editor - actra montreal · randy duniz taylor baruchel daintry dalton ... (the most watched comedy...

BRANCH COUUNCIL

DON JORDANTHOR BISHOPRICCARY LAWRENCETYRONE BENSKINDON JORDANBARBARA BACCIPAULA COSTAINHOLLY GAUTHIER-FRANKELGILLIAN FERRABEEHOWARD ROSENSTEINDAVID SCHAAPDANIEL GIVERINELEANOR NOBLEJOHANNA NUTTERNICOLAS WRIGHT

ACTRA MONTREAL

PRESIDENTVICE-PPRESIDENT

TREASURERNATIONAL COUNCILLORS

MEMBERS-AAT-LLARGE

ALTERNATES

JOIN THE TEAMIf you’re an ACTRA member, apprentice member or ACTRA Extra andwould like to contribute news, an article or photos to the Grapevine,

we’d love to hear from you! Send us an email at [email protected].

ACTRA MONTREAL1450 City Councillors #530, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2E6

www.actramontreal.ca

EDITOR

DESIGN & LAYOUT

CONTRIBUTORS

PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS

DON JORDAN

RANDY DUNIZ

TAYLOR BARUCHELDAINTRY DALTONRANDY DUNIZHOLLY GAUTHIER-FRANKELDON JORDANGARY SAXE

ROBERT MCGUIRK

ACTRA MONTREAL

REGIONAL DIRECTORASSISTANT BRANCH REP.,

COMMERCIALSIPA STEWARDS

IPA STEWARD/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS

RECEPTIONISTORGANIZER

PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR

BRANCH STAFF

RAYMOND GUARDIA (ext. 227)DAINTRY DALTON (ext. 229)

CARMELA ALGERI (ext. 231)CLAIRE MARTELL (ext. 232)SHANNON JOUTEL (ext. 233)

CHERYL ALLEYNE (ext. 226)DONNA TINMAN (ext. 225)AIDA BOYAJIAN (ext. 221)GARY SAXE (ext. 224)RANDY DUNIZ (ext. 223)

MMoonnttrreeaall

GrapevineFall 2007

Cover photo by Robert McGuirk

SOME GOODNEWS FORBACKGROUNDPERFORMERSIN MONTREALACTRA has reached an agreement which clarifies the minimumnumber of vouchers and payment of Background Performersunder the 2007-2009 Independent Production Agreement.

Under the new terms, more vouchers will be available inMontreal for Background Performers on most film and television projects.

On Feature Films with a budget of over $35 million, 25 vouchers will be available for Background Performers(excluding those available for Stand-Ins), compared to 15 inthe previous IPA.

On Productions with a budget of under $35 million, 20 vouchers will be available for Background Performers(excluding those available for Stand-Ins), compared to 15 inthe previous IPA.

On Purely Canadian Dramatic Content (qualifying as10/10), 20 vouchers will be available for BackgroundPerformers (excluding those available for Stand-Ins), com-pared to 15 in the previous IPA.

On CIPIP Productions (qualifying as 10/10), 10 vouchers will be available for Background Performers(excluding those available for Stand-Ins), compared to 15 inthe previous IPA.

grapevine 1 fall 2007

contentsn n Grapevine Fall 2007

2 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEby Don Jordan

3 ON THE COMMERCIAL FRONTFind out the details of the NCA deal.

4 IT’S MY DAMN UNIONby Holly Gauthier-FFrankel

6 CAN CON IN CRISIS Canadian content is under attack from all sides. Find out what ACTRA is doingto protect our industry and how youcan get involved!

8 COVER STORY: THE 2007 ACTRA AWARDS IN MONTREALCheck out all the winners, honourees andpictures from our Awards show in June.

14 WOMEN IN THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR?IT’S ABOUT TIME!by Taylor Baruchel

15 NEWS BITES16 ACTRA NOTES17 BRANCH COUNCIL

NOMINATION FORM

8

3

6

12

17

actra montreal 2 spring 2007

ear Members,

I hope that you were able to enjoy and take full advantage of ourwonderful, but all too short, days of summer. With the IPA negoti-ations now behind us, and production in our fair city up from thepast few years (more so than anywhere else in the country I mightadd), it's good to see our community come alive again.

Montreal seems to be back on the map and the greatest need atthis point in time is to continue to maintain and attract more workfor the membership. We are a talented and professional bunchthat stands together in times adversity - fine attributes to possessin our ongoing struggle to earn the respect we richly deserve.

