Wandering Wagon Theatre is a newly founded commedia dell’arte troupe under the creative guidance of Susan Bertoia and presented by Axis Theatre. Wandering Wagon creates devised theatre through mask work, improvisation, movement, clown, and music.

The Details:
Juggle Me Not is a commedia dell’arte show inspired by the tale of The Little Juggler. A plague-ridden troupe travels from town to town in search of mirth, love and sometimes even lost members. To escape the malocchio, a curse from his dead wife, Chef Pulcinella must marry off his only daughter, Isabella. A slew of suitors will compete to win her hand, her inheritance and a slightly used Vitamix, but Isabella has plans of her own. Bursting with lazzos, live music and dancing, this performance, featuring larger than life characters in masks created by Gina Bastone, embraces how the best gifts we possess are not always those we can hold in our hands.

Director: Susan Bertoia
Designer: Heather Kent
Stage Manager: Cassandra Bourchier
Cast: Holly Collis Handford, Brittany Cope, Karthik Kadam, Damion LeClair, Conor Meadows, and Erin Purghart

Admission is FREE, but online registration is required through Eventbrite prior to the event.

Show Dates and Locations

Please visit axistheatre.com/juggle-me-not for complete information.

The post Axis Theatre Presents “Juggle Me Not”, a Wandering Wagon Theatre Production appeared first on Biz Books.

Six new short films for 2021 will be shared at an online Gala Screening on May 1, 2021 followed immediately by a Virtual AfterParty on Gather.

Production on the six short films took place in mid-March over the 8 celebrated days. Tickets are now available at www.crazy8s.film.

We spoke to Jessey Nelson about Crumbs.

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Can you start by telling us about you, your Crazy8s film, and your involvement?

Hey! I am the co-founder of SPK Productions and the sketch comedy crew known as The Smashed Potato Kids. I co-directed and co-wrote the film Crumbs. It’s the story of a young boy who loses his father at a young age. After his mom remarries an abusive man, Shylo conjures up an imaginary friend from a childhood book to help him with his traumas in life.

What was the most memorable moment for you in the Crazy8s process?

Honestly, being able to work with amazing people. We brought a big crew from out production company/sketch world to make this film and all the new people along the way were amazing. We created some great human connection on this journey.

What would your advice be for anyone considering Crazy8s?

Make sure to bring people that you love with you on this journey. Get people together who are passionate about your idea. Find a way to have as much fun on the journey because before you know it the film is made and it’s on to the next journey. Also get information from past Crazy 8’s participants. Most people are more than willing to give advice.

What books would be valuable to have read before participating in Crazy8s?

Ha! I write a lot but i do not read too much too be honest. What helped me was reaching out to as many people who had much more experience than I did and learning from them. I also watched a couple Master Classes on directing (Scorsese and Ron Howard).

What other projects are you working on and where can we find out more about you?

Lots of stuff! We are currently working on an anthology series and feature film pitch with the concept of Crumbs.

We are working on making more comedy sketches and releasing a pilot sketch show within the year. We also just started and AD Agency called SPK Creative. Lots of fun content creating moves!

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Thanks to Jessey Nelson for speaking with us!

For more information, please visit Crazy8s.film.

The post Crazy8s2021: Jessey Nelson appeared first on Biz Books.

Six new short films for 2021 will be shared at an online Gala Screening on May 1, 2021 followed immediately by a Virtual AfterParty on Gather.

Production on the six short films took place in mid-March over the 8 celebrated days. Tickets are now available at www.crazy8s.film.

We spoke to Luvia Petersen about iDorothy.

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Can you start by telling us about you, your Crazy8s film, and your involvement?

My name is Luvia Petersen and I’m a multi-nominated actor and director living here in Vancouver, BC. My Directing credits include the Leo Nominated short film Dog Bite, the Harold Greenberg Funded short film H.appiness and most recently the Crazy8’s co-produced short iDorothy.

My Crazy8s film is a sci-fi drama about a grieving widower, played by Hiro Kanagawa, who has his dead wife’s memories uploaded into her bio-synthetic replica. Once activated, she, played by Carmen Moore, begins experiencing flashes of terrifying images as buried secrets force their way to the surface threatening both of them.

