Vancouver Actor's Guide Newsletter - September 6 2021
Published: Mon, 09/06/21
INDUSTRY NEWS
14 MOVIES AND TV SHOWS FILMING IN VANCOUVER IN SEPTEMBER
Pumpkin spice and everything nice! As summer comes to an end, few things are better than hitting the streets of your hometown and realizing your favourite TV show or a new movie is filming right here in beautiful British Columbia. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/movies-tv-shows-filming-in-vancouver-in-september
CANADIAN ‘RESERVATION DOGS’ STAR ON INCREASING INDIGENOUS REPRESENTATION IN THE U.S.
Five years ago, Canadian actor D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai never would’ve expected to see a series like “Reservation Dogs” south of the border. But with it and several other Indigenous-led projects finally getting bigger platforms in the United States, change is afoot when it comes to such mainstream Hollywood representation. https://www.bclocalnews.com/entertainment/canadian-reservation-dogs-star-on-increasing-indigenous-representation-in-the-u-s/
'HALIFORNIA' DREAMING: HOW NOVA SCOTIA'S FILM SECTOR RETURNED TO LIFE AFTER LOSING ITS TAX CREDIT
In 2015, when the Nova Scotia government terminated its long-standing film industry tax credit, local filmmakers, crew members and executives believed it would be a death sentence for their previously reliable sector. But just six years later, "Halifornia" — named for Halifax's fledgling Hollywood reputation — is booming. https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/nova-scotia-film-industry-boom-1.6156361
‘KIM’S CONVENIENCE’ STAR JEAN YOON TALKS INDUSTRY RACISM, “COMEDY OF HUMILIATION”
Addressing structural barriers to Asian Canadians advancing in their country’s entertainment industry, Yoon argued change would only follow awareness by White Canadian gatekeepers. “As Asians in the film community, we know our industry doesn’t believe it’s racist, the Canadian film and TV industry really doesn’t believe it because they mean well.” https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/kims-convenience-star-jean-yoon-industry-racism-1235007521/
CANDYMAN: HORROR REBOOT DIRECTOR NIA DACOSTA MAKES US BOX OFFICE HISTORY
Candyman director Nia DaCosta has made history by becoming the first black woman to have a film open at number one on the North American box office chart. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-58394806
SAG-AFTRA SPLIT DECISION: FRAN DRESCHER ELECTED PRESIDENT, BUT RIVAL PARTY’S JOELY FISHER ELECTED SECRETARY-TREASURER
Fran Drescher has been elected president of SAG-AFTRA and, in a split decision, her opponent’s running mate, Joely Fisher, has been elected national secretary-treasurer. Drescher defeated Matthew Modine, who was making his second bid for the presidency, but her running mate, Anthony Rapp, lost to Fisher. https://deadline.com/2021/09/fran-drescher-elected-president-sag-aftra-rival-partys-joely-fisher-elected-secretary-treasurer-1234825707/
POLISHING YOUR COMEDY: TIPS AND TRICKS FOR EFFECTIVE BITS
To some of us, comedy comes naturally. Certain actors have an ear for it, much like some people have perfect pitch. But that doesn’t mean technique can’t be honed and refined, nor does it mean those who lack comedic intuition won’t benefit from study, direction and practice. https://www.castingnetworks.com/news/polishing-your-comedy-tips-and-tricks-for-effective-bits/
ACTORS WHO'VE STAYED LOYAL TO THEIR AGENTS
Switching agents is just a part of the entertainment industry grind. No harm, no foul. However, for some actors, remaining loyal to an early-days agent is just the right choice for them.
Focus on your craft, brand, and artistic identity, Perlman advises. “Putting out the work is everything, keep staying focused on that. And you will find the team that is meant to be helping you on your journey.”
RAILTOWN ACTORS STUDIO | FALL CLASSES
* Acting on Film classes with John Cassini and Brian Markinson
* Scene Study classes with Edward Foy, Frank Cassini, Jennifer Copping and Brian Markinson
* Actors Instrument work with Edward Foy.
* Script Analysis on Zoom with Jenn MacLean-Angus
Details for all Classes: www.railtownactors.com/classes
Are you new to us? Click here: www.railtownactors.com/interview
We look forward to hearing from you!
THE DRAMA CLASS: PUBLICITY & MEDIA TRAINING WORKSHOP
Award-winning film and television industry journalist Sabrina Rani Furminger will break down the fundamentals of media relations for actors. Sabrina will define key terms, discuss the pros and cons of pursuing media attention, provide how-to’s and what-not-to-do’s, and pull back the curtain on the world of media relations. Actors will leave the workshop with the tools they'll need to craft effective marketing and publicity strategies – and make informed decisions – moving forward.
Running September 18th, 10am-12pm via zoom.
Class details: www.thedramaclass.com/workshops
Start some drama: www.thedramaclass.com
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
ROGUES WEST ACTORS STUDIO
With studios in Vancouver and Calgary, the Rogues name is synonymous with the highest calibre of training and we have been training and mentoring actors for over 25 years. The online platform has proven to be a powerful and dynamic medium for developing relationship, character and creating complex human performances. Our next session of in-studio and online classes for Young Adults, Film, Meisner and Scene Work starts soon – email us for more info and book your intro meeting with Christiane
Hirt! rogueswest@gmail.com | www.rogueswest.ca
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
TRICITIES FILM STUDIO CLASSES START SEPT 11TH-16TH
In Studio & Online
The top film training studio in the suburbs, come see why casting and agents alike are sending students to train with us! On-Camera & Scene Work classes year-round, a professional taping studio open 7 days a week & audition coachings in person or online with working actors who love to help actors work!
REGISTER NOW (all ages) Sept-Dec (*No Classes on Long Weekends)
* Kids: (7-9 / 10-14) https://tricitiesfilmstudio.com/kids-classes
* Teens: (14-17) https://tricitiesfilmstudio.com/teen-classes
* Adults: (18+) https://tricitiesfilmstudio.com/adult-classes
PLUS: a New Adult Meisner Technique Class w/ Stacie Harrison!
THE DRAMA CLASS: COSTUMING BASICS FOR ACTORS - ADULTS WORKSHOP
Costume Designer Shanna Mair will give students the tools they need to help understand the characters they will audition for and play in productions. Understanding why costumes are important is a big part of creating memorable characters. Not only will actors feel more confident knowing the costuming process on set, but these tools will help actors build a closet for auditioning. Learn how the costume department works with actors to create amazing characters!
Running September 18th, 10am-12pm via zoom.
Class details: www.thedramaclass.com/workshops
Start some drama: www.thedramaclass.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
COLD READING SERIES
September 13
Vancouver's Original Cold Reading Series, in its 27th year! Join us as we present a live reading of the psycho-thriller pilot 'Incursion' part 2 by Nathan Smith. Actors, please submit your slate to be cast! No Rehearsals, This is Live!
FESTIVAL OF RECORDED MOVEMENT
September 13 - 18
We'll be sharing 20 short films from around the world, screening 9 world premiere short films from our 2021 Commissioned Artists, and offering artist talks, workshops, technology and interaction, and our signature FORMations filmmaking jam. https://www.f-o-r-m.ca
TRANSFORM CABARET FESTIVAL
September 23 - October 2
This year, our artists will be taking over our stages for seven explosive days of bold, uncompromising, political, and interactive performances all created for a digital experience you won’t want to miss! https://transformcabaret.com
At Production Heads Network Inc, we acknowledge that our company is based on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples, the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