But alas, this good news aside, the plight of the Canadian per-former is far from over. There are always more obstacles to over-come, challenges which threaten our careers. And perhaps, thereis no greater challenge than the one facing the Canadian film andtelevision industry right now.

While an influx of on-location and service production is alwayswelcome, we cannot ignore the fact that our own indigenousindustry is hanging by a thread. And instead of making things bet-ter, the powers that be threaten to make things worse.

In a recent report from the Canadian Radio, Television &Communications Commission (CRTC), it was suggested that theCanadian Television Fund (CTF) should lower its standards forCanadian content (Can-con) in primetime projects, and fund pro-grams that score as low as an 8 on the 10 point Canadian Audio-Visual Certification Office (CAVCO) scale - thus, in their estima-tion, making shows more marketable.

Producers argue that lowering the standard would make it easierto their projects outside of Canada and attract internationallyrenowned talent to their projects - as opposed to creatingavenues for our own talent to become internationally renowned.

The argument is, of course, flawed. We are talking about televi-sion - a medium which has proven time and time again that it isthe successful show that makes someone a star, not the star thatmakes a show successful - just ask Bette Midler, Ray Liotta andthe cast of Seinfeld. In reality, the lowering of Can-con standardswill only serve to put accomplished Canadian writers, directorsand actors out of work.

At present, Can-con regulations decree that Canadian programsmust have a Canadian director, writer and lead actor, and thechange would allow one of these to be foreign. Now if you've beenallocated money that is supposedly designated for Canadian pro-gramming, then shouldn't that be the first priority?

Our Canadian broadcasters already spend enough money on for-eign content - buying American shows for hundreds of millions ofdollars and then unabashedly throwing themselves lavish launchparties to pat themselves on the back for it. Which raises anotherquestion… as a cable subscriber who gets a substantial bill in mymail each month, do I really need to pay for networks runningsimulcasts of shows I can get on other channels?

Canada does have some success stories. All four seasons ofCorner Gas (the most watched comedy show on Canadian TV),have been bought by a couple of American networks. And TrailerPark Boys, Little Mosque on the Prairie, Degrassi: The NextGeneration, and Instant Star have all enjoyed successful runs inboth Canada and abroad. So why not invest in building on thatsuccess?

There's a lot at stake and ACTRA is preparing for action. How canyou help? Check our website (www.actramontreal.ca) regularlyand we will have more information outlining our upcoming politi-cal action campaign - and where you fit into it! Remember, this isyour country and your livelihood… so step up to the plate!

Meanwhile, enjoy the fall in good health and prosperity.

In solidarity,

Don Jordan,President, ACTRA Montreal

president’s message

DOur Next Challenge


nca negotiations

ON THECOMMERCIALFRONTACTRA, ACA and ICA agree to extend the current deal with a rateincrease.

n May 8th, 2007, the ACTRA negotiating committee, headed by National ExecutiveDirector and chief negotiator, Stephen Waddell, met with representatives from theCanadian advertising industry represented by the Association of CanadianAdvertisers (ACA) and the Institute of Communications and Advertising (ICA).

During this meeting, it was tentatively agreed to a one-year extension of the NCA, whichexpired June 30, 2007. Included in the Memorandum of Settlement:

• an extension of the NCA from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008• a 3% increase in all fees and rates in the NCA, effective July 1, 2007• a 1% increase in Insurance contributions and a conforming increase in EqualizationPayments• enter into non-binding and without prejudice discussions on a short list of key issues to bepresented by ACTRA and ICA/ACA (known collectively as "the Parties")

On June 29th, 2007, through a referendum seeking approval, the Memorandum ofSettlement was overwhelming ratified by ACTRA members, with a vote of 99% to support.

Therefore, effective July 1st, 2007, the rates were increased. The new rates apply to sessionswhich took place on or subsequent to July 1st, or to residual fees with a cycle date whichbegins or is subsequent to July 1st.

To assist the Parties in finding solutions during the discussions on the key issues, it hasbeen agreed to engage Labour Management Services through the Ontario Ministry ofLabour. The Labour Management Services provide for neutral third-party facilitation andtraining. They are skilled mediators who understand collective bargaining and several havehad experience with ACTRA negotiations and our industry.

