HEMMINGS HOUSE PICTURES SPONSORS SWFF 2010
NBFC E-news - Thursday, September 2, 2010
Spotlight
HEMMINGS HOUSE BACK ON IN 2010 AS A SWFF SPONSOR
Cat sat down (virtually) recently to talk to two of the team members of Hemmings House Pictures. Hemmings House is a huge supporter of the NB Film Co-op ongoing and its annual Silver Wave Film Festival.
Cat: Tell me a bit about yourselves, your backgrounds, where you started and how you ended up at Hemmings House. What do you hope to achieve in film in NB?
Lauchlan:
My name is Lauchlan Ough. 
I started filmmaking when I was 14 years old, I am now 23. When I (Photo of Laughlan Ough) started, I was producing skateboarding films with my buddies and piecing them together with a VCR. I kept getting progressively better, started using real equipment, and real editing software. In Grade 12, I met Greg Hemmings through the high school co-op program. Greg and I became good friends quickly, and out of high school, he offered me a position in his company, and ever since then we have been working together on everything: TV shows, commercials, music, etc. Now after six years of working with Greg, I've been given the
opportunity to learn many things, travel the globe and have many great experiences. I want to keep working in NB because I think it's beautiful here and I really like the people, and I want to keep pushing forward to make this thing happen in NB. My vision is to keep working in NB and grow the industry using local talent and resources to really put our province on the map.
Tempa:
I'm Tempa Hull, and I'm new to HHP. I grew up in Tennessee and have lived in Montana and California.
(Photo of Tempa by Andrew MacCormack & Mark Hemmings)
I came to Saint John in 2003 with the hope of immigrating to Canada. One of the things I noticed when I first came here is the sense of self-loathing the community seems to have regarding New Brunswick and Saint John, and I don't quite understand it. Maybe that's one of the things that stood out for me when I met Greg and Mark. They were actually proud and happy to be in Saint John and saw tremendous opportunity in film and photography here. As soon as they were able to add me to their team, I jumped on board and haven't looked back. I'm excited to be a part of HHP and look forward to the many projects that come our way. There's a lot more going on in New Brunswick than people think. I would like to see the film industry grow here. I think there is a lot of untapped and unrecognized talent in New Brunswick, as in many places.
Cat: Do you watch a lot of films? If so, what kind of films?
Lauchlan: Yes. I watch all kinds of different films from Hollywood movies to Indie Films to short movies on the web. I also watch a lot of commercial corporate work. Watching all of these different styles is always a learning tool because you pick up something from everything, whether it's editing, lighting, shooting technique--every kind of film has something to offer. I'm always inspired by seeing how other people see the world through lens.
Tempa: I watch and have watched an eclectic mix of films. There are many more out there that I should see--many extremely good ones being made all of the time.
Cat: Why is it important for Hemmings House to sponsor the Silver Wave Film Festival each year?
Lauchlan: Going back to that vision, it's very important to always be promoting everything film-related in NB.
Tempa: The Silver Wave Film Festival gives artists in film a great opportunity to share their creativity with the public and other artists. And it allows the public to experience some of the best in film here in New Brunswick, Canada and Internationally. HHP has a vested interest in the success of the New Brunswick and Canadian film industry and what better way to help continue this success than to help support the Silver Wave Film Festival?
Cat:
If you have one, what is you biggest pet peeve about Hollywood films?
Lauchlan:
I don't personally have a pet peeve about Hollywood films. I think the movie should be judged on the quality of the film: not by the budget, which would be associated with Hollywood. Personally to me, there are really great Indie films, and there are really great Hollywood blockbusters. It's the quality of the film that draws us in.
Tempa: There are some extremely good movies coming out of Hollywood, and there is also a lot of crap. My biggest pet peeve with anything is when the bottom line takes precedence over quality. To me, film can be a wonderful medium for artistic expression and can be a powerful tool for social change. Sometimes it's just a great way to tell a story. I also realize that businesses have to make money in order to survive. However, when the sole motive behind the movie is to make the most money possible, the quality almost always suffers. We can all think of those great movies we've seen that cost next to nothing to produce that over-power and will out-live even the most expensive and explosive high-budget films. I don't think any amount of money or special effects can truly mask poor writing, poor editing, poor directing, and/or poor acting.
Cat: What do you like most about independent films?
Lauchlan: From a real high level, Independent films are ones that can be screened right alongside blockbuster movies or can be watched on the Internet. In this day and age with the technology available, people with a creative vision are given another creative outlet to produce their work. Anyone can make an Indie film to feed their creative soul and tell even more engaging stories.
