BC Film + Media is pleased to announce that BC filmmaker Craig Wallace has been selected to participate in a unique mentorship with acclaimed film director Ron Howard on his next feature "Cinderella Man".

"Cinderella Man" is the story of Depression-era fighter and folk hero Jim Braddock, who defeated heavyweight champ Max Baer in a 15-round slugfest in 1935. The film, starring Academy Award winning actors Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger, will be directed by Ron Howard and produced by Howard, Brian Grazer and Penny Marshall.

Organized by the Canadian Film Centre, two Film Centre alumni were handpicked by Mr. Howard for this incredible mentorship opportunity. Deeply committed to training and mentorship, Mr. Howard will allow observers to participate in all aspects of the film from actor read-throughs and pre-production meetings, to shot listing and visual prep, being on set every day and even into post production.

"We are thrilled to see Craig offered this opportunity to intern with Ron Howard," said Rob Egan, President and CEO, BC Film + Media. "Exposure to a filmmaker of this stature will be an unparalleled learning experience for Craig and speaks once again to the valuable role that the Canadian Film Centre plays in developing new talent."

Craig Wallace is a recent graduate of the Director's Lab at the Canadian Film Centre. While at the Film Centre, Craig was chosen to direct one of five Short Dramatic Films "Todd and The Pure Book of Evil". BC Film + Media provides financial support for professional skills development initiatives like the Canadian Film Centre that benefit emerging British Columbia filmmakers. In addition, BC Film + Media will assist Craig with various costs associated with this director mentorship on "Cinderella Man."

BC Film + Media is a privately administered non-profit society established in 1987 by the provincial government with a mandate to expand and diversify the cultural industries of film and video in British Columbia. The Society acknowledges the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development.