 1922 murder of William Desmond Taylor (1872-1922).
The multi-talented Taylor (born: William Cunningham Deane-Tanner) began his career as an actor but gradually worked his way up the ranks and became a director and producer.
It must be noted that his filmography contains an interesting Maritime connection. He directed the first of the two theatrical film adaptations of Anne of Green Gables. As of this writing, the film, released in 1919, is considered to be "lost" without any prints left in existence. The second theatrical Anne of Green Gables film adaptation was released in 1934.
As for the crime, in a nutshell, a servant found Taylor's bullet-punctured body on the floor of his bungalow on the morning of February 2, 1922. As we modern people would expect from that era, the police did an absolute crappy job at protecting the crime scene. Curious neighbors arrived before the police did and weren't told to leave. Some of Taylor's business associates removed items that were never to be seen again. Such bad police work explains why his murder was never solved!
Despite such police stupidity, the case was still investigated and numerous people were considered as suspects. Among the suspects was Mary Miles Minter, a 20-year-old actress Taylor had been romantically involved with. Incidentally, she played the lead in Taylor's Anne of Green Gables.
Eventually, the case was closed but remained unsolved.
Famous Players is a history book using sequential images as its means of communication.
It covers the case in a fact-based informative way. Geary presents the story in a manner similar to how photojournalist would cover a news event except that he's presenting history and, perhaps, could be identified as a sequential journalist. He even provides a map representing Los Angeles of that era.
To examine the case from all known angles and possibilities, Geary clustered the information in logical but non-linear ways. As an example, the dead body's discovery is described in the second chapter but Chapter 4 focuses on what's known about Taylor's life.
Famous Players is a very interesting graphic novel that will likely appeal to the tastes of, not counting general comic fans, people interested in either film history or true crime.
Next book on this week's list is the category of fantasy.
All-Star Superman Volume One, by writer Grant Morrison (born: 1960) and illustrator Frank Quitely (born: 1968), reprints the first half of the 12-issue comic series All-Star Superman (January 2006-October 2008).
It has an easy-going, relatively light overall story with somewhat self-contained chapters (which were originally the individual issues).
Lex Luthor pulls criminal strings from jail in a way that poisons Superman. While keeping his health problems to himself, the Man of Steel reveals his true identity to Lois Lane"¦. and gives her an ultimate birthday gift. Although All-Star Superman Volume One is a beautiful and entertaining book, it does have a few flaws.
The first problem is the inclusion of Samson and Atlas. Even if the presence of the two characters were totally unnecessary, they would be at least tolerable if their scenes didn't have the worst pieces of dialogue in the entire book.
Example: "I swear by the everlasting snows of Olympus, Lois Lane, you're practically dripping allure in yon clinging garment." - Atlas
Its second problem is how Lex Luthor is presented. He comes across as a big joke and constantly reminded me of Stewie from Family Guy. Therefore, even within the parameters of fantasy, I couldn't at all take him seriously.
Famous Players: 3/3, Publisher: NBM, Available: August 2009.
All-Star Superman Volume One: 2/3, Publisher: DC Comics.
Bernard C. Cormier is, among other things, a freelance writer and broadcaster. www.myspace.com/bernardccormier . www.twitter.com/bernardccormier . E-mail: Bernardccormier-gncb@hotmail.com © Bernard C. Cormier 2009.
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Training & Development
Contact cat at: info@nbfilmcoop.com to register for all workshops please. Workshops can be paid for through PayPal, snail mail or in person, but check to ensure there are seats left before you pay by snail mail or online 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
If you miss any required workshops or workshops you would like to take, there is also one-on-one training sessions with instructors for a fee that you can arrange with Co-op staff at any time.
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FREDERICTON - KIDS FILMMAKING SUMMER CAMP!
ALMOST FILLED!!
On August 10-14, the New Brunswick Filmmakers' Co-operative is hosting a Filmmaking Summer Camp for middle school students (Ages 9-15), co-ordinated by Film Co-op Filmmaker Michel Guitard. Cost is $150 per student
Program Outline
script writing
production management
directing
shooting and recording sound
picture, sound editing and music placement
distribution of your finished project
Camp runs from 9am - 5pm each day at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre (732 Charlotte Street) and kids should bring a lunch each day although there will be light snacks and liquids on hand.
