US 

FILM DIARY - TRACEY LAVIGNE, FREDERICTON

"Glitter" is a very personal story for me, about queer identity and coming of age. I grew up very much in the closet in a small town. I got to imagining what high school might have been like for me and my best friend if we had been born a little bit later or felt safer to be ourselves. Winning the Jane LeBlanc Filmmaker Award for an early version of the script gave me the confidence boost I needed to push forward with the project. Since then the story has changed a lot through several iterations, thanks to the input of story editor Rob Gray and several other filmmaker friends who all later came to be integral members of the crew. 

Filmmaking is a team sport and this has been particularly true for "Glitter". I have been fortunate that some very talented filmmakers and NBFC veterans were willing to take on this project and help guide me along the way, and I leaned on them heavily at times in my first outing as a director. Jon and Annick Blizzard came on board very early on as producers and were instrumental in getting the project off the ground. Britany Sparrow and Jillian Acreman went above and beyond the call of duty as first ADs. The amazing Ashley Phinney started out helping with production design and then stepped in as DOP. Cat LeBlanc helped find crew and leads on locations, and provided the occasional pep talk and other guidance.

Big setup at CSAC for Glitter

We took six days to shoot this 14 page script, with many challenges along the way: multiple locations, big scenes involving many extras, racing against the weather for exterior scenes, lost gear, running over time. My volunteer cast and crew endured it all while keeping us on track and putting in maximum effort. Our young cast consistently turned in compelling performances take after take well after everyone started getting tired. One of the most fulfilling parts of the whole adventure was seeing what the cast did with the material to add their own sensitivity to it. It was a whirlwind of an experience, equal parts stress and excitement, and I can't wait to be able to screen the finished product.

Being a period high school drama, Glitter presented big challenges in terms of casting, locations, and wardrobe. I had a very small budget to work with so I knew we were going to have to get creative with it. Luckily we found people in the community who were so supportive when they heard we were making a movie. Bellwether Clothing came on early on as a partner and has been with us all along the way collaborating on wardrobe and providing vintage pieces for cast and extras, as well as serving as a shooting location. The Hospice Boutique very graciously lent several key prom wear pieces. Crew and family members were eager to help by lending period set dec items. Centre communautaire Sainte-Anne was extremely accommodating in providing locations and putting out the call for extras. Robert Simmonds let us take over their front window display for a day to shoot a scene there.

This project would never have been possible without the contribution of so many people inside and outside the NBFC filmmaking community. I am so grateful to everyone involved, and for the Jane LeBlanc Filmmaker Award. 

Tracey Lavigne

-----------------------------

THE JANE LEBLANC FILMMAKER AWARD

Her Song: Janey - https://soundcloud.com/catleblanc/janey

The New Brunswick Filmmakers’ Co-operative is a registered charity with a charity number as well as a non-profit and you will receive a charitable tax receipt by snail mail when you donate. Please consider donating to this very worthwhile filmmaker award. Anyone who donates will receive a charitable tax receipt and mention in the award literature.

Formerly known as the Members Give Back Award, the NB Film Co-op proudly announces the Jane LeBlanc Filmmaker Award for 2017. In honour of a woman who lived life to the fullest and courageously took action in making her dreams a reality.

A message that will hopefully inspire the winner of this award in realizing his/her dream of making films a reality.

Jane LeBlanc Filmmaker Award ($1880.00 value) (for first or second time Filmmakers)

• $200 in workshops/training from the NBFC (2018)

• $600 cash from The LeBlanc Family and generous donations

• $1000 in equipment and post services from NBFC

• $80 (full membership for two years) from the NBFC

• Workshopping of winning screenplay

Presented by the New Brunswick Filmmakers’ Co-operative & the LeBlanc Family Eligibility is open to all New Brunswick first and second time filmmakers.

DEADLINE: Submit a 4-8 page script of drama or comedy by October 23th, 2017 to info@nbfilmcoop.com

===========================

LE PRIX CINÉASTE JANE LEBLANC

Anciennement connu sous le nom "Members Give Back Award", nous sommes fiers de présenter le Prix Jane LeBlanc. En l'honneur d'une femme qui a vécu sa vie pleinement et courageusement et pris les mesures afin de réaliser ses rêves. Un message qui saura inspirer le récipient (e) de ce prix dans la réalisation d'un rêve de produire un film.

Le prix comprends:

- $600 en argent comptant

- une adhésion gratuite de 2 ans avec NBFC

- 10 ateliers de la série NBFC gratuites.

- $1000 en services de production de NBFC Mentorat avec NB Film Co-op L'admissibilité est ouverte à tous nouveaux cinéastes et cinéastes émergent vivant au Nouveau-Brunswick.

Veuillez soumettre un scénario de 4-8 pages de genre dramatique ou comédie avant le 30 octobre 2016 au courriel info@nbfilmcoop.com Le gagnant (e) sera annoncé lors de Silver Wave Film Festival (prix). 

