News

Film Training Manitoba’s Upcoming Workshops

Our workshops are held in various venues in the downtown area so please visit our course calendar for more information on how to find us, and how to register for these workshops. You can also call us at 989-9669!

**Film Training Manitoba is pleased to offer training at a significantly reduced cost to the Manitoba Film industry.

Scene Study with Ben Davis

January 22^nd to the 24^th | 10 am – 6 pm | $125

Location | Actor’s Training Centre

Straight from Los Angeles, acting coach Ben Davis will be using the Ivana Chubbuck Technique to take participants through a scene study workshop.

“After years of going to various acting workshops to hone my directing skills, last year I had the amazing experience of attending a workshop with Ben Davis. I think I learned more in one day than all of the other workshops combined. For my purposes Ben is the perfect coach: he’s enthusiastic, funny, extremely focused and very critical. But his criticism is always constructive and comes from a place of passion and belief in his student’s capabilities. I watched in wonder as over and over again he took competent performances and transformed them into riveting, compelling scenes. I’ll go to his classes whenever I can.”

– Norma Bailey, Director

IATSE 669 Assistant Camera Trainee Course

February 4^th to the 7^th | 8:30 am – 5 pm | $350

Location | *See full posting on the FTM calendar for more details

The purpose of the camera trainee course is to provide the basic set of skills needed to work on a Western-based union set (BC, AB, SK, & MB). This course is structured to give participants an introduction to cinematography within a union environment. The emphasis will be on the camera department, specifically the duties of a camera trainee who is working towards becoming a 2^nd camera assistant. This course will be taught in a combination of lecture and hands on teaching techniques.

Upon successful completion of the assistant trainee course, participants will be accepted into the camera trainee program. The ultimate aim of the trainee program is to produce working 2^nd camera assistants in the IATSE 669 union, whose skills and professional workmanship help to create a desirable environment for productions contemplating shooting in Western Canada.

*Please visit our course calendar for more information on the assistant camera trainee course, including eligibility requirements for the course.

FTM workshops taking place in early 2010;

Dr. Linda Seger Screenwriting Workshop

February 10^th – 14^th | 9:30 am – 5 pm | $300

Location | Burn’s Family Classroom, 218 – 100 Arthur Street

Lift Certification

February 13^th | 9 am – 5 pm | $100

Winter Driving

February 21^st | 8 am – 3 pm | $150

Trainees and Crew at PS Prairies

Film Training Manitoba has created a unique opportunity for our Aboriginal trainees this past year with a series of Film Shoot Workshops. The goal of these workshops was to create a realistic working environment so that trainees would not only learn about their areas of interest, but would also get a real sense for how a film shoot unfolds.

“The idea of this workshop series was to show our trainees that being a successful crewmember is not just about the final product, it’s about the process you take to get to that product,” explained Neila Benson Executive Director of FTM. Benson also stressed that these workshops were about creating mentorship opportunities for the Aboriginal crew trainees. A working film set is an extremely hectic environment and to have trainees be able to stop the work and ask questions they may have about the process would be very difficult on a working film set.

The first workshop took place in March and was made possible with the cooperation of CAHRD (Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development). Directed by Randy Guest and shot on location at the CAHRD offices, this documentary on the CAHRD organization was created over the course of three days. The trainees were matched with experienced crewmembers for the duration of the shoot and were guided through the process of making a documentary film.

During the shoot, First Assistant Director Richard Duffy took FTM trainee Alanais Moar under his wing. Moar was given a first-hand idea of all the paperwork involved in a film shoot, including the creation of the famous Call Sheets. The project went into post-production and a short, twelve-minute film was created. A screening is planned for the trainees and copies of their work will be kept at the FTM office for future reference.

This past August, FTM made it possible for our trainees to build on what they learned in March with the second workshop in this series that showed them first-hand how a dramatic production is created. With a script written by local actor Ryan Black, and John Barnard of Farpoint Films as the director, the trainees began the day with a group discussion facilitated by FTM staff member Adam Smoluk, who recently directed his second feature film Foodland.

According to Smoluk, “It was cool because we had each crewmember review their dept and introduce themselves to the group. It was very revealing, I think, for these trainees to hear what each department is responsible for and to understand the big picture of how a film shoot comes together. That type of knowledge and training just makes everyone a better crew member.”

Knowing that the goal of this workshop was to create a strong training environment for the trainees, Barnard was able to create a realistic adaptation of a film shoot as well as a strong training environment for everyone involved. “Of course I said yes. FTM is an invaluable organization for the entire film community,” said Barnard. “I began by breaking down the script for blocking and beats. I knew that the trainees would need more time on each scene and I took that into consideration. I think we ended up with a great project that allowed them to learn at their own pace.”