Tempa: Even though a film still needs to be profitable in order to survive, the prime goal of Indie films seems to be a focus on quality: not profit. This isn't to say that every Indie film is great. Some are terrible, in my opinion, just like anything else. But at least they provide a means for artists and storytellers to focus their talents and produce art for the sake of art and nothing else. All humans need this, in my opinion. It's what keeps us sane and what makes us good.
Cat: What would you like to see change for the better in the greater film community in NB?
Lauchlan: I'd love to see more people going out there and making films in NB and working together and making things happen.
Tempa: I would like to see films from NB become more recognized within Canada, and I would, of course, always like to see more films produced in NB
Cat: Do you have a favorite moment or two from SWFF over the years that sticks in your mind?
Lauchlan: I think the entirety of it every year is amazing that there are so many films that are made and shown in NB, and I hope that it only continues to get better.
Tempa: Since I'm new to HHP, I don't have any favourite moments yet, but I look forward to building them.
--------------------------------------------------------------
NEW MEMBER - DONNIE TREMBLAY - MINTO
My name is Donnie Tremblay. I am 18 years old and I really want to become a director. I hope the NB Film Co-op. will give me the experience I need to do so. I will do pretty much anything you need me
to do on a film shoot, from D.I.T to script supervisor.
I recently participated in the Teen Film Summer Camp taught by Michel Guitard and really enjoyed myself.
Now I'm ready to learn more on film shoots!
--------------------------------------------------------------
NEW MEMBER - RYAN GROOM
- NEW MARYLAND
My background is mainly in the computer industry. A highlight of my career was when the company I founded won the Microsoft Impact Award in Security Solutions for working with the Toronto Police Department in their pursuit of online pedophiles.
Back in the early '90's I would film and edit information videos for New Brunswick School District #23. My main editing suite was a Commodore Amiga paired with a Video Toaster. Along with film editing and sound overlays I did the titling and basic Chroma key effects. How the times have changed.
Now that creating films via digital means and the cost has lowered I have decided to focus my energy in creating a few short films.
I am enjoying working with Adobe Premiere, Photoshop, Lightroom and After Effects and dabble in photography as well as film.
--------------------------------------------------------------
MEMBER UPDATES/MEMBER UPDATES/MEMBER UPDATES
Donovan Richard - Moncton
I recently had the chance to do an interview on Radio Canada (CBC) Radio in regards to Acadie Underground , which is an event that is organized every year by Film Zone in correlation with FICFA. This project entails anyone interested in filmmaking to take a small workshop on how to use a Super 8 Camera and then go out and shoot a short film on 8MM. These films are shot without any chance of doing any post work, so what we shoot is what we get. It definitely makes for interesting and creative little shorts. On a similar note, since I was also selected to have a short film in the regular programming of FICFA, I was also able to promote it at the same time. The film entitled Délivrance will be shown during FICFA in late September early October. While promoting my film, I was also able to talk about the NB Filmmakers Co-op as well, as I indicated they are the reason why I am able to produce and shoot short films once I wanted to get more involved once shooting 8MM films wasn't enough for me anymore. Thus through Acadie Underground I was able to search for and discover the NB Film Co-op!
--------------------------------------------------------------
NBFC MEMBER CREW & CAST DATABASE ONLINE
Cat has created a new film/television crew database for Film Co-op members across New Brunswick. Go to: Click Here
and check out some of the crew profiles online now....more to come!
Please check out the instructions very carefully.
Any questions: email Cat at
info@nbfilmcoop.com
Let's promote New Brunswick Crew and Cast! We need to tell everybody WHO is out there working hard in the creative film and video sector whether they are volunteering or being paid, it all counts. Non-members can be listed as well in the database for a annual fee of $10.
Get your credits to Cat! This way, people will no longer have to call the Film Co-op for crew and cast info. Everybody will have the info at their finger tips at any time on the world wide web.
--------------------------------------------------------------
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
If you can't remember if you renewed, ask Cat.
--------------------------------------------------------------
THANK YOU/THANK YOU/THANK YOU/THANK YOU
- Big thank you to Jillian Acreman for assisting Cat when she helped a member pack up their stuff recently for a move. Jill, you rock!
--------------------------------------------------------------
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
For more information you can call Cat at: 506-455-1632 or email at info@nbfilmcoop.com
--------------------------------------------------------------
Festivals
(Photo: Guess who this superb First AD is and win a full pass to SWFF 2010)
NBFC staff, board of directors, screening filmmakers, past winners of this contest and sponsors are not eligible for this)
SILVER WAVE 2010 WILL ROLL INTO NB!
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)
---------------------
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 17.
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
---------------------
FILMMAKERS GET WORD THEY ARE IN SILVER WAVE!
Congratulations to all the film co-op members who submitted films to Silver Wave and were recently accepted.