===========================

BACKGROUND ON THE AWARD

The Jane LeBlanc Filmmaker Award sponsored by The NB Film Co-op and the LeBlanc family is in honour of NB Film Co-op Staff member Cat LeBlanc's only sister Jane who passed away in 2010 just before the Silver Wave Film Festival. Jane was a huge supporter of the NB Film Co-op and Silver Wave.

 Jane was a true adventurer who lived her life to the fullest every day. Always an entertainer she was extremely popular all through school and was a champion pitcher as a teenager. Jane studied French at Collège St- Louis in Edmundston, NB for a year and then when she was 19 years old, she flew to Paris to be a nanny. Once there, she also studied French and other subjects at University. 
After finishing her work as a nanny, she travelled all over Europe, making friends as she went. She became an excellent sailor & photographer sailing across the Atlantic. Skydiving, ballooning, extreme water rafting, she did it all. Jane came back to Miramichi, NB and took a 6 month Travel Agency Course and then traveled by land from Texas to British Columbia.

Soon after that, she moved to Fredericton and went to St. Thomas University. After graduating from STU, she went to work at NB Liquor where she remained for many years up until her illness didn't allow her to work anymore.

Jane became very ill in 1999 just before she turned 35, and was rushed to the hospital immediately; just weeks after her father had suffered a debilitating stroke. She was operated on after it was discovered she had a brain tumour. 3 brain surgeries and 11 years later after living with Cat and Tony, after her celebration of life party, she finally lost her struggle with the disease at her mother’s home surrounded by friends and family at her bedside, she had just turned 46.

This filmmaking award is in honour of a person who did it all and always kept going without a complaint. Jane was and continues to be a true source of inspiration to her family and friends and those who met her at Silver Wave. Special Thanks to Co-op member Semra Yüksel whose young filmmaker award in Jane’s memory at the 2010 Silver Wave Film Festival encouraged this idea of a special award for Jane.

===========================

INFORMATION SUR LE PRIX 

Le Prix Jane LeBlanc est commandité par NB Film Co-op et la famille LeBlanc en l'honneur de l'unique soeur, Jane de la membre et employée, Cat LeBlanc, qui est décédée en 2010, juste avant le Festival du Film Silver Wave.  Jane était une grande partisane de la NB Film Co-op et du Silver Wave.  

Jane était une vraie aventurière qui a vécu sa vie pleinement chaque jour. Bout en train, elle était extrêmement populaire tout au long de l'école et une lanceur championne étant adolescente. Jane a étudié le français à Saint-Louis, à Edmundston au N-B pendant un an et puis lorsqu'elle eu 19 ans, elle s'envola pour Paris pour devenir gouvernante. Une fois là, elle a également étudié le français et d'autres sujets à l'Université. Après avoir terminé son travail comme gouvernante, elle a voyagé partout en Europe, se faisant toujours des amis sur son chemin. Elle est devenue une excellente navigatrice et photographe en faisant de la voile à travers l'Atlantique. Parachutisme, montgolfière, rafting d'eau extrême, elle a tout fait. Jane revint à Miramichi, au Nouveau-Brunswick et pris un cours de 6 mois comme agente de voyage  et parcouru ensuite le Texas jusqu'à la Colombie-Britannique par voie terrestre.  

Peu après, elle a déménagé à Fredericton et alla à l'Université St. Thomas.  Après avoir été diplômée de STU, elle est allée travailler à Alcool NB où elle est restée pendant de nombreuses années jusqu'à ce que sa maladie ne lui permettait plus de travailler.  

Jane est devenue très malade en 1999, juste avant qu'elle ne tourne 35 ans, et a été transportée à l'hôpital immédiatement, seulement quelques semaines après que son père ait subit un grave arrêt cardiaque qui le laissa dans un état végétatif. Elle a été opérée après qu'ils aient découvert qu'elle avait une tumeur au cerveau. 3 chirurgies du cerveau et 11 ans plus tard, après avoir vécu avec Cat et Tony et après avoir célébré la fête de sa vie, elle a finalement perdu  son combat contre la maladie. C'est à la maison de sa mère, qu'elle s'éteigna entourée de ses amis et de sa famille à son chevet, elle venait d'avoir 46 ans.

Cette récompense cinématographique est en l'honneur d'une personne qui a tout fait et toujours continué, sans jamais se plaindre. Jane a été et continue d'être une véritable source d'inspiration pour sa famille et ses amis et tous ceux qui avait la chance de la rencontrer au festival Silver Wave. 

Jane est devenue très malade en 1999, juste avant qu'elle ne tourne 35 ans, et a été transportée à l'hôpital immédiatement, seulement quelques semaines après que son père ait subit un grave arrêt cardiaque qui le laissa dans un état végétatif. Elle a été opérée après qu'ils aient découvert qu'elle avait une tumeur au cerveau. 3 chirurgies du cerveau et 11 ans plus tard, après avoir vécu avec Cat et Tony et après avoir célébré la fête de sa vie, elle a finalement perdu  son combat contre la maladie. C'est à la maison de sa mère, qu'elle s'éteigna entourée de ses amis et de sa famille à son chevet, elle venait d'avoir 46 ans. Cette récompense cinématographique est en l'honneur d'une personne qui a tout fait et toujours continué, sans jamais se plaindre. Jane a été et continue d'être une véritable source d'inspiration pour sa famille et ses amis et tous ceux qui avait la chance de la rencontrer au festival Silver Wave. 

