AZURE SKY FILMS SPONSORS SECOND EXCELLENCE IN SCREENWRITING AWARD AT SWFF 2010!
NBFC E-news - Thursday, September 16, 2010
Spotlight
AZURE SKY FILMS SPONSORS SECOND EXCELLENCE IN SCREENWRITING AWARD AT SWFF 2010!
Cat sat down (virtually) recently to talk to Lita and Tony at Azure Sky Films.
BACKGROUND:
Azure Sky Films is a film and television production company co-founded by Lita Llewellyn, Tony Sekulich and Michael Lavigne. Azure Sky Films is committed to producing only the highest quality projects. We are currently developing short films, feature films, and television series with broadcast and producing partners across North America.
Tony Sekulich is a Producer and Screenwriter who has written for both film and television. Tony graduated from the Canadian Film Centre's Professional Screewriting Programme and went on to write for CTV's Robson Arms.
Lita Llewellyn is an Actor and Producer who has lived and worked all across the country, including Vancouver, Toronto, and Halifax. Her screen credits include Memory Keeper's Daughter and Snow Angels.
Michael Lavigne is a Producer responsible for Business Affairs. He is a well known figure in the regional business and government community. He has held several senior positions including Co-Founder and CEO at Crescent Studios, Vice President – Sales and Marketing at Provinent Corporation, Vice President and General Manager at Ensemble, Vice President Global Operations at Pulse Learning Inc., and Vice President at PQA Ltd. Currently Michael leads sales and marketing for Accreon, Inc.
Cat: Tell me a bit about yourselves your backgrounds, where you started and how you ended up in a company together. What do you hope to achieve in film in NB?
Lita:
I'm an actor and I was born in Fredericton. I started out in Theatre and then fell in love with film in Vancouver. I moved back East after about 5 years because I was homesick! I joined the Co-op, met tons of great people and got an agent in Halifax. I eventually moved to Halifax and at the same time got an agent in Toronto, so I was getting more and more involved with different film groups and meeting all kinds of people. Even though I am based out of Toronto, I love being in the Atlantic because it offers such opportunity for getting involved in a lot of different things. I joined WIFT, am involved with First Weekend
Club and Canada Screens and love meeting new film peeps.
Tony:
I moved back to NB in 1997 and joined the NB Film Co-op on the advice of Pat Toner. By this time I had developed an interest in screenwriting but wasn't sure what to do with it or have any idea where it would take me. But I started writing scripts both short and feature length and eventually one of those scripts got picked up at the Atlantic Film Festival Script development program and that led to my getting in to the Canadian film Centre's Professional Screenwriting Program. From here, things started to happen.
Both: Tony and I met on a set and working with him was really great. We clicked right away and are very like-minded in the way we view the industry. He had a feature script that he approached me about playing the lead. I read it and I loved it. I told him when he got some traction toward getting it produced I would definitely be interested. He then asked if I wanted to produce it with him…after explaining I had never done that before, he said "Me neither." Then Azure Sky Films was born and we've never looked back!
Lita: What my hope for film in NB is to have a viable industry where great films are born. I would love to see more involvement and collaboration with filmmakers working on features and shorts that is showcased at some of the major festivals! It would be amazing to see an industry here where people are really involved with different organizations like WIFT, First Weekend Club and so on as well as the Co-op. The more involved people are, the more they tend to gravitate toward like-minded people and push each other to excellence.
Tony: I would simply love to be able to make films and tell stories right here in New Brunswick. I would love to bring top tier talent to the region to work with the talented people who are already here. I believe that we can make really great and successful films here in New Brunswick and that's what we plan to do.
Cat: Do you watch a lot of films? If so, what kind of films?
Tony:
I was in Toronto over the summer and felt like checking out a movie at the Varsity and when I read through the listings, it became apparent that I had seen every movie that was playing at the theatre that day. That's when it dawned on me that I may watch more movies than the average Joe. Sitting in a darkened theatre waiting for the first images to come up on the big screen is still a big thrill for me. I love the experience now as much as I did when I was a kid. What I am really drawn to are movies that tell a great story. The movies that speak to me are ones that take us on a journey of one character's transformation.
You want to impress me with your movie? Tell me a great story.
