The newest initiative from Anita Adams is Canada Screens, a VOD service that is specifically for Canadian films.

We wanted to learn more about Anita Adams, the story of First Weekend Club, and the inside scoop on Canada Screens.

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Can you start by sharing a bit more about you and what you’re involved with right now?

Well, I’m a wife and mother of two teenagers with a passion for Canadian film. When I started First Weekend Club over 12 years ago it was meant to be just a little hobby that I did on the side. It quickly became all consuming. This past April we launched a VOD service exclusively for Canadian films called CanadaScreens.ca. It’s been equal parts frustrating and really exciting as we worked hard to launch this service. I’m loving it now and really excited about the direction we are taking it in to help some more of the truly indie Canadian films find a home online.

How did you first become involved in the film industry?

I got my start in the film industry as an actor. I mostly did commercials, had a small recurring role on The Dead Zone and did a few bit parts here and there. At the time, it was my biggest dream to be an actor. Interestingly, pursuing this dream is what lead me to discover some great Canadian films and ultimately propelled me into launching First Weekend Club, which I firmly believe is exactly what I was meant to do.

First Weekend Club is one of your most notable projects. How did it get started and how has it made a difference in the industry?

It started after I took my mom to see a Vancouver made film The Rhino Brothers, which starred one of my favourite local actors Gabrielle Rose. I called my mom up and told he we had to go see this film and we should get there really early because it’s opening night and the theatre will likely be packed. By the time the film started to roll, there was me, my mom and 4 other people in the audience. I couldn’t believe it! Here’s a great film, shot in Vancouver, starring a complete Vancouver cast and there was practically no one in the theatre. I walked away determined to do something that would make a difference.

The first film we supported was Punch, by Guy Bennett. We organized a Q&A with the filmmakers and some of the cast and just beat the drum hard and loud about this films opening night. It sold out. That felt pretty good.

Over the years we’ve had a number of great successes and some disappointments. French Canadian films seem to do the worst here in Vancouver, which is so unfortunate because there are so many great ones. There are a lot of films that have gone on to have long extended runs, and I believe our work through First Weekend Club has made a difference, but I also believe that we are only one cog in a very busy wheel and many elements need to be in place for a film to have success. I’m proud of the role we play in that though.

One of your newest projects is the launch of the Canada Screens VOD streaming service. What were your goals in launching this and what can Canadian film supporters expect from it?

Most Canadian films only open in a small handful of cities – some only open in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal – and most films only open on one screen per city. So there are so many people in Canada that simply do not have an opportunity to see Canadian films.

CanadaScreens.ca is our response to this problem, which makes Canadian films accessible to anyone in Canada, anytime. Some films on CanadaScreens.ca, not all, are also available to the world. I hope to expand our service so we can bring more films to the global market.

Currently, we have many of our industry’s highest profile films on CanadaScreens.ca. We intentionally selected these films and worked with our curator recommendations to drive awareness about the service. Our next phase, is to more actively solicit the smaller independent Canadian films. These may be by first time feature length filmmakers, or filmmakers who are making films without big budgets. There are many gems out there worthy of attention and we want to help those smaller films find a home online.

From your standpoint, what is the current state of the Canadian film industry?

After a whirlwind festival experience at both TIFF and VIFF, I walked away from these festivals truly inspired by what I saw on screen – and I only go to see Canadian films. Our country is producing some amazing films that will be recognized and appreciated around the world. So all politics and funding issues aside – that’s a whole different discussion – I believe the Canadian film industry is stronger than ever. We are producing more and more great content. With all of the American productions that are coming up north due to our low dollar, we are also expanding our professional base and getting more skilled workers. It’s an exciting time for the domestic industry. The job remains to get more people out to see our films!

Who are some of the emerging Canadian filmmakers that you are excited about right now?

I’m really excited about a couple of young guys, including Kyle Rideout whose first feature Eadweard is rolling out in theatres. Kyle directed and co-wrote this film with Josh Epstein, who is also the film’s producer and a long time First Weekend Club member – I love being able to support filmmakers who have also been so supportive of others through the club.

I’m also excited about the four young guys who formed North Country Cinema, a director-driven media arts collective. Earlier this year they put out their first feature film called The Valley Below, and at VIFF their second feature premiered, O’Brazen Age. Both really fantastic films. The original four who formed this collective include Kyle Thomas, Alexander Carson, Cameron MacGowan and Nicholas Martin.

These are names I’m certain we’ll hear again and again.

What are a few of your favourite Canadian films from the past and present?

C.R.A.Z.Y. by Jean Marc Vallée has been a long standing favourite.

Saint Ralph by Michael McGowan.

The F Word and It’s All Gone Pete Tong both by Michael Dowse. He also did Goon, the hockey movie that had me clutching my stomach in laughter.

