e-source February 2006

CMP [centre for media professionals] WIFT-T training and skills development:

Global Television's popular broadcast management series, presented in partnership with entertainment law firm Heenan Blaikie, is back for another year. Join WIFT-T and a lineup of leading television executives and industry experts as we explore key management issues in broadcasting.

• Feeling challenged by high turnover and low morale within your organization?
• Struggling to motivate your team in the face of overwhelming workloads, impossible deadlines and unrealistic targets?
• Constantly being asked to do more with less?
• Recently hired or promoted and anxious to make a good impression?
• Looking to increase your profile and take your career to the next level?

Join Janet Eastwood, President, Two Red Chairs Leadership Coaching, for an evening that will help you to elevate and reinvigorate your leadership. A long-time broadcast industry leader and former Mentor of the Year, Janet will give you easy-to-implement strategies for increasing your personal impact, inspiring greater performance within your organization, and becoming the boss that people want to follow!

Janet Eastwood is President and founder of Two Red Chairs, an executive coaching company specializing in Leadership coaching for the media industry. A certified professional coach, Janet is a member of the International Coaching Federation and a graduate of the Coach Training Alliance Certified Coaching program.

Prior to launching Two Red Chairs, Janet spent 18 years in the television industry. A Vice President at the age of 31 and Executive Vice President by the age of 35, Janet knows what it takes to succeed in business.

In her most recent role, as Executive Vice-President of Marketing, Communications & Creative Services for Alliance Atlantis, Eastwood oversaw all advertising, on-air promotion, media, affiliate and public relations for the company’s 12 specialty television channels (including Showcase, HGTV, History Television, Food Network Canada, National Geographic Channel and BBC Canada.).

Prior to joining Alliance Atlantis in 1997, Eastwood spent eight years in progressive communication and marketing roles at the CTV Television Network - most recently as head of marketing for CTV's News division.

In 2004, Janet made a bold decision to leave her high-profile television career to pursue a longtime dream - launching her own coaching company dedicated to helping high-achieving individuals reach their business objectives and career goals - without sacrificing the quality of their lives.

Coaching is something that just comes naturally to Janet. In March 2005, she was named Mentor of the Year by the Canadian Women in Communications Association (CWC). Janet has also provided leadership and guidance to several boards and industry committees, including the Board of Directors for CTAM of Canada, the Corporate Advisory panel for the Toronto Arts Council Foundation, and the Advisory Board for the television series Maxed Out.

Janet holds a Bachelor's degree in Radio and Television Arts and is a graduate of the Promax Marketing Masters course at Harvard University. She has given numerous lectures on the art and science of achieving business success and was recently inducted into the Who's Who of Canadian Women.

Date: Wednesday, July 5, 2006
Location: Heenan Blaikie, Suite 2600, 200 Bay Street, South Tower, Royal Bank Plaza
Time: 5pm - 5:30pm Check-in; 5:30pm - 6pm Wine and Cheese Networking; 6pm - 9pm Course (includes coffee break)
Fee: $60 + GST Members; $75 + GST Non-members*
Registration: This series is open to managers and senior industry professionals working in broadcasting. Please call to register at 416.322.3430 x21 or email a completed registration form to wift@wift.com. Registrant must include her/his title and name of broadcast organisation.

WIFT-T is currently accepting applications for the Kodak New Vision Fellowship. This national initiative provides one exceptional Canadian female director with the invaluable opportunity to prepare for the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival (September 2006), through intensive industry coaching and a TIFF bursary, followed by a two-month creative mentorship with an established director.

Eligible candidates are invited to apply to the program. Deadline for applications is Tuesday, August 1, 2006. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of industry representatives. The award winner will be notified prior to TIFF and the official announcement will be made in September 2006 at the WIFT-T Festival Reception.

Application forms are available at www.wift.com. For further information, please contact 416-322-3430 ext. 21 or email wift@wift.com.

SCREENING NOTE: The feature film The End of Silence by last year's Kodak Award winner Anita Doron will be screened Saturday, June 3 at 7pm at the Royal Cinema, 606 College Street. Cast and crew will be in attendance for a Q & A and after party. Tickets are $10. A second screening is also scheduled for Sunday, June 4 at 6pm.