The Parties have also agreed that we must begin this process as quickly as possible so thatwe may begin discussions on the key issues in the fall, which your negotiating committeewill be participating in throughout.

Many thanks for their outstanding representation on the negotiating committee go toMontreal members Ian Finlay and alternate Bruce Dinsmore.

For further NCA updates and the new rates, please visit www.actra.ca.

O

Ian Finlay

Bruce Dinsmore

ACTRA Montreal’sNCA focus group.


IT'S MY DAMN UNION!by Holly Gauthier-FFrankel

"On an occasion of this kind it becomes more than a moral duty to speakone's mind. It becomes a pleasure."

Oscar Wilde, 1854-1900

"Speak now and I will answer;How shall I help you, say;Ere to the wind's twelve quartersI take my endless way."

A.E Housman, 1859-1936

s I sit here and write this, it is all Ican do not to log on to Facebookfor the millionth time today. Itcalls out to me, taunting me, shin-

ing and distracting me from my task athand, a bulletin board of temptation andvoyeurism. If you do not know whatFacebook is…well, I just don't think wecan be friends anymore…seriously. Stopreading my column. Now. Hee hee…Justkidding!

Though I am hopelessly devoted toFacebook, we can still be buddiesbecause I simply love you all, and appre-ciate your loyal readership immensely,and could stop logging on to Facebook if IREALLY had to. Seriously. I totally could.But the reason I mention such a mundaneand time-consuming, soul-leeching web-site is also because it has become a placewhere our far-reaching, varied and stun-ningly talented community can, well, com-mune!

For those still in need of some edification,I will be brief: Facebook is an online com-munity website that allows you to find(stalk) people (ex-lovers and enemies)that you know or once knew (hated oronce threw a book at), and share thedetails of your life with them (drunken,unflattering pictures of you, them and/ortheir friends in many compromising andtotally ridiculous situations…for exam-ple…ahem). It is both a wonderful and ahorrendous thing, for the above-listedreasons and more. But I digress, for achange!

What you can also do on this website iscreate groups for communities of peoplewho share your interests. And ACTRAmembers are definitely an interesting andcommunity-minded group, as I am con-stantly learning!

I am very happy to see that the ACTRAMontreal Facebook group is up and thriv-ing, with new members every day, andnew bulletin-board postings that encour-age and support all of those who strivefor excellence as actors and performers.It has also become a place for membersand non-members alike to express theirfrustrations and difficulties with differentwork situations, and problems they havewith the union.

I am pleased to know that this tool exists,and greatly appreciate those who are run-ning the group because it is difficult tofield problems if we don't know what theyare; the administrator of the group hasmade very conscious efforts to encouragehonesty, and to keep people on the unionside. I am deeply thankful for this, but itraises an issue for me that is longstand-ing and complicated. Bear with me.

There is still a lot of animosity towardsour union, and union-mentality in generaland it is frustrating and troubling to me. Iunderstand the difficulties actors face bychoosing this profession, and I under-stand the allure of throwing caution to thewind and going for whatever gig seemsmost likely to take us directly to the pathof success. BUT, to assume that the uniondoes not help, that it is a hindrance,

A

that it simply stands in the way of thosetrying to fulfill their dreams, is not only dis-respectful to those who have worked likedogs (DOGS!) to make fair and moral deci-sions for the greater good of our branch andour national situation as a whole, but is alsoshortsighted and ignorant.

It is imperative that we educate ourselves tothe fullest about what this union has doneover time and what it is still trying to do! I,for one, am still learning about what pastCouncils and members have gone through forfair pay negotiating and our rights as actorsand as human beings! It is mind-boggling.

This is not a reprimand, my dear fellowactors; it is a call to action to find out moreabout the facts, and to become more active ifthere are things that prove to be problematic.Please keep telling your branch openly andrespectfully what the problems you face are,and please understand that the union officessuffer from the same lack of Canadian fund-ing that we all do as actors looking for workand opportunities.

Which leads me perfectly and seamlessly intomy next exciting topic, (See mommy? MyB.A. is coming in handy now!), the Less Cut,More Action short film contest!

You can get all the info by logging onto ActraMontreal's website, or by contacting GarySaxe at the Branch offices, but basically thisis another form of community action that isfun to do, and in which we can all participateas members.