Sex After Kids by Jeremy Lalonde.

My Internship in Canada by Philippe Falardeau – this film opened in theatres this October. He also did two other personal favourites, Monsuir Lazhar and It’s Not Me I Swear.

I could go on … there are so many I really love.

What would your advice be to aspiring filmmakers in Canada?

Chase your dreams and find a way to make it happen. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Pick up a camera and just get out and do it. It’s easier than ever to make films. It’s hard to make a good film, but that typically only comes after a lot of practice. So go make your film now.

What books have been influential to you in your career?

Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway, by Susan Jeffers. I think so many people don’t chase after their dreams because they are afraid of failure, rejection, or maybe even success. I liked this book because it basically said it’s OK, normal to be afraid, but don’t let that stop you from moving forward. It’s become a bit of a personal mantra for me and I’m actually starting to be more comfortable being uncomfortable.

Where can we go to find out more about you, First Weekend Club, and Canada Screens?

Check us out at FirstWeekendClub.ca and CanadaScreens.ca

We have a newsletter for both so if you are interested in finding out about new films opening in theatres, getting access to some comp tickets through our numerous contests, and participating in some cool events for a films opening weekend, subscribe to our FWC newsletter.

For those interested in discovering some great films from the comfort of your home environment, sign up for our VOD newsletter here. Subscribers receive some great complimentary offerings throughout the year as well. There is no cost to join either group.

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Our thanks to Anita Adams for speaking with us!

The post The Biz Interview: Anita Adams appeared first on Biz Books.

A loyal supporter of the Vancouver International Film Festival, Katherine Monk gets to attend as a filmmaker in 2015 with the premiere of her new short film, Rock the Box.

Ahead of the premiere, we spoke with Katherine Monk about her new transition from film critic to filmmaker and her new career endeavours.

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Why don’t you start by telling us a little bit about what you’re up to these days?

I just launched a new website called The Ex-Press with a clutch of other veteran newspaper colleagues who have given up on corporate media. We had a hugely successful launch in the US with our first print edition on September 20th. Canadian launch to come next month.

Your first film, Rock the Box is premiering at the 2015 Vancouver International Film Festival. What can you share about the experience of making the film?

It feels like I just graduated from film school – even though that was 25 years, and an entire journalism career, ago.

What does it mean to you to have Rock the Box showing at VIFF and how important are film festivals for filmmakers these days?

VIFF Is huge for me. It’s my hometown. It’s where I’m known as a film critic, not a filmmaker. So it’s like starting a whole new life. And festivals will always be important even if they are changing, because filmmakers need community. So much of filmmaking happens in isolation with your team. The only time you realize you made something for other people is when you share it with an audience.

How did you first become interested in and involved with the film industry?

I made Super8 movies with my big sister when we were kids and when I graduated from UBC with a honours undergraduate degree in English Lit, I needed to go back for a second degree because I had been elected city editor of the student paper. I applied to film school and law school. I got into both, but film school seemed like an easier course load. At the time, it was about serving the student paper. But I quickly realized film school was probably more intense than law. But who doesn’t want to make movies?

From your standpoint, what is the current state of the Canadian film industry?

That’s a very, very, very big question. I wrote a whole book about Canadian cinema called Weird Sex & Snowshoes… things have changed since it was published in 2001. Mostly for the better.

What advice do you have for people who are interested in becoming filmmakers?

Focus on your vision, make it because you have to, and don’t pay attention to the negative people. Everyone will tell you it’s impossible and that you are wasting your time.

What about advice for aspiring film critics?

It’s an open ball game now. Anyone can be a critic! You don’t need to know anything at all anymore. Hell, you don’t even have to be able to write. So go for it. See what happens. There’s room for everyone online.

What’s the biggest misconception about film critics?

We’re all fat, unhygienic and male – which for the most part, is true.

How would you sum up the films of 2015 at this point?

Great performances. Mediocre movies.

What are some of the most memorable moments of your career so far?

Over my 25 years as a career journalist, I met everyone I ever wanted to meet, said all the things I felt I had to say, and went to all the places I dreamed of going. My whole life has been one awesome moment after another. Seriously. I’m the luckiest person on the planet.

Who are the Canadian films and filmmakers that you most admire?

I love and admire everyone in this country. Even the ones who write me hate mail regularly.

What books and authors have been influential to you throughout your career?

Goethe, Nietzsche – I had to read a lot of Nietzsche for my Joni Mitchell biography – and Homer. Reading the classics and German philosophy are a great way to find perspective on the daily dose of bulls***. You realize nothing really matters except loving relationships.

Where can we find out more about you and your various projects?

I have my own website, KatherineMonk.com, which I update when something big happens and it’s a sure thing. But The Ex-Press (Ex-Press.com and Ex-Press.ca) are where you can catch up with my exploits, and my writing, on a daily basis.