NBC Universal Feature Film Writing Program
Presented by Women in Film and Television – Toronto in partnership with Telefilm Canada and the Ontario Media Development Corporation

The three-part Feature Film Writing Program is part of the NBC Universal Development Incubator Program and is open to all Development Incubator participants as well as the general public.

The Feature Film Writing Program
Instructor: Elke Town, Story Editor Consultant, Storyworks

Part one: Feature Film Structure
Tuesday, September 19
Thursday, September 21
Tuesday, September 26
A three-evening course for emerging writers and intermediate writers looking for a refresher that will cover the three-act structure, importance of themes, concepts, premise and genres. The course will also look at the structure of building plots, the economy of narrative story telling, and importance of satisfying endings

Part two: Character Development
Tuesday, October 3
Thursday, October 5
Tuesday, October 10
A three-evening workshop for emerging writer, and intermediate writers looking for a refresher workshop, that will cover the essentials of creating characters. Topics covered will include: creating strong unique characters with memorable personalities, the role of protagonists, antagonists and supporting characters, building back story and psychology, differentiating between real characters and caricatures.

Part three: Dialogue
Tuesday, October 17
Thursday, October 19
Tuesday, October 24
A three-evening workshop for emerging writers and intermediate writers looking for a refresher workshop that will cover how to write natural, believable and economical dialogue for feature scripts. Topics covered will include: Scene structure, exposition, descriptive writing, atmosphere and tone, impact of character choices on story design, and charting convincing character change.

Location: National Film Board, 150 John St. (at Richmond)
Date: see each component above
Registration: 5:30pm - 6pm
Time: 6pm - 9pm
Fee (For Each Three-Part Series): $195 + GST Members , $285 + GST Non-members
For all three parts: $450 + GST Members , $600 + GST Non-members

Registration for Part one: Feature Film Structure is required by Friday, September 8, 2006.
Registration for Part two: Character Development is required by Friday, September 22, 2006.
Registration for Part three: Dialogue is required by Friday, October 6, 2006.

Space is limited (maximum of 25 participants), so register today to avoid disappointment. Please call 416-322-3430 ext. 21 to register or send a completed registration form and resume to wift@wift.com or fax to 416-322-3703.

NBC Universal Women Writers Workshop
Presented by Women in Film and Television – Toronto in partnership with Telefilm Canada and the Ontario Media Development Corporation

The three-part Feature Film Writing Program is part of the NBC Universal Development Incubator Program and is open to all Development Incubator participants as well as the general public.

The Women Writers Workshop is a three-evening workshop where writers are expected to study the work of other writers in the workshop and participate in discussions and feedback sessions led by a professional story consultant. At the end of the workshop, writers will have enough detailed feedback on the key points they need to address in order to progress to the net stage of development.

• The importance of clear protagonists
• Decisive climaxes
• Coherent story worlds
• Character motivations, choices and reactions

In order to register you must submit a detailed outline or treatment and must be working on the first draft of a feature script.

Location: National Film Board, Atelier, 150 John St. (at Richmond)
Date: Monday August 21, Wednesday August 23 and Monday August 28, 2006
Registration: 5:30pm-6pm
Time: 6pm-9pm
Fee (Three-Part Series): $195 + GST Members , $285 + GST Non-members

Registration for the NBC Universal Women Writers Workshop is required by August 18, 2006. Space is limited (maximum of 25 participants), so register today to avoid disappointment. Please call 416-322-3430 ext. 21 to register or send a completed registration form and resume to wift@wift.com or fax to 416-322-3703.

