Blog / Updates and announcements from BC Film + Media.

The winners of the inaugural Lieutenant Governor’s Daryl Duke Awards for Screenwriting were announced last night at a reception at the Vancouver International Film Centre. Lieutenant Governor Iona Campagnolo was in attendance to speak and present the winners with their awards.

Chris Haddock, creator of critically acclaimed television shows DaVinci’s Inquest, DaVinci’s City Hall and Intelligence, won the award for achievement in writing for television. “It's a great honour to accept this award”, says Haddock. “I hope I can live up to the expectations that this implies and help to ensure that Mr. Duke's spirit continues to inspire writers everywhere.”

Vancouver, BC – BC Film + Media is very pleased to announce that Richard Brownsey, Executive Director of the British Columbia Arts Council and Director of the Provincial Cultural Services Branch, will be joining BC Film + Media in September as Executive Director. In his new position at BC Film + Media, Richard will continue to play an integral role in the support of the BC Film + Media and television community, serving as a valuable link between Government, BC Film + Media and the community – both locally and nationally.

Vancouver, BC - CBC in British Columbia is pleased to announce that Rob Egan, former President and CEO of BC Film + Media, is joining CBC Television as the Senior Manager, Business & Planning, effective May 16th. In his position at CBC, Rob will play a key role in the management of television in the BC region. He will be responsible for strategic planning and business operations, and will work with the Regional Director to identify and implement overall priorities for CBC Television in BC, in both its network and regional roles. He will also participate in program planning and project management.

Vancouver, British Columbia - In light of the rising Canadian dollar and the resulting vulnerability experienced by the service sector of the film and television industry in British Columbia, a report recently released by BC Film + Media highlights the need to continue to build the province's BC owned and controlled domestic sector.

In 2003, approximately 88% (or $1.2 Billion) of all spending on film and television in British Columbia was from foreign sources. As noted by BC Stats in August 2004, "this dependence on highly mobile foreign production underscores the need to strengthen the domestic sector of the film and television industry". Strengthening the domestic sector is a key strategy in ensuring the long term sustainability of the film and television industry in the province.

BC Film + Media is pleased to confirm another strong contingent of British Columbia films have been selected to screen at this year's Toronto International Film Festival.

The new Canada First! section of the festival includes two British Columbia dramatic feature films, "It's All Gone Pete Tong" directed by Michael Dowse, produced by Elizabeth Yake and "Ill Fated" Mark A. Lewis' directorial debut, produced by Mark Lewis, Andre Garrison and Paul Armstrong.

BC Film + Media is pleased to announce its program menu for 2004/05. Following an extensive review and industry consultation process, the Society will focus resources on the critical areas of development financing, the expansion of markets and co-production opportunities and professional skills initiatives.

BC Film + Media will introduce an innovative new program, the Slate Development Fund. This Fund, the first of its kind in Canada, will provide support for the development and marketing of a diversified portfolio of film and television projects. For production companies with multiple projects in development, the Slate Development Fund will be an attractive option, providing greater flexibility than conventional project funding. In addition the Society will renew the Project Development Fund and Passport to Markets Program.

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.

Led by "The Snow Walker", a feature film based on a Farley Mowat short story, BC Film + Media is pleased to announce that three feature films funded by the Society were recently recognized with eleven Genie Award nominations.

The Genie Awards, presented by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, celebrate outstanding achievement in Canadian cinema. This years British Columbia nominees reflect the diverse talent of feature filmmakers in the province and the high quality of filmmaking on the West Coast.

“We are proud of the recognition these films have received from the Academy,” said Rob Egan, President & CEO of BC Film + Media. “It’s clear that British Columbia filmmakers are making an impact with both audiences and critics.”

Today Rob Egan, President and CEO, BC Film + Media, announced that the Society has engaged in a comprehensive review of programs and services it offers to the film and television industry in British Columbia.

For the first time since its inception in 1987, BC Film + Media is faced with unprecedented budget constraints. Direct provincial funding to the Society has decreased from $4.5 million in 1995/96 to its current level of $2.28 million for fiscal 2004/05. In addition, a one time provincial investment of $4 million towards a 3 year feature film program will end on March 31, 2004.

"In light of successive budget reductions, BC Film + Media must review its core purpose and activities in support of the province's film and television industry," said Egan. "This review will ultimately determine BC Film + Media's role in sustaining the industry in years to come."

BC Film + Media and CBC Television in British Columbia, in association with the Alibi Unplugged Script Reading Series, are pleased to announce the winners of their third annual Signature Shorts Screenwriting Competition for emerging writers.

Close to 300 writers from across the province submitted scripts inspired by this year's contest theme, "Redemption".

"The response from the writing community, both in quality and quantity, was tremendous again this year. It is gratifying to see that British Columbia writers are so inspired by this opportunity," says Rae Hull, Regional Director of Television in BC and Senior Director of Network Programming, CBC Television.