US 

CONNECTING MEMBERS - CAM WOYKIN - FREDERICTON

Cam Woykin is a Toronto-based artist and educator, and currently teaches film production at the University of New Brunswick.

He received his BFA in visual arts from the University of Lethbridge, an MFA in film production from York University and, in 2011, was recognized by the Toronto International Film Festival as one of Canada’s emerging talents in film. His creative work has been exhibited at festivals, galleries, and alternative spaces across Canada and internationally.

Woykin's recent collaboration is The Stairs, a feature documentary he contributed to as cinematographer. The project recently won the Rogers Best Canadian Film Award, Canada’s richest arts prize, which is presented annually by the Toronto Film Critics Association.

Cam is teaching a directing workshop through the Film Co-op workshop program this year in the Fredericton workshop lineup, check it out and register today: http://nbfilmcoop.com/workshops/directing

PAYPAL LINKS ARE UP FOR NBFC MEMBERSHIP AND RENEWALS FOR 2017 

It's time to renew your co-op membership for 2017, renewals are due annually in January for ongoing members. If you email Cat to ask for her help with anything filmic, the first thing she will ask you to do is renew as her focus is the co-op members in good standing. The paypal links for memberships for 2017 are up on the co-op website - http://nbfilmcoop.com/joining

Renewed and New Members: Lance Blakney, Jesse Anthony, Will Dunnett (Fredericton), Danny Thebeau (Dieppe)

From the NB Film Co-op Film Vault - Award winning filmmaker Bunthivy Nou on the drums at a Film Co-op Christmas party in 2010 (Photo by Jeff Picka)

BUZZ

PINK LOBSTER LGBTQIA+ FILM FESTIVAL!

This month, Fredericton becomes home to a new LGBTQIA+ film festival, the Pink Lobster Film Festival, featuring films from around the world over three nights, February 16th to 18th at the Tilley Hall Theatre on the University of New Brunswick Campus. 

The festival features films on LGBTQIA+ themes from India, Hong Kong, the UK, Australia, Sweden and several other countries. The festival also features shorts by local filmmakers: Lucas Crawford’s “Elephant in the Room,” Victoria Clowater and AJ Ripley’s “Babes,” Elijah Matheson’s “Daisy Chain” (a film made during 2016’s 48 Hour Film Competition) and Robert Gray’s “3 Cafés.”

The idea for the festival came from filmmaker and UNB professor Robert Gray who in 2016 was at LGBTQ film festivals in Europe and North America screening two of his recent short films: “I was at all these film festivals seeing so many great films that I wanted to share with filmmakers and people back home in New Brunswick. We’re hoping this will bring out LGBTQIA+ communities, supporters and people who love film and give them a little break from Winter.” 

Gray and his collaborators Jon Dewar and Matt Rogers created the festival through Frictive Projects, an education and community development aspect of their Frictive Pictures film production company. Pink Lobster joins the 48 Hour Film Competition and the What’s Up Doc? high school documentary film-making program as events run by the trio. 

The New Brunswick Film Co-op is the key collaborator for this festival. According to Gray: “when I brought this idea to Tony Merzetti and Cat LeBlanc at the Film Co-op, they were so excited to help us make it become a reality. This wouldn’t happen without their support. This new festival carries on the NB Film Co-op’s long history of bringing in films from all over the world to local audiences.” 

Gray also sought help from several key festivals for helping with programming: “The prestigious Iris Festival in Cardiff was a huge help, and also Inside Out in Toronto, Cinema Spectacular in Vancouver, and the SENE Festival in Providence.” The City of Fredericton, University of New Brunswick, the Iris Prize Festival (UK) are key sponsors.

For its first year, the festival will run three nights from February 16th to 18th at the Tilly Hall Theatre at UNB. Each night features a program of short films from around the world at 7:00PM and then a feature film at 9:00PM. Tickets are $7 for individual screenings or $20 for a festival pass. 

The Pink Lobster Festival’s Facebook and Twitter accounts will be announcing a film from the schedule each day, for those who are curious.

https://www.facebook.com/pinklobsterfilmfest/

https://twitter.com/pinklobsterfilm

festival passes online:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pink-lobster-lgbtqia-film-festival-tickets-3...

