The deadline for the 2010 Halifax Independent Film Festival has been extended to March 12.

See afcoop.ca/hiff or contact Greg Morris-Poultney for more details.

Crackie, directed by Sherry White, plays at Empire Theatres Studio 12 from March 5 – 11, 2010.

Mary Walsh will be on hand at 6:50pm for the March 5th premiere to do a Q&A session.

Showtimes: 12:50pm, 3:50pm, 6:50pm, 9:50pm.

A message from YoungCuts:

As part of YoungCuts ongoing effort to generate work for young filmmakers, the following is a project from our sister site www.MyFilmmaker.com

This is a project to film a conference in St-John’s on the 31st of March 9-5.

The information below should give you enough information to make a pitch, but if you need more, do not hesitate to get in touch. Assume that you will need a tripod and some basic lighting.

We will be delivering the client no more than 3 bids on Friday, so if you would like to be considered for the project, please submit your one-page pitch before Thursday noon.

To be considered for this project, please send a one-page pitch to Michael Ryan (Mike@MyFilmmaker.com) — 514.285.4591

Your one-page pitch should be a one-page pdf and should include the following:

Your name, your contact information, links to your portfolio and CV, a brief summary of your credentials, what equipment you would use, and your budget.

Note that for your budget, you should include all relevant costs including your pay as well as the MyFilmmaker.com fee (20% – minimum $100.00) For the budget just include the full amount. No breakdown is necessary unless the client specifically requests it.

Locations: Calgary, Winnipeg
Contracts: Contract a Filmmaker to Deliver A Project
Project Number: 86
Project Type: Event filming

Project Description:

Filmmaker will film conference (9-4:30) 4 90 minute sessions and create one DVD per session of the unedited footage. Filmmaker will also create 7 5-minute speaker summaries from the conference, one per guest speaker. Filmmaker will also provide one 5 minute summary of the entire conference.

Filmmaker should be prepared to capture simultaneous translation as a secondary audio track if it is offered.

Estimated Length: 4*90 minutes + 8*5 minutes
Estimated Budget: $501-$1000
Project Status: Ready to Hire
Estimated Start Date: 2-4 weeks
Estimated End Date: 1-3 months

Five Star Plan:
Estimated Length of Event: 8 hours
Requires Music: No, no music required
Union Actors for Camera/Voice Work: No
Film Delivery Format: DVD

Like a digital scrapbook, Canada CODE invites Canadians to get together and create a giant online portrait of the country by uploading stories, words and photos taken from their daily lives and neighbourhoods. Selected Canada CODE content will be featured during Games-time on big public screens.

If you register today and upload content you could win a pair of Vancouver 2010 Red Mittens! Every day from now until Games-time a pair of Vancouver 2010 Red Mittens will be given away.

Help grow the CODE. Check out the site, register and upload content!

Visit code.vancouver2010.com.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (NLAC) is now accepting nominations for the 2009 Arts Awards.

Members of the public can submit one nomination in each of the following six categories:

ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2009
Recognizes the art or activity of a person, group or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the cultural life of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2009.

ARTS ACHIEVEMENT 2009
Recognizes a practising artist who has made an outstanding contribution to the cultural life of Newfoundland and Labrador over a period of years.

ARTS IN EDUCATION 2009
Recognizes an artist who has made an outstanding contribution to arts in education in Newfoundland and Labrador over a period of years.

EMERGING ARTIST 2009
Recognizes new and undisputed talent. It is awarded to an emerging artist, group or arts organization that has earned significant recognition for a piece of work or a generally out-sized impact on the scene.

HALL OF HONOUR 2009
Recognizes a person, group or organization that has made a distinguished lifetime contribution to the cultural life of Newfoundland and Labrador.

PATRON OF THE ARTS 2009
Recognizes a person, business, or organization that has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the arts in Newfoundland and Labrador through innovative, community, or sustained support of artistic activity. For nomination guidelines and forms please see: Awards and check under each award category. Start thinking about people you’d like to see honoured at the NLAC Arts Awards!