Director of Photography Stephan Recksiedler and Gaffer Ben Stoffer mentored FTM trainee Imre Horvath in the lighting department, teaching him the basics of properly lighting a set. This mentorship was very successful and Horvath spent another three days at PS Prairies under Recksiedler’s tutelage. As a result of his hands-on training, Horvath was placed on the set of “Cashing In” as an electrics intern and is currently working under Laurence Mardon.

This series of workshops came to an end with the third Film Shoot Workshop, which took place at PS Prairies on October 21^st and 22nd. On day one, the trainees were divided into two groups and given a tour of the facilities. This gave them the opportunity to see the technical side of filmmaking, and to learn more about the equipment that is used on a set.

After the facility tours were over, the two groups came together again to review what would take place during the Poor Man’s Process[1] shoot, scheduled for day two. Once again, FTM invited John Barnard to direct the trainees. Barnard reviewed the process of this type of shoot, including its purpose. A script was handed out to the trainees and Barnard broke down the shot angles and lighting styles for everyone.

The trainees were also given a presentation from Laurence Mardon. Mardon demonstrated the different lighting techniques he has learned over the past 20 years as a Gaffer, including a few personal tricks that have proven very effective on set. He also reviewed the different techniques and equipment that the trainees would be using for the shoot the next day.

The Poor Man’s Process[1] took place on the second day of the workshop. The trainees were given their roles and responsibilities, but once filming began the trainees were rotated into different roles. This gave them the opportunity to experience the different jobs and departments. From time to time, the trainees were brought to the monitor and shown how different techniques affected the final product. Throughout the entire shoot several senior crewmembers were on hand to guide the trainees and assist them throughout the shoot.

Trainee Joanne Soldier was placed in the Grip position, which meant learning the backdrop, light diffusions, equipment, and ensuring that everything was properly secured. “I found this workshop not only informative but also fun, “ said Soldier. “Everyone at Film Training Manitoba, PS Prairies, and the participating members of the film community did an awesome job with this workshop. I am looking forward to future opportunities like this. Meegwetch.”

Trevor Klippenstein, Rental Coordinator at PS, was very impressed by the group. “Recognizing and appreciating the quality of instruction and resources on hand, [the trainees] enthusiasm flourished and it didn’t take long for the group to engage us with questions. Everyone involved provided top-notch insight into practical and theoretical application that the students could digest with ease. My feeling was that the students came away with more then they bargained for and I believe FTM is definitely on the right track in terms of structuring a training program like this, regardless of anyone’s background and expertise.”

For more information on Film Training Manitoba and its programs, please visit our website at www.filmtraining.mb.ca.

Written by Dawn Bourbonnais

[1] Poor Man’s Process (PMP): A way of creating the illusion of movement for an interior scene in a car by shaking it up and down and flashing lights and shadows across it.

Locations, Locations, Locations

Sponsored by the DGC, Manitoba

Nov. 21 and 22 (Sat. and Sun.) | 10 am – 6 pm | $100

Are you interested in the film and television industry and want to know more about the location department? Then this two-day workshop is for you. Film Training Manitoba is holding an in-depth locations workshop aimed at those who are interested in learning more about this dynamic department.

This course will provide participants with a detailed overview of the duties and responsibilities of working in the Locations Department.  Participants will take part in a combination of in class and hands on activities, which will include keeping a location safe, crew directions, parking and set support and building a locations truck.

Led by two experienced location managers, Michael Cowles and Cathie Edgar, topics covered will include:

• Locations Department Overview
• City Regulations and Permits
• Goodwill and PR – Keeping the neighbours happy and protecting the location.
• Traffic Control
• Maps and Arrows – How we use them.
• Building the Locations Truck

Note: This intermediate course is not the same as the required locations course for DGC Manitoba.

Mark McKinney Writing Workshop

November 11 & 12 | 10 am – 6 pm | $200 ($25 discount for participants of Pilar Alessandra workshops)

This workshop will take place over two days and will help participants learn more about the process of writing for television. Two writing groups, both led by McKinney, will learn to develop a plot line for several characters using the premise of Less Than Kind. The exercise will simulate what it is like to write for a television series. Day two will have actors come in and do a reading of these scripts, prompting a group discussion on the final product.

All applicants are asked to submit a resume of previous writing experience along with their payment. Resumes will be reviewed to determine eligibility for the course. Payment will be processed upon acceptance into the course. Please submit your resume by email to rharder@filmtraining.mb.ca.

