SIM VIDEO ON BOARD AS SILVER WAVE SPONSOR
(Photo by Amphoto: Cinematographer Jeff Wheaton at work)
NBFC E-news - Friday, Oct 14, 2010
Spotlight
SIM VIDEO ON BOARD AS SILVER WAVE SPONSOR
Cat sat down (virtually) recently to talk to Silver Wave Sponsor Jeff Wheaton, Manager of Sim Video Atlantic. Jeff is a past member of the NB Film Co-op as well.
Cat: Tell me a bit about yourself, your background, where you started and how you ended up where you are now. What do you hope to achieve in film through the company you work at?
Jeff: Small town boy, born and raised in Miramichi, NB by my mom who LOVED horror movies, and my dad who loved Steve McQueen. When the VCR came out, we would have sleep over weekends with our friends and watch about 8 to 12 movies in a weekend.
As for where I am now, I'm Manager of Sim Video Atlantic, a camera rental shop in Halifax. I started in the film industry by fluke, when a friend called and asked "who do you know who is responsible without any responsibility?" I was playing in bands at the time, so I said "Me." Next thing I know I was on an IMAX set working as a PA with no idea what was happening. 15 years later, I'm working with the best equipment in the industry and have a community of filmmakers around me as friends. From Sim, I have been doing all I can to help people make the best films possible, many having travelled around the world. I've also been the chair of the board of the Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative in Halifax for the last 3 years, helping to shape the future of that community.
Cat: Do you watch a lot of films? If so, what kind of films?
Jeff: I seek out visuals that will be creatively inspiring. Festivals are great for packing it all in, giving yourself an excuse to watch 3 movies in a row and another 2 the next night. At the AFF, I watched 6 movies in 3 nights, which is almost like a vacation for me, especially when they were all so great! Films made by friends (The Corridor-Evan Kelly, Light is the Day- Laura Dawe) or by masters (Incendie-Denis Villeneuve, Another Year-Mike Leigh), and the shorts! Always amazed by shorts. The rest of the year is about seeking out films that will inspire whatever project I'm working on next. Working with new directors, it is all about finding a common visual connection, a place to begin the conversation about the script.
Cat: You have made quite a name for yourself as a cinematographer, tell me how you worked your way to this point in that creative department?
Jeff: Where to begin? In some ways it would begin with comic books and drawing classes. Learning the role of composition when I was young had a huge influence on where I am now. I studied graphic design and photography in college, so learning how to shoot BW film and a healthy dose of art history starts to slide into the DNA.
When the decision to join the camera department had come, Tony Merzetti at the NB Film Co-op was my first mentor. I would come in every day and build the camera and learn to load film mags. From here I can't say enough about my time as an apprentice in the Cinematographers union. My 10 years as a camera assistant allowed me to understand so many things about how a film set runs and the time to observe many great Cinematographers at work. Being a part of the body of a film crew allowed many lessons to sink into my subconscious and re-emerge when I began shooting for other people. You would be amazed at what tricks you can
pull out when you have experienced a film set that has run into problems and survived.
The other elements I have been studying have been acting, writing and directing. I want to come to set with a director knowing what they know, to be a tool as part of the overall production. When a crew starts shooting, we should be of one mind, working from the same template, shooting the same movie. I'm not here to direct for the director, but to be another set of eyes, another voice of reason. And I expect the same of the director for me. I may have overlooked something, so I want to trust we have each others back for the sake of the film.
Cat: Why is it important for you to sponsor the Silver Wave Film Festival each year?
Jeff: Having come through the Film Co-op, I want to see as many opportunities as possible for emerging filmmakers. It is a hard road to make a good film, so you need a great resource and great people surrounding you. Silver Wave gives NB filmmakers a chance to show their work to each other and celebrate the blood, sweat and tears to get it to screen.
Cat: What is you biggest pet peeve about Hollywood films, if you have any that is?
Jeff: The star system. I think movies have been ruined by mis-casting a star in a role that was beyond or not in the range of their talents.
