HALLMARK SOCIAL MEDIA POST SPARKS BACKLASH OVER LACK OF DIVERSITY IN VANCOUVER FILM INDUSTRY
A social media post by the Hallmark Channel in support of the Black Lives Matter movement has a triggered growing backlash from members of Vancouver’s film industry. Many are calling the message “hypocritical” amidst allegations the company’s productions suffer from a lack of diversity. https://globalnews.ca/news/7063048/hallmark-channel-vancouver-film-industry-diversity/
INTERVIEW WITH FIRST FILM PRODUCER BACK TO WORK IN VANCOUVER
Tracking Board caught up with independent film producer Ryan M. Murphy who just got back to Vancouver to commence two film productions, and he updates us on the re-opening process so far in the wake of COVID19 pandemic. https://www.tracking-board.com/interview-with-first-film-producer-back-to-work-in-vancouver/
OMARI NEWTON: WELCOME TO THE WHITE-WAKENING
The White-Wakening can be characterized as a sudden increase in public displays of wokeness and solidarity to Black folk. Finally, anti-Black racism is being acknowledged and confronted on all fronts! Black people have the microphone, and white people are willing to listen! Before we lose you again, here are some tips on how to be an effective ally. https://www.yvrscreenscene.com/home/2020/6/9/omari-newton-welcome-to-the-white-wakening
BANFF CENTRE PERMANENTLY LAYS OFF 284 STAFF, CANCELS IN-PERSON CLASSES
The education institution in the Alberta mountain park town has struggled financially during the pandemic. Its conferences and hospitality service business dried up — 40 per cent of the centre's revenue — as the provincial government rolled out physical distancing restrictions to limited the spread of COVID-19. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/banff-centre-layoffs-1.5608671
CANADIAN CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS HAVE SILENCED BLACK VOICES FOR YEARS. CAN WE WRITE A NEW CHAPTER?
Here are four moments from history where members of the Black community attempted to challenge anti-Black racism. In each instance, the institutional backlash was swift and substantial. By examining these case studies, I hope we can better defend and support those who are bravely continuing the legacy of speaking truth to power today. https://www.cbc.ca/arts/canadian-cultural-institutions-have-silenced-black-voices-for-years-can-we-write-a-new-chapter-1.5600064
AN OPEN LETTER SIGNED BY LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA, VIOLA DAVIS AND HUNDREDS MORE SLAMS RACISM IN THE THEATER INDUSTRY
“We have watched you exploit us, shame us, diminish us, and exclude us. We see you. We have always seen you,” the letter reads. “And now you will see us.” https://time.com/5850553/open-letter-racism-theater-industry/
PANDEMIC PRODUCTION INCLUDES BIG ADJUSTMENT FOR ACTORS ON-SET AND IN CASTING
Over 80 days after film and television production was indefinitely paused to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, entertainment unions and leaders have submitted a guidebook for New York and California states outlining industry standards for safe reopening. https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/pandemic-production-includes-big-adjustment-for-actors-on-set-an-70888/
ACTING AFTER COVID-19 LOCKDOWN: WHAT DO WE KNOW?
Although it’s part of a performer’s mental arsenal to roll with the punches, the pandemic is a pretty tough right-hook in the mouth of the performing arts. Here’s what we know – and what we don’t yet know – about life in the performance industry across theatre, cinema, and television as the world tackles the aftermath of the COVID-19 shutdown. https://www.backstage.com/uk/magazine/article/acting-after-covid-19-lockdown-70880/
RED FLAGS TO LOOK FOR BEFORE SIGNING ON TO AN INDIE
Having cast and produced many, many film projects over the years, I’ve had a lot of experience—and I’ve seen everything from the good to the bad to the ugly. From the audition process all the way through your on-set experience, you’ve got to keep your eyes open for red flags that risk derailing the project or even yourself. https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/casting-director-indie-film-red-flags-acting-advice-70899/
UPCOMING TRAINING
DIALECT COACHING - TONY ALCANTAR
Hollywood producers trust Tony with their stars: Oscar winners Mel Gibson, Halle Berry, Billy Bob Thornton, Emmy winner Martin Freeman plus A-listers Sam Rockwell, Vince Vaughn, Joel Edgerton, Bob Odenkirk, Nathan Fillion, Stellan Skarsgard and MANY MORE. You can trust him too.
* Tony is Vancouver's #1 dialect coach recommended by agents and casting directors. Learn with confidence the most requested accents and dialects for the Vancouver market.
Book that role!
Contact: 604-418-1192, info@tonyalcantardialect.com, www.tonyalcantar.com
ROGUES WEST ACTORS STUDIO - ROGUE ON! ONLINE CLASSES
Discover the e-connection groove – Rogues West classes are on online!
In our June session, choose from MEISNER, FILM, and SCENE WORK. Experience e-connectivity and enhance your training with new online skills! Email us to audit for free.
Connect with us as we navigate these challenging times while maintaining relationship to our community. rogueswest@gmail.com | www.rogueswest.ca
AN INTIMATE AND INSPIRATIONAL EVENING WITH LARRY MOSS
Our Vancouver acting community is incredibly excited and inspired to welcome Larry Moss for a two hour talk June 17 from 5-7pm. This industry giant has coached a roster of A-list actors that include: Leonard DiCaprio, Helen Hunt, Jim Carey, Hillary Swank, Tobey McGuire, Hank Azaria and many more.
Fees: $35 GST included | Webinar via Zoom
Sign up for this special event! https://actorvanstudios.com/product/an-intimate-and-inspirational-evening-with-mr-larry-moss/
BIZ STUDIO: ONLINE PROFESSIONAL FILM+TV ACTING CLASSES FOR KIDS+TEENS
Biz Studio has a seventeen-year track record of training young actors who work regularly in film and television.
Classes are like small-group personal training, and take a maximum of six students so that instructors can work with each actor to give them what they need. This is the place for young actors ready to take their work to the next level! http://www.bizstudio.ca/classes
UPCOMING EVENTS
E-VOLVER FESTIVAL
June 18-27
Premiering a series of nine performances – by local and national emerging to mid career solo performers and interdisciplinary companies – the series will expressly reflect on the time we are living in now.
After weeks of careful consideration and consultation with a variety of partners, the DOXA team has decided to launch an online edition of the festival. The online festival will feature over 64 films (shorts and features) from across Canada and around the world streaming online, as well as special live events.
INDIAN SUMMER FESTIVAL
ongoing until July 18
To all of us at Indian Summer, the festival really is a model for the kind of society we’d like to see. A society that is creative, diverse, inclusive and innovative. As the world builds more and more walls and as societies get suspicious and afraid of people who don’t look like them and think like them, we believe in the transformative power of the arts and the festival is our way of reaffirming these beliefs. https://www.indiansummerfest.ca