Only LIMITED spaces available and registration is open now! Don't miss out on this incredible experience! Please contact Cat Leblanc at: info@nbfilmcoop.com or (506) 455-1632 to register.
INSTRUCTOR PROFILE
Michel Guitard is a prolific young filmmaker, cameraman & editor who has worked on over 75 productions through and outside the NB Film Co-op in different crew positions from the age of 10 to 19 years old. He has done many of his own films; one of them, a Short Film Venture film entitled "Simon Hunter."
Michel is the Technical Director at the NB Film Co-op.
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Festivals
SILVER WAVE FILM FEST 2009
We've changed our dates for Silver Wave this year.
MARK THESE NEW DATES IN YOUR CALENDAR FOR NOVEMBER 2009!
November 5-8 (Thursday-Sunday)
www.swfilmfest.com (email cat if you have any questions)
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WIN A SILVER WAVE PASS!
Guess who these famous actors are and win a full pass to Silver Wave 09!
(Contest not open to film co-op board members, filmmakers submitting to SWFF 09 and those who have won passes before)
Email Cat at: info@nbfilmcoop.com
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SILVER WAVE PREMIERED FILMS UPDATES
BLOOD SHED screens in BARCELONA, SPAIN at CRYPTSHOW FESTIVAL Saturday, July 18! http://www.cryptshow.com
In other news, here's a special treat: a link to Jason Eisener's short TREEVENGE, finally available online! Click here
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Treevenge goes online at
www.twitchfilm.net
check it out, I hope you dig it!
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The Arts
DIEPPE - UNDER THE STARS FILM SCREENINGS
The stars will be dazzling on and off the screen at Place 1604 in Dieppe this summer.
The City of Dieppe will hold an outdoor cinema this Friday, and again Friday, Aug. 7 at the popular meeting place outside Dieppe City Hall.
'Un été sans points ni coup sûr' will be screened this week and 'Astérix & Obélix Mission Cléopâtre' will be shown August 7. Both shows are in French only and begin at dusk, around 9 p.m.
"It's a great opportunity for the people of Dieppe and the surrounding areas to watch a French movie outside because, most of the time, at the theatres, it's all English," said Monique Witzell, community development officer for the City of Dieppe. "It's like a drive-in movie except you get to enjoy it outside on the grass."
This is the first time the city has experimented with such an event, but Witzell hopes the community takes advantage of the opportunity to come together as family and neighbours.
"It's a first for the city, but we're really aiming to get the families out and maybe let the kids stay out a little later," Witzell said.
Organizers recommend you bring along chairs and blankets for the family-oriented event.
Admission is free, but bring along some change for popcorn and snacks. Along with vendors, P.R.O Kids will be on site selling treats for a charitable cause.
The rain date for the July show is Saturday and the August rain date is Saturday, August 8. For more information, call the city at 384-DIEP.
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FREDERICTON - NOTABLE ACTS THEATRE FESTIVAL
The NotaBle Acts Theatre Festival is excited to announce that tickets for our mainstage shows On and Off the Shelf and Nomentacke are now on sale at the Playhouse Box Office.
Tickets are $13 for students/$18 for adults and can be purchased at the door, online at
www.theplayhouse.nb.ca
, or by calling 458-8344.
For more information, please visit
www.nbacts.com
, email us
at
nbacts@unb.ca
or call 458-7406.
--
Len Falkenstein
Artistic Director
NotaBle Acts Theatre Company
717 Aberdeen Street,
Fredericton, NB
E3B 1S7
www.nbacts.com
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FREDERICTON - UNDER THE STARS: CLASSIC FILMS IN THE PARK
July 19 at Dusk
SHORT FILM SCREENING BEFORE FEATURE
Eden
Director/Writer/Producer: BronweN
Cast: BronweN
Length: 4:32
Contact: y0ufc@unb.ca
Screening Format: Mini DV
New Maryland, New Brunswick, Canada, 2007
A young beauty is lured to a secret garden. Her lover woos her with sweets, trinkets and wine. Once the drugs in the wine take effect, he reveals his true vampire self. She awakens alone to find that her humanity has been stolen.