Congratulations to Moncton indie director Marcel Gallant and Saint John based writer (Mike MacDonald) for having their film (Magnifier) accepted into the Silver Wave Film Festival and the Atlantic Film Festival!
Email Cat your film festival news anytime at info@nbfilmcoop.com
---------------------
OTHER NB FESTIVALS
The Saint Andrews Film Festival would like to thank all the filmmakers who submitted their films into this years festival.
The list of films playing is now posted on the website
www.saff.ca Thanks for your support and we hope to see
fellow co-op members at the screenings.
BACKGROUND ON THE FESTIVAL
The Saint Andrews Film Festival was started by myself Jesse Anthony. The idea for the festival came about after taking a trip down for the day to have some lunch and enjoy the town with some friends. while eating lunch along the waterfront I kind of got a feeling of what it was like to be back in Cannes France for a moment. That's when I thought hey, wouldn't it would be neat if there was a film festival in Saint Andrews, so I went online and looked to see if there was already one and there wasn't. That's when I decided it would be fun to show some independent films from New Brunswick around the world. The next day I started working on the website and it went from there. Since then I've been doing most of the work on my own but now I have Gary Beatty onboard helping out with some organization stuff as well and also have a jury lined up to pick the award winners and nominees.
The NB Film Co-op has been there to help by getting the word out to filmmakers for film submissions as well as sponsoring the screenwriting panel with Lex Gigeroff and Tony Sekulich.
To view the festival program please visit.
http://www.saff.ca/saffbrochure.html
---------------------------------------------
The Arts
fredericton - A night with the coolest bands around!
$15.00 - Tickets Available at Backstreet Records and the Aitken Center.
This is a WET event. 19+
Fredericton's The Trick will have you moving. Anyone who appreciates LCD Soundsystem and Postal Service take notice.
Scientists of Sound will play some DAFT PUNK anthems and some new stuff that will have you pump'n your fists - an incredible show not to be missed.
Rich Aucoin - If you haven't heard of these guys than you are missing out. These put on one hell of a show.
Slowcoaster will take the stage and bring in their party jams. These guys destroy. Nuff said.
More Info to come in the next few days.
Rich Aucoin - Click Here
Slowcoaster - Click Here
Scientists of Sound - Click Here
The Trick - Krautrock -
Click Here
---------------------------------------------
FREDERICTON MONDAY NIGHT FILM SERIES RETURNS!
Due to major renovations happening in the Tilley Hall Theatre on UNB Campus. The Film Co-op Monday Night Film Series has been on hiatus until Fall 2010. Well, that time is almost upon us! Please check out the New Fall Schedule for the MNFS for Fall 2010 at this link: http://www.nbfilmcoop.com/fs.htm
General Information
The Monday Night Film Series takes place at Tilley Hall, Room 102, UNB Campus
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.
----------------------------
September 13, 8pm, Tilley Hall 102, UNB Campus
THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT
Director: Lisa Cholodenko
Cast: Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Mia Wasikowska
Run Time: 104 minutes
Country: USA
Year: 2010
Language: English
Working with an award-winning cast and a fearless script, director Lisa Cholodenko (High Art, Laurel Canyon) redefines the contemporary family in the crowd-pleasing comedy The Kids Are All Right. Paying close attention to the everyday nuances of family life, the story centers on the mid-life parenting crisis of a long-time lesbian couple whose lives are thrown upside down when the anonymous sperm donor and “father” of their two teenage children unexpectedly enters their lives.
Jules (Julianne Moore, Chloe, A Single Man) and Nic (Annette Bening, Mother & Child, The Women) have been together nearly 20 years, raising their two teenage children, Laser (Josh Hutcherson, Journey to the Center of the Earth) and Joni (Mia Wasikowska, Alice in Wonderland, Defiance), in Los Angeles. When Joni turns 18 and exercises her right to contact her father, she inadvertently invites complication into her ordered family life. Enter Paul (Mark Ruffalo, The Brothers Bloom, Blindness), the anonymous donor, a free-spirited bachelor with few commitments in his life who is happy to meet his offspring. Their first encounter, kept secret from the “moms,” is understandably awkward, but soon the kids are regularly hanging out with the congenial Paul, until Laser inadvertently reveals their subterfuge to his parents.
Jules takes the news fairly well, but the ever-uptight Nic reacts unfavourably, worried about Paul’s potential influence on her kids, and respondsby inviting him over for the first of two brilliantly observed dinner party scenes. As Paul enthusiastically becomes a tentative, adjunct member of the household, family bonds are tested - the kids embrace and relate to him, Jules develops an improbable attraction to him, and Nic increasingly feels like she’s losing her grip.
Anchored by the endearingly quirky comic performances of Bening, Moore and Ruffalo, The Kids Are All Right is a hilarious and generous portrait of the churning tensions within every family.