Cat: What do you like most about independent films?
Jeff: The risks that can be taken. And it takes a lot more dedication to achieve that risk. An independent film can't just throw money at a problem. The filmmakers have to communicate with each other to make it work.
Cat: What do you like least about Canadian commercial and independent films?
Our attempts to make Hollywood style films. I think we are losing touch with who we are as Canadians, which is why I'm such a fan of films from Quebec. Which begs the question we have to ask ourselves as filmmakers, what kind of stories are we are trying to tell?
Cat: What would you like to see change for the better in the greater film community in NB?
Jeff: Stronger scripts. It takes a long time to write a good script. It's something we are all suffering through.
Cat: Do you have a favourite moment or two through the years at SWFF that sticks in your mind?
Jeff: I remember a Latin party one year that was really bumpin'!!!!!
-----------------------------------
10th ANNUAL SILVER WAVE TO HOST INDUSTRY RECEPTION
Fredericton,
The Silver Wave Film Festival will be holding its annual industry reception again this year
Major sponsors of the event are:
Province of New Brunswick and Doc Atlantic
The annual reception is a great opportunity for emerging and seasoned producers, filmmakers, actors and tech people to rub elbows, nibble on some food and sip on Picaroons finely brewed beer.
"It's really important for there to be these type of events in NB where everybody in film can get together and talk to their creative counterparts on their projects, the state of the industry in NB and beyond, and the possibility of partnering with each other on future projects" says Greg Hemmings of Hemmings House Pictures. Hemmings House Pictures is a proud sponsor of the Silver Wave Film Festival.
Teresa MacInnes who sits on the National Board of the Documentary Organization of Canada as the National Representative for DOC Atlantic will be present at the event to speak.
"It is a critical time for documentary filmmakers in Atlantic Canada to unite and have their voices heard. While we have seen a drastic decrease in traditional financial support for independent social issue documentaries, there are also new and exciting opportunities on the horizon. We at DOC Atlantic believe we need to get together, share our experiences and propose ideas to the many supporters who are looking for new ways to help us! As the only organization that speaks on behalf of independent documentary filmmakers in Canada we encourage you to join us as we work to create more opportunities for Atlantic documentary filmmakers. You will get a long list of perks from your membership and be a part of a a great filmmaking community. Check out the website at www.docorg.ca . I look forward to seeing you at the Silver Wave Film Festival!"
The Industry Reception takes place on November 5th, Friday at 4pm at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre, upstairs Auditorium (732 Charlotte Street), Fredericton.
Please confirm your attendance with Cat at: info@nbfilmcoop.com for this event.
-----------------------------------------------
THANK YOU/THANK YOU/THANK YOU
Thank you to Ivy Thomson, Britany Sparrow and Margo Flewelling for proofing text for Cat
-----------------------------------------------
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)
---------------------------------------------------------------
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 or small one off group workshops with members and instructors for a fee.
www.nbfilmcoop.com/training.htm
a special thank you to Tod Bovingdon & Tyler Wade, Trew Audio in Toronto - http://www.trewaudio.com/ for hosting a recent sound workshop for the Film Co-op.
INSTRUCTORS BIOGRAPHY
Tod Bovingdon hails originally from Fredericton, NB and has been recording sound professionally in Toronto since the mid-Nineties. His main focus is long-form adventure documentaries ("The Devil's Brigade", "Destination Nor'Ouest") but has recorded everything from children's programming ("This is Daniel Cook") to youth stunt shows ("The Adrenaline Project") to improvisational comedy ("Punched Up!"). In between he has recorded sound for commercials, sports, pressers, scrums, red carpet, junkets... You name it, he's probably done it.