Batman
(1966) (105 minutes)
Director: Leslie H. Martinson
Cast: Madge Blake, Dick Crockett, Reginald Denny, Milton Frome, Frank Gorshin, Neil Hamilton, Sterling Holloway, Burgess Meredith, Lee Meriwether, Alan Napier, Gil Perkins, Stafford Repp, Cesar Romero, George Sawaya, Burt Ward, Adam Westiz
Holy Video! The Dynamic Duo must battle a cabal of their most sinister foes in their feature film debut that features all the BIFF! BAM! POW! fun of the TV series. The Catwoman, the Joker, the Penguin, and the Riddler have joined forces and concocted a plan to use a high-tech gadget to reduce the world's leaders to dust, and only Batman and Robin stand in their way. Adam West, Burt Ward, Lee Meriwether, Cesar Romero, Burgess Meredith, Frank Gorshin star.
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FREDERICTON - Invitation: Town Hall Meeting-ART TREK
Monday, July 20that 5:00pm
Location: Charlotte Street Arts Centre
732 Charlotte Street
This is your invitation to have a voice in the future of Art Trek!
What is it?
Art Trekhas been an annual studio tour program offered through the Fredericton Arts Alliance since 2005.A number of artists open their homes and/or private studios to the general public for one week-end in the October. A studio map is distributed to promote the event and to use for locating the studios in Fredericton.
Art Trekstimulates an appreciation of Arts in the community, provides an opportunity to meet and observe artists at work, and provides an excellent social event for local residents and visitors. In addition, it increases awareness of various art disciplines including fine art and fine craft in the city of Fredericton.
The program is very successful on a local level profiling nearly 30 artists each year. In 2008, over 1300 people visited studios in the Fredericton area. The event has been compared to the highly successful annual Muskoka autumn studio tour just outside of Toronto.
The future of Art Trek depends on your input.
Some questions to discuss at this session are:
- Should Art Trek continue to be offered?
- Should Art Trek be expanded? If so, how?
- Where can we go from here?
- How can we increase arts awareness in Fredericton and in the province of New Brunswick?
- How can we promote Art Trek?
- How do participating artists want to be promoted and featured?
- How can we promote our community?
- How we can sustain and develop the program in the short and long-term?
If you are interested in attending this meeting to discuss the future of Art Trek, please RSVP to Maria Bourgeois at 443-9900 or at frederictonartsalliance@yahoo.ca
The Town Hall meeting will be held on Monday 5pm (with a 5:30 start), July 20th at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre (732 Charlotte Street) in the Multi-Purpose room on the 2nd floor. A light supper will be served.
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Biz & Indie Film News
DISCOVERY CHANNEL SHORT FILM COMPETITION
Discovery Channel is launching its second annual short film competition, aptly named Film Snacks .
The competition is intended to shed light on environmental issues and we are encouraging aspiring filmmakers to submit a film which highlights an environmental issue of the filmmaker’s choosing in a compelling two minutes or less. This competition is part of the long-standing Planet in Focus Film Festival, of which Discovery Channel is a proud sponsor.
All eligible Film Snacks entries will be uploaded to our website, and will be available for our audience, as well as our judges, to screen and discuss.
[Aside from street cred, a spruced up portfolio and warm, fuzzy feelings, the winner will receive two tickets to attend all the events during the Planet in Focus Festival, including the Discovery Gala on October 23, 2009 where their winning film will be screened. Not only that, the winning film will air on Discovery HD, and will be featured on DiscoveryChannel.ca]
The short can be any genre (documentary, animation, etc.), and we invite any form of original storytelling.
With this in mind, we thought we’d appeal to the creative urges of your students.
Aspiring filmmakers can find more details at: http://www.discoverychannel.ca/filmsnacks
Uploads begin Monday, August 17 and wrap up Friday, September 18.
Discovery Channel
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NEW BRUNSWICK JOY AWARD DEADLINE: OCTOBER 16, 2009, 5PM
If you are a member in good standing with your volunteer hours in and training and are interested in applying for this prestigious grant, email Cat at: info@nbfilmcoop.com and she will be happy to give you advice and help.
What You Win:
$10,000 in rental services and $500 in materials from PS Atlantic (Halifax)
$3,500 in equipment or facilities from the New Brunswick Filmmakers’ Co-operative.
$1500 cash from New Brunswick Film.
$1,000 in film stock from Kodak Canada Inc.
Applicants or co-applicants must be NB resident with permanent, ongoing residence in the Province of the Award. Past recipients can apply again at least 12 months after receiving their past award: their past Award project must be completed, and required reports and material received by the NB Film Co-op and LJMAS. In this Award session, requests for retroactive financing are ineligible, as well as for film or video transfers. There are no project length restrictions. Applicant must maintain creative control.
