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WINNIPEG — On Screen Manitoba has received a $590,000 investment from the provincial government to further its work in strengthening the local film and TV industry.
The association leads, builds and represents the Manitoba media production industry and creates jobs for those working in it.
Four new members have joined On Screen Manitoba’s board of directors.
Joanne Levy, Charles Clément, Danielle Audette and Claude Forest have dedicated themselves to the organization for many years.
On Screen Manitoba has five standing committees to provide advice and guidance on specific issues. They include finance, membership, programs, governance and nominations, and government relations and regulatory affairs.
— Staff
By Tyler Sutherland
On Screen Manitoba is applauding the extension of the Manitoba Film and Video Tax Credit announced in Tuesday’s provincial budget.
The industry incentive also extends the Manitoba Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit (MIDMTC) to 2016, while making it more competitive nationally.
“We’re very pleased that Manitoba is responsive to the needs of our sector as it adapts to the rapidly changing media landscape,” said Nicole Matiation, executive director of On Screen Manitoba.
Renowned storyteller Jeff Gomez will be the keynote speaker at this year’s ALL ACCESS 2013. The forum for writers, producers and directors is being put on by On Screen Manitoba for industry professionals working in the industry.
Gomez heads up New York City-based Starlight Runner Entertainment, where he transforms intellectual properties into highly successful transmedia franchises by finding ways to extend movies, video games, graphic novels, comic books, animation and toys across multiple media platforms.
The conference is being held March 18 to 20 at The Fairmont Winnipeg.
Manitoba’s film industry is marking 25 years with a celebration tonight at the Franco-Manitoban Cultural Centre.
Providing both a creative and economic benefit to the province, the local film industry is booming as new projects constantly get off the ground.
“People read about celebrities coming to Winnipeg and they see the white film trucks, but few know how much this industry contributes to the province,” said Carole Vivier, CEO and film commissioner of Manitoba Film and Music. “Film production in Manitoba means that millions of dollars are going into the economy every year.”
More than $106-million in provincial tax incentives have helped 529 productions valued at nearly $1 billion in the past 10 years.
Manitoba Film and Music, along with On Screen Manitoba, will celebrate tonight from 7 p.m. to midnight. The cocktail reception will include a film installation exhibit featuring the work of local filmmakers including Deco Dawson, Greg Hanec, Heidi Phillips, Noam Gonick, Paula Kelly, Dominique Rey, Kevin Lee Burton and Alain Delannoy. It will also feature musical performances by The Solutions, Larry Roy Trio and DJ Grant Paley.
The event is open to the public. Tickets are $25 at the door ($20 for members of On Screen Manitoba, Manitoba Music and Le 100 Nons).
By Brian Schultz
On Screen Manitoba is applauding the provincial government for the recent enhancement of its 30% all spend tax credit to stimulate film production in Manitoba.
“Provincial tax credit incentives and the equity fund allow Manitoba production companies to compete financially in a global context,” said Phyllis Laing, chair of On Screen Manitoba and CEO and president of Buffalo Gal Pictures. “Production incentives have also contributed to building highly skilled technical and creative professionals for the Manitoba industry.”
Saskatchewan has scrapped their film tax credit, but has proposed a non-refundable tax credit instead. On Monday, supporters of the film industry rallied outside the Saskatchewan legislature for the original credit’s return.
“The Government of Saskatchewan seems to be trying to address these new challenges through the recent announcement of a new non-refundable Film/TV and Digital Tax Credit (FTDC) formula; however, it strays so far from current industry practice it seems unlikely to stimulate film and television production in that province,” On Screen Manitoba said in a release.
Winnipegger Angela Heck has come away the big winner at the 2012 MTS Winnipeg On Demand $20,000 Pitch!
Heck had three minutes to pitch her project, “BUZZ…(Manitoba Mosquitos),” to a jury of industry professionals on Tuesday night in hopes of scoring a $20,000 licence fee with MTS Winnipeg On Demand.
Heck’s film examines the culture that surrounds the not-so-humble mosquito and asks what our lives would be like without it.
Following the pitch at the Fairmont Winnipeg, judges had five minutes to offer feedback and ask any questions.
“This is really overwhelming,” Heck exclaimed in an On Screen Manitoba news release. “It sounds trite but you really do dream about this. It’s so exciting to be able to pitch in front of a hometown crowd and be so welcome and ultimately rewarded for your efforts. It’s unbelievable!”
The pitch offered a forum for Manitoba filmmakers to share their story ideas.
Nine other finalists also presented their pitches:
Alf Kollinger — 100 Years of Speed and Daring
Don Marks — Behind in the Count
Jonathan Lê — Filipino Social
Raymond Friesen — Indie 2 – Behind Indie Game: The Movie
Geoff Banjavich — Jose – A Piano Impresario’s Journey
Conrad Sweatman — Town Without Poverty
Danielle Sturk — Kyden in 10 Movements
Taavo Soodor — MurderPeg
Bruce Claydon – Haunted Winnipeg
By Tyler Sutherland
On Screen Manitoba is putting up a $20,000 prize for the best pitch for a Manitoba-based story idea, ranging from a documentary, lifestyle, or variety.
The pitch competition will be judged by a jury of industry professionals, who will ultimately decide who deserves the $20,000 license fee. The winning pitch will have their idea turned into a film made for the small screen.
Finalists will have three minutes to convey their pitch, followed by answering questions and taking feedback.
The deadline for submissions is Friday, December 16 at 4:59 p.m. CT by e-mail to membership@onscreenmanitoba.com. Finalists will be notified by December 23, 2011. The cost of submission is free. Download an application form here (PDF).