2017 SHORT FILM VENTURE CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

FREDERICTON - 4 talented New Brunswick filmmakers could be able to launch a career in film through the Short Film Venture Program offered by the New Brunswick Filmmakers’ Co-operative and Department of Tourism, Heritage, and Culture

The deadline for program applications is March 3, 2017, and final recipients will be notified on May 12, 2017.

"Through this program, we are supporting emerging New Brunswick filmmakers who have a serious interest in telling excellent stories," NB Film Co-op ED Tony Merzetti said. "If you are a NB director with a great short script, the best way to make a name for yourself in Canada is with a great short film. It's like having a calling card of your work to showcase your talent to the world.”

The program offers up to $4,000 for digital projects and $6,000 for celluloid-based projects to successful applicants to assist in their production of a short film. The proposed film must be 10 minutes or less in running time and dramatic in nature. Comedies are accepted as well. Experimental, animated or documentary films will not be considered.

In addition to the Short Film Venture funding offered, selected candidates also have the opportunity to train and mentor through the New Brunswick Film Co-op and are required to take workshops through their annual program which takes place in Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton. As well, Short Film Venture productions will receive special consideration for a screening at the annual Silver Wave Film Festival.

Completed applications will be submitted to a jury, and up to four projects will be selected. The selected applicants must complete their productions by March 31, 2018.

Please go to the Co-op website to download the applications forms at: http://nbfilmcoop.com/programs/short-film-venture-program

NB FILM CO-OP WORKSHOPS ACROSS NEW BRUNSWICK

Check out all our workshops: http://nbfilmcoop.com/workshops

(there is a paypal link on each workshop page title you click on to register for each workshop, see below).

Through this annual provincial training programme coordinated by the NB Film Co-op, you can learn from qualified, specialized instructors.

By participating, you acquire new, incredibly interesting skills, and enjoy the camaraderie of the film community in New Brunswick.

The NB Film Co-op workshop series provides hands-on practical film and video training for members and non-members alike. Formally registering and paying in advance is the only way to ensure you will have a seat in any of the offered courses. Register in person at the NB Film Co-op (call or email to make an appointment first please!) (Cash, Cheque or Money Order) or by mail (Cheques and Money Orders only). Pay Pal is now an option as well. There are always limited spots available for all workshops so please call or email staff to see if there are available spots before you send your payment. You can put your name on the waiting list for workshops already full. 

Workshops and Courses

The Majority of the workshops are held at the NB Film Co-op at 732 Charlotte Street, Fredericton, NB beginning in early February annually. Instructors and workshop times are subject to change. There are separate workshop programs and schedules for workshops happening in Moncton and Saint John beginning in March annually. All participants will be notified by email/telephone of any changes with the workshop for which they have registered. For all day workshops, we recommend that you bring your own lunch.

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FREDERICTON - HOW TO WRITE AND DIRECT A SHORT FILM

Workshop Page: http://nbfilmcoop.com/workshops/how-write-and-direct-short-film

(Intro – Theory)

Date: February 22, Wednesday, 6 pm – 10 pm 

Location: New Brunswick Film Co-op, basement resource centre, 732 Charlotte Street, Fredericton 

Fee: Fee: $25 For Film Co-op Members/$35 For Non-Members

Class Limit: 8

(Film Co-op Members are required to take this workshop before they direct/produce their own projects through the Film Co-op)

Workshop Instructor Paul Erskine

Workshop Description:

This workshop will teach you the essentials of short filmmaking. Topics to be covered will include screenwriting, pre-production (costs/budgets/financing, gear, casting, essential crew, locations), cinematography, how to direct, capturing good audio, editing and post-production. 

The workshop will include filmmaking videos and clips from award winning short films.

All participants will be provided a 10+ page workshop guide.

Instructor's Biography:

Paul Erskine is an award winning Director, DOP and screenwriter.  He has directed six shorts, produced nine and been the DOP on ten.  His shorts have screened at over forty festivals in Canada and internationally including Silver Wave, Canada International Film Festival, Toronto Short Film Festival, SoCal Film Festival and Los Angeles Cinefest. 