Winners of NBC Universal Development Incubator Announced
Presented in partnership with NBC Universal, Telefilm Canada and the Ontario Media Development Corporation

• Deanne Foley (producer) and Iain MacLeod (writer), The Syndicate Productions NF Inc.
• Anna Newallo (producer) and Dawn Kuisma (writer), Open Road Entertainment
• Erin Faith Young (producer) and Christina Sang (writer), Faith Films
• Alison Reid (producer) and Richard Beattie (writer), Free Spirit Films
• Tricia Lee (producer) and Corey Brown (writer), A Film Monkey Production

This national initiative provides five emerging and intermediate producer and writer teams, with feature-length dramatic projects in development, the opportunity to work with consultants and select industry advisors in a series of small group sessions to advance their projects through one draft of their script and to prepare preliminary marketing packages. The successful candidates were selected by a jury of industry representatives.

Winner of Quebecor BANFF Mentorship Award Announced
Presented in partnership with Quebecor Fund’s Professional Development Program Grants for Under-Represented Groups (PDPT) and in association with the Banff World Television Festival

Rita Deverell is the winner of this year’s Quebecor BANFF Mentorship Award. The award will be presented to Rita at the festival’s Annual Awards Lunch on Monday, June 12.

The Quebecor BANFF Mentorship Award provides Deverell with a three-month executive mentorship with Loren Mawhinney, Vice President, Factual Entertainment, Barna Alper Productions. The award includes complementary attendance at the 2006 Banff World Television Festival (June 11 – 14, 2006), on-site festival support with Mawhinney, and post-festival guidance. The BANFF experience is comprehensive, allowing Deverell to take full advantage of the business and creative opportunities available at this world-class festival.

Winners of Telefilm Canada Executive Management Program Announced
Presented by WIFT-T and Telefilm Canada in partnership with Global Television, RBC Royal Bank and Heenan Blaikie LLP and in association with Ontario Media Development Corporation, British Columbia Film, SaskFilm and Video Development Corporation, Newfoundland & Labrador Film Development Corporation, Manitoba Motion Picture Industry Association, Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation and Yukon Economic Development Film & Sound Commission.

Eight top Canadian production companies have been selected to participate in the 2006 Telefilm Canada Executive Management Program. The production companies will converge in Toronto from June 26-30 at leading entertainment law firm Heenan Blaikie LLP for five intensive days of workshops, case studies, and one-on-one consultations with industry leaders and innovators. Each company will be paired with experts who will offer ongoing advice and assistance during the six-month mentorship stage of the program.

• Arcadia Entertainment, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a provider of ocean-themed documentary programming including Marine Machines (History Television, National Geographic), which won Best Documentary at the Atlantic Film Festival.

• Artizan Productions, based in Vancouver, produces human-interest programming. Credits include the documentaries K-9 Corrections, produced for CTV’s W-5, Mockstars (BRAVO) and The Big V (Vision TV).

• Frantic Films Corporation, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with offices in Vancouver, Los Angeles and Sydney, is a leading provider of visual effects, live-action and commercial production services. Credits include the feature film Lucid, the documentary series Pioneer Quest: A Year in the Real West (History Television), and the lifestyle series Til Debt Do Us Part (Life Network) and Last Chance for Romance (Global Television).

• Gorica Productions, based in Toronto, is a television production company specializing in documentary series. Credits include the one-hour documentaries Behind Enemy Lines (History Television) and The Fall of an Asian Tiger (Vision TV), and the 39-episode series Off the Map for numerous international broadcasters.

• Keyah Productions, based in Whitehorse, Yukon, is a subsidiary of Northern Native Broadcasting Yukon (NNBY), and produces industrial, educational, training videos and documentaries for regional, national and international clients. NNBY produces 26 hours of original programming annually for the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN).

• Morag Loves Company, based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, is a film and television production company that specializes in documentaries and dramas. Credits include the Gemini Award-winning mini-series Random Passage (CBC) and the award-winning documentaries The Perfect Hero (CTV) and When Women Kill (CBC Newsworld).

• PTV Production Inc., this Toronto-based production company focuses primarily on the history, point-of-view and health sciences genres. Credits include War of 1812 (History Television, TVOntario), Birth Stories (Life Network, Discovery Health), Living Stories (Vision TV) and Ex-Factor (W Network).

• Zoot Capri Entertainment, based in Regina, Saskatchewan, is a film and television production company. Credits include the documentaries Black Tuesday (CBC) and Tommy Douglas In His Own Words (History Television, Documentary Channel), and the half-hour drama Victims (CBC).

