Hi , I'll admit it. Save BC Film, We Create BC, MPPIA, and everything else that has been front and center recently were not at the front of my mind this past week. Raise your hand if your own personal momentum has slightly or dramatically diminished since last week. Perhaps your focus went to work, paying your bills, going to auditions, and life.
This is not to say that there hasn't been continued movement, action, planning, meetings, discussions, and media coverage in the past seven days, because there certainly has. Just head on over to the Save BC Film Facebook page and scroll through because they are on top of it all. My schedule this past week has been filled with events like DOXA film screenings, Pecha Kucha, and a bunch of shows at the PuSh Festival
. This month there's the Mountain Film Festival, Celluloid Social Club, Crazy8s Gala (stay tuned we'll do a giveaway for a couple gala tickets soon), William F White Networking Breakfast, more film screenings, and more theatre productions amongst a bunch of other things happening. You see, the point I'm making is a point that's been said a number of times by others but I feel the need to put a pin in it as well. There are many who are passionate, angry, frustrated, confused, and motivated to make a difference. There are three general actions people take: - Putting energy into advocacy and awareness largely through the area of policy and governance. This includes making PSAs, calling and writing to government officials, spreading broad awareness of the issues at hand.
- Attending events
produced by local artists and organizations. This means actually going to local events that support the industry, including theatre productions and film screenings.
- Wait for other people to do the work. Minimal to no support for the local industry and community through any actions mentioned in #1 or #2 above.
What you decide to do isn't exclusive to 1, 2, or 3. It all weaves together and it depends on what interests you and how best you think you can contribute. If you land in category #3 then it sounds like I can't really help you. Nor can you help us.
Some say that if you never went to the Waldorf, then you can't complain that it closed down. I somewhat disagree, but it sure does make a better case if you did go there.
Yeah, I get it. You might not have the money to attend all the events happening in town. But there are free and cheap events you can go to. Showing your support by putting your bum in the seat of a venue goes a long way.
Yeah, I get it. You're not the type of person to reach out to your MLA or MP. But you do have Facebook, Twitter, or at least a voice, right? You could let other people know what you think and bring awareness to, not only others in the industry, but to those who are not in any way connected to the industry.
Last week I mentioned the potential that the momentum will slow down. It's bound to come and go in waves. We all have lives to lead and are trying to find the balance. How you choose to do that is up to you. It's easy to become complacent and wait for the next wave to come. How about keep yourself entertained by seeing a show and meeting new people as well? I mean, this industry and the people are notoriously known to be entertaining, right?
Kenji Maeda
CEO, Production Heads Network Inc.(credit for the #savebcfilm campaign image below goes to www.shimonphoto.com)
HOLLYWOOD PRODUCTION IN CANADA DECLINES ON CURRENCY, TAX BLUESThe foreign location shooting retreat, especially in Vancouver, follows three years of strong growth, despite a rising Canadian dollar and competition from rival U.S. states. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hollywood-production-canada-declines-currency-417407CANUCK FILMMAKERS BACK APPLICATION FOR CANADIAN MOVIE CHANNEL
A group of Canadian filmmakers led by producer Robert Lantos is trying to launch an all-Canadian movie channel. Denys Arcand, David Cronenberg, Atom Egoyan, Paul Gross, Guy Maddin, Deepa Mehta and Denis Villeneuve are among the supporters of an application to the federal broadcast regulator for Starlight: The Canadian Movie Channel. http://www.theprovince.com/entertainment/movie-guide/Canuck+filmmakers+back+application+Starlight/7904966/story.htmlPROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES "CREATIVE B.C." AGENCY
According to the B.C. Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, the new agency called Creative B.C. will administer tax credits and provide production support for filmmakers and television producers. It will also work with industries such as digital media, music, and publishing to develop and implement a strategy for the creative sector. The province is providing $1 million to the independent agency. http://www.straight.com/arts/348351/provincial-government-announces-creative-bc-agencyVANCOUVER MAYOR URGES "NATIONAL APPROACH" TO SUPPORT FILM AND TELEVISION INDUSTRY
Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson has submitted a motion urging a "national approach" to level the playing field for the film and television industry across Canada. Robertson brought the motion forward today (January 29) for debate at the next council meeting, proposing that he write to Premier Christy Clark, NDP leader Adrian Dix, and Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressing concern for the film production sector. http://www.straight.com/movies/347066/motion-vancouver-mayor-urges-national-approach-support-film-and-television-industrySTATISTICAL INSIGHTS ON THE ARTS: THE ARTS AND INDIVIDUAL WELL-BEING IN CANADA
The statistical models explore whether participation in these arts and culture activities have an association with social indicators above and beyond demographic information. That is, they examine whether cultural participants simply fit the demographic profile of healthy, socially-active citizens, or whether cultural participation might help explain aspects of health and well-being that are beyond demographic analysis. http://www.allianceforarts.com/blog/statistical-insights-arts-arts-and-individual-well-being-canada10 THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR OLD HEADSHOTS
There are a number of things you can do with old headshots that will actually benefit your career. The only rule of thumb is that the shot MUST still look like you, reflecting the specific kind of work you're interested in doing and still within the current style of headshots. (For example, no matter how good they look and how specific they are, black and white headshots won't cut it). Here are some ways to use your old headshots. http://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/backstage-experts/10-things-do-your-old-headshots/BRYAN CRANSTON SAYS ACTING TAKES 'TOTAL DEDICATION'
"When you're an actor just starting out, you never plan for a vacation," he told reporters after winning his SAG Awards for his performance in AMC's "Breaking Bad" and his role in "Argo." "First of all, you can't afford it and second of all you're going to miss something. So it gets ingrained in your lifestyle that you just go on searching and looking for your next job," he continued. "That's what we do forever." http://www.backstage.com/interview/bryan-cranston-says-acting-takes-total-dedication/
VOICE WORK FOR ACTORS WITH KYRA ZAGORSKYSaturday and Sunday 9th & 10th February, 2013 | 9am to 6pm Only with the ease and power of a resonant, full, and genuine vocal instrument can an actor emotionally and chemically inhabit a scene...whether on stage, in audition, or on set. Through this voice and speech Intensive Workshop, the actor will move beyond emotional and psychological blocks that hold back the vocal instrument. The in-class work draws from Kyra's extensive background in techniques developed by voice teachers from different parts of the globe, and principles of various martial arts, yoga, and movement systems.