-------------------------------------------------
Biz & Indie Film News
VOICE OVER WORKSHOP IS A HIT!
Recently the Film Co-op and Outreach Productions co-sponsored a specialized workshop in
Voice Over.
(Photo by Andrew MacRae: Joshua Young with the workshop attendees)
This two-day workshop was designed for beginner and intermediate Voice Artists. Every participant had time to work in front of the microphone, ask questions and gain an in-depth understanding of his/her voice, along with the voice industry both locally and internationally.
The workshop was a great success thanks to the following sponsors and supporters:
Outreach Productions for hosting the workshop in their studio on Hanwell Road and for providing a technical person for the whole weekend (special thanks to Danny Crain and Andrew MacRae).
Jack Cunningham for hosting the Voice Over instructor Joshua at his beautiful home by the water.
Elizabeth Stevens for helping out with the planning and logistics.
Ida Orenbach for carpooling some of the attendees.
The NB Film Co-op for helping out with the planning and logistics and for sponsoring the social for attendees and instructor
Jim Lavoie of Jim Lavoie Publicity for driving all the way from Carlisle Road, Douglas to Outreach Productions to take some stills during the workshop.
Thank you to the attendees as well for their keen interest!
----------------------
WORKSHOP ATTENDEES TESTIMONIALS
(Photo by Jim Lavoie Publicity - L to R: SJ actor Suzy Short, Workshop instructor Joshua Young and Sussex actor Elizabeth Stevens in Studio at Outreach Productions)
Confessions of an Autophonophobic
About a month ago I received an email from the New Brunswick Filmmakers' Co-operative promoting an upcoming workshop sponsored by Outreach Productions and taught by Haligonian actor Joshua Young. Over the years, I've taken countless workshops from gun wrangling to editing to production management but all have shared a common theme - they were behind the scenes roles. I'm not an actor. My only stage performance was as Puck in a junior high school production of A Midsummer Night's Dream which never made it to opening night.
Upon reaching adulthood, I realized that I would avoid, at any cost, any possible chance of having to hear my own voice. I'd be fine with public speaking (as long as I wasn't being recorded) so it wasn't a matter of stagefright. There wasn't a traumatic incident to blame. I knew the science of how my skull alters the sound of my voice. It still didn't change my queasiness at the mere thought.
When I read about the two day Voice Acting Workshop, that stifled voice inside of me urged me to sign up. I was dubious but willing to give it a shot. As soon as the workshop began early that morning and the round table introductions were completed, I was hopeful. The moment of truth approached on the afternoon of the first day and into an audio booth I ventured for the first time in my life, donned a headset and approached the microphone. After a handful of takes with the direction of both the instructor and classmates, I exited the booth and returned to my seat. I knew it was coming. I cringed in dreadful anticipation. Then I heard my voice emanate from the speakers and a funny thing happened. I didn't hate it. Don't get my wrong - I didn't instantly fall madly and deeply in love with my voice, but it was a revelation that I no longer felt as though I wanted to crawl into a hole and hide from it.
As the two days progressed, we worked on vocal exercises, learned some interesting voice techniques, heard the do's and don'ts of the acting industry and recorded some duo commercial scripts and some scenes from well-known cartoons. With such a wide range of attendees coming from different backgrounds, interests, ages and personalities, the extremely friendly and helpful audio engineer Andrew, a professional and spacious production facility and our experienced, effective and encouraging instructor, I can easily say I took away far more than I ever imagined I would from the workshop.
Jennifer Mawhinney
----------------------------
Hi Cat
Just wanted to drop you a short note to say how much I enjoyed the Voice Acting workshop on the weekend. Josh was great: informative, relaxed, comic, and supportive. Everyone worked hard, had a great time, and learned loads about the voice business.
Thanks also to the Film Co-op, Outreach Productions and Elizabeth Stevens for organizing this, to Andrew MacRae of Outreach Productions for his friendly and professional nature, and to Jack Cunningham for hosting the get-together Saturday night which the Film Co-op sponsored.
Ida Orenbach
-------------------------------------------------
Advertise
SAINT JOHN - CREW CALL
I’m putting together a crew for a short 18th century adventure/ thriller called The Beckon of the Beast . 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.
Shooting is will take place mostly in the Saint John area and is tentatively scheduled for two weekends in late September and early October. This is a volunteer/deferral project and roles that involve equipment use will require film co-op membership who are trained or are available to be trained.
If you’re interested in being a part in the production contact me (Nathan Savage) at nathansavage44@gmail.com , (please indicate any areas of specialization and or interest).
A casting call will follow soon.
This project is made possible through the Short Film Venture Grant through NB Film and the New Brunswick Filmmakers' Co-operative.