You read the MIP guidelines, then you write ashort film about how Canadiansneed/deserve/must have more funding forCanadian content on television, you find abunch of your member-friends, and you makethe film! Woohoo! What could be simplerthan that? It is yet another way in which wecan make a difference, hone our skills as pro-ducers, performers, writers, etc, and havefun. Check it out at www.actramontreal.ca.

Another way in which you can do your part toensure that your opinions are heard is to par-ticipate in this year's Council elections!They're here yet again, People! Step up tothe plate!

By nominating yourself or your friends for aposition on the ACTRA Montreal Council, you

will be participating in an extremely construc-tive and communicative process that is bene-ficial to everyone in our membership.

If you feel that you have something special tocontribute to ACTRA Montreal's community,or you know that there is something thatmust be changed/added/worked on/createdthat you don't see happening now, why notget your ballots and votes in? Be the changeyou want to see, my friends. Join the Counciland ensure that your input is acknowledgedon the highest level. Not that we won'tnotice you otherwise! It would just be won-derful to see more new faces, and to hearmore new opinions. The more the merrier, Isay!

Now before I leave you and head out into thewild and unpredictable weather, let meremind you about my favourite event of theyear, despite gale-force winds and angryclouds! It's time for the AGM again! Woohoo!AGM! The perfect chance to see all yourACTRA buddies in person and not online!And to listen to the sensible words of yourCouncil members, and to those of yourNational Councillors, and to bask in the flat-tering fluorescent lighting of our favouritehotel, and to obtain free coffee and drinks!

I know you are all chomping at the bit for theAGM, my dears. You can't fool me! If you'renot well-versed in the nuances of my stupidsarcasm yet, let me just say that I am onlybeing slightly facetious.

I really do love the AGM because we get todiscuss our hopes, fears and dreams withvaried members of the community, and tovoice our opinions. This is really the mostimportant aspect of all, folks. And whetherwe do it on Facebook, or face-to-face at theGeneral Meeting, or on a daily basis over thephone or whatever…we must do it. Do it foryour kids, your friends, your family and, mostimportantly, for yourselves. Because, as weall know by now…say it with me, my beautifulpeople…

IT'S YOUR DAMN UNION TOO!

Branch Councilor,Holly Gauthier-FFrankel

Questions? Comments? Invitations? Gifts?Just wanna say hi? Contact Holly at [email protected]. She loves you!


Audition&

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TAKE THE “LESS CUT, MOREACTION” CHALLENGEAre you disgruntled by the decline of Canadian television drama? Crotchety aboutthe cutbacks to the CBC and National Film Board? Livid due to the lack of screentime given to Canadian films in our theatres? Steamed by Canadian broadcastersspending zillions to purchase U.S. production, while cancelling shows producedhere? Worked up about the weakening of Canadian Content rules? Insulted, irritated and infuriated by the inaction of our governments?

Its time to do something about it! Create a short film about the need for Canadiandrama, Canadian stars, and a cultural policy that protects and develops our filmand television industry. Get inspired and put your wits to work!

Selected films will be screened at our conferences, shown for educationalpurposes and as political outreach, and posted on websites such as YouTubeand www.actra.ca.

MIP GuidelinesACTRA Montreal's Member Initiated Production agreement (MIP) is our ultra-low-budget agreement. When you make a film using ALL ACTRA MEMBERS, you get totake advantage of an agreement available only to members. All participants agreeto share in any proceeds, should you achieve fame and fortune with your MIP film.

You must be an ACTRA member and all performers in the project must be ACTRAmembers. Films should be 90 seconds or less in length. Please submit 2 copiesin DVD format.

For a complete list of guidelines and more information on producing a short forthe Less Cut, More Action challenge, please contact Gary Saxe ([email protected]) at the ACTRA Montreal office (514-844-3318).

Check out some of the "Less Cut, More Action" shorts already submitted to ACTRA Toronto! You can find them on the ACTRA Toronto web site - www.actratoronto.com

Hinterland What's What by Leo Petrus, Peter Keleghan and Gordon Pinset.

Shoestring by Pat Lewis andDominique Naipaul.

CSI by Andrew Bush.

NEW HERITAGEMINISTER NEEDS TODEAL WITH DRAMACRISIS NOWACTRA welcomes new Heritage Minister JoseéVerner and calls for her to take immediateaction to fix the drama crisis in Canadian televi-sion and to protect our cultural industries fromforeign domination.

"Minister Verner must make it clear to the CRTCthat private broadcasters must be required toshow real Canadian programming on Canadianairwaves. We are being inundated with U.S. pro-duction," said Richard Hardacre, ACTRANational President.