I’m the Director.

What was the most memorable moment for you in the Crazy8s process?

My most memorable moment was during a rehearsal with Carmen Moore & Hiro Kanagawa. They were bringing so much vulnerability and honesty to each character that I had the pleasure of re-discovering my film on a deeper level.

What would your advice be for anyone considering Crazy8s?

Make sure the story lives in your heart. You need to know WHY you are making this film and will use that answer time and time again as your guiding light.

What books would be valuable to have read before participating in Crazy8s?

I read three books to prepare for Crazy8s. Master Shots by Christopher Kenworthy Volumes 1, 2 & 3. In fact, I think it was another Crazy8s director, Jay Kamal, who recommended them.

What other projects are you working on and where can we find out more about you?

You can find out more about me at www.luviapetersen.com

My team at Download Joy Productions and I will be working on a Music Video, developing a Feature Film to pitch to Telefilm and developing a Web Series.

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Thanks to Luvia Peterson for speaking with us!

For more information, please visit Crazy8s.film.

The post Crazy8s2021: Luvia Petersen appeared first on Biz Books.

Six new short films for 2021 will be shared at an online Gala Screening on May 1, 2021 followed immediately by a Virtual AfterParty on Gather.

Production on the six short films took place in mid-March over the 8 celebrated days. Tickets are now available at www.crazy8s.film. This event is geo-blocked to British Columbia.

Finished films for the first time in the twenty-two-year history of Crazy8s will be screened at an Online Gala Screening followed immediately by a virtual interactive AfterParty on Gather where guests can mingle, enjoy the music of DJ Krista on the Finale Mainstage, partake in a red carpet, and experience a cocktail making demo from Lavish Liquid.

Many Crazy8s films go on to screen at major film festivals, online, broadcast on television here in Canada and around the world, as well as further develop and launch careers of tomorrow’s filmmakers.

The Top 6 Crazy8s 2021 films are:

BABA
Director: Jay Kamal
Writer: Jay Kamal & Javier Badillo
Producer: Javier Badillo, Panta Mosleh
Logline: A 12-year-old boy with a mixed heritage tries to come to terms with the tragedy of his father’s death while fulfilling his responsibilities at the complex funeral held in both Muslim and Christian traditions.

CRUMBS
Director: Jessey Nelson & Cody Nelson
Writer: Jessey Nelson & Kyle Siemens
Producer: Kyle Siemens, Joel Panas, Cole Vandale, Rami Kahlon
Logline: Crumbs is the story of Shylo, a young boy who summons an imaginary clown who helps him deal with the traumas of life after his mother remarries an abusive man.

CUELLO
Director: Sebastian Ortiz Wilkins
Writer: Sebastian Ortiz Wilkins & Moheb Jindran
Producer: Moheb Jindran & Allen Xu
Co-Producer: James Mattagne
Logline: A kidnapped family man has his life hanging in the balance as a pair of highwaymen decide his fate.

iDOROTHY
Director: Luvia Petersen
Writer: Huelah Lander
Producer: Amanda Konkin
Logline: A grieving widower has his dead wife’s consciousness uploaded into her bio-synthetic replica. Once activated, she begins experiencing flashes of terrifying images as buried secrets force their way to the surface threatening both of them.

MOM VS. MACHINE
Director: Tesh Guttikonda
Writer: Tesh Guttikonda
Producer: Shyam Valera, Kashif Pasta, Tesh Guttikonda, Praneet Akilla
Co-Producers: Jasleen Kaur, Bhavesh Chauhan
Logline: When Kamal’s adult son introduces a 3D food-printing appliance into their home, it shatters her maternal identity and forces her to go on a journey to heal old wounds, rediscover herself, and literally battle the machine

TRYST
Director: Rachel Rose
Writer: Shayn Walker & Rachel Rose
Producer: Mohamed Ibrahim, Alisa Luke
Logline: Set in 1983, Tryst is about a young, black couple coming to terms with the husband’s desire to take cross-dressing out of the bedroom.

