Vancouver Actor's Guide Newsletter - November 2 2015

Published: Mon, 11/02/15

INDUSTRY NEWS
VANCOUVER'S HEART OF THE CITY FESTIVAL USES THE STAGE FOR CHANGE
Two theatre works at this year’s Heart of the City Festival draw from First Nations stories to confront tough issues.

UBC FILM GRAD MAKES SWERVE: A WEB SERIES WITH HUNGER GAMES STAR
Pasha Eshghi, a recently graduated UBC Film School student, is releasing his pitch into the game this December — an internet series called Swerve.

VANCOUVER APPROVES MORE SPACES FOR ARTS EVENTS
Following a two-year trial, the City of Vancouver has decided to keep a program allowing arts events in non-conventional venues like factories, stores, and studios.

THE LONG ROAD TO CHELAH HORSDAL
Hell on Wheels actress reflects on her career, her famous dad, and saying goodbye to Maggie.

DAN STEVENS TO CO-STAR WITH ANNE HATHAWAY IN ‘COLOSSAL’
Stevens will play the ex-boyfriend who originally scorns her only to later fight to win her back. The film is currently in production in Vancouver.

ARTISTS SPEAK OUT ABOUT POLITICS. WHY DON’T POLITICIANS DISCUSS THE ARTS?
Great civilizations aren’t remembered for their tax policies; they’re remembered for their art. The economy and the environment are essential issues, of course. But really, we are more.

AZIZ ANSARI WON'T DO AN INDIAN ACCENT ON-SCREEN. HERE'S WHY
Aziz Ansari once turned down a role in 2007's "Transformers" because he refused to do an Indian accent. His friend Ravi Patel took the role instead, and while Ansari doesn't fault him for it, the "Parks and Recreation" alum did illuminate a bigger problem in Hollywood.

INTERVIEW WITH ALISON FRANCK, CASTING DIRECTOR
I do like to consider myself a team player, but I also do things my own way, I always have. And that is sort of what separates me from most casting offices.

WIL WHEATON IS RIGHT: STOP EXPECTING ARTISTS TO WORK FOR FREE — OR WORSE, FOR “EXPOSURE”
Do artists, writers, photographers, musicians and others deserve to be compensated for their work? The debate over working for free goes back a while now. But there are still people who haven’t heard the argument and think that “exposure” of creative work is reason enough for people to give away their labors.

5 TIPS FOR CONFIDENCE IN AUDITIONS
When you walk into an audition, it’s all about confidence. It’s about owning the room, and believing in yourself, your technique, and your skill. After all, if you don’t believe in yourself, nobody else will. 

1 WAY TO FINALLY SOLVE THE CASTING PROBLEM
When you’re not booking it doesn’t necessarily mean that inherently there is something wrong or that you have to go seek out a new magic formula that is going to help you book more. The magic formula is you. You are enough. That is exactly what casting directors are looking for: you
UPCOMING TRAINING
TONY ALCANTAR DIALECT WORKSHOP FOR KIDS!
Vancouver's #1 dialect coach is offering an exclusive, fun-filled Accent Workshop for kids ages 8-15!
Tony Alcantar will cover the three most-requested accents for young actors in Vancouver: Standard American, British and New York. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best in the business, who has also worked with the best young actors in the business!
"[Tony has] helped my kids get many bookings, helping them with American and British accents and preparing them for auditions.” - Jacqueline Merariu, mother of young actors Bruce, Raphael and Dalila Bela, lead of THE ODD SQUAD.
Date: November 8th & November 15th 2015 (12 pm - 4 pm both days)
Place: Beatty St Studios (788 Beatty St)
Cost: $260
INFORM YOURSELF… AUDIT ROGUES WEST ACTING CLASSES FOR FREE!
Rogues West Actors Studio instructors are highly trained professionals in the craft of acting. Audit any class for free!  
Our classes this term are FILM:CREATIVE CONFLICT, ADV FILM:CHARACTER ARC & STORY STRUCTURE, ADV MEISNER:LIVING THE SCENE, MEISNER: MOMENT TO UNANTICIPATED MOMENT and HAGEN:EXERCISING THE SCENE. Continue the legacy and tradition of New York Studio classes, in all aspects of Film, Scene Study and The Hagen and Meisner Techniques.
Contact us at
rogueswest@gmail.com or 604 699 1744.
http://www.rogueswest.ca