Please note that nominations close February 1, 2010.

Super Channel is sponsoring a National screenwriting competition for unproduced emerging Canadian screenwriters.

Scripts can be submitted at SuperChannel.ca

They are accepting development submissions for feature-length drama and long-form documentary projects. They will only accept projects from Canadian producers, and the submission must qualify as Canadian productions or co-productions. Only one submission per company at a time!

Submission guidelines can be read at superchannel.ca/producers/guidelines/

DEADLINE: January 15th, 2010.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation is looking for an individual to fill the following position:

Industry Analyst

Reporting to the Executive Director, this position is responsible for the development and administration of all professional development initiatives for the Corporation based on the needs of the local film and video industry. This position is responsible for identifying human resource and professional development training needs and preparing and coordinating all aspects of workshops to be offered. In addition, this position, under the direction of the Executive Director, will have as a duty to assist in the strategic planning and development of the industry as it relates to professional development.

The ideal incumbent should possess a combination of:

1. Bachelor’s Degree
2. Experience in the Film, Television or Multi-platform environment
3. Strong written and communication skills
4. Strong ability to work as part of a team to identify and find solutions for a variety of industry needs
5. Strong ability to independently organize and accurately complete multiple tasks.

Salary to commensurate with experience.

Please forward resumes by Friday, January 15th, 2010 at 5 p.m. to:

Newfoundland and Labrador
Film Development Corporation
12 King’s Bridge Road
St. John’s, NL A1C 3K3

c/o Nancy Benoit, nancy@nlfdc.ca

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Organization: Resource Centre for the Arts – LSPU Hall (RCA)
Position: General Manager

Resource Centre for the Arts is a community arts organization that owns and operates the LSPU Hall and the Resource Centre for the Arts Theatre Company. Run by an elected Board of Directors, RCA’s mandate is to nurture and promote the performing arts.

GENERAL MANAGER
The General Manger is responsible for the administration of the LSPU Hall building, including financial planning and control, facility management, marketing, development, government/agency relations, public relations, audience services, contract negotiations, staff relations and board administration.
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NIFCO presents a dozen first-time films at the Masonic Temple on November 24, 2009.

NIFCO first-time filmmakers should contact Roger Maunder to submit their films for future screenings.

ACADEMY OF CANADIAN CINEMA & TELEVISION ANNOUNCES
2009 – 2010 NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

TORONTO – July 20, 2009: The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is pleased to announce its 2009-2010 National Board of Directors.

“In its 30 years of promoting and celebrating creative achievements in film and television, the Academy has been guided by its Directors,” stated Ronald I. Cohen, Chair. “Last year, we embarked on a strategic planning phase, which was led by the Board of Directors and included stakeholders and the Academy’s membership, resulting in a renewed vision for the future. We look forward to another 30 years of continued excellence for the Academy.”

The 2009-2010 Board of Directors are:

Directors and Executive Committee
Chair: Ronald I. Cohen
Immediate Past Chair: Paul Gratton
Vice-Chair Eastern Canada: Steve Mayhew
Vice-Chair Quebec: Charles Ohayon Vice-Chair Ontario: Christine Shipton
Vice-Chair Western Canada: Terry McEvoy
Vice-Chair Cinema: Kevin Tierney
Treasurer: John Vandervelde

Branch Representatives
Art Department: Donald J. Mowat
Broadcast Journalism: Tina Cortese
Cinematography: Ron Stannett
Creative Support: James Hardie
Directors: Clément Virgo
Editor: Michel Arcand
Executive: Ted East
Music: Yuri Gorbachow Performer: David Gale
Producer: Allan Z. Novak
Screenwriter: Steve Lucas
Sound: Marcel Pothier
Theatrical Short and Documentary: Barbara Doran
Visual Effects and Animation: Bernie Melanson

Established in 1979, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is a national, non-profit, professional association dedicated to the promotion, recognition and celebration of exceptional achievements in the Canadian film and television industries. Industry professionals across Canada are members of the Academy, making it a vital force representing all areas of the film and television industries.