Sheridan assumes the role for a three-month term from Kate Hanley who resigned in April to spend more time with her recently adopted daughter.

Sheridan joined WIFT-T in 2005 as Director of Programming Development and was named Acting Managing Director during Hanley’s parental leave.

New and Prospective Members Meeting: Tuesday, June 13, 2006 at 6pm
On a monthly basis, WIFT-T opens its doors for a New and Prospective Members Meeting. At the free meeting, we give an overview of the organization; its history, mandate, structure, a breakdown of the courses offered and other benefits of membership.

Join us at the WIFT-T office, Suite 405, 2300 Yonge Street (at Eglinton). Each meeting lasts about an hour. Please RSVP by calling the WIFT-T office at 416-322-3430 ext. 21 or email wift@wift.com. Please arrive by 6pm to get a seat.

Crystal Awards 2006 and Call for Nominations
For almost 20 years, WIFT-T has honoured the extraordinary achievements of women in screen-based media with its annual Crystal Awards celebration. WIFT-T will be accepting nominations this spring for the 2006 Crystal Awards. We invite you to consider an exceptional contributor to Canada’s film, television or new media in the following categories:

• Outstanding Achievement Award
• Creative Excellence Award
• Phyllis Switzer Mentorship Award, presented in association with CHUM Ltd.

Watch for upcoming announcements next month on the 2006 Crystal Awards and Call for Nominations. The award winners will be honoured at this year’s Crystal Awards Gala Luncheon on December 4, 2006.

Post Your Job with the WIFT-T Career Hotlist!
Want to send your posting to the WIFT-T membership of more than 800 qualified women and men working at all levels and fields of the film and television industry? Job postings, both paid and non-paid, are sent directly to WIFT-T members who subscribe to the WIFT-T Career Hotlist.

Want to find out more about this FREE service for employers? Contact wift@wift.com for more information or to submit your posting.

Are you a member of WIFT-T and want to receive Career Hotlist postings? Contact wift@wift.com for more information.

New WIFT-T eSource Advertising Policy
Effective June 1, a new advertising policy will be implemented for the WIFT-T eSource.

Call for Submissions: To the Point: Women Telling Stories Through Media
WIFT-T members are invited to participate in To the Point: Women Telling Stories Through Media (TTP), the short film program presented by New York Women in Film & Television and the Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF), taking place October 18-22, in Long Island, New York.

The HIFF was founded to celebrate the American Independent film - long, short, fiction and documentary - and to introduce a unique and varied spectrum of international films and filmmakers to audiences. The festival is committed to exhibiting films that express fresh voices and differing global perspectives, with the hope that these programs will enlighten audiences, provide invaluable exposure for filmmakers and present inspired entertainment for all.

Presenting the filmmaking talents of women from countries such as the U.S., Australia, England, Canada and the European and African community, TTP provides a highly visible platform where WIFT short films are enthusiastically received by festival attendees from the general movie-going public and members of the film industry.

To the Point provides a unique arena for WIFT member filmmakers to display their multi-faceted talents in the areas of short works including fictional narratives, animations, documentaries, experimental films, television and videos that bring unorthodox and original perspectives on the experiences of women from all walks of life and from around the world.

Women in Film and Television International's (WIFTI) Short Film Showcase Celebrating International Women's Day 2006, held this past March 8 at chapters worldwide, was a tremendous success. TTP is the North American gateway for inclusion in WIFTI's 2007 Short Film Showcase. All films selected for TTP will be forwarded to the WIFTI Board for possible inclusion in the WIFTI Showcase. (Note that selection for the HIFF - TTP does not guarantee inclusion in the WIFTI Showcase.)

Only WIFTV members from chapters worldwide are eligible to submit their shorts via the application online at www.nywift.org. The deadline for submissions is June 30, 2006 and there is no fee. All films must be under 20 minutes and must have been completed by June 30, 2003.

Members entering the TTP Series does not automatically enter them into the HIFF Shorts Category but, it does not preclude them from separately submitting to HIFF Shorts Category. Please check the HIFF website at www.hamptonsfilmfest.org to determine the application form and fees necessary for HIFF.

