MINISTER IDA CHONG DEFENDS $3 MILLION IN UNALLOCATED DISCRETIONARY ARTS FUNDING
During a March 1 debate on the ministry's budget estimates, Chong told NDP arts critic Spencer Chandra Herbert that the ministry has yet to spend approximately $3.25 million in arts funding, out of the $10 million allocated this year from the 2010 Sports and Arts Legacy Fund. The B.C. Arts Council received $6.75 million of that funding earlier this year.
http://straight.com/article-626946/vancouver/minister-defends-discretionary-funds

IN THE EXPANDING TV UNIVERSE, WEBISODES LOOK FOR A FOOTHOLD
In Canada, Nicholas Campbell and Sonja Smits have lent their names to a Web comedy series called Bill and Sons Towing, while a flurry of activity has been created by the 2010 decision by the nonprofit Independent Production Fund to steer its entire $1.5-million annual budget away from TV and into webisodes.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/television/in-the-expanding-tv-universe-webisodes-look-for-a-foothold/article2364296/

CURTAIN DOWN ON VANCOUVER PLAYHOUSE THEATRE COMPANY
The theatre company's final performance came just a day after the shocking announcement that the company would have to shut down, due to overwhelming financial problems.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/theatre/in-vancouver-a-storied-troupes-final-curtain-call/article2365796/

ONTARIO EDGES BC AS TOP CANADIAN PRODUCTION LOCATION
Ontario has overtaken B.C. as a film and television production centre in Canada for the first time in many years despite overall spending on the west coast increasing 16 per cent in 2011 to nearly $1.2 billion.
www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/movie-guide/Ontario+edges+Canadian+production+location/6256384/story.html

32ND ANNUAL GENIE AWARD WINNERS
Monsieur Lazhar, which was nominated for a best foreign-language Oscar (but came home empty-handed), snapped up the biggest collection of Genie Awards last night (March 8) in Toronto.
http://www.straight.com/article-631896/vancouver/32nd-annual-genie-award-winners-monsieur-lazhar-top-viggo-mortensen-vanessa-paradis

AFTRA REVISES BASIC CABLE RESIDUALS STATISTICS
Monday morning, a person authorized to speak on behalf of AFTRA contacted The Hollywood Reporter to reveal a surprising statistic: 91 percent of AFTRA basic cable shows on the air as of mid-May 2011, the source said, were produced under the industry standard "Sanchez" residuals formula that generates run-by-run payments.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/aftra-revises-basic-cable-residuals-297455

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UPCOMING TRAINING

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CHICAGO-STYLE DROP-IN IMPROV JAM WITH SECOND CITY ALUM TONY ALCANTAR
Ongoing Saturdays, 12pm-3pm, $12
Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts, 900 Helmcken at Hornby
Chicago is the capital of improv; do it like they do there! No silly teams, refs or whistles...just high end improvisational exercises, games and scene work to keep you learning while laughing! Bonus: after every class, you'll be treated to a live improv performance by The Windy City Women!
"Alcantar made me laugh out loud!" - Chicago Sun-Times "A standout comic!" - Edmonton Journal.
Guarantee your spot: tonyalcantar1960@gmail.com, 604-418-1192 or first come, first serve. All levels welcome.

TARLINGTON TRAINING, SPRING BREAK BOOTCAMP!
March 19th to 23rd
A Week long workout, designed for young actors of all skill levels who want to spend the day doing what they love - Acting. An intensive week of work to sharpen your skills! Places limited. www.tarlingtontraining.com for more information. Call (604) 664 0315 to register.
About Tarlington Training - Vancouver's most respected Youth Actor Training, we offer a variety of Programs, from very young actors to young adults, beginner to working professional. Our instructors can challenge and support you to improve your acting skills and give you honest, reliable advice on your career.

ALAN MARRIOTT'S DROP-IN IMPROV WORKSHOP
Held most Sundays from 1:30 to 4:30pm at Presentation House, 333 Chesterfield Avenue, North Vancouver (a short walk from the SeaBus Terminal). Alan has performed and taught improv for three decades in both Europe and North America. Each week focuses on specific skills to make you a better and more truthful actor in both dramatic and comic scenes. All ages and experience levels welcome. Only $20. For more information and to receive weekly email confirmations the workshop is on, please provide your email to marriottclan@googlemail.com

ACTOR'S FOUNDRY
*Commercial Booking | March 16-18 | $155
30 Commercials booked in 3 years says Jeb Beach can help you be more successful in YOUR Commercial Bookings.
http://www.ActorsFoundry.com/CommercialBooking
*Teen Spring Intensive | March 19-22
Teen Actors - join us for the celebrated week long Intensive with Matthew Harrison and Jeb Beach
http://www.ActorsFoundry.com/Teen-Spring-Intensive

SOUNDSWRITE WORKSHOPS
*NEW! Cartoon Double Teacher Feature Mar 16/17: "Improv for Cartoons" w/Tony Alcantar (Second City Chicago)
plus "Killer Cartoon Characters" w/Alan Marriott ("Planet 51", "Bob the Builder"). Hurry! Only a couple of spots left!
*Intro to V/O March 24/25: Spend hours in our professional studio voicing commercials, narrations, cartoons, ADR, and Walla. Learn about our industry, where to find, work and how to set up a home studio. Includes fully produced spot for your demo. Max 5 students = Max mic time.
*NEW! Fully Coached Demos. Copy, coaching and production to make a lasting impression.
Info at: http://www.soundswrite.ca 604-985-5532

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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WOMEN IN FILM NETWORKING BREAKFAST
March 20
Alyssa Burtt is Creative Director and Co-Founder of ZenHouse Media, a web design and inbound marketing agency servicing the small business and Non-Profit sectors in Metro Vancouver, BC.
http://www.womeninfilm.ca/cgi/page.cgi?evtid=308&_id=57

CELLULOID SOCIAL CLUB
March 21
The Celluloid Social Club, monthly screenings featuring the best in independent provocative short and feature films & videos followed by a Q&A. No Minors. Prizes galore.
http://www.celluloidsocialclub.com/