ACTRA has consistently called on the CRTC toreverse their disastrous 1999 Television Policychanges that led to the collapse of Canadianprogramming.

"Thanks to the CRTC, the broadcasters have alucrative monopoly over Canadian airwaves, yetthey don't even attempt to meet the spirit of theCanadian Broadcasting Act," added Hardacre.“Canadians deserve to tell their own stories andsee them reflected on our film and televisionscreens."

ACTRA is also calling on the government to pro-tect Canada's broadcast industry from potentialforeign takeovers.

"This is our country and our culture. We will notgive it away. Cultural sovereignty is an essentialpart of nationhood, and our broadcast industrymust be protected from foreign takeover,"Hardacre stated.

political action


ACTRA members demonstratefor more Canadian shows on TVEvery year, Canada’s private broadcasters go shopping in L.A., spending hun-dreds of millions of dollars on U.S. programming. Last year Canada’s privatenetworks spent $440 million on foreign drama programming, and only $40million on English-Canadian dramas. After their recent L.A. spree in May, CTVand Global held big parties to show off their U.S. purchases to advertisers.

ACTRA handed out flyers outside CTV’s launch event and held a demo outsideGlobal’s Massey Hall event. Hundreds of ACTRA members and supportersturned up to help get out the message that private broadcasters need to beairing more Canadian shows on TV.

Stars Wendy Crewson, Peter Keleghan and Colin Mochrie and MP Peggy Nashaddressed the crowd along with ACTRA National President Richard Hardacreand ACTRA Toronto President Karl Pruner.

Private broadcasters use our public airwaves to make huge profits airing U.S.shows. While they fill their schedules with U.S. fare, Canadian culture paysthe price. Canadians deserve more Canadian drama on primetime TV. ACTRAis asking for CRTC rules to compel private broadcasters to spend 7% of adrevenue on new Canadian dramas.

BROADCASTERS' DEALS FAIL CANADIAN AUDIENCESCTV, Global and even CBC announce new American content

Canada's broadcasters are ignoring their obligationsunder the Broadcasting Act and their responsibilitiesto Canadian viewers by bringing more U.S. content toa broadcasting system already saturated withHollywood shows.

"We're inundated with Hollywood celebrity culture inCanada. It's becoming virtually impossible to findany sign of Canadian life on Canadian television sta-tions," said Stephen Waddell, National ExecutiveDirector of ACTRA.

Canada's three major broadcasters, including ourown public broadcaster, announced a new onslaughtof American shows: CTV announced it will streamU.S. content from TMZ.com onto its national enter-tainment show, website and Star! channels. Today,CanWest Global's CH channels are re-branded as E!with U.S. content from E! networks and CBC hasannounced it has purchased 180 one-hour episodesof The Martha Stewart Show.

"E Talk Daily and ET Canada's idea of Canadian con-tent is covering Paris Hilton strolling the streets ofYorkville in Toronto. That's insulting. These new pro-grams show a further lack of commitment toCanadian audiences, and a blatant disregard for theBroadcasting Act," said Richard Hardacre, NationalPresident of ACTRA.


Laurence Leboeuf, Alain Goulem,

Stephane Lefebvre were the big winners on a hot

22000077 AACCTTRRAA


Michel Perron and

summer evening in June as ACTRA Montreal held its

AAwwaarrddss..photos by Robert McGuirk

n June 9th, in front of more than 300members and invited guests atLe Medley, ACTRA Montreal presentedthe 2007 ACTRA Awards.

Laurence Leboeuf and Alain Goulem took thehonours for Outstanding Female and MalePerformance, Michel Perron nabbed theOutstanding Voice Performance award andStephane Lefebvre was the winner of ACTRA'sfirst ever Outstanding Stunt Performance award.

The venerable Walter Massey received ACTRAMontreal's Award of Excellence for his incrediblebody of work, spanning six decades and Arden Ryshpan was presented the ACTRAMontreal Community Builder Award in recognitionof her tireless efforts in improving the treatmentof performers in the film and television industry.

Also honoured at the ceremony were former ACTRAMontreal President MattHolland and newly namedLife Members of ACTRAArthur Grosser, KathleenFee, Bill Haugland, BronwenMantel, Kelly Ricard, JeannieWalker and David Rigby.