For more information, contact:
Judy Lung
Communications Manager
Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television
Ph: 416.366.2227 x 238
E-mail: judy@academy.ca

Job opportunity: WANL Executive Director (St. John’s): Extended application deadline: Received no later than Friday, August 21st, 2009. The Writers’ Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador (WANL) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1987 to contribute to a supportive environment for writing in the province.

Responsibilities: The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization, including: preparation of grant applications and reports; program development and implementation; management of financial records and program budgets; communication with membership, media, government officials and other arts organizations; supervision of Executive Assistant and volunteers; management of members’ newsletter and website; coordination and execution of Annual General Meeting; reporting to Board of Directors; coordination of board and committee meetings; event planning; and general office duties.

Hours are 9 to 5, Monday through Friday, with frequent evenings and weekends required for literary events. The salary is to be negotiated on basis of qualifications and experience.

Qualifications: This is a full-time position requiring a highly motivated individual with strong oral, written and organizational skills; knowledge of the provincial writing/publishing industry; experience with financial recording and budgets; attention to detail; and significant computer proficiency.

Applications must be received no later than Friday, August 21st, 2009. Please mail or deliver (no fax or emails, please) your C.V. with three references to:

Executive Director Hiring Committee
Writers’ Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador
P.O. Box 2681, Stn. C
155 Water Street, Suite 102
St. John’s, NL A1C 6K1

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those to be interviewed will be contacted.

Get updates on the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival (October 20-24, 2009):

www.womensfilmfestival.com and sign up for our newsletter: newsletter@womensfilmfestival.com.

For more information:
Kelly Davis, Executive Director, St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival
P: 709-754-3141
E: kelly@womensfilmfestival.com

Join First Weekend Club for free and hear when Canadian films hit Canadian screens first: www.firstweekendclub.ca

Join WIFT-AT and support the training, professional development and celebration of women in the Atlantic film and television community: www.wift-at.com.

THE BABY FORMULA comes to St. John’s on August 22

First Weekend Club, Women in Film and Television–Atlantic and the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival present…

THE BABY FORMULA, directed by Alison Reid

In the beginning… sperm came from men

“funny, rueful, absurd, angry, hysterical” The Gazette

Two adventurous women in love are desperate to have their own biological child. They take a chance on an experimental scientific process and make sperm from their own stem cells. Pregnant with humour and unexpected twists, their journey tailspins out of control when their families discover there is no father.

ST. JOHN’S screening of THE BABY FORMULA:
7:30pm Saturday, August 22, doors open at 7:00pm
Inco Innovation Centre Theatre, Memorial University
Q&A and reception with Director Alison Reid to follow the film
Tickets: $10 at the door

THE BABY FORMULA (http://thebabyformula.wordpress.com/stills/) is truly a story of life imitating art: the coincidences that occurred in the making of this film blur the line between fiction and reality.

Director, Alison Reid was on the festival circuit with her short film, SUCCUBUS – a dramedy about Athena and Lilith, a lesbian couple attempting to conceive a baby that is a true biological combination of them both – when she discovered that lead actresses, Angela Vint and Megan Fahlenbock, were both pregnant!

Reid immediately saw an opportunity for a feature-length sequel. The premise of THE BABY FORMULA would be that Athena and Lilith are the first women in the world giving birth to each other’s babies.

Meet Alison Reid at her St. John’s screening of THE BABY FORMULA at The Inco Innovation Centre Theatre, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL at 7:30pm Saturday, August 22. Doors open at 7:00pm. Q&A and reception to follow the screening. Tickets are available at the door for $10.

Wonderbolt’s new circus show “Tricksters” runs at the MUN Reid Theatre
August 14-16, 19-23 at 7:30 PM with Matinees Aug 19-29 at 2:00 PM.

Ticket costs are Adults $25, Seniors and students $20. and children $15.

