Hi ,

First of all, a congratulations to all the winners from the Canadian Screen Awards that were presented this weekend. If you haven't hear of these awards it's because it's brand new.  Well, kinda.  CSA is the combination of two awards that used to exist - Genies (Film) and Geminis (TV). Instead of having two separate awards shows for Canadian productions, they combined the two awards shows as a unified ceremony celebrating what Canada has to offer.

Now onto an update on what I mentioned last week about the new company that was formed by three Casting Directors and the growing concern from Background Agents about how the new company will impact the industry, the agents, and actors. New statements had been issued since the last newsletter from both JR Talent as well as UBCP.

Ultimately, it's about being informed. That's your responsibility as an actor running your own business. Go over to ProductionHeads.com and read the last couple releases that were sent out.

http://www.productionheads.com/2013/03/1937/

Kenji Maeda
CEO, Production Heads Network Inc.

SAVE BC FILM: AN ODE TO THE VANCOUVER FILM INDUSTRY
BC's economic return through its film incentives program still remains high, but in order to keep production rolling in the province it must become competitive and comparable with Ontario and Quebec.
http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2013/02/save-bc-film-ode-to-vancouver-film-industry/

CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS WINNERS
War Witch swept away nearly all competition at the inaugural Canadian Screen Awards broadcast gala Sunday night, with the searing child soldier drama capturing best picture and nine other trophies, while TV favourites Flashpoint and Less Than Kind also earned further accolades.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2013/03/03/canadian-screen-awards-broadcast.html

CAN BC REALLY CALL ONTARIO'S FILM TAX CREDITS UNSUSTAINABLE?
As B.C. digests yet more evidence that it is hemorrhaging film and TV jobs because of Ontario's more generous tax credits, Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett is sticking to his guns that what Ontario is doing is "not sustainable."
http://metronews.ca/news/vancouver/579794/can-b-c-really-call-ontarios-film-tax-credits-unsustainable/

'SWITCHED AT BIRTH' ACTORS TALK TV'S FIRST ALL-SIGN LANGUAGE EPISODE AND ROLES FOR DEAF ACTORS -
The television show "Switched At Birth" is already known for having entire scenes in American Sign Language (ASL). But on March 4, the series will make history with an episode entirely in ASL.
http://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/backstage-experts/switched-birth-actors-talk-tvs-first-all-sign-language-episode-and-roles-deaf-actors/#sthash.eLYJXS9P.dpuf

NATIVE ACTOR GLEN GOULD'S LEFT HOOK HAS A DISTINGUISHED PEDIGREE
Self-taught as an actor, Gould has learned from his famous uncle, who was just 55 when he died in 2009 of kidney failure. "I learned a lot of good morals; how to protect yourself. There are people out there you can't trust," he says. He also learned how to fight.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/native-actor-glen-goulds-left-hook-has-a-distinguished-pedigree/article9153859/

TELEFILM AWARDS MICRO-BUDGET FUNDS TO 8 EMERGING FILMMAKERS
Fund supports first-time filmmakers, with emphasis on digital platforms
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2013/02/28/telefilm-microbudget-emerging-filmmakers.html

4 TIPS FOR FINDING THE RIGHT HEADSHOT PHOTOGRAPHER
Your headshot is one of the most important tools in your kit. This is what gives someone an initial impression about who you are and gets you the attention you are looking for. With hundreds of photographers out there how do you choose the right one for you?
http://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/backstage-experts/4-tips-finding-right-headshot-photographer/

LIVING VOICE WORKSHOPS AND COACHING
Voice Technique Workshop ' April 5 - 7
Designed to build a complete voice practice for actors, singers and voice-over artists.
We will explore various techniques including: Projection, Resonance, Range, Articulation, Dialects & Character, Breath Support, Vocal Health, Nerve Control, Emotional Accessibility, Authentic Expression, and Approaching Song to provide a sound foundation upon which you can build your personal practice. Ongoing private coaching and resources available.
To register, for more information or to book a free consultation contact Danielle at 778 235 7696, livingvoicecoaching@gmail.com or www.livingvoice.ca

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

SOUNDSWRITE
2-DAY INTRO TO VOICEOVER INTENSIVE March 16th & 17th
Commercials, narration, animation, audiobooks and WALLA for film. Get a produced spot for your demo.
HOME STUDIO SETUP: March 20th
Bring your computer and microphone. Get free software & learn to edit for global auditions.
Recent Soundswrite student bookings include the new animated series: "Mother Up" with Eva Longoria, CTV, Global and more!
Register at: www.soundswrite.ca or call 604-985-5532.

IN THE ROOM WITH JACKIE LIND
Get IN THE ROOM with Vancouver Casting Director Jackie Lind and Jeb Beach. Saturday/Sunday Mar 16/17 at the NEW Actor's Foundry studio: 35 West 5th Ave.
http://bit.ly/TiffanyMak

COMMERCIAL BOOKING WITH JEB BEACH
March 23 at the Foundry
Learn the finer points of how to book commercials with one of the most booking commercial actors around!
http://bit.ly/CommercialBookingJeb