Lita: Yes. I watch all kinds of different films from Hollywood movies to Indie Films to shorts. I watch a lot of film and I try to keep a balance between the newest films coming out and older ones. I am open to anything, I just love watching film! But I tend to be partial to the dramatic stuff. Lately I've been looking more and more at story as well as writing. As an actor I tend to watch movies from an actors' perspective, or at least spend most of my attention on the characters, their development and so on. I love just being in the Theatre, and when the lights go down, I still get goosebumps! I love sitting there knowing you are going to be immersed in someone else's life story for the next couple of hours. You'll be right there with them, through their happiness, sorrow and anything in between.
Cat: Why is it important for your company to sponsor the Silver Wave Film Festival each year?
Both: Silver Wave started out as a wonderful opportunity to commemorate and celebrate filmmaking in NB. Because Azure Sky Films is based out of NB and run by three New Brunswickers, we want to give back, not only to the province, but also to support a festival that is near and dear to our hearts. The only way New Brunswickers can get better at what their doing is to have a place to do them and a festival that supports them! Silver Wave plays an important role in developing emerging talent in the region. NB Filmmakers are able to have great joy and satisfaction at seeing their films screened at Silver Wave, as well as their cast, crew, and family members. Add to this the strategic partners like the CBC with 3-2-1 and Silver Wave's importance to the NB Film scene becomes apparent. It is not easy for emerging talent to break into the mainstream film industry in New Brunswick and I think Silver Wave plays a big part in bridging the gap that exists. Azure Sky Films has a vested interest in the success of the New Brunswick and Canadian film industry and we felt there was no better way to do that than to be involved with Silver Wave.
Cat: What is you biggest pet peeve about Hollywood films (if you have one)?
Lita: Some Hollywood type-films seem to be choosing quantity and overlooking quality. I read recently that a Hollywood studio would rather make ten sloppy movies that get turned out quickly rather than spending the money on one great film, with super writing, a great cast and an excellent director. Also…and I'm going to quote Matt Damon here…..bad acting is being rewarded and being confused with being a "celebrity". Audiences don't seem to demand that real, raw character work as much as they used to. Many films just don't have the punch that we've seen in the last few decades.
Tony: It really bothers me when filmmakers use the latest technology as a substitute for story. Yes we can do incredible things with CGI these days. But they should be used to complement story, not stand in for it. Titanic has gotten a bad rap over the years but I thought it did a nice job of using CGI to assist in the storytelling. It didn't surprise me that the movie did as well as it did. Sadly, there have been too examples where it went the other way.
Cat: What do you like most about independent films?
Tony: For the most part, indies are awesome and can offer a great director and a great cast some extremely fantastic material to work with. These tend to be the freshest, most original films out there. I like when filmmakers find a new way to tell a great story like The Usual Suspects or Memento .
Cat: What would you like to see change for the better in the greater film community in NB?
Tony: I would like to see NB Film be set up as an independent arms length organization and be given the budget to be effective in expanding the film industry here in the province. I'm not convinced the current set up is the most effective. Though it's through no fault of anyone at NB Film. They do an amazing job with the resources they are allocated.
L: It would be so great to see the film industry really boom here and create a continued workforce for many people. New Brunswick has so much to offer. I'd love to see the film communities (Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton) pool their talents and resources together to make larger productions. Looking back over the years since I moved back to New Brunswick it's easy to see how much the province has grown and how many more productions are being made. Without the NB Film C-op that wouldn't be happening.
Cat: Do you have a favourite moment or two from SWFF over the years that stick out in your mind?
Lita: Anytime I am in the audience at Silver Wave watching films and being surrounded by the people that have made them is a huge excitement for me. The buzz in the air is indescribable! The parties are always a blast as well and one of my newest special memories was last year when we awarded our first "Azure Sky Films Excellence in Screenwriting" Award . I can't wait to do that again!
Tony: I will never forget the night that Caught Looking became the first film ever shown at the Silver Wave Film Festival in 2001. That was a tribute to Jim Belding who was one of the leads of the film and passed away earlier that year. Jim was brilliant in that role and I was honoured to be able to dedicate that night in his memory and share it with Jim's family. That night sticks with me to this day
Look for Azure Sky Films on Facebook!
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MEMBER NEWS/MEMBER NEWS
Congratulations to Film Co-op member Alan Edwards on his new job at the College of Craft and Design in Fredericton. He will be instructing in the Integrated Media program (Audio, Video and Animation).
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Moncton based Film Co-op members Donovan Richard and Dan Thebeau (Dieppe) not only have a film (Délivrance) in FICFA this year, Donovan is also on a panel at the festival.