Tod is an alumnus of the New Brunswick Filmmakers' Co-operative ("Colours of The Wind" "The Vacationers" "Driftwood" "A Darker Side" "Echoes in The Rink - The Willie O'Ree Story") and credits his NBFCO experience with giving him a solid grounding in filmmaking, the necessary set-discipline and a no nonsense work-ethic that made his transition to the huge Toronto market a smooth one.
todio@todio.ca
http://www.todio.ca
---------------------------------------------------------------
Festivals
SILVER WAVE 2010 WILL ROLL INTO NB!
LOOK WHO IS COMING!
(Silver Wave Award Winning Doc Filmmakers: Kent Nason & Teresa MacInnes)
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
(if you don't hear back from cat right away, please email her at: info@nbfilmcoop.com as there may be a technical glitch with the online form) and she can email you a word form asap!
-------------------------------------------------
MEMBERS GIVE BACK AWARD - APPLY NOW!
About the award:
The Members Give Back Award (MGBA) was created by active film co-op members Chris Fulton, Josh Linton, Danny Thebeau, and Donovan Richard to fill a funding gap for new filmmakers looking to produce their first short film (excluding any student films the filmmaker may have produced previously). The goal is to aid the NBFC, a film charity that helped the sponsoring filmmakers get their feet wet in filmmaking, in fostering new film talent and growing film culture in NB.
Rules/Eligibility:
The sponsors of the MGBA do not wish to limit eligibility to new filmmakers only, but preference in the selection process will be given to first-time filmmakers.
To enter, filmmakers must submit a properly formatted screenplay to info@nbfilmcoop.com
As the script is to be BLIND JURIED by the sponsors of the MGBA, no contact information should appear on the script itself. Rather, those applying should give their NAME, PHONE#, EMAIL ADDRESS, and whether they are a first-time filmmaker in the text of the email. The only criteria that the jury will use is the quality of the script and whether the person submitting the script is a first-time filmmaker.
Applications will be accepted from October 1st through October 21st.
The Award:
Members Give Back Award ($800.00)
• $200 in workshops/training from the New Brunswick Filmmakers’ Co-operative (2011)
• $500 cash from Fetal Film Productions, Red Leaf Productions & Key Films
• $100 (full membership for two years) from the New Brunswick Filmmakers’ Co-operative
• Work-shopping of winning screenplay by AHA (Actors Helping Actors) Members (Fred or Moncton)
(Presented by Fetal Film Productions, Key Films, Red Leaf Productions and the New Brunswick Filmmakers’ Co-operative)
The winner will be announced on November 6, 10pm at the Awards Gala during the Silver Wave Film Festival 2010!
---------------------
OH, THE HORROR OF IT ALL, AT SWFF 2010!
SWFF is putting out a special call for Short Horror Films for its wildly popular Annual Horror Midnight Feast.
Films should be 15 minutes or under and creepy, dark and spine tingling. Black comedy also works well.
Email Cat at info@nbfilmcoop.com if you have any questions/want her to email you the application form.
Trailers or short horror spoofs are welcome. There is still time to shoot something cool, Extended Deadline for all Horror Submissions: Friday, October 22, 2010
SWFF Film Programmers Cat and Tony and Midnight Horror Feast Host Filmmaker Pierre Huard can't wait to get your films!
The application is on the Silver Wave Website homepage: www.swfilmfest.com
-------------------------------------------------
PICAROONS AND SILVER WAVE 'FILMS ON TAP' CONTEST EXTENDS DEADLINE TO OCTOBER 18!
Email Cat for Forms!!: info@nbfilmcoop.com
Don't miss out, you could win $500!
This contest is only open to NB Residents and anyone who has won before can not apply again.
The winner of this contest will be announced at the 2010 Silver Wave Film Festival Launch on Thursday, October 21, 12 noon at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre
-------------------------------------------------
The Arts
FREDERICTON MONDAY NIGHT FILM SERIES
General Information
The Monday Night Film Series takes place at Tilley Hall, Room 102, UNB Campus
Memberships are available now at the film co-op. Please call Tel: 455-1632 or email info@nbfilmcoop.com
The NB Film Co-op presents the Fredericton Monday Night Film Series. The series partners are the Film Circuit, a division of the Toronto International Film Festival and the UNB Faculty of Arts.