The post Crazy8s2021 Gala Online Screening and Virtual Afterparty appeared first on Biz Books.

Film Details

This August, SpongeBob SquarePants, his best friend Patrick Star and the rest of the gang from Bikini Bottom hit the big screen in the first-ever all CGI SpongeBob motion picture event. After SpongeBob’s beloved pet snail Gary is snail-napped, he and Patrick embark on an epic adventure to The Lost City of Atlantic City to bring Gary home. As they navigate the delights and dangers on this perilous and hilarious rescue mission, SpongeBob and his pals prove there’s nothing stronger than the power of friendship.

Now playing exclusively in Canadian theatres.

Prizing Details

– 1 x SpongeBob 13” figurine
– 2 x SB character small plush dolls
– 1 x SB kids sunglasses
– 1 x SB slime
– 1 x SB Bubbles
– 1 x Mini poster
– 1 x T-shirt

Value: $117.00

How to Enter

Please send an e-mail to info@bizbooks.net and please include this information:

• Your Name

• Your E-Mail Address

• Your Phone Number

• “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run” Movie Contest in the subject line

The winner will be selected at random and contacted by e-mail.

The post The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run Movie Contest appeared first on Biz Books.

Save 20% on all Canadian plays until May 31st ONLINE!

Shop here!

The post The 2020 May Play Sale appeared first on Biz Books.

In this interview, we talked to Brodi-Jo Scalise – director of “Itsy Bitsy Spider”.

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Can you tell us about how the idea for your film came to be and what your creative process was like in making it come to life?

I’ve always had a fear of spiders since early childhood, and I thought using real tarantulas as a metaphorical device in a short film could be both fascinating & unnerving – after shooting I can confirm that those are both still equally true. I wanted to tell a personal relationship story through the lens of a psychological horror film, this stems from my love of genre films that begin from a place of authentic human feelings/emotion and then spiral into something unexpected.

What was the most memorable moment for you in the Crazy8s process?

There are many for me, ranging from being announced in the top 6 through to filming our final shot. It’s a very intense process that has both highs & lows, yet the journey has always been wildly exciting & collaborative with your guiding light being the gala where you know your project will screen in front of over 1000 people. It’s all for the audience!

What would your advice be for filmmakers considering Crazy8s?

Focus on telling your story in your own specific way, and stay faithful to that, that is your greatest asset as a director. And always stay humble and respectful to everyone along the way.

What books would be valuable for a filmmaker to have read before participating in Crazy8s?

I am a total nerd for any & all screenwriting books. Although not screenwriting-centric, a favourite of mine is Stephen King’s On Writing. A classic read for any aspiring writer.

What other projects are you working on and where can we find out more about you?

In an effort to sustain this positive momentum I’ve felt being a part of this year’s Crazy8s, I’m forging ahead with rewriting feature & short scripts I’ve had in my back pocket for too long. You can find me on Instagram at @brodijo 

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Thanks to Brodi-Jo Scalise for speaking with us!

You can check out all of the Crazy8s films tonight as part of the Crazy8s2020 gala.

For more information, please visit Crazy8s.film.

The post Crazy8s2020: Director Spotlight appeared first on Biz Books.

In this interview, we talked to Avi Glanzer, Luisa Muniz, and Mike Johnston about producing their Crazy8s films, The Quieting, Mr. James is Dead and Sol.

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Can you start by telling us a little bit about you and the film you are involved with?

Avi Glanzer: I’m born and raised in Vancouver, attended Capilano University for Filmschool, and have been Producing Short Films since 2012; this is my second Crazy 8s, having produced Woodman in 2017. Our film, The Quieting, is the story of Maggie, who is well into her 30s before she decided to come out, as she psychically combats the manifestation of her anxieties and internalized hate on the night before an important date.

Luisa Muniz: I’m Luisa the producer of Mr. James is Dead. A short film in which every crazy idea is welcomed. The film tells the story of Tom as he attends his strange fathers funeral only to find out that the funeral is filled with villains from all shapes and sizes. I meet Josh and Daniel in Film School at Capilano University and when they sent me the script it was just a perfect combination of both of them. Daniel’s sense of humour and Josh’s rhythm and passion for stunts.