We also offer a family pass for $65. for four with a maximum 2 adults. Tickets are available at the Holy Heart Box Office Ph. 579-4424

Evoking an enchanting world populated by amazing Tricksters, Newfoundland’s own world class circus is a thrilling ride for all ages. Our show features home-grown internationally renowned aerialist Anahareo White-Malone, who has just returned from a performance in Berlin, along with Josh Oliver from Oregon on aerial straps. The talented cast include Ringmaster Beni Malone, Musical Maestros George Morgan and Bill Brennan, along with Gentlemen Jugglers David Mercer and James Burke. Alley Oop will be returning home from British Columbia for this star studded event, as well as the incredible strong woman, Zinga Zuma (Kat Finck) herself!

As if this were not enough, Wonderbolt will feature a very special guest artist, the world champion hoop dancer, Terrence Littletent, joined on stage with his brother, Jason, who will accompany him on drum.

Don’t miss “Tricksters”, a high-spirited expression of circus arts Beni Malone.

CBC MARITIMES TELEVISION BROADCAST SCRIPT JOY AWARD
APPLICATIONS FOR 2009 AWARDS BEING ACCEPTED

Atlantic writers seeking to write for broadcast are advised the 2009 Joy Awards application forms are now available from the website at LINDAJOY.COM.

Deadline for applications is August 28, 2009, 5pm.
Information and updates at LINDAJOY.COM

The CBC Maritimes TV Broadcast Script Joy Award is offered to support an emerging writer of outstanding talent in Atlantic Canada. Emergence level writers with a second or later draft script for screen, or to be adapted to a screenplay, who are residents of any Province in Atlantic Canada may apply. The Award recipient will receive $5000 cash, $5000 worth of facility and technical support, mentorship and feedback during the Award period.

Further details and conditions are available at LINDAJOY.COM, or the application form.
Applicants are encouraged to contact the Joy Awards Executive Coordinator before applying at

902.420.4522, info@lindajoy.com.
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Telefilm Canada and NIFCO
Present
PICTURE START 2009/2010
Application Kit
Extended Deadline: Monday August 3rd August 10th, 2009 at 5pm

Download: 2009/2010 Picture Start Application Kit (PDF).

Overview
PICTURE START is a professional development program targeted at emerging  producers, directors and writers. This comprehensive skills enhancement program  employs a project-oriented methodology whereby participants learn by working with  established filmmakers and film industry professionals. This hands-on approach will be complemented by a series of workshops prior to principle photography aimed at  enhancing the participants’ filmmaking savvy. Local and national experts will conduct workshops, and senior filmmakers will mentor junior filmmakers throughout the development, production and post-production phases of the project.

Key components include:
— formal instruction (through specific workshops conducted by industry professionals);
— individual mentorship (where senior filmmakers guide the emerging filmmakers in both creative and logistical matters);
— the practical application of emerging filmmaker skills in all aspects of film production (developing a concept, budgeting and financing, production, post-production and marketing).
The short films produced through the program are expected to perform in the marketplace in a quantifiable way – either through festival participation, festival recognition or awards, broadcaster interest or other sales. As per NIFCO policy, copyright in the film remains with the filmmakers.Upon completion of the program, the participants are expected to have acquired the level of skills necessary to move forward in their film industry careers.

Presenting Partners
Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to the development and promotion of the Canadian audiovisual industry. Telefilm provides financial support to the private sector to create distinctively Canadian productions that appeal to domestic and international audiences. The Corporation also administers the funding programs of the Canadian Television Fund.

The Newfoundland Independent Filmmakers Cooperative (NIFCO) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the development of media arts in Newfoundland and Labrador. Formed in 1975, the association supports the local film industry by providing expertise, resources, equipment and space to its members and offers beginners a chance to explore the medium of film through its programs.

Objective
There are two main objectives of PICTURE START:

— To give current independent filmmakers who already have preliminary training and experience, and who are career-oriented in the film industry the immediate opportunity to develop as future above-the-line leaders.
— To sustain and increase the growth of the Newfoundland and Labrador film industry by fostering future professionals who will establish production companies and continue to create programming based in this province.