The series presents limited release, independent foreign and Canadian films for one-night screenings, with the goal of diversifying local access to cinema. These films are new or recent releases, which would not otherwise be available to Fredericton audiences on the big screen.
October 18, 8pm, Tilley Hall 102, UNB Campus
MICMACS
Cast: Dany Boon, André Dussollier, Nicolas Marié, Yolande Moreau, Dominique Pinon, Jean-Pierre Marielle, Julie Ferrier
Run Time: 105 minutes
Country: France
Year: 2010
Language: French with English subtitles
Distributor: E1 Entertainment
Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s Amélie is unquestionably one of the most beloved films of the last decade. With Micmacs – an audience favourite at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival® – Jeunet’s amazing visual vocabulary and hyperactive imagination is used to devastating effect.
Drawing on one of France’s most popular stars, the incorrigible Dany Boon (Welcome to the Sticks, My Best Friend), along with a cast of some of the country’s finest actors, Jeunet turns on the afterburners in this searing piece of romantic filmmaking set against the storm clouds of warring arms dealers. Boon plays the role of Bazil, a man who was orphaned as a youngster when his father was killed by a bomb. Now working in a video store and trying to find his place in the world, Bazil is hit by a stray bullet in a freak accident. Emerging from hospital, he finds himself jobless and penniless, but good fortune appears in the form of an ex-con named Slammer (Jean-Pierre Marielle, The Da Vinci Code). The ingenious salvage artist ekes out an existence in a dump along with a resourceful group of misfits. Charmed by the hospitality he receives, Bazil turns the dump into an underground home full of magical tools and sculptures made from discarded junk. Meanwhile, an opportunity to get even with the arms manufacturers who killed his father and left him with a bullet in the head keeps Bazil busy plotting sweet revenge.
The kinetic level of invention and narrative so familiar to Jeunet lovers is on full display in Micmacs, the film that revels in contemporary contrasts. While the rich arms dealers scheme away and make weapons, Bazil and his rag-tag band of friends create objects to delight and charm. Along the way, Bazil finds romance amid the craziness of the modern world.
“… a pleasing original comedy with charm to spare…" – Mike Goodridge, Screen
-------------------------------------------------
Biz & Indie Film News
NB CBC 3-2-1 AWARD LAUNCHES
Guidelines
Eligibility:
o The applicant must be the producer or director of the project.
o The producer and director of the project must be two separate people
o The producer, director, and writer must be New Brunswick residents, Canadian citizens, and be over the age of eighteen (18).
o To be eligible, applicants must have produced at least three short films in their career beyond school.
o Students are not eligible (with the exception of graduate students).
o Previous 3-2-1 Award winners are not eligible.
What projects are eligible?
o Genre: drama, documentary, animation, comedy and performance containing content
suitable for broadcast, will be considered.
o Length: 3 to 12 minutes.
o Stage of development: projects must be in development. Principal photography may not have commenced before award selections are made. Projects in completion stage are not eligible.
o Location: 75% of the total expenditures of the project must be spent in New Brunswick.
Co-productions are not eligible.
Who owns the project?
o The producer must own the project and provide chain of title documentation.
o The successful producer will enter into a contract with the CBC for a broadcast license. The license will be two years exclusive and five years non-exclusive.
What other requirements are there?
o Applicants must own all copyright in the project.
o Errors and omissions insurance will be required.
What do the CBC 3-2-1 Award winners receive?
o $12,500 CBC regional broadcast license fee. In addition CBC Halifax will provide up to $12,500 in services towards the production for a total prize value of $25,000. The services are subject to availability.