Mike Johnston: My name is Mike Johnston and I am a director and producer based in Vancouver, BC.  I am also one of the principal owners of the Vancouver-based production company, Studio 104 Entertainment.  The film we have developed and produced thus year is entitled, Sol, and is the story of a mother and daughter living in a future set in 2042 where toxic smog has blocked out the sun.

As a producer, what have been your duties on the film?

Avi Glanzer: I like to be involved in some way at all stages of production. When I came to the project Ali Liebert had just started writing the rough draft. My role in that stage was to guide her towards a completed, shootable, story. Going into production I built a team of producers around me who were all able to help bring to bear an element of our production needs. Keeping the blood (Coffee) pumping and putting out fires (not literal ones) while on our days of shooting. During Post Production I worked closely with our post team in order to ensure a smooth delivery throughout the whole pipeline.

Luisa Muniz: As a producer I have had to deal with problems and make plans to avoid problems. Also make sure everything is paid and happy.

Mike Johnston: On this production, I have overseen the development and production phases of the film including but not limited to the hiring of our production crew, facilitation of all departmental needs, logistics, scheduling and communications with our locations and sponsorship personnel.  Additionally, I will be overseeing our festival and distribution strategy after the gala presentation.

What was the most memorable moment for you in the Crazy8s process?

Avi Glanzer: When we screened the rough cut for the first time, and I wept so hard that everyone in the room started laughing.

Luisa Muniz: Most memorable moment was during out very first production meeting with Nate and Julia from Crazy 8’s. They looked at us and said: “Soooooooo, how are you planning on doing-” and then they listed all the challenges we would be facing. I was in my corner not worried at all because we were never going to get top 6. Well, turns out we had to figure that out. Second day on set I remembered that meeting and it was great looking back at all the challenges we had to overcome.

Mike Johnston: The most memorable part of the Crazy8s process for me this year was the live reveal.  Last year, I produced the Crazy8s film, Idols Never Die and I remember watching the Golden Globes and getting a phone call from our director Jerome Yoo telling me that we had been green lit for the Top 6.  This year, with the live reveal you could feel the tension in the air, the excitement was palpable and it make the stakes that must more intense.  Felt like American Idol!

What would your advice be for other producers considering Crazy8s?

Avi Glanzer: Make sure you build a support team around you larger than you would for a normal short film. There’s a lot of resources being given to you, knowing how to use them will make all the difference. You can’t go into this process thinking you’re shooting a film for $1000; the value of in-kind services is remarkable, build a production that can take advantage of them.

Luisa Muniz: Make sure you have a great team and also plan to spend all your money on this. It will be hard, but you will end up with a great film.

Mike Johnston: For any future producers considering Crazy8s, I think it is important to consider the equity of your project and just what the expectations are.  Know that you will be responsible to fear the bulk of the financing for your film and also you will not own the intellectual property.  It is important to consider these contractual obligations before beginning the Crazy8s process.  Moreover, as you will be responsible for the bulk of the financing, manage your expectations.  Make sure your film is logical and logistically sound for a three day shoot.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career thus far?

Avi Glanzer: Everything takes longer than you expect. You can plan everything down to the most minor of detail, but when it comes time to play, your schedule rarely cooperates.

Luisa Muniz: Make sure you work with people you enjoy spending a lot of time with. Build your team and make sure they can relay on you, but also that they can relay on you. Nobody can make a film alone, and to be honest, we would you want to since the best part is sharing the experience and the results.

Mike Johnston: The most important lesson I have learned in my career so far is to make your own opportunities.  Don’t wait for them to come to you or you will be waiting a lifetime.  Don’t wait for opportunity to knock, knock first.  Don’t be afraid to cold call, buy someone a coffee or lunch or walk straight up to them, shake their hand and introduce yourself.  We are our own worse enemies believing we are not good to be forward.  Block out the noise and be the hardest worker in the room every day.