Délivrance : Director/Producer: Donovan Richard, Writer/Producer: Dan Thebeau
Filmmaking debates are organized by the FRIC (Front des réalisateurs indépendants du Canada) in Moncton during the FICFA (festival international du cinema francophone en Acadie), the filmmakers debate is an occasion to exchange between French Canadian filmmakers (producers/directors) and the public.
The first edition of the debates will happen in Moncton on October 1st, 2010 during the 24th edition of the FICFA. Two roundtables will be offered: the first will deal with productions and the Web with Anne Worrall of Vancouver, Daniel Dugas from Moncton and Benoît Beaudoin of Montreal. The second will discuss the different challenges around the financing of short films of fiction with Jocelyn Forgues of Moose Creek, (Film Co-op member & Short Film Venture Recipient) Donovan Richard of Moncton and Short Film Venture Recipient Patricia Leger of Memramcook.
These activities will take place on the 6th floor of the Town hall of the city of Moncton at 655 Main street. Attendance is free and the sessions are in French.
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MEMBER ACTIVITIES/MEMBER ACTIVITIES
From Your Screenwriter's Cafe Lead Britany Sparrow
Hello screenwriters! Are you working on a script and it’s just not working the way you want it to? If so, come visit us at the Screenwriters’ Café.
We are a group of writers who meet in a workshop setting and help each other with our scripts. We have been meeting all summer, and now we’d like to extend an invitation to you to join us for a session. We will be meeting on September 29, October 13, and October 27 around 7pm. Please contact Britany Sparrow britsparrow@gmail.com if you’re interested.
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Screenwriters’ Café is looking for new members!
The Screenwriters’ Café is a group of writers who meet once or twice a month to review and workshop each other’s scripts. The members should all have some background in screenwriting, since little to no time will be spent on formatting or fundamentals of writing. They also must be film co-op members in good standing.
The mission of this group is for each of its members to bring in a script, workshop it, and improve it so that at the end everyone has a short script that is ready to go to camera. As a member, you will be expected to bring in a short script for the first session, to provide constructive criticisms to other members who present their scripts, and to re-work and develop your script over the duration of the group.
The winter session of the Screenwriters’ Café will run from the end of November to the end of February. Maximum group size is 5.
Please email Cat at info@nbfilmcoop.com if interested in joining.
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NB FILM CO-OP IS LOOKING FOR SJ MEMBERS TO RUN AHA SJ!
The Film Co-op is looking for Film Co-op member actors in the Saint John area to run it's AHA (Actors Helping Actors) Group there due to increased interest from the SJ membership and public at large.
The Co-op will locate a free room for the sessions and has outlines and structure documents to assist with the volunteer running of it. The member or members who do it will also be able to travel to AHA Moncton and AHA Fredericton to see how their sessions are run and the Co-op will reimburse the member for their gas.
Please email Cat at info@nbfilmcoop.com if interested in leading this great interactive group for the Co-op
The member or members applying for this volunteer position would ideally be a trained actor with some experience to share and have excellent organizational and people skills.
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Actors Helping Actors Greater Moncton Kicks Off another season. Sept 22nd
Why AHA?
Because we’re all struggling actors, that’s why! Acting is a profession like any other – the more you do it, the better you get.
When and where does AHA happen?
Our meetings occur every other Wednesday evening from 6:30pm to 9pm starting on September 22nd, 2010 and run until the last Wednesday before Christmas.
Sobeys has generously donated the use of their Community Room in the new Shediac Sobey's store at Main street and Cornwall Road.
Cost?
There is no cost to you except your commitment and participation.
Meetings and sessions will be a mixture of practical/hands-on and discussion such as:
* Selected scene studies, monologues, practice auditions, blocking/rehearsals, improv work, voice lessons, mini-productions, etc.
Theory/discussion style sessions may involve topics such as…
* Character analysis, how to prepare for a scene, what makes a good headshot/resume, demo reels, the business side of acting, working with directors, and anything else that keeps actors up at night!
Space is limited – so sign-up Now!
by contacting Cat LeBlanc at (506) 455-1632 or
info@nbfilmcoop.com
Website: www.nbfilmcoop.com/aha
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TIME TO RENEW FILM CO-OP MEMBERS!
