NBFC E-news - Thursday, March 18, 2010
Film Co-op Member's Passing Mourned
GRAND BAY-WESTFIELD - Gary Mittelholtz, a voice long heard over the airwaves of CBC radio in Saint John, has died.
He left us unexpectedly on Saturday, March 13, 2010 enjoying his favorite pastime, skiing in the back country with his friends on a beautiful sunny day.
Gary was born in Toronto on May 28, 1954, the son of Norbert Mittelholtz and the late Irene Mittelholtz. He graduated with a Radio and Television Arts Degree from Ryerson University in Toronto in the spring of 1977 and started his career with CBC Radio in Toronto the following month. In January of 1982 Gary moved to Thompson, Manitoba, again working with the CBC, and subsequently moved on to Saint John in March of 1986, where he spent the remainder of his career with the CBC. During his years at CBC Saint John he hosted the popular Rolling Home Show and Main Street, as well as contributing news and public interest stories.
After retiring from the CBC in December, 2008, Gary purchased the River Valley News in Grand Bay-Westfield. Always an entrepreneur at heart, he was involved in many ventures in media, including pod-casting, and audio-visual services through his company, Midwood Media.
An active member of his community, Gary belonged to the Grand Bay-Westfield Chamber of Commerce, and was a founding member of the Canada Day Half Marathon in Grand Bay. He was a member of the YMCA for many years, as well as the Y’s Mens Club, and sat on various committees over the years. He was a member of St. Matthew’s Church, Grand Bay, and had recently joined the Knights of Columbus.
In his leisure time, Gary was a tremendous outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed all types of skiing, including downhill, cross-country, and back-country skiing. He also enjoyed walking with Teresa, kayaking, hiking, and running, as well as reading and travelling. Family outings often included trips to New River Beach and Bald Peak to enjoy the landscape and hike the trails. His entire life, summers were always spent at the family cottage on Otter Lake, Ontario, where Gary enjoyed the serenity and beauty of the area, not to mention his daily sauna. Always a thinker and dreamer, Gary kept an ambitious “to-do” list, often making notes about an upcoming report or project in which he wanted to be involved, the most recent being the Blueberry Hill Nature Trust project.
A true inspiration and valued colleague, Gary’s presence will be missed in his community and the rest of the province. Gary is survived by his loving family; his wife Teresa, to whom he had been married for 32 years; his father, Norbert Mittelholtz and his wife Norma of Burlington, Ontario; his children, Christine Mason (Greg), Erin, Brendan, and Rory; his adoring grandchildren, Ava and Will; his father-in-law, Gordon Bruce of Embro, Ontario; and several brothers and sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Gary was predeceased by his mother Irene and by his mother-in-law, Clare Bruce.
For those who wish, the family would appreciate your prayers or Mass Intentions, or a remembrance to the Blueberry Hill Nature Trust Fund, in lieu of flowers. www.bayviewfh.com
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RENEWED MEMBERS RENEWED MEMBERS RENEWED MEMBERS
DARCY CAMERON - FREDERICTON
Darcy Cameron is trying to write about himself in the third person, but it sounds funny so he’s going to stop.
I have been an on-again off-again member of the NB Film Co-op since 2004, and now that I’m on again
I’m hoping to get more seriously involved. First on the list is the job of Production Manager on my friend and Film Co-op member Jillian Acreman’s upcoming short film called The Editor.
I am currently in my final year at St. Thomas University where I am studying English and Communications, and I work for NBACL as their Communications Assistant. My interest in film leans towards writing, directing, and editing, but I’m willing to do and to learn just about anything.
That’s not my baby.
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NEW MEMBERS NEW MEMBERS NEW MEMBERS
I'm a marketing major from The Atlantic Business College and I've always had a big interest in film. I like to think I'm a pretty creative person and am ready to explore things a little more. Horror is my favorite genre and I've loved all things horror ever since watching Poltergeist and Piranha with my grandfather when I was little. My favorite films are House Of 1000 Corpses, Martyrs, and Dead Snow just to name a few.