What books would be valuable for a producer to have read before participating in Crazy8s?

Avi Glanzer: Even though it’s not a book on Producing, I would say that On Directing by David Mamet has been the most useful resource for me in all filmmaking. Mamet outlines a very clear relationship which the Director builds with specific Key Creatives. This overview on how everything fits together has been invaluable as a producer for understanding on how every department functions with one another.

Luisa Muniz: I’m sure there are many books I could recommend but for now just read and reread guidelines and contracts. If you get into Crazy8s you would want to know all those things by heart. Same applies to all other competitions/festivals you submit too.

Mike Johnston: Best books to read for producing independent films are Rebel Without a Crew by Robert Rodriguez and Independent Film Producing: The Craft of Low Budget Filmmaking by Suzanne Lyons.

What other projects are you working on and where can we find out more about you?

Avi Glanzer: I have a number of music videos which will be in production before the summer as well as a couple of new short film projects with collaborators in the pipeline. I also work as Outreach and Community Partnerships for the Vancouver Short Film Festival which occurs every January. My two most recent Short Films A Typical Fairytale (2018) and Woodman (2017) are still making their rounds through festivals and can be seen on Telus Storyhive and CBC respectively.

Luisa Muniz: What’s next is whatever Peter writes next. This is a great team and if they would have me I will keep on working with them.

Follow my IMdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8913977

Mike Johnston: Our production company – Studio 104 Entertainment – is transitioning out of short films and into developing and producing longer form content such as series and feature films.  In fact, Sol is one of the last short films on our 2020 slate.  Currently, we are developing 3 series:

1. True North Crime – a five part anthology series examining the most baffling and mysterious cold cases in Canadian history.
2. Breaking Kayfabe – a documentary series pulling back the curtain on the world of professional wrestling, featuring some of the best talent and most bizarre incidents in the history of the business.
3. Growing Up With Mi Familia – a 5-episode comedy series about a Latino girl going through periods, puberty and growing immigrant in Canada.

Lastly, we are also beginning to develop two feature films – 84 Bison, is based on the true events of a mafia hit woman coming to Canada and Yellow Ribbon the incredible true story of the citizens of Gander, Newfoundland on September 11, 2001.

To find out more about Studio 104 Entertainment, please visit www.studio104entertainment.com or like us on Instagram or Facebook: @studio104entertainment

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Thanks to these producers for speaking with us!

You can check out all of the Crazy8s films tonight as part of the Crazy8s2020 gala.

For more information, please visit Crazy8s.film.

The post Crazy8s2020: Producers Spotlight appeared first on Biz Books.

Film Details

More than two decades have passed since Sarah Connor prevented Judgment Day, changed the future, and re-wrote the fate of the human race. Dani Ramos (Natalia Reyes) is living a simple life in Mexico City with her brother (Diego Boneta) and father when a highly advanced and deadly new Terminator – a Rev-9 (Gabriel Luna) – travels back through time to hunt and kill her. Dani’s survival depends on her joining forces with two warriors: Grace (Mackenzie Davis), an enhanced super-soldier from the future, and a battle-hardened Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton). As the Rev-9 ruthlessly destroys everything and everyone in its path on the hunt for Dani, the three are led to a T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger) from Sarah’s past that may be their last best hope.

In theatres November 1st.

Screening Details

Date: Wednesday, October 30th, 2019

Theatre: Scotiabank Theatre

Time: 7pm

How to Enter

Please send an e-mail to info@bizbooks.net and please include this information:

• Your Name

• Your E-Mail Address

• Your Phone Number

• “Terminator: Dark Fate” Movie Contest in the subject line

Winners will be selected at random and contacted by e-mail.

The post Terminator: Dark Fate Movie Contest appeared first on Biz Books.

Dates:
Monday, August 26th 11pm-5pm
Tuesday, August 27th 11pm-5pm
Wednesday, August 28th 11pm-5pm
Thursday, August 29th 11pm-5pm

Location:
ActorVan Studios (2330 Ontario Street, Vancouver)

RSVP to this pop-up event on Facebook!

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