Hi Members, if you have not already, please contact Cat and renew your membership or talk to her about it. Membership Renewals are annual and should be paid by February/March each year at the latest but the Film Co-op loves you and will still take your money and take you back into the NBFC fold with a smile. You can renew in person at the Film Co-op, by mail or by paypal by going to this link on the Film Co-op website:
http://www.nbfilmcoop.com/members.htm
Clarification: For those who think that getting the co-op e-news somehow means they are automatically a member, not so. All members have to meet with staff and pay a membership fee to get involved. The e-news is an outreach tool that the Film Co-op sends out to many people working in film and television for informational purposes and to promote our members.
If you can't remember if you renewed, ask Cat.
NEW MEMBERS:
Nadia Francavilla
RENEWED MEMBERS:
Aaron Moore
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THANK YOU/THANK YOU/THANK YOU/THANK YOU
- Big thank you to member Glendon McKinney for all his hard work with costumes, production design and many other things as he assists member Jon Collicott on his latest production.
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NEW BRUNSWICK FILMMAKERS CO-OPERATIVE MEMBER PRODUCTION CALENDAR
(Refresh web page if info does not show up on Calendar)
member film shoots and activities are added on an ongoing basis.
(Click on below shaded dates to get information on scheduled member film and video shoots for 2010)
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Training & Development
The NBFC annual workshop series provides hands-on practical film and video training for members & non-members alike. The program is now finished for this year. If instructors are available, Film Co-op staff can set up one-on-one sessions or small one off group workshops with members and instructors for a fee.
www.nbfilmcoop.com/training.htm
For more information you can call Cat at: 506-455-1632 or email at info@nbfilmcoop.com
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Festivals
SILVER WAVE 2010 WILL ROLL INTO NB!
(New Brunswick Silver Wave 2007 Woman of the Hour - Brigitte Noel)
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!
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SWFF ANNOUNCES THREE NEW AWARDS!
Best Canadian Short
Best International Short
These two above awards will replace best Short from Away
Best Horror Short/Trailer
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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, Deadline for all Horror Submissions: Friday, September 22.
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
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NEW BRUNSWICK JOY AWARD FOR FILMMAKERS & MEDIA ARTISTS REACHES $25,000 VALUE FOR 2010.
Deadline: October 15 for the New Brunswick Joy Award.
This year the New Brunswick Joy Award for filmmakers and media artists sees the arrival of The Postman Post-production Studio, and an enlarged involvement from longstanding partners the New Brunswick Filmmakers Cooperative.
The Joy Awards are excited to welcome on board The Postman Post-production Studio based in Moncton. Contributing HD Video Finishing and Audio Mixing valued at $7,500, this new sponsorship will significantly enhance the NB Joy Award's benefit to the winning filmmaker. With a well-established reputation for nurturing creativity, The Postman Post-production Studio is one of the largest post-production facilities in New Brunswick. Their portfolio includes a wide range of work including feature films, documentaries and advertising. More information can be found at thepostman.tv.
The New Brunswick Filmmakers Cooperative, a longstanding partner of the Joy Awards, has increased its participation in the New Brunswick Joy Award to a total value of $6,500, enlarging the ability of this Award to support outstanding emerging film and media arts creators.
The entire production support package now stands at $25,000.
"New Brunswick independent filmmakers and video artists need our support, now more then ever," says Cat LeBlanc, Member Services Director of the New Brunswick Filmmakers Coop. "With this recent increase in Film Co-op resource support and the addition of The Postman as a sponsor, the NB Joy Award now signifies major grant assistance on many different levels."
The Joy Awards, besides being recognition of merit, help emerging filmmakers finish projects which reflect their own creative vision without compromise. These projects help establish their reputation and credibility and provide important networking and contact opportunities, as they build ongoing careers in the field.
"Participation and collective initiatives by both industry and community organizations within the media arts scene is vital in Atlantic Canada," says Will Roberts, the Joy Awards Coordinator. "Having The Postman Studio on board adds a critical element to the NB Joy Award and demonstrates the liveliness of the sector in NB. The New Brunswick Filmmakers Cooperative's increased commitment reflects their go-to attitude and conviction that there is exceptional creative talent worth investing in."
The Linda Joy Media Arts Society was established in memory of filmmaker and artist Linda Joy Busby, who died in 1984 after struggling with cancer. The Joy Awards have encouraged and supported the best emerging media arts talent of the Atlantic region for twenty-four years. These Awards provide material and funding to emerging filmmakers and media artists, and script writers.