To register please go to: http://actorsfoundry.com/voice-work-for-actors/ or call Kim at 604 876 7374 for further info. AN EVENING OF OPPORTUNITY
An opportunity to get up close and personal with directors, agents, actors and producers actively working in Vancouver today:
In a time when everyone is focusing on the lack of work and the fear of uncertainty in the BC film community, enjoy an evening focused on the positive opportunities and choices you yourself can make to empower yourself and manage your own career. Hear first-hand from people finding success in the Vancouver market and get the opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed and casual environment.
More info and tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/324794 MULTI-CAM SITCOMS ARE HERE... ARE YOU READY?
If you're gearing up for pilot season in Vancouver, LA, or Toronto, then THE SITCOM SWEATSHOP with MILO SHANDEL is essential!
Join Milo (Star of DISNEY XD/YTV's hit show MR. YOUNG) for a 2-day intensive designed to hone your comedy chops and teach you the technical in's and out's of the multi-cam format. Milo, who has coached privately and on-set, will guide participants through the process of breaking down a sitcom script, finding the funny, and bringing the laughs to multiple cameras. Book now, class size is limited.
When? Feb 16 & 17, 2013
Where? The Cultch, Vancouver BC
How much? $245
Early-bird discount before Feb 1-$215
More info and to register: sitcomsweatshop@gmail.com or www.miloshandel.com
TARLINGTON TRAINING - REGISTER NOW
ADULTS! Train with Vancouver's best acting coach. Register now for Linda Darlow's popular course, Audition Technique Level 1, beginning April 2013. Book now.
Need to brush up on your skills? Great four week on camera course for young actors 11 and up. Fridays from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Registering now for our Feb 22nd session. Perfect for beginner and intermediate actors. Registering now for our Spring Break Week Boot Camps. March 18th to 22nd (All week all levels). Space is limited.
Details CALL TODAY 604-664-0315 www.tarlingtontraining.com JEB BEACH | IN THE ROOM WITH TIFFANY MAK
Get IN THE ROOM
with Vancouver Casting Director Tiffany Mak and Jeb Beach. Saturday/Sunday Feb 16/17
at the NEW Actor's Foundry studio: 35 West 5th Ave.
http://bit.ly/TiffanyMak SOUNDSWRITE
*2-DAY INTRO TO VOICEOVER INTENSIVE Feb. 23 - 24
Commercials, narration, animation, audiobooks and WALLA for films. Get a produced spot for your demo.
*HOME STUDIO SETUP: Feb. 27th
Bring your computer and microphone. Get free software & learn to edit for global auditions.
*NEW! DROP IN EDIT SUITE ongoing
Bring your audio clips and edit alongside us. $25 per hour. *must have taken Home Studio Setup.
*DEMO SPECIAL - Fully produced demo only $499 if booked by Feb 15th.
Book at: www.soundswrite.ca or call 604-985-5532.
Soundswrite students work! 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
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL
Feb 8-17
Local cinematic festival celebrates films that explore life in the outdoors and mountain sports. Guest speakers include rock climber Nina Caprez, mountaineer Greg Hill, wall climber Will Stanhope, mountain biker and filmmaker Harald Philipp, and sea kayaker Justine Curgenven. http://www.vimff.org WRITERS TALKING TV WITH SIMON BARRY
The Writers Guild of Canada in partnership with Praxis is proud to present a screening and discussion with Simon Barry, the creator and showrunner of the hit series Continuum
. In conversation with TV Eh?'s Diane Wild, Simon will explore the series' origins, the rules of the world he's created, and how those rules play out in the Continuum writers room and on the page.
http://www.praxisfilm.com
CELLULOID SOCIAL CLUBFeb 13 | Anza Club Annual Lonely Hearts Valentine's Screening. 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.com24 HOUR MOVIE MARATHONFeb 16 - 17 |
10am - 10am | The Cinematheque Let's take our relationship to the next level.
Spend the night with The Cinematheque.
http://www.thecinematheque.ca/24hr-movie-marathonWINDY CITY WOMEN PRESENTS LIQUID
Feb 20 - Mar 2
Back due to popular demand! With sold out shows and amazing reviews, "LIQUID" is back for its second run. You supply the the topic, we take the plunge. A new two act play, improvised each night. "'Windy City Women' is one of the most talented improv groups I've seen in Vancouver. The quick wit on dislplay and the places their imagination take the stories are uncanny" -Paul Armstrong
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/296597
Do you have an event or news item you think would be of interest to the Vancouver acting community? Would you like to include a notice about an upcoming class or workshop? For more information email Kenji Maeda at kenji@productionheads.com. |
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