The gala was hosted by voiceperformer and directorRichard M. Dumont and presenters includedMontreal branch councilmembers, National Vice-President Jamie Bradley,National Executive DirectorStephen Waddell and lastyear’s winner of the Outstanding FemalePerformance award, Claudia Ferri.

The annual ACTRA Awards inMontreal recognized outstanding performancesby ACTRA Montrealmembers and celebratedaccomplishment and excellence in our industry.

The ACTRA Awards were re-instituted in 2003 as partof ACTRA's 60th Anniversary.


at the actra awards

O

President Don Jordan offers Award ofExcellence recipient Walter Massey acongratulatory hug.

Host Richard M. Dumontshows off his legs for theBest ACTRA Short award.

Past PresidentMatt Holland ishonoured.

2007 Life Member recipients Jeannie Walker, Bronwen Mantel,Arthur Grosser, Kathleen Fee and David Rigby.


A LOOK AT THEWINNERS...

LLaauurreennccee LLeebbooeeuuffwas the winner of theOutstanding FemalePerformance award for herrole in Human Trafficking asNadia, a teenage girl, luredinto an international sex-trafficking ring. Other creditsinclude 15/Love, DurhamCounty, The Secret and TheTrouble With Cali.

AAllaaiinn GGoouulleemm was the winner of the OutstandingMale Performance award forhis role in The Tournamentas Barry McConnell, a boor-ish hockey dad with dreamsof seeing his 10 year old sonmake millions in the NHL.Other credits include TheLast Chapter II, Nuremberg,Proof of Lies and Bon CopBad Cop.

MMiicchheell PPeerrrroonn was the winner of the OutstandingVoice Performance award forhis role in the animatedseries Monster Allergy.Michel is veteran of bothFrench and English languagefilm, television, theatre,cabaret, dubbing and original voice animation.

SStteepphhaannee LLeeffeebbvvrreewas the winner of ACTRA'sfirst ever Outstanding StuntPerformance award for hiswork in Last Exit. He is astunt performer and coordinator with more than100 credits to his nameincluding 300, Timeline, The Day After Tomorrow and Jumper.

National ExecutiveDirector StephenWaddell withCommunityBuilder ArdenRyshpan.

Council members GillianFerrabee and David Schaappresent the OutstandingFemale Performance Award.

Council member Barbara Bacci wiith

last year’s OutstandingFemale Performer

Claudia Ferri presentingthe Outstanding Male

Performance Award.

Vice-PresidentThor Bishopric takes thestage to say a few wordsabout his friend Matt.


at the actra awards

National V.P. Jamie Bradley and National Councillor Cary Lawrence present the Life member Awards.

Branch councillors Johanna Nutter and Daniel Giverin announce the winner of theOutstanding Voice Performance.

The Boys:Richard m. Dumont, Alain Goulem and Bruce Dinsmore.

David Gow, Stephen Waddelland Bronwen Mantel.

Pamela Koren, Mary Morter and Antonina Stabile.

Jessica Willems and hermom, Connie Gariepywith Tyrone Benskin.


CHAN WINS AT4th ANNUALACTRA SHORTFILM FESTIVALAfter finishing in the top three at the lasttwo ACTRA Shorts, JJiimmmmyy CChhaann nabbedthe Audience Choice for Best Short at thisyear’s film festival with TThhee LLiitttteerrbbuugg.

It was Jimmy’s fifth submission to the ACTRA Short FilmFestival, having produced two shorts for its inaugural yearand one in each year since.

The other finalists for this year’s top honours wereResolute, submitted by Marc Trottier and Haley’s Gals,submitted by Robert Higden - winner of the previous twofestivals.

Best Short winner Jimmy Chan with (inset) a scene from his film The Litterbug.

Scenes from the Best Short finalists Resolute (above)and Haley’s Gals.


had seen the occasional blurb for the WIDC in the Grapevine.I knew they existed but that's about it. So when I got theemail about them holding a Summer Reception at the ACTRA

Montreal offices this past August I thought it might be an interest-ing way to spend a few hours. But when ACTRA Montreal called toinquire if I would be willing to assist the WIDC in a casting work-shop being held earlier that day for a group of Montreal baseddirectors and guest Casting Director Lucie Robitaille, my reactionwas, "Are you kidding me? A chance to work my craft in a roomfull of directors AND with one of Montreal's most respected cast-ing directors…I am SO there!