I'm very excited to be an associate member of the Co-op and can't wait to meet new people and help them out on their productions in non-technical roles.
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MEMBER UPDATES/MEMBER UPDATES/MEMBER UPDATES
When Cathie asked me to write something about the challenges of getting funding to create documentaries - I'll admit, I didn't feel qualified to write anything. Then I thought I could write 'its like banging your head into a brick wall, time and time and time again!' And then I realized I may not be able to write specifically about the challenges of getting funding, but I should just write something; share my experiences.
When people ask me what I want to do with my life, I say without hesitation, "I want to make documentaries on subjects that interest me."
When people ask me why I want to make documentaries - I squirm, I stare at the ceiling, I try to buy time by appearing contemplative, in hopes that spellbinding words pour out my mouth. Oh yes - this time when I answer that question they will say, 'Ingenious!!! How profound!! What incredible insight!' But, it never fails, what always comes out is, "uh… just because - I have to."
I believe that this 'reason' connects us; whether we make documentaries, short films, features - it doesn't matter. For better or for worse, no matter how many times we bang our heads into a brick wall. We are still compelled to do what we do - often without a reason why - except that, 'we have to.'
In 2004, much to my surprise, I received the New Brunswick Linda Joy award for a documentary called Time Apart: A Family Reunited.
After I received the Linda Joy award, I thought, 'hey this is easy.' I won't have any problem receiving more grants to complete this documentary.
Uh huh.
The year 2005 roared by without another penny being offered. Every granting agency, broadcaster, potential sponsor said the same thing, 'it's a beautiful and compelling piece - oh, and we don't have money to fund that right now - good luck.'
For the first time since I realized I was possessed to make documentaries, I became disheartened. Don't get me wrong, I have been rejected many times, but I always bounce back, very quickly and very well. This time it was different, I mean it was an, 'emotionally compelling piece' - right? I was so discouraged that I thought I should not have received the Joy award, because someone who could have used it should have got it.
Then I emailed Cathie at the NB Film Co-op, or rather I whined to Cathie. Her response was quick and brief, 'Rachel, we love you, we support you no matter how long it takes you to complete your project, keep at it.'
That was enough to snap me out of my funk; I got back on the horse.
I continued to revamp and rework the story in order to make it more cohesive when I talked to people about it. I continued to apply for grants. I didn't stop until it was done. And I also received another grant to finish it!
At that time, I decided, I must go in April to shoot in Europe and the Middle East. Due to funds still not being available, I had to put the cost of the plane ticket on my MasterCard.
Which leads me to this story. At one point, in the NB Film Co-op newsletter, there was a piece about my project Time Apart. I said I was paying for stuff on my MasterCard in the piece. Shortly after, I received a reply from amazing filmmaker/producer Paul Lee in Toronto. He said "please don't make documentaries on your credit card." I agreed of course with him. I am in no way advocating making films on credit cards. It's crazy, and should be avoided!! I would have normally waited for other funding to come through, but the nature of this documentary, couldn't wait. It involved my relatives who are sprightly but aged. If I let this opportunity pass, I would feel regret for my lifetime.
Paul also had great tips, and suggestions. Some of which I used in my Canada Council proposal. He was a wonderful help - I THANK HIM.
In the end the film was finished and was premiered at festivals and other events, including the 2008 NB Silver Wave Film Festival hosted by the NB Film Co-op (Yay Silver Wave).
So what is the moral of this babbling, if there is one?
Believe in your work, if you are unable to get grants, don't let your ideas die, come back to them at a later date - rework them and make them better. Don't be afraid to call upon people in the film community for help and words of encouragement. It's a wonderful community. We all support each other; never forget that.
Or in the words of Cathie LeBlanc, just 'keep at it.'