Recent New Brunswick Joy Awards have gone to Joel Thompson for Box Face, Tim Rayne for Songbird, and Chris Giles for Birth Of A Nicola.
The Linda Joy Awards alumni include many of this region's most noted talent like Rodrigue Jean (Director, Full Blast, Lost Song, etc), Justin Simms (Director Down To The Dirt, Punch-Up At A Wedding, etc), Andrea Dorfman (Director,Love That Boy, Parsley Days, Flower In My Pedal, etc), Rosemary House (Director When Women Are Crazy, Ahead Of The Curve, etc ), Mike Clattenberg (Director, Trailer Park Boys, etc), Helen Hill (Director, Bohemian Town, Madame Winger Makes A Film, Mouseholes, etc), Shandi Mitchell (Director, Tell Me, Baba's House, etc), and many others.
The entire New Brunswick Joy Award for 2010 includes;
• $10,000 in rental services from PS Atlantic.
• $7,500 in HD Video Finishing and Audio Mixing from The PostMan Post-Production Studio.
• $5,500 in equipment or facilities from the New Brunswick Filmmakers’ Co-operative.
• $1,000 in cash from the New Brunswick Filmmakers’ Co-operative.
• $1,000 in film stock from Kodak Canada Inc.
The 2010 deadlines for the Joy Awards are;
September 03 for the Joy Award, the Joy Post Award, Helen Hill Animated Joy Award, and NL Joy Award.
October 15 for the New Brunswick Joy Award.
Details of all the Award packages are available in the application form at lindajoy.com
For information about the 2010 CBC TV Script Development Award, applicants should contact the Coordinator directly.
For further information about the NB Joy Award specifically please contact Cat at: info@nbfilmcoop.com
For further information on all the other above awards please contact Will Roberts at the LJMAS office, 902.420.4522, info@lindajoy.com
The Linda Joy Awards are made possible by our generous partners and sponsors;
Presenting Partner CBC Television;
and PS Atlantic; Power Post; Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture & Heritage; The Canada Council For The Arts, The Atlantic Studios Cooperative;The Postman Post-production Studio; The National Film Board of Canada; The Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative; The New Brunswick Filmmakers Cooperative; Kodak Canada Inc.; Technicolor; The Newfoundland Independent Filmmakers Cooperative; 45 North; The Centre For Art Tapes; The Newfoundland Film Development Corporation; John Doyle; Prime Insurance Agency Inc.; The Atlantic Film Festival; The Silver Wave Film Festival.
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Picaroons Traditional Ales & the NB Film Co-op's Silver Wave Film Festival Presents
"FILMS ON TAP"
Picaroons Traditional Ales, NB Film Co-op and the Silver Wave Film Festival want to take you on a cinematic booze cruise, raising a glass to the best NB indie film clips that show the seductive chemistry between the magical elixir we call beer and great short original films Imagine if the Persian Poet Hafiz had said instead "Give me beer, that I may for a time forget the cares of the world," instead of 'wine'.
The cinematic libation has a long and glorious history, while the slipping of a fine beer has become, for many of us, an essential accompaniment to movie viewing. This needs to be celebrated more; much in the same way wine is celebrated constantly in films.
The lulling yet exciting properties of both beer and film make them ideal companions. Both depend as much on mood as on any tangible properties to delight and entrance us. Spring forth oh most noble beer drinking or beer loving filmmakers. Let us raise beer to the same heights that wine has enjoyed since the beginning of time.
We don't want a beer AD please, we want a short film that tells a story which includes beer and we are not against beer being the star, a supporting actor or a bit player….just include it in some way. It can be subtle or in your face.
Deadline for Film/Video Submission: Friday, September 24, 2010
Winning Film Award Announcement will announced shortly after at a special screening event, of all short films submitted, at the Garrison District Ale House in downtown Fredericton.
The Garrison District Ale House opened to rave reviews in November 2008. The Garrison, as it has become known, is committed to providing a casual, classy atmosphere, with New Brunswick's largest selection of specialty beer.
With great beer from around the world, The Garrison is committed to finding the best beer around and bringing it to your table. They also have a selection of Belgian Beers, American Craft Beers and last but never least Picaroons Beers.
Your Name:
Address:
Postal Code:
Email:
Tel:
I hereby agree to the terms of this film contest and all it entails and I am a permanent official resident of NB and qualify to participate.