He is also an avid screenwriter having penned six feature screenplays and numerous shorts. His latest screenplay placed in the top 1% of the Nicholl Fellowship screenwriting contest run by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 

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FREDERICTON - SHOOTING AND EDITING A SCENE AFTER BREAKING IT DOWN

Workshop Page: http://nbfilmcoop.com/workshops/shooting-and-editing-scene-after-breakin...

Date: Saturday, March 11, 2017 - 11:00am to 6:00pm

Fee: Film Co-op Members: $45.00/Non-Members: $55.00

Class Limit: 6

Workshop Instructor: Matt Carr

Location: New Brunswick Film Co-op, basement resource centre, 732 Charlotte Street, Fredericton 

Workshop Description:

Okay, you've finally got your script set. Now all you need to do now is painstakingly go through it piece by piece to get it ready for production.

Script breakdowns are no joke; they are a tedious, detailed, daunting task. You have to comb through each page looking for elements that are important for scheduling, budgeting, and pretty much anything else that you'll need to prepare for the project. So -- where do you start? What do you look for?

In this hands on lab, the instructor will take you through the process of breaking down a small scene and then the participants will get to shoot and edit it.

Instructor's Biography:

Matt Carr is a graduate of the Digital Filmmaking program at daVinci College and is an experienced creative editor and camera person comfortable in both the independent and commercial film and television sector. Matt has helped out on multiple productions since graduating.

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FREDERICTON - PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT AND THE AD ON SET

Workshop Page: http://nbfilmcoop.com/workshops/production-management-ad-set

Date: Tuesday, March 14, 2017 - 6:00pm to 10:00pm

Fee: Film Co-op Members: $25.00/Non-Members: $35.00

Class Limit: 8

Workshop Instructor: Victoria Clowater

Location: New Brunswick Film Co-op, basement resource centre, 732 Charlotte Street, Fredericton 

Workshop Description:

The production manager on an independent production wears many hats in contrast to a commercial production. This workshop will cover: being hired as a volunteer PM, budgeting and breakdowns; setting up the production office where ever that may be; hiring volunteer crew with the director; workspace organization; production scheduling; locations, daily production reports; location management; petty cash; deal memos; cast contracts, craft services and much, much more!

First ADs must be authoritative team-leaders and motivators, whilst also being approachable team players. They need exceptional organizational and time-management skills. The ability to plan ahead, trouble-shoot and pay close attention to detail is vital. Overall, they provide the key link between the Director, the cast and the crew, whilst also liaising with the production office, and providing regular progress reports about the shoot.

Instructor's Biography:

Victoria first joined the Co-op in 2011, and has been able to work on a variety of projects, from short films to independent features, television productions, and more. Among the NBFC community, she has produced and production managed a number of short films, including the CBC 3-2-1 award-winning The Art of Decay (directed by Jillian Acreman), the winner of the NB Joy Award, Chopsticks (directed by Britany Sparrow), and zack & luc, winner for Best Short at the 2014 Silver Wave Film Festival. Most recently, Victoria directed and produced the queer comedy web series, Babes, which is now available on YouTube.

NBFC MONDAY NIGHT FILM SERIES SCHEDULE: JANUARY - APRIL, 2017

We have launched the programme for the Monday Night Film Series (January - April 2017) on our website. Our next film is below.

Please check out all the details at: http://nbfilmcoop.com/exhibition/monday-night-film-series 

We have print programmes and posters available at Tilley Hall.

Tony, Cat and John

MOONLIGHT

February 20, 2017, 7:30pm, Tilley Hall, UNB Campus

Director: Barry Jenkins

USA, 2016

English,

110 minutes

Principal Cast: Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Trevante Rhodes, André Holland, Janelle Monáe

The second feature from acclaimed writer-director Barry Jenkins (Medicine for Melancholy) is an impeccably crafted study of African-American masculinity that follows its young protagonist from childhood to adulthood as he navigates the dangers of homophobia, drugs, and violence.