LAST WORKSHOP - MARK DOWNEY IS LEAVING TOWN!
​Rodenburg & Lecoq Voice and Movement Intensive for Actors
When: ​November ​13-14-15​, 2015 | Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday.
Where: Scotiabank Dance Centre
Book your spot: Contact Chara: 604-700-6930 or lessons@markdowneyvocalstudio.com
This workshop is designed for actors who wish to explore their vocal and physical presence, widen their range in both and create a solid foundation for developing character. The training will allow actors to expand their vocal and physical expressiveness and come into their full power and presence in both body and voice.
TEENS FILM+TV ACTING CLASSES (September to November)
We’re registering now for the fall semester of the teens Confidence on Camera class (Thursdays 4:30-6:30or Saturdays 12:00-2:00) and Intermediate On-Camera Scene Study class (Saturdays 3:00-6:00pm or Sundays 11:30-2:30pm). Biz Studio students have about twice the one-on-one time with faculty as students at other schools (max of 6 students per class). We have a legacy of training young actors who go on to work in the industry, *outstanding* instructors, and a beautiful downtown campus inside a working film & tv casting studio. 
Details and registration at www.bizstudio.ca/teensactingclasses
INTRO TO MEISNER WORKSHOP
A five hour intensive workshop introducing the Meisner technique, widely regarded as one of the most effective training methods for actors. Participants move through a series of exercises focussed on the very basics of truthful acting. Students of the Meisner technique come away with a stronger understanding of themselves, gain more confidence in self-expression, and strengthen the ability to form connections with others.
Visit 
http://actorium.ca/intro-to-meisner-workshop/ to register or call 604-445-7751 for more information.

UPCOMING EVENTS
MOTION PICTURE AND NEW MEDIA EXPO
November 4
At Career Expo 2015 established professionals, Industry crew, students and newcomers alike can gather information about everything from career paths, to services, facilities, new technologies, and training offerings. Speak to the many Industry representatives who will be on hand to answer your questions, and learn more about what opportunities this dynamic Industry has to offer.

VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
November 5-8
VAFF 2015 asks, “What’s Your Role [in your community]?” with a lineup that invites us to examine the complications within the search for personal and cultural identity. The festival’s nine film programs include 37 feature-length and short films of all genres.

VANCOUVER JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
November 5-12
Every year VJFF strives to bring you a most entertaining and intriguing experience!  The 2015 Film Festival will be presenting: guest filmmakers, directors, writers, producers, panel discussions, and a special screening in honour of the late Peter Oberlander.

COLD READING SERIES
November 9
Building on the success of the summer series, the CRS will continue straight through the rest of the year. CRS is Vancouver’s longest running live script reading event. Its purpose is to support local creativity, give writers a place to test their new works live, and give actors a chance to hone their craft while supporting local writers.

PUSH INTERNATIONAL PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL 2016 PROGRAM LAUNCH PARTY
November 9
The Launch Party marks the start of celebrations leading up to the 12th annual PuSh Festival, which takes place January 19 to February 7, 2016 in venues across Vancouver.

WHERE THERE’S SMOKE… AN ENCOUNTER WITH WILLIAM B. DAVIS
November 15
Join us as William B. Davis discusses his career, reads from excerpts from his book, and answers audience questions. There may even be a few insights about the highly anticipated return of The X-Files!!

EUROPEAN UNION FILM FESTIVAL
November 27 - December 9
Our annual showcase of acclaimed new films from across greater Europe. Each EU country has carte blanche to choose the film that will represent them. Together, their selections make for a lively, provocative, stimulating, and entertaining state-of-the-Union celebration of the diversity, dynamism, and accomplishment of contemporary European filmmaking.
Vancouver Actor's Guide
info@vancouveractorsguide.com
www.vancouveractorsguide.com
Thanks to
Biz Studio