I arrived at the ACTRA office where the workshop participants(both Actors and directors) were being warmly greeted by WIDCProducer Carol Whiteman. Carol had flown in from Vancouver tofacilitate the workshop and seemed to take pleasure in chattingand getting to know each of us individually.

The workshop began with Lucie Robitaille giving both the actorsand directors an insightful talk about the casting process that wasboth fascinating and enlightening. On a personal note, it wasgratifying to hear that it's not always a performer's acting abilitythat lands them the role.

It is the casting director's job to find the actor with the personali-ty, physicality and energy that best suits the character as well asthe people (producers, directors) the casting director is workingfor. I mean, I already knew this on an intellectual level, but it wasnice to hear it from the horse's mouth, so to speak.

Next the actors were given scripts and shown a detailed scheduledepicting various mock auditions. This included all manner ofcasting scenarios from traditional, scripted auditions with a read-er, to improve, to a sort of "meeting with the director" situation.

A child actor was there to give the directors an idea of some ofthe difficulties that may come with auditioning young children. Ifound the collaborative atmosphere in which Carol ran the work-shop to be both refreshing and effective.

After a very informative afternoon followed a "cinq a sept."While all of us were chowing down on the nice munchies

WWOOMMEENN IINN TTHHEEDDIIRREECCTTOORR’’SS CCHHAAIIRR?? IITT’’SS AABBOOUUTT TTIIMMEE!!This summer, ACTRA Montreal hosted its second Women in theDirector’s Chair cocktail reception as well as a casting workshop forsome budding female directors. Performer Taylor Baruchel washappy to attend and lend a hand.

I

community building

by Taylor Baruchel

Some of the participantsin the WIDC’s Montrealworkshop.


ACTRA SLAMSU.S. ATTEMPT TOCRACK DOWN ONMOVIES MADE INCANADACanada's film and television performers condemn the latestattempt by Hollywood to stop productions from being made inCanada. "We will fight this attack on Canada's film industry andinsist on the right to provide support to our industry," saidRichard Hardacre, ACTRA National President.

The Film and Television Action Committee (FTAC), a single-issueHollywood organization, has filed a 301a petition against Canadawith the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). FTAC says Canadiansubsidies are unfairly luring productions away from Hollywood.

"The bitter irony in this dispute is that we are drowning in U.S.product on TV and in the movie theatres," said Hardacre.

"Canadian broadcasters spend hundreds of millions of dollars onU.S. TV shows, limiting our own creative talent from being ableto work and build our own Canadian industry," said Hardacre."It's difficult to find a Canadian film in a Canadian theatre withall the U.S. blockbusters dominating our screens. Yet this upstartorganization has the nerve to insist we stop filming in Canada,"he added.

Studies in Canada have shown that the total direct and indirectimpact of U.S. film production in Canada was only a fraction ofthe amount claimed in U.S. studies. According to a 2004Canadian report, a leading U.S. private sector study about "run-away productions," called The Monitor Report, is fraught withflaws and questionable data.

"This complaint is without merit or substance and won't succeedunder any trade agreement. What's more, if a U.S. complaintwere ever successful at the World Trade Organization, whichseems to be FTAC's target, the paradox is that Canada wouldhave an even stronger case that U.S. films and television showsare being dumped into Canada and we could retaliate," saidStephen Waddell, National Executive Director of ACTRA.

FTAC claims it has the support of some in Hollywood. However,AFTRA (American Federation of Radio Television Artists) and theMotion Picture Association of America do not support FTAC.

provided, Carol casually spoke about theWomen In the Director's Chair organizationand what they offer. For example, inDecember they hold a weekend workshop inBanff, Alberta where directors get an oppor-tunity to work with professional actors(ACTRA) and crews (DGC, IATSE).

Carol explained that up to 10 actors areselected each year to participate, their travelexpenses and per diem are covered by theWIDC and she encouraged us to send in ourapplications. Once again….I am SO there!

As a parting thank you gift, Carol gave eachof us a lovely fashion accessory, a nifty scarfwith the WIDC logo. I think I'll wear it to theirworkshop in Banff this coming year. So I'm alittle premature, but I AM going to apply! Seeyou in Banff!!!

Special thanks to the folks at ACTRA whosupport great organizations like WIDC byhosting events like this!

ACTRA and darn proud of it!