Though his story begins in late-1980s Miami, Jenkins shuns the familiar neon-lit hot spots in favour of a neglected neighbourhood caught in the throes of a crack epidemic. Here we meet young Chiron. Bullied at school and beaten down by a harsh home life, Chiron finds solace and comfort in the love and pride promoted by his surrogate parents. Despite his small stature and taciturn nature, Chiron is a survivor, and, as he grows, it becomes clear that his real battle isn’t even on the streets. It’s an internal one: reckoning with his complex love for his best friend.

Presented in three acts, Moonlight takes Chiron from childhood to his teens to adulthood, but defies coming-of-age conventions. Instead, Jenkins immerses us in an atmospheric subjectivity, an impressionistic vision of Chiron’s psyche in which sensuality, pain, and unhealed wounds take centre stage with staggering power. Anchored by an unforgettable performance by emerging talent Trevante Rhodes (as the older Chiron), Moonlight explores the profoundly human need to feel connected, while remaining firmly grounded in a specific understanding of African-American experience.

Barry Jenkins’ vital portrait of a South Florida youth revisits the character at three stages in his life, offering rich insights into the contemporary African-American experience. —Peter Debruge, Variety

This term, 14 limited release, independent foreign & Canadian films will be shown. The film series is open to everyone. Regular admission is $7.00 / Member’s admission is $4.00. Jan-April Memberships are $20 (regular), and $12 (Students/Seniors (65 years and up)/NBFC Members). Memberships available at the door.

For further info, contact NB Film Co-op 455-1632  info@nbfilmcoop.com 

http://www.nbfilmcoop.com/exhibition/monday-night-film-series

The NB Film Co-op in partnership with the UNB Faculty of Arts and the Toronto Film Festival presents the series.

WOMEN MAKING WAVES 2017 PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS!

Check out all the latest news in WIFT-AT's source for all filmy news: Tidings!: http://www.wift-at.com/tidings

Chocolate Lake Hotel – can you think of a better place to launch Women in Film and Television-Atlantic’s (WIFT-AT) 7th annual Women Making Waves (WMW) conference?  

WIFT-AT’s flagship event supports and celebrates women in the film and television industry across Atlantic Canada and beyond.  WMW connects attendees to industry expertise providing delegates with exclusive access to insider knowledge, insight and inspiration.  WMW 2017 raises the bar with its dynamic lineup of professional development sessions, celebrations and networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers, shining a spotlight on the theme of equality, diversity and inclusivity, on and off the screen and throughout the program. 

In advance of Friday night WMW Reception Launch at our Chocolate Lake host hotel — just 5km from downtown, we’re continuing the tradition of offering a series of intensive workshops – only this year we’ve increased the offer to 4 x 4-hour workshops!  Producing, Directing, Editing, and Distribution — the whole cycle of filmmaking!

Open to a select number of applicants (apply soon!), Cathy Gulkin (Guantanamo's Child: Omar Khadr, Forbidden Love: The Unashamed Stories of Lesbian Lives, My Millennial Life) will lead the Editing Workshop and take participants through the beats of a documentary film’s life cycle.  Differing documentary genres call for different editing techniques, whether verité docs, historical docs, performance and arts docs, biographies or nature docs.  Explore the techniques and workflow strategies Cathy has employed over the years as well as solutions to both common and uncommon editing predicaments. 

Robin Smith (President, Kinosmith) leads the Distribution Workshop.  Methods of distribution are rapidly evolving, merging traditional and new models of distribution in this ever-changing landscape.  Robin Smith has worked in the Canadian distribution for over 20 years and will explore financing, going to market, and understanding sales options – essential information for filmmakers navigating the world of sales and distribution. 

Newfoundland director, Jordan Canning, will lead the Directors Workshop. Jordan’s award-winning work demonstrates an enviable versatility across genres and platforms, from Countdown to Space Riders: Division Earth to We Were Wolves and Suck It Up, plus acclaimed shows on Canadian television — Republic of Doyle and (the first woman to direct!) This Hour Has 22 Minutes. Jordan will explore 'the director’s journey’, covering the entire process of directing feature film Suck It Up, from script to screen, from concept to completion.  