Locations, Locations, Locations

Nov. 21 and 22 (Sat. and Sun.) | 10 am – 6 pm | $100

Instructors: Michael Cowles, Cathie Edgar

This intermediate course is not the same as the required locations course for DGC Manitoba.

This course will provide participants with a detailed introduction to the duties and responsibilities of the locations department.  Participants will learn about city regulations, location permits, scouting and prepping location, and much more. This course will be a combination of in class and hands on components, which will include visiting various locations throughout Winnipeg.

*Participants will be required to provide their SINs (social insurance numbers).

Dealing with Difficult Situations

November 28^th | 10 am – 6 pm | $50

Instructor: David Falk

Dealing with difficult workplace situations is a challenge faced by many people and the way you handle these situations can significantly shape your reputation within the workplace. This one-day session examines the nature of workplace conflict and will provide you with the skills needed to clear up misunderstandings, resolve disagreements, and address difficult situations.

Set Etiquette, part of the Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival

November 21^st | TBD | TBD

Instructor: Tasia Geras

FTM’s Set Etiquette course provides participants with a practical understanding of what is expected on and off of a film set. It will empower you to make a positive contribution to the film making process, enabling you to work competently and safely in various worksites, weather, and situations.

Intro to Paper, part of the Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival

November 22^nd | TBD | TBD

Instructor: Tasia Geras

Intro to Paper is designed to familiarize participants the many forms and documents you will encounter when working on a film or television project (or “show” as we call them).  Communication is essential in the film industry and the paperwork that we work with is one of the most important organizational tools and resources we have.

3D Technologies and Techniques

In partnership with the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television

Friday Oct. 2 | 12pm – 3pm | $25

Special guests from creativePOST, one of Canada’s largest, full service, post companies, will be on hand for this seminar on the latest technologies available for those working with stereoscopic 3-D images. Explore the 3-D process from camera through to post-production and distribution.

Venue Empire Theatres at Grant Park

Ivana Chubbuck Technique

Oct. 2, 3 and 4 (Fri., Sat. and Sun.) | 10 am – 6 pm | $125 (plus cost of the book)

Straight from Los Angeles, acting coach Ben Davis will be bringing the Ivana ChubbuckTechnique back to Winnipeg for a second time. This is a 12-step acting technique, which will take you from the script to a living, breathing, and dynamic character.

Venue Winnipeg Film Group Studio

Music Supervision for Producers: The Business of Licensing and Commissioning Music

In partnership with Manitoba Music

Saturday, Oct. 3 | 10 am – 1 pm | $25

This seminar will address the legal and financial aspect of licensing music for film and television productions. The panel will discuss how they determine the value of a placement, or commission, for original music, and what clauses will appear in a synchronization and master use contract. The panel will also address how songwriters and publishers are further compensated through broadcast royalties.

Panelists: Natasha Duprey, Director of Music Supervision, S.L. Feldman & Associates; Amy Fritz, President, Belmont Music Supervision; and Shawn Pierce, Composer and Editor.

Venue: 1000 Waverley      

Music Supervision for Filmmakers: The Art and Craft of Matching Sound to Images

In partnership with Manitoba Music

Saturday, October 3 | 2 pm – 5 pm | $25

This seminar will focus on the creative decisions that go into music placements and commissions for film and television productions. The panel will discuss how they work with directors and filmmakers to create an artistic concept for the music in a production, how and where they find music for the project, and how they know when a piece of music is truly right. Examples of work will be shown and discussed.

Panelists: Natasha Duprey, Director of Music Supervision, S.L. Feldman & Associates; Amy Fritz, President, Belmont Music Supervision; and Shawn Pierce, Composer and Editor.

Venue: 1000 Waverley

Locations, Locations, Locations

Sponsored by the DGC, Manitoba

Oct. 2, 3 and 4 (Fri., Sat. and Sun.) | 9 am – 5 pm | $125

This course will provide participants with a detailed introduction to the duties and responsibilities of an Assistant Location Manager.  Participants will learn about city regulations, location permits, scouting and prepping location, and much more. This course will be a combination of in class and hands on components, which will include visiting various locations throughout Winnipeg.

Participants will be required to provide their SINs (social insurance numbers).

Instructor: Michael Cowles, Location Manager and Neal Baksh, Assistant Location Manager

Venue: Various locations, visit our website for more details.