(sign name here)
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About The Contest Sponsors
PICAROONS TRADITIONAL ALES
Picaroons Traditional Ales are made in Fredericton. The brewery believes that beer is an essential element.
NB FILM CO-OP AND SILVER WAVE
The NB Film Co-op is a non-profit, charitable organization involved in the production of 16mm and digital films. It is into its 31st year of operation! The Co-op provides broad-ranging support (workshops/training, creative support and mentoring, grant writing assistance, equipment, human resources, socials, informal writer/director/actor labs. It also presents diverse quality films and videos through its annual provincial Silver Wave Film Festival.
AWARDS
1 Winner will be selected. The Winner's film will be considered for screening before all major SWFF screening programs. In addition to this, the winning filmmaker of this contest will receive $500.00 compliments of Picaroons Traditional Ales
CATEGORIES
All categories and genres of short film are accepted, including drama, comedy, animation, horror, sci-fi, documentary, experimental and music videos, as long as beer is a theme (and it does not have to be Picaroons per say in your story, it can be any beer).
ELIGIBILITY
- All intellectual property (copyright, music, trademarks, logos, etc) must be cleared
- English or French with English Subtitles or no dialogue accepted only
- Running time no more than 2 minutes
- The filmmaker must be a permanent NB resident (and we will check)
- No porn, no extreme violence as this is for a general festival audience
SELECTION
The Festival Jury composed of the core NBFC Staff and Picaroons Staff will view all submissions and select the top film.
NOTIFICATION
The Winner will be announced in the Film Co-op weekly e-news and on Facebook and a press release will go out to the media.
CONTEST & FESTIVAL TERMS
All submitted films to this contest as well as the winning short film are the intellectual property of the filmmaker. The only thing the sponsors ask is that all the films created be available to Picaroons for streaming on their website (great promotion) and that the winning film be available to show before screenings at the 2010 film festival…that's it! If you don't like these terms, then don't submit please.
Ready to shoot something? Go for it and email Cat at: info@nbfilmcoop.com and she will end you a form to fill out.
Note: Film Co-op staff, board directors and Picaroons staff are not eligible for this contest although they are welcome to create and submit a short for streaming on the Picaroons website and for the screening event.
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The Arts
FREDERICTON MONDAY NIGHT FILM SERIES BEGINS ON SEPTEMBER 20TH!
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
http://www.nbfilmcoop.com/fs.htm
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.
September 20, 8pm, Tilley Hall 102, UNB Campus
THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE
Directors: Niels Arden Oplev / Daniel Alfredson
Cast: Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Lena Endre
Run Time: 129 minutes
Country: Sweden
Year: 2010
Language: Swedish with English subtitles
Distributor: Alliance Films
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is a compelling “whodunit” in Agatha Christie fashion, but also an extremely fresh and visceral essay on the different forms violence can take in men and women. Facing prison time for slander, discredited journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Nyqvist) is hired by a reclusive industrialist for one last job; to solve a long unresolved family disappearance. Aided by the mysterious and troubled computer hacker, Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace), the two uncover a darker world of brutality, deception and ritualistic murder. Not knowing who to trust, they must fight for their own survival and reveal the truth.
In the second installment, The Girl Who Played With Fire, Blomkvist is now on the tail of corrupt officials involved in a sex traffic ring, and has had no contact with tattooed computer hacker extraordinaire Lisbeth Salander since they risked their lives on a terrifying hunt for a serial killer a year earlier. But unknown to Blomkvist, Salander has had contact with him–or at least, with his computer, which she has cloned and is monitoring from the vast new apartment she has bought with her fraudulently obtained fortune. Repeatedly abused as a child, Salander is a traumatized survivor of a deranged psychotherapist. A punk
avenging angel with boxing skills, a
photographic memory and pathologically focused on seeking out and punishing violent misogynists, Salander is drawn to the investigation on Blomkvist’s computer. So while Blomkvist and his fellow Millennium idealists research the sex industry according to the rules of good journalism, Salander–spurred on by the appalling case studies of teenage prostitution she finds on Blomkvist’s computer–takes matters into her own hands. She plots punishment for the traffickers, but before she can apply her own brand of justice, she is accused of
three murders, all connected to the sex trafficking exposé about to be published in Millennium.
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MONCTON - FAR OUT EAST CINEMA BEGINS SOON!