We’re just finalizing the plans for the Producers Workshop.  Stay tuned as details will be announced very soon! 

The 4 intensive and interactive workshops lead into WMW’s celebratory reception.  Everyone in the screen industry is invited to WMW’s Opening Night Reception to connect with those you haven’t seen since before the holiday break, or since last year's Women Making Waves!  And of course there’s the chance to connect with new faces too.  An added bonus this year, thanks to our partnership with Women in Music, is the mesmerizing rock/blues artist Christine Campbell who will join us to set the tone for the weekend of celebration.

The Opening Night Reception leads right into another first for WMW — a screening of Short Animation Films by women.  As well, for the first time, WIFT-AT will present a range of animation-focused sessions including an Interactive Arcade and on Saturday, March 4th, an Innovation in Animations presentation featuring Maral Mohammadian, National Film Board animation studio producer, as well as key experts from DHX Media, an Animation Workshop for emerging filmmakers will be co-presented by Carbon Arc and led by the animated jill-of-all-trades Lynn Wilton, who actually started out as an institutional/healthcare designer (Talk about diversity!).

Saturday, March 4th, kicks off at King’s College with our annual Spotlight Conversation – this year we feature award-winning force of nature Jen Holness, producer and co-creator of Shoot the Messenger.  Jen will also lead a Case Study of Shoot the Messenger that afternoon, sharing her ‘behind the scenes’ in the creation, development details, story decisions, lessons learned, and the inspiration that keeps her going. 

The Documentary: Drawing the Line panel delves into the considerations every documentary filmmaker must deliberate upon: How far is too far? How does the filmmaker gain subjects' trust while retaining the creative freedom to shape the work into an honest, powerful narrative story?  Those joining the panel include Donna Davies (Nightmare Factory), Min Sook Lee (Migrant Dreams), Cathy Gulkin (Guantanamo’s Child: Omar Khadr), moderated by distributor Robin Smith.

Our Saturday Luncheon features a special address from the Honourable Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard, the first African Nova Scotian woman to serve in the Senate Chamber.  Delegates will also have the chance to join Round Tables with conference guests and funders/stakeholders for more networking.

Saturday afternoon, Pitch This: The New Normal offers five WIFT-AT members the chance to present a five-minute pitch of their short film concept before a selection committee of industry experts, and a live audience, for valuable feedback and a chance to win the pitch prize package including production services and cash!  In keeping with the conference theme, each pitch needs to measurably incorporate equality, diversity or inclusivity as integral to their project, deadline February 10th! 

Saturday night, the conference returns to Chocolate Lake for our WMW Silent Auction, Cocktails with music by Erin Costello, also courtesy of Women in Music, and famous Indian Buffet Dinner.  It’s the perfect time to relax, reconnect, and bid on terrific gifts and services (including impressive production packages!) from our generous sponsors.  Silent Auction proceeds go toward supporting the WIFT-AT programs including the one-of-a-kind All Access Pass Award, an award open to deserving female members working in the screen-based media.  Past winners include Ashley Mackenzie, Sarah Campbell, Jenna Marks and Stephanie Clattenburg.

And, happily, all if this leads into our fabulous 902Post Party with wall to wall conversation, drinks, and just the right appetizers to finish off the evening. 

Our Sunday Brunch Conversation Guest is director/writer of Werewolf, Ashley McKenzie — a stimulating discussion showcasing a successful Atlantic filmmaker and inspiring lead into the celebratory WAVE Awards, a one-of-a-kind honour saluting women for their accomplishments and contributions to the screen industry.  Do you know a woman who should be recognized?  Nominate them for a WAVE award today!  Deadline January 27th.  More info at www.womenmakingwaves.ca   

Best Western Chocolate Hotel, Women Making Waves, March 3-5 — mark it in your calendar right now.  Don’t miss a chance to learn from leading industry experts, connect with colleagues, advance your career, be inspired, and win!  Catch the wave and elevate your career to the next level!  

For more information and to register go to www.womenmakingwaves.ca