FAIRY TALES FAIREST FILM PROJECTS OF THEM ALL
Movie studios are taking timeless stories from authors such as the Brothers Grimm and L. Frank Baum and reimagining them with a modern, playful sensibility. And they're using big stars to do it.
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-fairy-tales-20110417,0,1818969.story

IGNITE! SPARKS INTEREST IN YOUTH-DRIVEN ARTS
The spirit of "hey, let's put on a show" lives on in the 12th annual IGNITE! festival. The 30-odd teens and young adults on the IGNITE! volunteer panel pick the acts, organize the schedule, set up backstage and organize the front of house -- managing to do so without a rigid organizing structure.
http://www.theprovince.com/entertainment/IGNITE+sparks+interest+youth+driven+arts/4657064/story.html

FILMING OUT OF GARDEN STATE
Montreal, ils vous aiment. Even in the depths of your cold, harsh winters. "Montreal's beautiful -- it's freezing, but it's beautiful," says Zach Braff, star of The High Cost of Living. Written and directed by Deborah Chow, the film, shot during the winter of 2010 had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last September, and both director and leading man sat down to talk about the project.
http://www.canada.com/business/Filming+Garden+State/4657119/story.html

THE CANADIAN CO-PRO: IS IT COMPETITION OR CO-OPERATION?
What do the lustful Henry VIII, the scheming Rodrigo Borgia, a youthful King Arthur and a steerage passenger on the Titanic have in common? They are all Canadian - or at least their current television incarnations qualify as Canadian content.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/television/the-canadian-co-pro-is-it-competition-or-co-operation/article1995914/

ADMIT IT: THE IDEA OF BANNING TRASHY SHOWS HOLDS SOME APPEAL
Imagine having the power to stop the entertainment crap that surrounds, by government decree, just as easy as that, just stop it: No more girl-fight romantic-competition shows, no more celebrity gossip "news" items....
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/russell-smith/admit-it-the-idea-of-banning-trashy-shows-holds-some-appeal/article1993034/

FILMMAKER PENELOPE BUITENHUIS' ODYSSEY PAYS OFF WITH A WAKE
The B.C. resident returns with a slightly more conventional tale. A Wake , which opens here April 29, was shot in Cambridge, Ontario, near Hamilton, during the snowy winter of early 2009. It centres on veteran Nicholas Campbell as a wild-eyed director, known for his offbeat Shakespeare productions. He's planning a new one, in fact, when he suddenly dies, leaving his followers (and various ex-lovers) to pick up the pieces.
http://www.straight.com/article-389296/vancouver/penelopes-odyssey-pays-funeral

THE DEATH OF THE FILM TRILOGY
It currently seems the only three that interests Hollywood relates to dimensionality. The reverence once extended to the film trilogy is fast diminishing. Some of the finest directors have produced masterful triptychs. But do we really need a fourth Pirates of the Caribbean?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2011/apr/25/film-trilogy-top-ten

ALICE WARD, MOTHER PLAYED BY MELISSA LEO IN THE FIGHTER, DIES
'We lost the leader of our family,' says ex-boxer Dicky Eklund after Ward died of cardiac arrest in Boston hospital.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/apr/28/alice-ward-mother-fighter-melissa-leo

FORMER FILM INSTRUCTOR CONVICTED OF SEX OFFENCES
Former Capilano College film instructor Michael Berry was found guilty of offences against four of six children he was accused of molesting.
http://www.theprovince.com/news/Former+film+instructor+convicted+offences+against+young+girls/4691167/story.html

'CASINO JACK' GETS LUCKY ON DVD?
The film had to be made in Canada as a Canadian production because no one would finance it in America. Two key participants died shortly after it was completed.
http://www.torontosun.com/2011/04/28/casino-jack-gets-lucky-on-dvd

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UPCOMING TRAINING

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DIALECT COACHING | TONY ALCANTAR
Hollywood producers trust Tony Alcantar with their stars: Oscar-winner Halle Berry, Stellan Skarsgard, Zhang Ziyi. You can trust him too! Tony is Vancouver's #1 dialect coach, recommended by agents, casting directors and other industry professionals. Learn with confidence the most requested dialects and accents required for the Vancouver market. Book that role!
Contact: 604-418-1192, tonyalcantar1960@gmail.com

MARYSE | VOICE ACTING / SPEECH DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP
Sunday May 29
This very popular workshop consists of vocal training that includes breathing, voice development, enunciation, and voice projection. You will also have an opportunity to work on narratives, commercials, and news reports. Impromptu speaking will also be touched upon. Only 6 people per class!
For more information please visit http://www.maryse.org or call 604-220-9384

AUDITION COACHING WITH MARK BRANDON
27-year film industry veteran and author Mark Brandon now assisting actors with complete audition preparation: Playing actions, using obstacles, employing intentions, creating environment, multi-character eye-lines, plus voice adjustments and wardrobe recommendations. Rates vary based on your preferences: Online/$50/hr., or One-on-One: $60/hr. Other rates and methods available. See: http://www.WinningAuditions.com. (604) 687-1865
"Mark's techniques have proven invaluable to my career."--Emmy & Golden Globe Nominee Barry Pepper
"Mark is a consummate professional who understands the business of acting. He holds his students to the same, high standard."--Emmy Nominated Casting Director Candice Elzinga

TARLINGTON TRAINING'S EXCITING JUNE WORKSHOPS!
Very Young Performers - AGES 5 TO 8 - 4 sessions
Workshop with Carole Tarlington (ages 9 to 17) 1 - 4 pm young actor session. 4-5pm parent and actors session (includes Industry Q & A). Former Talent agent and Casting director, Carole Tarlington will answer all your questions! Casting Director, Lynne Carrow One day workshop Acting for Parents (fun! Informative!) Adult Screen Acting Intensive Ages 18 and up check out our website for more information!
http://www.tarlingtontraining.com Call 604 664 0315 to register

SOUNDSWRITE WORKSHOPS
*INTRO TO VOICEOVER: One of Vancouver's most popular workshops. Commercials, narrations, cartoons, voicing for movies and more. Only 5 students per class - May 28 & 29.
*STACK THE DECK DEMO CLASS: This is the affordable way to build your demo. Get one fully produced spot per week in a private coached session.
*HOME TECH COURSE: Bring your laptop and USB microphone and we'll load up free editing software and teach you to use it - June 1.
http://www.soundswrite.ca or call 604-985-5532.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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BILL'S BIRTHDAY BREAKFAST
May 5 | 7:30-9:00 am | The Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, 1088 Burrard St.
Celebrate William Shakespeare's 447th birthday. Meet the directors of Bard's 2011 shows and hear their artistic visions for the season.
http://www.bardonthebeach.org/breakfast

NORTH SHORE ZONE OF THEATRE BC FESTIVAL OF PLAYS 2011
May 2-May 7 | Presentation House Theatre, North Vancouver
Each evening will feature a different play by member clubs of the zone, which includes groups from Deep Cove to Pemberton, as well as the Sunshine Coast.
http://www.theatrebc.org/NSZ/NSZFestival11.php

DOXA DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL
May 6-15
Vancouver's Documentary Film Festival featuring more than 90 films over 10 days.
http://www.doxafestival.ca

LEO GALA AWARDS CEREMONY
May 21 | Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Celebrate all things Canadian and cinematic with Canada's film industry elite.
http://www.leoawards.com

CELLULOID SOCIAL CLUB
May 5 | Anza Club (3 West 8th Ave)
The Celluloid Social Club, monthly screenings featuring the best in independent provocative short and feature films & videos followed by a Q&A. No Minors.
http://www.celluloidsocialclub.com