In the future, Picture Start will be implementing a development component for crew members. Each applicant is encouraged to think about ways in which their project could work within a structure of a key crew position mentoring less experienced crew members.

Program Format and Timeline
The next deadline for applications is Monday August 3rd, 2009 at 5pm. Successful applicants will be notified by Friday Sept 4th, 2009. Scripts will then be sent out for a first read and set of notes by a story editor. Starting in November 2009, the applicants will work with the Picture Start Mentor on script, financing and scheduling their shoot and post-production. The series of workshops will be scheduled for the beginning of February 2010. The final delivery date for all productions will be June 30, 2010. In consultation with the Picture Start Mentor, prospective above the line project leaders will submit an application to the program to make a short film of a maximum running time of15 minutes. A minimum of three projects, each with a producer,director and writer team (minimum two people) attached, will be selected by jury and then approved by the NIFCO Board of Directors.

*** If you are not able to find a Producer or Director and wish to apply please speak to the Picture Start mentor in advance of the deadline date. We will do our best to find a suitable candidate for your team.***

Participants in Picture Start will receive guidance in establishing a critical path for their short film: from script re-writes, preliminary casting, budgeting, scheduling and fine-tuning of financing and marketing plans, through to production and post-production. This will be accomplished through a combination of classroom group training sessions and on-going team-specific development and individual mentoring.

Using their own concepts and creativity, successful applicants must complete the financing of their projects within a budget range of $25,000 to $75,000. A standard budget and financial structure form will be supplied as part of the application. Line items that may be covered by Picture Start will be identified: e.g. mentors, trainees, equipment, post-production services. Applicants can expect 30 % to 50 % of costs – with a project cap of $20,000 – to be covered by Picture Start depending on the budget level and the applicant’s access to other financing from sources outside of Picture Start.

Before any production begins, the group will receive classroom instruction in the form of a series of workshops covering a range of topics aimed at the roles of producer, director and writer. These workshops will be designed to strengthen the team prior to principle photography. Final details of the workshops will be made available in early
January 2010.

Each project will receive the services of a professional story editor who will be contracted to provide written notes as well as story meetings and oversee a table read with Professional actors and the Picture Start teams.

In addition to the mentorship provided throughout the fundraising, production and post-production phases of their projects by the part-time staff person, team specific mentoring will be provided in areas of their own choosing, in consultation with the Picture Start Mentor.

Picture Start will provide access to equipment and services at NIFCO, including surround sound and high-definition picture editing and delivery. Evaluation is an important component of Picture Start. Participants will be required to
complete two written evaluation forms: one immediately after completion of the film which will focus on evaluating the quality of the experience of various aspects of the program, and one a year later which will focus on the performance of the film in the marketplace and the career development of the participant.

All films produced through Picture Start shall acknowledge the support of the program and Telefilm Canada in the form of a credit on the production and on all promotional materials.Applicants Picture Start is open to NIFCO members who wish to enhance their filmmaking skills in order to pursue or continue to pursue, at higher levels, a professional career in the industry. The program is particularly but not exclusively aimed at those who have already availed of NIFCO’s successful entry- level programs.

Note: The program is intended to be inclusive of all eligible emerging or mid-level filmmakers. The necessary qualifying criteria are the same basic filmmaking proficiency required to become a member of the co-operative. Someone who is not a member of the co-op but has the prerequisites, will be able to apply for membership to NIFCO and will thus be automatically eligible for Picture Start.

Eligible Projects
— Project must have a finished running time of no less than SIX minutes and no more than FIFTEEN minutes.
***We will accept projects OVER 15 minutes in length ONLY if the production has already secured Canada Council funding at the time of application. We will NOT accept longer projects if a Canada Council application is PENDING. Please clarify with Picture Start mentor if you have questions on this.***
— Theme and subject matter are up to the applicants. NIFCO will not accept any project that contains excessive violence, sexual violence or sexual exploitation.
— Projects can be shot on any professional industry standard format. Please check with the Picture Start mentor if you have questions regarding shooting formats.