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Our thanks to Katherine Monk for speaking with us!

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Recommended Reading

[bscolumns class=”one_half”]

Chris Gore’s Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide
Chris Gore

[/bscolumns]

[bscolumns class=”one_half_last”]

The Complete Filmmaker’s Guide to Film Festivals
Rona Edwards and Monika Skerbelis

[/bscolumns]

The post The Biz Interview: Katherine Monk appeared first on Biz Books.

We spoke to Taylor Hill about Leap 4 Your Life and how the success of the film has allowed her to take the next leap forward in her own blossoming career.

Tell us a little bit about you and what projects you have on the go right now.

My name is Taylor Hill and I am the writer/producer/ and one of the stars of the award winning comedy Leap 4 Your Life. We currently secured distribution with Pacific Northwest Pictures and Leap can be seen on Super Channel, Shaw-On-Demand and a few more platforms in the coming months. I am also very grateful to have just won Best Newcomer at the 2014 UBCP/ACTRA Awards.

What was the moment when you knew you wanted to be involved in acting, writing, and producing?

I always wanted to be an actor, but I don’t know if there was a specific moment I decided that. I’d always watch movies with my family growing up and wanted to get lost in those worlds. I started acting when I was 7, but I’ve never been very patient (said everyone who knows me). Having to wait around for someone else to tell me to be creative is the worst part of this business. I discovered my love of writing in university and producing seemed like a natural role when work started getting slow.

Who were some of your greatest influences early on?

Julia Benson and Peter Benson are such an inspiration to me. They are not only two of the kindest people I have ever met, but are incredibly talented filmmakers. I am very excited to see their world premiere of WHAT AN IDIOT at the 2014 Whistler Film Festival.

Leap 4 Your Life is a film that is very close to your heart, as an actor, writer, and producer. Can you explain your creative process for Leap 4 Your Life from the idea stage all the way to film release?

Well it all started with having a bad day. I was in the thick of my university exams, hadn’t booked an acting gig in awhile and was sick with bronchitis and told my Mom I wanted to quit the business.  She told me I needed a creative outlet and suggested I write this mockumentary I have been talking about for years. I grew up as a competitive dancer and a huge fan of Christopher Guest films and I always thought a dance mockumentary would be a fun movie to make. My Mom and I started brainstorming characters that day and I knew we had something special.

Then we teamed up with Gary Hawes and knew we were in good company. He is such an amazing director and incredibly detailed oriented. He took everything in my head and made it better. I think it’s pretty rare and special when you find someone you can collaborate with so well and I owe much of Leap’s success to his incredible vision.

Leap 4 Your Life has played at several film festivals – including the Vancouver International Film Festival. How important are film festivals like the Vancouver International Film Festival for filmmakers today and what insights can you share into the process of getting a film chosen by a festival?

We premiered at VIFF in 2013 and we were lucky that they also launched the Must See BC program which highlights BC features. It really put our film on the map. We were definitely the underdogs going into such a large festival, but thankfully we were able to develop a fan base and we won the Must See BC Award which really gave us a platform for people to get to know our film.

We’ve been very fortunate with our festival run and have screened around North America and made our European Premiere in Scotland in October.

There’s a lot of film festivals out there, so do your research if you think your film will be a good fit and of course expect more no’s than yes’s.

Film festivals are an incredible platform to get your name out there and also connect with other passionate filmmakers. If you are lucky enough to get your film screened, go! It’s a surreal experience.

As a mockumentary, Leap 4 Your Life exists in a challenging and unique film genre. In your mind, what are the three most important things that every mockumentary needs in order to be successful?

1. Heart. I think any movie needs heart or what’s the point of watching it?

2. Great actors. Mockumentaries can really lend well to over the top scenarios, but having grounded and honest performances are really what keeps the audience engaged. We were very lucky to have such an amazing cast that could make you laugh and cry all at the same time.

3. Let the audience in on the secret. I love watching mockumentaries because the audience gets to go along for the ride and is privy to information that a lot of the characters aren’t.

Acting, writing, and producing are three very different areas of the creative spectrum. What do you enjoy about each of them and is there one that is more rewarding for you?

With acting and writing, my favourite part is losing yourself completely in what you are doing. It’s a great outlet for me. Producing is another beast. It can sometimes be hard to keep perspective from the amount of work there is to do. Then you realize wow, I just climbed this huge mountain.

It’s hard to say which one is more rewarding. I think when you put all three together then that’s the most rewarding because it seems the most impossible.

Tell us a little bit about your creative approach. As a writer, where do you find inspiration? As an actor, what steps do you take to get into a character?

As a writer I start with what I know and inspiration will come to me at random times. I’ll normally get a scene stuck in my head and I’ll have to write it down and I won’t know what do to with it. It becomes this weird obsession, so I just have to let it simmer and stew before that light bulb moment happens.