PAYPAL LINKS ARE UP FOR NBFC MEMBERSHIP AND RENEWALS FOR 2017 

Please renew your co-op membership for 2017 if you have not already (Membership renewals are due in Jan/Feb annually).

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/content/renew

Renewed and New Members: Terry Kelly (Beaver Dam), Eian Clair (Fredericton), Michael Mohan (Saint John)

BUZZ

FILM CO-OP MEMBER HAS SPONSORED SILVER WAVE FOR YEARS

"The NB Film Co-op has been a major influence on me; the people I have met through here are inspirational." Carlee Jc

Carlee Jc was hostess for the Silver Wave Film Festival Youth Screening Programme from 12 to 18 years old. She attended the NB Film Co-op Film Camps as a child and teenager and, has gone to the many workshops offered through the Co-op over the years, taking everything from screenwriting to gun wrangling. Due to this long time involvement, she knew this was the career for her.

As an adult, Carlee Jc is now a full active member of the Film Co-op and finished up a recent internship there. She plans to further her education to work in film as a festival programmer and producer. Carlee Jc is a student at the Unversity of New Brunswick. 

ERIN MCKESSOCK - BURTON MAKEUP ARTIST WANTS TO CONNECT WITH FILM COMMUNITY

New Brunswick makeup artist Erin McKessock has a skill and the desire to share it. She recently connected with the NB Film Co-op about getting her expertise out and working with others in the creative community in New Brunswick. Erin is willing to work with Film Co-op members as a volunteer to get more experience on film sets and connect with others creatives.

See attached resume: 

erin_mckessock_-_resume_-_for_nb_film_co_op.pdf

Erin's makeup work

SOLO CHICKEN PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS - THE BRIDGE - LE PONT - SOQASUWAKON

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday August 14th 2017

Who are we? Where do we come from? And where are we going?

Mark Canada’s 150 through an artistic interrogation, exploration and celebration of our past, present and future, by walking over the mighty Wolastoq via the walking bridge and take a metaphorical and literal journey through time. On Friday September 8th 2017

(Rain Date Saturday September 9th) Solo Chicken Productions in creative partnership with a multitude of community groups, organizations and artists, will use the bridge as the conduit for a multi-media exploration of our history. The bridge will become a living time tunnel through which the audience will walk, descending or ascending through our shared history.

For the past five months, Solo Chicken Productions has been working with their key artistic team; playwright Ryan Griffith, theatre artist Lisa Anne Ross and Wolastoqiyik artist Natalie Sappier as well as a huge number of artists and community members, to create works of art that explore and interrogate our history. A true community project, the bridge will be filled end to end with works created by different community groups and artists through the medium of their choice, be it music, film, dance, theatre, visual art, performance art or poetry and through their unique lens, be it personal, cultural, political or social.

COMMUNITY

A central aim of the project has been to provide space for a diverse array of voices and perspectives to be heard. To achieve this Solo Chicken Productions has been working directly with community organizations such as the Multicultural Association, NB Queer Heritage Initiative, Wilmot Church, The Stepping Stones Centre, No One is Illegal Fredericton, Connaught Street School and Evelyn Grove Manor and providing guidance, facilitators and supplies to help each group conceive and realize their project. Each project represents a unique perspective on our shared history and helps to enrich the conversation about who we are, where we come from and where we are going.

ARTISTS

The Bridge Project is honoured to be presenting the work of some incredible Fredericton artists from across disciplines, cultures and languages, who have created projects that explore and interrogate our history through a wild array of forms and perspectives. From the powerful performance art piece, ‘Unceded Red Territory’ created by St. Mary’s artist and dancer Nipahtuwet Naka Wespahtuwet Possesom to Haus of Rivers exploration of the history of drag, to Kelly Gwen Plaus ‘silent auction’ of items taken from Japanese Canadians who were interned to 'Slaves No More' by Kelli Wray and Clyde A. Wray that uses dance and poetry to examine the arrival of black loyalist settlers to NB.

Join us on the bridge to see who we are, where we come from and where we can go together!

The BRIDGE PROJECT:

Friday September 8th 2017 (Rain Date Saturday September 9th 2017)

5PM-8PM on the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge (Enter from North or South Side)

FREE (Donations Welcome) – Cyclists will be asked to dismount and walk.

Full Program Available at: www.solochickenproductions.com

SOLO CHICKEN MEDIA CONTACT:

Lisa Anne Ross – Solo Chicken Artistic Producer - lisa@solochickenproductions.com / 506.238.5440