Let's Go/On y va
We're back and hope you are waiting ... On est de retour et espere que vous nous attendez.
The schedule for the first series is attached..... Le dépliant pour notre
premiere série est joint.
Hugh Murphy, 852-7534, hugh.murphy@mmmlaw.ca
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SACKVILLE, SUSSEX, FREDERICTON - SCREENING EVENT!
CCNB will host screening of Gasland -- award-winning documentary
Natural gas exploration is occurring now in communities in southern New Brunswick and slated for many more throughout the province.
To find out if your community may be affected please visit
Click Here
Join us for the screening of the documentary “Gasland” in Fredericton, Sackville and Sussex to learn more about the risks to our communities and environment if we don’t have proper protections in place.
September 21, Fredericton, O'Dell Park Lodge, 7pm
September 22, Sackville, Vogue Theatre, 7pm
September 23, Sussex, Roachville Hall, 7pm
Stephanie Merrill, MSc.F, Coordinator/Coordonnatrice
Freshwater Protection Programme de protection des eaux douces
Conservation Council of New Brunswick / Conseil de conservation du Nouveau-Brunswick
180 rue St. John Street, Fredericton, NB E3B 4A9
Email /Courriel: water@conservationcouncil.ca
http://www.conservationcouncil.ca
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Biz & Indie Film News
2009 Fredericton Cultural Capitals film – SITANSISK - to be screened at 2010 Atlantic Film Festival in Halifax
The documentary film, Sitansisk, has been accepted into the 30th Atlantic Film Festival in Halifax, NS. The film was one of 10 films selected by the New Brunswick Filmmakers' Cooperative, as part of the 2009 Cultural Capitals of Canada projects funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage and the City of Fredericton.
Co-written by Jon Collicott (director) and Lloyd Salomone (producer), Sitansisk is an uplifting documentary film that uses “Christmas Lights” as an expression for the spiritual, cultural, social, political, and economic awakening of the Maliseet people in Fredericton, New Brunswick.
According to director, Jon Collicott, "Sitansisk is a film that tried to capture all the beauty of the annual Festival of Lights in the Saint Mary's First Nation community, while celebrating the spirit of hope and culture that is so alive there. It was truly an honour for us to be able to work with the people of the community to bring this story to the silver screen. I am very happy that we are able to screen Sitansisk at the Atlantic Film Festival as it will mean that this local story can now be shared with a much larger audience."
Producer, Lloyd Salomone, is also very proud that Sitansisk will be screened at the Atlantic Film Festival. “The film was beautifully shot by Jon and Rodrigo Gutierrez Hermelo and sensitively captures the essence of a Maliseet community that is in a state of transition – showing a people and culture moving towards a future that is more vibrant and radiant.”
Sitansisk will be screened with four other aboriginal-themed films at the Atlantic Film Festival in Halifax. Screening dates at the Park Lane Cinema are: Wednesday, September 22nd @ 9:20 pm (sponsored by New Brunswick Film), and on Friday, September 24th @ 12:00 pm.
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For more information about the documentary film Sitansisk, visit the website www.goodhearted.ca and or contact Lloyd Salomone at 506-459-2599 and lloyd_salomone@hotmail.com .
Film Credits:
Imelda Perley, Alan Polchies Sr., Valerie Brooks, Alan Polchies Jr., Graydon Nicholas (Principal Characters)
Jon Collicott (Cowriter, Director, DOP, Super 16 Camera, Picture Editor)
Lloyd Salomone (Cowriter, Producer)
Rodrigo Gutierrez Hermelo (HD Camera, Picture Editor)
Roberta Nixon (Production Manager, Assistant Camera, Rights Clearances)
Glendon McKinney (Production Design, Location Sound)
Starsky Stewart (Sound Editor)
Amythest Mabee (Assistant Camera)
Music by: Muskrat Singers and The American Indian Coalition (Father Sky, Morning Star, Moon Wolf)
Funding & Technical Support:
Funding and technical support for Sitansisk was made possible through the 2009 Cultural Capitals of Canada program:
Department of Canadian Heritage
City of Fredericton
New Brunswick Filmmakers' Cooperative
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ACTOR BILLY CONNOLLY SPOTLIGHTS FREDERICTON ON NEW SHOW!
Hi Everyone,
Remember Billy Connolly's visit in 2008 and the mini-series he was filming about Canada? Well, it is finally airing on television!