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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 at this time as it's now close to March. You can renew in person at the Film Co-op, by snailmail or by paypal by going to this link on the Film Co-op website: http://www.nbfilmcoop.com/members.htm
MEMBER RENEWALS FOR 2010
Gia Milani (Fredericton), Tony Whalen (Fredericton), Richard MacQueen (Saint John), Kevin Herring (Fredericton), Michelle Lovegrove Thomson (Fredericton), BronweN (New Maryland), Michelle Lovegrove Thomson (Fredericton), Alex Brewer (Keswick Ridge)
NEW MEMBERS FOR 2010
Normand P. Robichaud (Dieppe), Matthew Bauckman (Riverview), Jared Carney (Fredericton), David Patey (Oromocto)
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NB FILM CO-OP ACTIVITY: THE SCREENWRITER’S CAFÉ
FADE IN:
INT. COFFEE HOUSE - EVENING
Eight screenwriter’s sit around a table drinking coffee, discussing their scripts and giving each other tips on how to improve those scripts.
Do you like screenwriting?
Would you like to meet and consult with other screenwriters?
Have you taken a screenwriting course or workshop and need more practice?
Have you ever wondered, how can I improve my screenwriting abilities and polish my screenwriting skills?
If so then we have the group for you:
The NB Film Co-op is launching it’s new screenwriting group called The Screenwriter’s Café and we would like you to be a part of the group.
To become a member of this new and illustrious writing circle you will need to contact Cat at The NB Film Co-op and she will email you a form to fill out and email back to the Co-op.
We also have a few requirements which are listed below:
1. Participants have to be full or associate a members of the NB Film Co-op.
2. Participants have to have taken at least 1 NB film Co-op screenwriting workshop or an equivalent to that workshop elsewhere.
3. Participants can be emerging, intermediate or experienced screenwriters and they have to have a keen interest in the art and science of screenwriting.
4. Participants have to be open and friendly to the idea of critiques or constructive criticism.
5. Participants must be able to attend at least 60% of the scheduled meetings or sessions.
6. Participants must have a friendly, open and positive attitude.
7. Participants will have to fill out a membership form listing their experience, interests, training and reasons for wanting to be a part of the screenwriter's group.
NOTE: We only have enough room in the group for eight people. Only those of you who are selected by the groups Lead Facilitator will be contacted. Those of you who drop off their forms to late will be put on a waiting list. So get your forms in quickly or you could miss out on a great opportunity.
For More information please contact Cat at the NB Film Co-op at: info@nbfilmcoop.com
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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)
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THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
- Thank you to Tony Whalen for donating an official copy of Canada Russian 72 to the Film Co-op library!
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Training & Development
The NB Film Co-op annual workshop series provides hands-on practical film and video training for members and non-members alike.
The 2010 Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton workshop series website links are now online at: click here and Registration is open.
www.nbfilmcoop.com/training.htm
Formally registering and paying in advance is the only way to ensure you will have a seat in any of the offered courses. Pay on arrival is not an option.
Register in person at the NB Film Co-op or email to ask if there is space and pay by paypal) or by mail (Cheques and Money Orders only).
There are always limited spots available for all workshops so please call or email staff to see if there are available spots before you send your payment OR pay via PayPal please. You can put your name on the waiting list for workshops already full. For more information you can call Cat at: 506-455-1632 or email at info@nbfilmcoop.com
For any members wanting to do short digital dramatic, comedic, documentary & experimental projects: You must have your 5 required workshops (Screenwriting, Directing, Production Management, Picture Editing, Digital Camera & Lighting) in and your volunteer hours (30 hours) and you must be a full member (associate members can upgrade). Only full members can access resources. As well, more importantly, you have to be a member of the Film Co-op for at least 5 months before you are deemed eligible to do projects.
For members who want to use specific co-op equipment themselves and be specialty trained in it for a crew role, further workshops would be required to access those specific resources they want to directly use (Assistant Camera for 16mm, HD Shooting, Sound Editing, Grip, Dolly, Mini Jip, Red Rock).
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Festivals
SILVER WAVE 2010 ROLLS CLOSER!
10th ANNIVERSARY FOR SWFF
(Photo of NBFC member Peter Evanchuck)
The Festival has a $10 submission fee again to help with increased administrative costs.
Click Here (View PDF of SWFF 2010 Call for Submissions)
Click Here (View PDF of SWFF 2010 Application Form)
SWFF does not return festival materials and master screening copies to filmmakers. Please enclose a pre-paid envelope to get your tape and any other materials back after SWFF.