Selections for the TTP series will be made by a panel of NYWIFT member filmmakers and by the Hamptons International Film Festival Programming Department.

Tom Todoroff Weekend Workshop Discount for WIFT-T Members
Back by popular demand - August 12 and 13
(June Workshops SOLD OUT)

Top Hollywood acting teacher/producer/director Tom Todoroff has acted with, directed, or coached some of the strongest actors working in the industry today including: Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Liam Neeson, Helen Hunt, Claire Danes and Tony Goldwyn. Visit www.tomtodoroff.com to read testimonials from these great actors and top directors like Alexander Payne (Sideways, About Schmidt) and Ron Shelton (White Men Can’t Jump, Tin Cup).

Tom Todoroff's Actor Training will put you on track and provide you with a personalized road map to reach your highest potential.

From Conservatory to Career. Are you ready to change your life?
Study with Tom Todoroff during a weekend concentration of his acclaimed Hollywood scene study workshop.

* ACTRA/CAEA members and members of WIFT-T and LIFT receive a 20% discount.

For more information or to register, call 310-285-3277 or visit www.actnowevents.com

You may contact Toronto actors Jules Ross (WIFT-T member) and Julie Nguyen to hear first hand their experience working with Tom at the first two workshops.

LMS Prolink WIFT-T Members Benefit Program
As a benefit of WIFT-T membership, we have added a discounted group insurance program. Here are some of the highlights:

Members Plan Description
Our plan has been designed to offer members of WIFT-T and your family important insurance protection. The plans offer a wide range of health, dental, life, disability and assistance options. Members choose between the three plans that best fits your situation. Pricing is very attractive as all subscribers are medically pre-screened to ensure above-average claims experience. This is reflected in the relatively low premiums.

Extended Health Care
Members are issued their own direct drug card. No deductible, no claim forms to hassle with. Coverage provides up to 80% reimbursement of eligible expenses and NO MAXIMUM. Eligible expenses include prescription generic drugs, private-duty nursing, semiprivate hospital accommodations, 100% out-of-Canada emergency assistance plan, orthopedic shoes (50%), hearing aids ($400), paramedical including services from a Speech Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Chiropractor, and other prescribed professionals ($350 per service) as well as convalescent home and other coverages.

Dental Care Benefits
No deductible. Reimburses 80% of eligible expenses charges for preventative and basic restorative procedures including exams, X-rays, fluoride, fillings, extractions, space maintainers, periodontics (treatment of gum disease), endodontics treatment (root canal), oral surgery and medicines. Annual maximum per insured individual is $1,000 with prorating to apply in first year of coverage only.

Other benefits include a Members Assistance Program which provides confidential psychological counseling services, legal assistance, child and elder care, and advisory services for you and your dependents.

All programs include life insurance and disability coverage. $50,000 of life insurance payable upon death, $50,000 additionally payable if death is a result of accidental causes. Income replacement or disability coverage starts with $250/week; benefits begin on Day 1 of an accident and Day 15 of sickness and continue for 26 weeks or your ability to return to work. Thereafter you will receive $1,250 monthly income during your qualifying disability to your age 65.

The disability income node of protection is intentionally limited in order that you can supplement this protection with optional individual coverage designed to provide you with the highest quality of protection at an association discounted price.

For more information, visit www.lms.ca/wift or contact John Klotz at 1-800-663-6828 ext. 7700 or email johnk@lms.ca

Toronto Talks Free to WIFT-T Members
The Creative Economy – Are You Ready? with Peter Bouffard, CA, MBA, founder of Impact Workshops.

What is "thinking outside of the box?" The truth is that many of us just don't know how to do it or what it means? Peter will discuss how to develop creative thinking abilities and create more effective problem-solving skills.

When: Tuesday, June 20 at 7pm
Where: Metro Hall, 55 John Street, Room 310

ReelHeART International Film Festival (RHIFF) Discount for WIFT-T Members
The RHIFF runs June 19-24, 2006 in Toronto with more than 100 films, documentaries and animation from countries all over the world.