What commitment is required from the producer?
o The producer must license the broadcast rights to CBC in return for a
$12,500 licence fee. The licence will be contracted with the CBC directly. Rights will include the exclusive broadcast in Canada for 2 years. Internet and download rights are also included. CBC will have the appropriate creative consultation and input through the
course of development and production including final script approval and final acceptance of the completed project.
o The producer must credit the CBC 3-2-1 Award in the tail credits of the completed program.
o The producer must credit the CBC 3-2-1 Award in all promotional material regarding the film including film festival programs.
o The producer must agree to allow the use of their names and the names of the projects to be used for publicity purposes and must provide still photographs of the production for this purpose.
The key dates and timelines are:
o
Application is due at 5:00 pm, October 29, 2010
o
Winner will be announced Saturday, November 6, at the Silver Wave Festival.
o Producer will sign a contract with CBC within 60 days.
o Project must be completed by September 15, 2010.
Award decisions will be based on the following criteria:
o Quality of the treatment. The key to a successful project is an outstanding story idea.
Above all the jury will be looking for a strong story line told in a compelling manner with memorable characters.
o We will also consider the applicants demonstrated competence in producing film or
video projects.
o Thoroughness and realism of the finance plan
o Thoroughness and realism of the production schedule and strategy
o Detailed budget
o Projected funding scenario
How should the budget be presented and what should it include?
o the budget must be submitted using the Canadian industry standard format (Telefilm budget)
o any extraordinary deals or shortcuts planned should be footnoted
o the licence fee and services must be included in the finance structure
o projects must be budgeted for all costs through to completion and delivery on Beta SP
o budgets will be scrutinized for feasibility in relation to the proposed subject, creative
approach and production schedule
What evidence of financing must be included?
o All confirmed and projected financing must be included in the projected finance
structure. The project financing must equal the budget total.
May I email my application?
o Yes. Complete applications may be sent by email, mail, courier, or hand delivered to CBC Halifax. Do not send applications to CBC in New Brunswick.
Incomplete applications
o Incomplete applications will not be considered and the onus is on you to ensure that your application is complete.
Send, deliver or courier a complete application to:
Peter Hall
CBC Television
P.O. Box 3000
Halifax, N.S.
B3J 3E9
(902) 420-4364
Click below:
PDF-------------------------------------------------
GETTING THE BEST INK AND AIRTIME IN A CHALLENGING MEDIA LANDSCAPE
One of the biggest challenges in public relations today is media relations. The changing media landscape and ways of doing business has meant it has become more difficult to get the ink or airtime you are looking for.
Join us for a one-of-a-kind Media Relations Workshop on Friday, October 29th from 9am to 4pm in Fredericton where Toronto-based Media Relations author and veteran Public Relations specialist Mark LaVigne of Hunter LaVigne Communications along with special guests Ira Basen of CBC’s Spin Cycles fame and Tracey Bochner of News Canada’s Media Relations Rating Points (MRP) will examine how you can get the best ink and airtime in today’s challenging media landscape.
The one-day workshop will offer participants a structured approach for improving the quality of ink and airtime PR professionals achieve for their businesses, organizations or clients. The workshop will also examine tools and strategies such as MRP that help better track the results of your media relations efforts. Participants will be engaged in a rich, hands-on learning environment through the use of the instructors’ unique classroom demonstrations and activities in addition to their highly engaging visual presentation style. No prior media relations experience is necessary.
When: October 29, 2010 (9am – 4pm)
Where: St. Thomas University Conference Centre
368 Forest Hill Rd
Fredericton, NB
Registration: $350 plus HST
Early-Bird Registration: Save 10% if you book before September 15th
CPRS Member Registration: $300 plus HST
Meals will be provided during the day.
Call 506-471-3827 to book your space today.
Payment is required to hold your space. Credit card or cheque accepted.
The seminar is presented by Delora Media in collaboration with Canadian Public Relations Society – New Brunswick.
-------------------------------------------------
Advertise
SILVER WAVE VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES!