"Billy Connolly: Journey to the Edge of the Word", begins this Sunday, Sept. 19 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. on APTN (channel 49 in Fredericton). I don't know when the subsequent episodes are scheduled to broadcast. The series follows Mr. Connolly's visit across Canada beginning on the East coast, across the North, arriving at the Pacific.
The (HGF) New Brunswick Highland Games Festival did make the final cut of the series and we are featured in the first episode.
So if you want to see us, tune in Sunday night. Spread the word.
Melanie Laird,
melanie_laird@yahoo.ca
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SAINT JOHN - HEMMINGS HOUSE AT THE ATLANTIC FILM FESTIVAL!
Click Here
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Advertise
Fall Non-Credit Courses @ UNB Fredericton
This Fall, do something for yourself. Consider one of the many fun, educational and creative non-credit courses offered at UNB. Starting the week of September 30th, choose from introductory classes in everything from water colour painting to observational drawing to playing the guitar. Hone your writing or photography skills with courses like “Writing Hurts”, “Photoshop for Beginners”, “Introduction to Digital Photography” or “Taking Great Pictures”. Learn a new language with our Italian, Spanish, French or Chinese courses. Interested in learning a new craft? Try workshops in jewelry-making or pottery. And last but not least, consider new courses in interior design or sewing and fashion design.
Whatever your interests, the College of Extended Learning has a course for you. For more information, visit our website at www.cel.unb.ca/pce. Register now by calling 453-4646 (voice mail option “6”).
For information: Alison Howells, Program Development Officer, UNB Art Centre (506) 452-6360, ahowells@unb.ca
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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
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SAINT JOHN - MAKING GOOD THEATRE
A British Producer's call for ACTORS
An excellent opportunity for actors to perform in two cities, with the possibility of doing the same in Moncton. Male/female actors (ages 20-50+) for a stage production of two plays:
The Oedipal Question & First Nation Calls
Debut in Saint John: October 7, 8 & 9 at SJHS Mini-Theatre
Follow-up, in F'ton: Oct. 14 & 15 at Charlotte Street Art Centre
Auditions : Immediate & urgent
September 7, 8 & 9
Place: Mahogany Manor, 220 Germain St. Saint John
Time 7 - 9.p.m (or ring to arrange other time)
(Reading the script will start simultaneously)
Contact producer/director-writer Rani Drew at Mahogany Manor, Tel. (1) 506-636-8000
Better still, turn up for auditions.
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OPEN CASTING CALL FOR SJ AND FREDERICTON
I’m looking for several actors for a short film being shot in the Saint John area. It’s an 18th century adventure/ thriller called “The
Beckon of the beast” and it will be shot in mid to late October. This is a shoot being done with the assistance of the New Brunswick Filmmakers' Co-operative and the Short Film Venture Program through the Arts Branch.
The film tells the story of a hunting party sent from a British naval vessel to a deserted island. Instead of following the order to “bring back fresh meat” a self seeking officer puts his crew in peril leading them after a mythical beast.
Character descriptions are included below. If you’re interested in
auditioning for a role please email me (Nathan Savage) at
Nathansavage44@gmail.com
Please indicate which role you are interested in and if possible include a photo and a note on any acting experience. Please cc Cat LeBlanc at the Film Co-op your info as well at info@nbfilmcoop.com so she can add you to her casting database.
Auditions will be held within the next two weeks in Saint John and Fredericton. Please note that this is a volunteer shoot for crew and actors including me!
Roberts:
Male, 18 to 30, lean to average build, a dreamer with
monumental aspirations. Fresh from the naval academy, he has recently gained his unearned rank as lieutenant. He is aware that he is quietly resented by the crew and he wishes to win their respect.
Carter:
Male, 18 to 25, lean to average build, He grew up on the
streets and has worked on ships since a young age.
Price:
Male, 25-50, average to heavy build, naval crew/cook, he has
spent his whole life on ships and has seen little else. Witty and
crude, he enjoys being the centre of attention and is everyone’s best
friend (at least to their faces). A rough bearded look would be an
asset for this role.
Morris:
Male, 30-50, average build, Naval crew, has had a long hard life as a fur trader and he is at home in the North American
wilderness. Due to a personal tragedy he has run away from his old
life and has only recently joined the navy. A beard and/or long hair
would be an asset for this role.
This project is made possible through the Short Film Venture Grant through the NB Arts Branch and the New Brunswick Filmmakers' Co-operative.