For more information about WIDC and theirworkshops, please visit:www.creativewomenworkshops.comwww.banffcentre.ca/bnmi/

NEW IPA PERMIT RATE FEESNew Independent Production Agreement (IPA) permit fee rates are in effect forwork to be performed on or after July 18, 2007. The rates are:

Principal and Stunt Performers: $260 (1st week), $130 (subsequent weeks)Actors and other Performers: $210 (1st week), $90 (subsequent weeks)Dubbing: $90 (per week)

This represents the first increase in IPA permit fees in 12 years. For more detailson the cost of work permits, please visit www.actramontreal.ca or consult withyour local branch.

IPA permit fees are charged to performers who do not pay working dues whenworking in ACTRA’s jurisdiction. Such performers include ACTRA Apprentices,ACTRA Additional Background Performers, and Non-Members.

When an Apprentice Member attains Full Membership, s/he begins to payworking dues, so the permit fees no longer apply.

Permit fees and Full members’ dues provide the financing necessary to supportACTRA’s work and programs, including negotiating and enforcing agreements,organizing, research, political and public policy outreach, campaigns forCanadian programming and member services.

news bites


Kudos! Sharlène Royer was recently named the recipient ofS. O. B. (Sound of Blackness Awards) Best Actress awardfor her interpretation of Juliette in the series 7th Round.

The S.O.B gala goal is to encouraged the black culture inthe arts in Quebec and the rest of Canada.

Congratulationsto new ACTRA Montreal membersElissa Bernstein, Nancy Boulanger,Stephanie Breton, John Churchill,Hazgary Colin, Patrick Costello,

Neil De Albuquerque, Marie-AAlice Depestre, Andrew Farmer,Martin Fortier, Gabriel Gascon, Alexandria Haber, Devery Jacobs, George K., Jarrett Lobley, Nadege Maignan,Jarrett Marineau, David Robert McLeod, Tadhg McMahon,Niko Nikolov, Rene Paiement, Luc Pilon, Vicky Plancher,Matthew Raudsepp, Derek Seguin, Gemma James Smith,Paul J. Spence, Leigh Ann Taylor, Philippe Weris, Jean-LLoup Yale, Meiko Yasunaka, Ferelith Young.

MELVIN JOHN DOWNEY

Our condolences go out to thefamily and friends of John, whopassed away this summer at the ageof 71.

To the adorable couple!Congratulations to our favourite former National Councillor Maria Bircher and steadfast past National President

(and current Montreal V.P.) Thor Bishopric on their recent nuptials.

Maria, ever elegant and Thor, always dashing, were married on a beautiful summer day August 4, 2007.

FromPakistan to ProWrestling...

Congratulations toDeepak Massand onthe success of hisautobiography.

Deepak, perhapsbetter known as the pro wrestling heelSheik or managerDeepak Singh, offersup a fascinating andabsorbing tale of hislife in an autobiographyrecently published inIndia.

actra notes

NOMINEE:

MEMB #:

SIGNATURE:

PROPOSED BY:

MEMB #:

SIGNATURE:

SECONDED BY:

MEMB #:

SIGNATURE:

If you wish to nominate additional candidates, please contact theMontreal office for additional forms.


Join the ACTRA Montreal branch council!

Focus on helping your union:

It is time, once again, to elect the eleven (11) members ofour local Branch Council.

Once elected, the new Montreal Branch Council will elect -from amongst its members - our President, Vice-Presidentand Treasurer.

As well, the new Branch Council will elect - from amongst itsmembers - two (2) National Councillors, who will representthe Montreal Branch on ACTRA's National Council.

The first step in this process is to identify those memberswho wish to stand for election.

Only Full Members may nominate a member. Only Full Members may stand for election.

Full Members in good standing who wish to stand for officemust sign the form - indicating their willingness to serve, ifelected. As well, the names, membership numbers and signatures of the members (also in good standing) nominating and seconding them must be included.

The completed nomination form must be returned to the ACTRA office no later than Friday, November 16, 2007 at 5 p.m..

The ballots, as well as information on the candidates, will be sent out shortly after the nomination deadline.

BRANCH COUNCIL NOMINATION FORM

ACTRA Montreal1450 City Councillors, Suite 530, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2E6

Tel: 514.844.3318 Fax: 514.844.2068Email: [email protected] www.actramontreal.ca

.. Publication Mail Agreement #40613589

editor - actra montreal · randy duniz taylor baruchel daintry dalton ... (the most watched comedy...

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