RHIFF MAIN PROGRAM
Innis Town Hall
Innis College, University of Toronto
2 Sussex Avenue [1 block south on Bloor Street, on St. George Street]

RHIFF VENUE PROGRAM
Southern Accent
Cajun, Creole & Soul Restaurant
595 Markham Street [1 Block West of Honest Ed’s]

National Film Board of Canada Screening: North American Premiere of Isabel Coixet's The Secret Life of Words in support of the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture

On Monday, June 26, marking the United Nations’ International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT) presents the North American premiere of Isabel Coixet's internationally acclaimed The Secret Life of Words. The haunting feature film explores the effects of torture through the interlocking experiences of stars Sarah Polley and Tim Robbins.

Polley will be in attendance at the June 26 fundraising event at the NFB Mediatheque, at 150 John Street. This intimate evening begins with a catered reception at 6pm, and includes a post-screening discussion with Polley. Advance tickets are $100, with all proceeds being contributed to the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture.

WIFT-T is proud to partner with the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture, the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), the Spanish Consulate, and the National Film Board of Canada to present this exclusive event.

For more information on the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture visit www.ccvt.org.

For more information about this event, please contact Lindsay Wright at 416-973-2187 or li.wright@nfb.ca

New Corporate Fitness Program with the Sports Clubs of
Canada! Special membership offer exclusively for all WIFT-T members: 15% off the monthly dues plus a minimum of 50% off the enrollment fee.

Offer available to all WIFT-T association members and their spouses/significant others who reside at the same address. (WIFT-T members must show proof of association)

• Nine convenient locations within the GTA to choose from

• Squash, fitness, group exercise classes including yoga & pilates, spinning, full amenities and much more!

• Offer valid through August 31, 2006 only! Call today for your free pass to try any one of our locations.

For more information call Barb Elaschuk at 416-580-1365 or visit our website www.sportsclubs.com for locations close to you.

Call for Entries: 63e Cinematographic Art Exhibition (Mostra Internazionale d'Arte Cinematografica)
Venice, Italy, August 30, 2006 - September 9, 2006

Telefilm Canada is currently accepting entries for the Canadian preselection screenings in Montreal for the 2006 edition of the Mostra Internazionale d'Arte Cinematografica.

The Canadian pre-selection screenings in Montréal are being held from June 19 to 21 2006. Please note that the Festival's selector from Venice will be considering full-length narrative feature films, and in exceptional circumstances, animation and documentary films.

For information and registration procedure, visit www.telefilm.gc.ca/upload/appels/Venise2006_en_51_en.pdf

Countdown to the Banff World Television Festival
With the Banff World Television Festival just days away, Bill Carter, bestselling author and New York Times journalist, has been slated to deliver the Global Television Closing Address. Carter, author of the recently released Desperate Networks and the bestselling book The Late Shift, has an insider’s knowledge of how the television industry works, having reported on the industry for the last 30 years.

With an impressive lineup of speakers and participants, including over 150 Commissioning Editors, Paul Haggis (Crash), Paul Scheuring (Prison Break), Ali LeRoi (Everybody Hates Chris) and David Shore (House), and a generous slate of social events and networking opportunities, BANFF 2006 is not to be missed.

Come to BANFF June 11-14, to meet, network, and do business with leading international Decision Makers and top industry content creators. Find out more about co-production opportunities, financing options and legal challenges surrounding international content creation and distribution. Sign up for exclusive Face-to-Face meetings with Commissioning Editors, or take a Decision Maker to breakfast, lunch or to ‘Decision Maker Cocktails.

See the schedule, find out who’s coming and register online at www.banff2006.com

Wendy MacKeigan, Chair

Kirstine Layfield, Vice-Chair

Anne Schneerer, Treasurer

Jane Tattersall, Secretary

Karen King

Marcia Martin

Laura Milliken

Margaret O'Brien

Cynthia Reyes

Dianne Schwalm

Sadia Zaman

SILVER PATRONS

Astral Media

Banff Television Festival

Bell Broadcast and New Media Fund

Price Waterhouse Coopers