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The Arts
HISTORICAL EVENT
We are inviting people to see a unique exhibit specially conceived to commemorate the 250th anniversary of ¨The Battle of the Ristigouche¨ that occurred in 1760.
By means of this exhibit you will travel through the Deportation of 1758 and learned about the human drama lived or witnessed by the Acadian families of the Saint-John Island, now known as Prince Edward Island.
The exhibit will show Acadian personages from the era of 1760 and will relate their history. It will make the connection between the displacements of the refugees that established their families at the Petite-Rochelle. You will view artifacts and objects dated from 250 years ago that were found following the battle held on the Ristigouche that has sealed the fate of the Nouvelle-France.
You will see an exhibit created by the Acadian Museum of Prince Edward Island entitled: A Remarkable History of Courage and Determination. Also on exhibition, are the artifacts and the objects of an historic background old of 250 years; some of these will be shown to the public for the first time and they are from the collection owned by Parks Canada.
You are welcome to the opening of the exhibit on March 19th at 7 pm at the Restigouche Gallery. This interesting and historical exhibit will be shown from March 19th until May 15th 2010.
Charline Lanteigne
Director
Gallery Restigouche:
http://www.grg.nb.ca/En/index.html
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Biz & Indie Film News
Master Illusionist Built a Mystery IN NB
By Jim Lavoie
(Photo by CNG Photography)
For a man who has had people shaking their heads at his illusions in wonderment for years, Peter Loughran gave his a shake when he received a telephone call from writer/director Jackelyn Giroux (Global Universal Pictures) just before Christmas in 2009, asking Peter if he would like to star in the low budget feature film, Plaster Rock , shot in New Brunswick, Canada. The catch was, the film was going to camera in two weeks! Plaster Rock , had an important actor role in it. The character of Roger Cormier, which Giroux stressed was based on a true character, constantly "disappears". Was Peter interested?
"If I could have", laughs Loughran "I would have paid her for such an opportunity. I mean this was a chance to put my magic, my mark in film, and show just how integral it could be to this movie. It seems ironic to say that the script begged for the realism of magic in lieu of some Computer Generated Images (CGIs); but it did! To be able to perform and create magic as well as finally star as a villain all in the same film was a dream come true!"
No stranger to the spotlight be it on stage, on television or in films, Peter Loughran has spent many years entertaining audiences' world wide with his spectacular magical wizardry and logic defying illusions. His fame often based upon the illusions he has created and continues to "invent" are in great demand by many of the greatest magicians world-wide. Peter and fellow illusion builder Shawn Larocque have many of the world's most famous illusionists knocking on their door, literally to buy their illusions or create new ones for the likes of Criss Angel, Derek Sellinger, Luis DeMatos, Dynamo and Darren Brown
to name a few. Please view Peter's world famous illusions at
http://www.masterofillusions.ca
....Click here for full article
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48 HOUR FILM COMPETITION AWARDS NIGHT - COME ONE, COME ALL!
Everybody is really excited to see all the contest films that the teams have shot. Pictures of some of the 48 hour groups in action (mostly unedited) are on the Meetup site online at:
http://www.meetup.com/48-hour-film/
Any people outside the 48 hour Film Competition group will have to join the above site to view them.
The 48 Hour Competition Gala Party and Awards is on March 21 (Sun) at 7:00pm at the Garrison District Ale House (426 Queen Street, Fredericton, NB)
Cocktails from 7:00pm on, award screenings starting around 8:00pm.
Come see the finalists, meet the other filmmakers, and celebrate your success and theirs. Prizes awarded in various categories to be determined by the judges.
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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: SHORT FILM VENTURE PROGRAM!
Aspiring filmmakers across the province are invited to submit applications for the Short Film Venture Program. The program is an initiative sponsored by New Brunswick Film, in cooperation with the New Brunswick Filmmakers’ Co-operative of Fredericton, NB.
