by Laura Mackenzie
For an update of what’s going on right now in Nova Scotia, check this out…
In Development:
Applications are currently being accepted for the CBC/Film NS Bridge Award. Considered a “Producer-Driven” award, the Bridge Award is one that concentrates on taking an emerging creative team and providing an opportunity in which they will “bridge” the gaps in their filmmaking experiences. Two teams are selected annually to make a 6-16 minute film.
2009 Bridge Award Recipients:
Rebecca Sharratt & Eva Madden-Hagen – What Remains
Kevin Kincaid & Megan Wenneberg – Bernard the Magician
When asked about her experience, 2009 Bridge Award recipient and director Eva Madden-Hagen wrote: “Programs like the Bridge Award are invaluable, as they actually provide funding for production, allowing filmmakers to create new work and develop their skills. As a director, practicing the craft is so essential, and this experience gave me a chance to work with a bigger crew, to cast professional actors, to work with an experienced editor, and to learn more about the producer/director relationship. Getting a short film off the ground is difficult, and this program gave us that amazing opportunity.”
In Pre-Production:
The Atlantic Film Cooperative (AFCOOP) has for years been largely recognized as the most significant contributor to the development of emerging producers, directors and writers in Nova Scotia. Recently, jurors deliberated and accepted four of the eight teams that successfully completed phase 1 of the Film 5 program. Headed into Phase 2 of the program, these four teams will have the opportunity to bring their script to screen:
Jason Levangie (Writer/Director) and Marc Tetreault (Producer) – Senior Barista
Caley MacLennan (Writer/Director) and Eric Duncan (Producer) – dream gIRL
Christine Comeau (Writer), Ashley McKenzie (Director) and Nelson MacDonald (Producer) – Rhonda’s Party Jesse Harley (Writer/Director), Chris Turner (Producer) – Like Father
In Production:
Local award winning producer, director and writer, Chaz Thorne, founder of Nova Scotia-based feature film company Standing 8 Productions, is presently in production on his third feature film as director and producer: Whirligig. Whirligig, a co-production with Two East Entertainment, tells the story of a young man who returns to his parent’s home for the umpteenth time, and attempts to rebuild his shattered ego via an affair with the married older woman next door.
Likewise, local Producer Craig Cameron, is just a week away from principal photography on a feature entitled The Corridor based on a script by writer, Josh Macdonald, Halo.
Recently Wrapped:
Moby Dick, a feature length film starring William Hurt and Ethan Hawke, was shot in Lunenburg, Shelburne, Halifax and Malta. Directed by Mike Barker and produced by Rikolt Van Gagern for GateFilm from Germany in collaboration with local producers David Macleod, of Big Motion Pictures, and Ginny Duzak.
Meet Fitz, a TV Series starring Jason Priestley, was shot in Kentville and New Minas. The title character, Fitz, is a morally challenged used car dealer. Produced by Mike Souther and Teza Laurence of Amaze Films in collaboration with local producers, David Macleod, of Big Motion Pictures, and Gilles Bellanger.
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