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS TO BE SWFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
SWFF Leads Cat LeBlanc, Britany Sparrow and Jillian Acreman are seeking students studying photography at the Craft College or pro photographers interested in volunteering and doing photography at the festival. There will be a photo schedule done up for the photography to be done at the different events. Please email Cat if you would like to get involved with this at info@nbfilmcoop.com
Volunteers must have their own cameras and some experience in photography for this volunteer position. Samples of work may be asked for.
Each SWFF Photographer will get a media pass which gains them entrance into all events, workshops, panels and parties.
-------------------
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR SWFF PASS PREPARATION
SWFF Leads Cat LeBlanc, Britany Sparrow and Jillian Acreman are looking for some newly signed up SWFF volunteers to help prepare the SWFF full passes for this year, please email Cat at info@nbfilmcoop.com to schedule a time to come in to have some fun with the gals!
A special thank you to Nan MacDonald and Royal Bank of Canada, generous Silver Level Sponsor of SWFF and generous provider of festival lanyards annually.
-------------------
SEEKING VOLUNTEER REPORTERS/VIDEOGRAPHERS FOR SWFF!
Want to get involved with SWFF this year? Do you have a video camera, a knack for asking great questions, enjoy meeting new people? We're assembling small teams of on-the-ground festival YouTube reporters/videographers to capture footage of festival activities, workshop panels, screenings, behind-the-scenes stuff, interviews with filmmakers, actors, etc. If you're interested, please contact Bunthivy Nou (bunthivy.nou@bunthivy.com ) or Cat LeBlanc (cathie@nbfilmcoop.com ) ASAP!
Team meeting will happen on Thursday, Oct 21 from 6:00-7:00pm Co-op resource room
-------------------
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR SWFF HOSPITALITY SUITE
SWFF Leads Cat LeBlanc, Britany Sparrow and Jillian Acreman are looking for two responsible volunteers who are comfortable working in a festive atmosphere to work the Silver Wave Hospitality Suite at Silver Wave each night into the wee hours of the morn.
The suite will be open from November 4-7.
Experience dealing with people, cash and challenging situations is important.
Horror Screening Host Pierre Huard will oversee the room and the volunteers.
Email Cat at info@nbfilmcoop.com
-------------------------------------------------
SEEKING VOLUNTEER BARTENDERS FOR SWFF INDUSTRY RECEPTION
SWFF Leads Cat LeBlanc, Britany Sparrow and Jillian Acreman are looking for 4 responsible volunteers who are comfortable working in a festive atmosphere to work the industry reception on Friday, November 5, 4pm. Volunteers will have to show up an hour in advance of the event to help set up.
Experience dealing with people and busy atmosphere is an asset.
Email Cat at info@nbfimcoop.com
-------------------------------------------------
Check out Film Co-op member article
http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/front/article/1252267
-------------------------------------------------
AX AND CHAINSAW NEEDED
A local filmmaker is looking for an ax and chainsaw. Please email Cat at info@nbfilmcoop.com if you have these items and would loan them for their horror film shoot.
-------------------------------------------------
NEW BRUNSWICK - OPEN CASTING CALL
When: Sunday, October 17th, between 10 AM - 4 PM
Where: Centre For Arts and Technology, Room 207
Our short is called "Birthday Cake" By Darcy Worth with 3 characters:
EMILY. Looks 19-25 years old. Daughter of MOLLY. Ambitious but irresponsible - slightly naive.
MOLLY. Looks 40-55 years old. Mother of EMILY. Stern with EMILY because of her irresponsible and care-free nature.
BAKERY SHOP OWNER. Male or female, looks 30-60.
Contact info
Darcy Worth (902) 432-0038,
or email
birthdaycakefilm@hotmail.com
Centre for Arts and Technology: Fredericton Campus, 130 Carleton Street, Fredericton, NB, E3B 3T4
-------------------------------------------------
CAMERA FOR SALE
Sony DSR-PD 170 DV CAM for sale. Extremely good condition.
Call or email Rob @ 506-832-4487 or
ahv@nb.aibn.com
Rob Turgeon, Kingston, NB