Film Training Manitoba has been asked by IASTE Local 669 (the International Photographers Guild) to gauge the interest of our community in their Camera Trainee Program. Interested parties should submit a resume, along with a letter of interest, to FTM. If a significant interest is shown in the program, IATSE Local 669 will conduct a Camera Trainee Training Course here in Winnipeg.

The Camera Trainee Program is aimed at those interested in becoming a 2nd Assistant Cameraperson. Upon successful completion of the Camera Trainee Training Course you will be accepted into the Camera Trainee Program. Trainees are not members of the Local. A camera trainee is a trainee member working on IATSE Local 669 signatory productions with professional film crews. This program focuses on field training and provides an entry into a motion picture career for those who aspire to be professional Camera Assistants and ultimately Cinematographers.

This is a significant training opportunity for Manitobans! If you have any questions, or would like more information, please contact us at:

Film Training Manitoba
100- 62 Albert Street
Winnipeg, MB R3B 1E9

P: 204.989.9669
E: info@filmtraining.mb.ca
W: www.filmtraining.mb.ca

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, July 30, 2009 - Film Training Manitoba will provide 10 post-secondary graduates with the opportunity to enhance and develop their employment skills through career-related experience, as a result of the Government of Canada’s support. Mr. Rod Bruinooge, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.

“In today’s economic environment, it is more important than ever that all Canadians develop the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market,” said Mr. Bruinooge. “Our government is proud to support projects that offer youth the opportunity to develop skills and gain experience that will help them reach their full potential in their chosen fields.”

Film Training Manitoba will receive $49,965 through the Career Focus program of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy. The Crew Internship Program will offer a work experience placement to 10 recent post-secondary graduates in a variety of film and television production positions. This experience will allow the participants to apply the skills they acquired during their education.

“Work experience is one of the most important services that Film Training Manitoba provides to the film and television community,” said Ms. Neila Benson, Executive Director of Film Training Manitoba. “The Career Focus program provides effective hands-on learning opportunities through on-the-job training.”

The Career Focus program is part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world. The Government underscored its commitment in to this strategy in Canada’s Economic Action Plan, designed to protect Canadians during the global economic downturn and invest in Canada’s long-term growth.

A key component of the Plan is to create more and better opportunities for Canadian workers through skills development. The Government of Canada is temporarily investing an unprecedented $8.3 billion in the Canada Skills and Transition Strategy to support workers and their families. Canada’s Economic Action Plan proposes several initiatives targeted to youth, including:

• An increase in funding of $20 million over two years for Canada Summer Jobs, and a new $15 million grant to the YMCA and YWCA. The grant will be used to create approximately 800 to 1000 youth internships with non-profit and community organizations.
• An additional $2,000 Apprenticeship Completion Grant will be available to apprentices who successfully complete an apprenticeship program in a Red Seal trade. This represents an investment of $40 million per year. This new grant will complement the existing Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, which is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year for registered apprentices to help them cover some of the expenses related to tuition, travel and tools once they have successfully completed their first or second year/level (or equivalent) of an apprenticeship program in one of the Red Seal trades.

To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

Los Angeles-based screenwriting instructor Pilar Alessandra (www.onthepage.tv) is back by popular demand, bringing her two-day rewrite intensive workshop to Winnipeg August 29 & 30. This special training event is presented in partnership by Film Training Manitoba and the National Screen Institute.

Participants will take their screenplays, or outlines, through six different rewrites and leave with a script that is restructured, reworked, and ready for the industry. The course is open to screenwriters and TV writers with outlines, partial pages, and completed first drafts.

For more information, or to register for this workshop, please call us at 989-9669 or send an email to info@filmtraining.mb.ca.

Film Training Manitoba is pleased to present a series of seminars as part of the Gimli Film Festival, beginning on Friday, July 24th with READY, SET, PITCH!

This workshop will take place at the Waterfront Centre, with guests Joanne Levy and Phyllis Laing from Buffalo Gal Pictures.

So you have this great idea but how are you going to sell it in three minutes? Pitching is all about communicating the essence of your screenplay or project to an agent, a studio executive, or a producer.
The first half of this seminar will focus on the fundamentals of a good pitch. The second half of the seminar will be dedicated to one-on-one pitching, with ample time for questions and an opportunity for feedback on a private rehearsal of your pitch.

Registrations for this event can be made in person through the FTM office,
or by calling us at 989-9669.

FTM is pleased to announce a new fund available exclusively for film and television production and service companies. FTM will offer financial assistance to these companies for them to implement professional development workshops, and mentorships, unique to their needs.

To learn more about this new program,  visit the HR Professional Development Fund page or contact us at 989-9669.