Application material list;
Synopsis (25 words)
Project description (1-2 pages)
Biography or curriculum vitae
Treatment or sample script (up to 10 pages)
Budget, itemized revenue and expenses (Telefilm format is requested but not required)
Timetable
DVD support material on one disc (e.g. past completed work) (VHS is no longer officially supported by major manufacturers*)
Written support material (e.g. published reviews)
Entry fee of $20
Rough edit on DVD if applying for post (optional if applicable)
NOTE - do not use staples or any type of binding. Photographs, posters and other non-photocopyable material must be supplied in 3 copies or examples. Materials are not returned without adequate SASE, or can be picked up by appointment. One complete set of material from each successful applicant will become part of the NB Film Co-op & LJMAS Archive.
*Applicants are encouraged to contact Cat at info@nbfilmcoop.com with questions about submission formats and media, before submitting material. Any digital formats or media must be Windows, Mac and Unix compatible. DVDs must play on any standard DVD player.
Adjudication
New Brunswick Joy will be adjudicated by a New Brunswick peer-review jury and submissions can be given or mailed to the NB Film Co-op. The composition of the juries is confidential. Selection will be based on the innovation and creativity of the proposed project, with priority given to: emerging artists and established artists exploring a new genre or medium. Consideration will be given to the applicability of the award(s) being sought and to the applicant’s demonstrated ability to complete the project as planned and budgeted.
Award recipients must agree to the following terms and conditions:
• to report project progress to the LJMAS at intervals and manner specified in the Award contract.
• to acknowledge the Society and Award Sponsors by name in the project and to do so according to the terms of the Award contract.
• to use the award within one year on only the submitted project (extensions must be requested in writing solely through the LJMAS).
• to provide material for archives and publicity purposes to the LJMAS as described in the Award contract, and to have their name and image appear in publications.
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NB ACTOR/PHOTOGRAPHER ON THE MOVE
NB Film Co-op member Julien Cyr who moved to Toronto recently worked on an Independent film in Toronto called Johnny's Gonna Kill Himself . It's a very intriguing concept. It will be doing the festival tour soon and Julien hopes to see it entered into Silver Wave.
If there is anyone (actors/directors/etc) at the Film Co-op looking to get professional headshots done, Julien will be coming to Fredericton in August. He is presently booked to do headshots for Co-op member filmmaker/actor Bunthivy Nou.
Julien has been photographing for industry professionals over the last year in T.O. and providing headshots for performers.
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SAINT JOHN ACTOR PROFILE - ERICA MACDONALD
Erica had a part in the Chris Cummings video as a background performer and was invited to the wrap party. She really wants to excel in film and television as a background worker. Erica is active in Public Relations, is Youth Co-ordinator for People for People Ministry, volunteers for Full Gospel Assembly in Saint John, NB as an Early Child Educator. Academic Awards, Grade 11 Achievement Award.
She enjoys horseback riding, swimming, badminton and crafts Looking forward to film workshops to educate herself as a background worker. E.R.N.C. is proud of Erica, her activities and her networking.
Email –
ethnicrainbows@aim.com
Age 17
Hair Auburn
Height 5'9"
Eyes Hazel
Top size large
Dress size 16
Pant size 16
Shoe 9
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Advertise
FREDERICTON - CASTING CALL
There will be an open casting call for a short film this week and next week for volunteer actors! Experienced or first time actors all welcome! Primarily seeking women aged 20-25 and men aged 30 and up. Sides will be provided to the actors upon arrival, and if you have any questions please email Jillian Acreman, jillianacreman@hotmail.com
Thursday July 16th, 6:00-9:00pm, Charlotte Street Arts Center, 3rd Floor Cocuy Room
Thursday July 23rd, 6:00-9:00pm, Charlotte Street Arts Center, 3rd Floor Cocuy Room
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NOW PLAYING ON NEWS-CAST.COM MOVIES
http://events.news-cast.com/events/Movies No Cost, No Commercial Interruptions
ESCAPE FROM SOBIBOR
Based on the gripping true story of Jewish prisoners plotting their escape from a notorious Nazi concentration camp during WWII. Brilliant performances by Academy Award winner Alan Arkin and Rutger Hauer in one of the best escape movies ever made. Directed by Jack Gold.