If you have any questions, please email Tony at the NB Film Co-op at: info@nbfilmcoop.com
New Brunswick Film helps develop the careers of professional filmmakers in our province. The Short Film Venture Program allows individuals to express their creativity in the visual format of short films. An eligible applicant must be a resident of New Brunswick as of the last day of the immediately preceding taxation year (December 31).
Applicants must submit a proposal by May 31 of each year, outlining their short film concept. Successful projects will be selected, go through a jury process to determine a shortlist for script analysis review, and final recipients will be notified by July 24 of each year.The final film must be completed by March 31 of the following year.
Those chosen for the program will receive a grant of 25%, of the total cost of the project, up to a maximum of $5,000. Winners will have a chance to train with some of New Brunswick’s industry professionals.
The winning productions will be given a showcase with a premier screening at a film festival in New Brunswick.
Projects submitted should meet the following guidelines:
- Be fictional in nature but could include small parts of comedy, animation and docu-drama;
- Experimental, animation or documentary films will not be considered;
- Have a running time of 10 minutes or less;
- Be shot on film or digital video, and may be completed in film or digital video provided they meet standard broadcast requirements;
- The medium, theme, and subject matter are up to the applicant, provided the project is suitable for general audiences;
-- Films may be produced in either English or French.
Previous applicants of the New Brunswick Short Film Venture Program, who were non-recipients, are eligible to apply with new project proposals
New Brunswick Film is a business unit of Business New Brunswick with a mission to promote and support a vibrant film and television industry in the province.
Since 2000, many emerging filmmakers have obtained grant funding and launched careers in the film and television industry, thanks to the Short Film Venture initiative.
For further information, please refer to the application form.
Click here for Application form in: (PDF)
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Writers Wanted! Women in Film and Television
It's time to assemble the 5th edition of Tidings. Tidings is quickly establishing itself as a relevant and informative look at the Atlantic film, television, and media arts world. Tidings features interviews with Women Directors from the Atlantic Provinces, analyzes the industry, explores film creation in every province, and provides a cohesive insight into our sector.
We are looking for contributors to send in articles of no more than 300 words. Please let us know if you are interested in contributing by Thursday April 1st. (Deadline for actual articles is Thursday April 15th).
Articles may be about any aspect of film/tv/media art in Atlantic Canada, with an emphasis on women's perspectives. Is there a pressing issue facing the industry you'd like to explore? A new talent emerging that you'd like to cast a light on? Is there a grass-roots production that is inspiring in its process of creation?
Please contact Millefiore Clarkes and Cheryl Wagner at
newsletter@wift-at.com
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Advertise
To All Cast, Crew and interested Extras for "Omaha Fly-By"
Due to recent occurrences Azure Sky Films has selected to postpone the fast approaching shooting of "Omaha Fly-By". Be assured that this is not a cancellation; it is simply a postponement until we can reschedule and regroup. Once we have sorted out a few details we will be announcing new dates. Hang in there folks, you can't keep a good gag down (ouch, that can be taken more than one way).
John Christenson, 1st AD
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CASTING CALL - VOLUNTEER
Sparrowhock Productions is looking for volunteer actors to work on a short film shot May 7, 8, 9 and
14, 15, 16. It will be shot in Moncton and Fredericton, with carpool options available.
Actors required:
Cora – 19-25 – female lead – girl geek and hopeless romantic. D&D character is a human sorcerer
David – 19-25 – male lead – handsome and clueless about women. D&D character is a human fighter
Alex – 19-25 – supporting – accident prone. D&D character is an elf druid
Mike – 22-27 – supporting – serious and dry sense of humor. D&D character is a human rogue
Jon – 22-27 – supporting – Dungeon master who enjoys tormenting his players
Ashley – 19-25 – supporting – Cora's best friend and confidant
Monster – any age – no lines but active on screen – the second monster the heroes fight in their campaign
Auditions will be at 732 Charlotte Street in the resource room (basement, next to the cafe) on March 27 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm and on March 31 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Sides will be provided at the audition and each actor will have a few minutes to prepare before entering the audition.