How to apply
Please complete ALL sections of the application form in full and include ALL the documents listed below.
— A complete script with a projected running time of 6 to 15 minutes.
— Fifty word synopsis
— Director’s vision statement – this should include your visual & sound plan for the
film as well as personal notes on the project
— Proposed production budget ** Note: You must use the budget template for Picture Start ** this is will be provided by the Picture Start mentor
— Proposed financing structure ** Note: the Picture Start Mentor will advise applicants on potential funding sources and partnerships
— A letter indicating WHY you want to participate in Picture Start, WHAT you hope to get out of the program and WHAT you feel you can contribute. **Please note that ALL members of the applicant team must include a letter.
— Preliminary Festival/marketing plan for the film

** Also new this year**
We will be holding interview style pitch sessions with each of the applicant teams as part of the jury process.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
The deadline for applications is MONDAY August 3rd, 2009 at 5 pm. Projects will be selected by a jury, made up of representatives from Telefilm Canada, the NLFDC and NIFCO, based on creative content, the team and support documentation. All projects will be finally approved by the NIFCO Board of Directors.

Successful participants will be notified by September 4th, 2009.

The following support material must accompany your application, or your application will be considered incomplete.

— A complete script with a projected running time of 6 to 15 minutes. (***or longer if Canada Council Funding is in place)
— Synopsis
— Director’s vision statement – this should include your visual/sound plan for the film as well as personal notes on the project
— Proposed production budget ** Note: You must use the budget template for Picture Start – Please contact Mentor for this form
— Proposed financing structure ** Note: the Picture Start Mentor will advise applicants on potential funding sources and partnerships
— A letter indicating WHY you want to participate in Picture Start, WHAT you hope to get out of the program and what you feel you can contribute. **Please note that ALL members of the applicant team must include a letter.
— Preliminary Festival/marketing plan for the film

Please Note:
We will be holding interview style pitch sessions with each of the applicant teams as part of the jury process.

Please submit completed application via mail or hand delivery to:

NIFCO
Picture Start
40 Kings Road
St. John’s, NL
A1C 3P5

If you have any further inquiries please direct them to:

Anna Petras
Picture Start Mentor
NIFCO
Email: picturestart@nifco.org

ATTENTION DOCUMENTARY MAKERS!!!

The Nickel Independent Film Festival has a wonderful opportunity for you!!

FILMMAKING MASTERCLASS WITH ANDREW ZINNES

Andrew Zinnes, Hollywood script Guru, documentary/feature film producer/writer and author of best selling book, The Documentary Film Makers Handbook: A Guerilla Guide, is coming to do a two-day extensive workshop that will take you on a creative journey from the very first idea, to the première and beyond.

Wednesday June 24 –Thursday June 25 (10 am – 4 pm)
INCO Innovation Theatre, MUN Campus
$75 ($200 value)

If you are interested or would like to hear more contact Geri at nickelworkshops@gmail.com

The Nickel Independent Film Festival runs from June 23-27, 2009 at the Inco Innovation Centre, Memorial University.

For Festival information, check out the website at www.nickelfestival.com.

Tickets for the Festival screenings are available at the Holy Heart Box Office at 579-4424.

Intermediate Screenwriting with Noel Baker
Noel Baker is a veteran film and television writer and story editor. He is the co-creator of the erotic comedy/drama series Show Me Yours (Showcase Television). He also wrote the Genie-Nominated screenplay for the punk rock road movie HARD CORE LOGO. This Workshop aims to create a feature film outline from beginning to end.

When: Sunday June 21st to Tuesday June 23rd, 09
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: The Star of The Sea Hall, 40 Henry Street.
Cost: $250
50% off up until June 12, 09
Subsidy available

Filmmaking Masterclass with Chris Jones
Chris Jones is a feature film veteran and author of the best selling Guerilla Film Makers Handbooks. GONE FISHING, his short film was shortlisted for the Oscars in 2009. This course will take you on a creative journey from the first ideas all the way through to the premiere, awards and who knows, maybe the Oscars!
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