For further information contact Britany Sparrow at britsparrow@gmail.com
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CAR NEEDED FOR FILM
Feature Film looking for '90s Trans Am Preferably with the iconic bird decal. If you have any info please contact: willykudos@hotmail.com
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MEMBER ACTOR NEEDS DEMO DONE - PAID WORK
NB actor would like to get a demo done of their work. Will pay for services. Contact if interested.
Thanks, Elizabeth Stevens in Sussex, NB
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CALLING ALL SCREENWRITERS - GREATER MONCTON AREA
Are you a screenwriter or interested in becoming a screenwriter and live in the Greater Moncton area? If yes, you might be interested in a new writers/critique group forming in the area. Want advice and constructive criticism on your writing or just someone to check for spelling and grammar mistakes on your latest script? Are you interested in networking and meeting other ambitious writers in the area? Eager to learn the craft of screenwriting? Or maybe, you just want to hang-out and chat with people with similar interests.
If so, contact Moncton Film Co-op member Denis Sweet at den.sweet@gmail.com to get further information and express an interest. An information session will be held on Saturday March 20th at 6:30 PM at 22 Woodstone Cres. Moncton NB and is free for everyone to attend. No experience necessary, everyone from absolute beginner to veteran writer is welcome..
Please come to the information sessions.
Thank you, hope to see you all there.
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DRIVER AND CAMERA PERSON NEEDED FOR ADVENTURE
A British adventurer named Dominic Gill (domgill@hotmail.com ) needs someone to drive an RV and film a trans-American bicycle trip, starting in California in June and ending on the east coast an estimated 4-5 months later. He's serious - a few years ago he tandem cycled from Alaska to the southern tip of South America, picking up strangers and making friends along the way to help him cycle. He filmed that journey, produced an incredible short film and will soon release a book about that journey. For more information on this summer's trip for a man he met during the first trip, please take a few minutes to read Dominic's latest blog post http://www.takeaseat.org/blog/?p=66
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CHECK OUT MEMBER PROJECT ONLINE!
If you missed our CBC Land and Sea episode "Winter Wave Riders" about Nova Scotia cold water surfing, you can watch it online now!
http://www.cbc.ca/landandsea/2010/03/winter-surfing.html
Hemmings House Pictures Ltd.
http://www.hemmingshousepictures.com
Cell: (001) 902.240.6785
HHP HALIFAX
1660 Hollis St, Suite HS1
Halifax, Nova Scotia
(001) 902.422.6466 X 219
HHP SAINT JOHN
115 Prince William
4th Floor
Saint John, NB
(001) 506.642.0872
Twitter:
www.twitter.com/greghemmings
Blog:
www.greghemmings.com
Skype: greghemings
LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/greghemmings1
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SAINT JOHN CASTING CALL FOR TELEVISION PILOT
WHEN : SATURDAY, MARCH 20 TH - 10:00 - 3:00
WHERE : SAINT JOHN PUBLIC LIBRARY
1 MARKET SQUARE
MEETING ROOM # 1 (2ND FLOOR OF LIBRARY)
***If You can't make this time, contact sbaproduction@gmail.com ***
Main Cast
1. Female, 14 to 18, dark hair, unconventional looks, dress, and personality. A personal tragedy has left her guarded emotionally, affecting a kind of blank sarcasm as her shield.
2. Female, 14 to 18, blonde, thin, fragile, yet carrying a certain confidence and grace. Her battle with cancer has led to periods of isolation, which has caused her to yearn for and yet fear personal freedom.
3. Male, Early 40's, thin/skinny build, eccentric, seemingly befuddled but deceptively shrewd. He has a sense of wonder that suggests something child-like, like a silent movie star, or a mad professor.
4. Female, Late 20's, raven-haired, an overachiever and tightly wound. She makes herself busy to keep her doubts and loneliness at bay.
5. Male, Early 30's, blandly handsome, and self-possessed.
Secondary Cast (speaking)
1. Male, Security Guard (X2) - Middle-aged male.
2. Male, High-school teacher - 40's, male.
3. Male, 50's , heavyset.
4. Female, 50's or 60's