As an actor I have to find one thing that kind of unlocks the character for me. For Molly it was her braces, once I had that I knew exactly how to navigate her. I have to find a secret or something to make her special that I can relate to. In the movie, she is always wearing hearts and it was just my way of her always having her heart out….(Sounds cheesy, I know).

As an actor, is it easier for you to get into characters that you have created yourself?

It’s just different. If I write for myself I already know how I want to play her, but if it’s someone else’s it takes a little bit more investigative work on how I can relate to them.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career as an actor, writer, or producer?

Ask questions. Find people who are in the profession you want to be in and ask them how they did it. You have to be relentless and be prepared for a lot of no’s before you hear yes’s. But even then, if you believe in your project it doesn’t matter who says no to you; just make it happen.

From your standpoint, what is the current state of the film industry in Canada today? How can things be improved?

I’m definitely not an expert about the industry as a whole in Canada, but I can talk about the vibrant indie scene happening here. There are a ton of talented actors, writers and filmmakers here in BC creating their own projects. I think it’s an exciting time and we need to keep helping each other create our projects and build this indie community. Filmmaking is becoming a lot more accessible and there really is no excuse for you to not get your work out there. We don’t have to just be a service industry to the big U.S. productions, we can and are making some great films.

What would you like audiences to expect when they see a film with your name on it?

That you’ll probably see my whole family in the end credits. And hopefully, you’ll leave with a smile on your face.

What books have been influential to you in your creative journey so far?

Tina Fey’s Bossypants is really a must read for anyone in the business. She writes with so much honesty.

I’m dyslexic so books have always been a love/hate relationship for me. I think that’s why I fell in love with movies so early on.

Where can people find out more about you and keep up with your current projects?

Go to our Facebook page at Facebook.com/leap4yourlife

If not, you will probably see me hidden behind my laptop at a JJ Bean in Vancouver, so just ask.

The post The Biz Interview: Taylor Hill of Leap 4 Your Life appeared first on Biz Books.

In advance of VIFF, we caught up with Dakota to find out more about him, his dual festival roles, and his own creative preparation at this early stage of his career.

Can you start by telling us a little bit about yourself and what you’re up to these days?

I’m about to graduate my two year acting program at New Image College and have been as busy as ever. As you know I have some amazing films about to debut at VIFF, and I’ve also been writing my own stuff. I have my first movie in which I wrote, produced and will co-direct going into production mid-September. I think the death of an artist is being stagnant so I always try to keep busy and create my own work. I don’t expect anyone to knock on my door so I also try to write, direct, produce and act. The more fingers in the cooky jar then the better chance of success – it’s physics.

What was the moment when you knew you wanted to be an actor?

I don’t think there was ever this defining moment – at least not thus far, where I thought “Hey, I want to an actor!”. I just started working, writing and developing my own stuff, then the next thing you know I was like, “Oh, I guess I’m an actor!” Plus, I’m a really creative type, enjoy talking to people, and could never see myself in an office job, so acting is definitely the gig if you’re like me.

You have not one but two films (Black Fly and Sitting on the Edge of Marlene) that will be screening at the 2014 Vancouver International Film Festival. What can you tell us about your characters in these films and what experiences you learned from being involved with these projects?

Both projects are beautifully done but are worlds apart in terms of the characters that I portray. Sitting on the Edge of Marlene, which our fabulous director Ana Valine won a much deserved Leo Award for, is the story of a mother and daughter. The mother, Marlene (Suzanne Clement), is a relapsing drug addict and con artist who is trying to raise her daughter Sammie (Paloma Kwiatkowski) in the same environment. That’s where I come in. I portray Drew who is a character that is both unworldly and naive. He’s a loner. Which is something that he and Sammie can relate to. This allows both to understand each other’s insecurities and fears on an unspoken level. Unfortunately for Drew, he thinks Sammie is savable. He thinks he can bring her to the light of the Lord and cure her issues. Which, at the end of the day he is in for one hell of a surprise.

Black Fly is my most recent project, under director and writer Jason Bourque. Like Sitting on the Edge Marlene, Black Fly revolves around family. We focus on the unspoken bond of brotherhood.

In this crazy, thriller inspired by true events, I play Jake Henson. Unlike Drew, Jake has been through some stuff. He’s seen more of the dark side of the world and hasn’t been sheltered from anything. He’s raw and alone. A young boy abused by life, family, death, and betrayal. All he’s really searching for is somewhere and someone to call home, which to him his older brother.

This kid has gone through some s*** and that’s all before the film even begins. The journey of Jake and his brother Noal (Matthew MacCaull) is difficult to watch – because it feels so real. The film is stunning and the characters are so raw that it doesn’t feel like you’re watching a movie but like you’re looking through a doorway into a boy’s unsettling life.

You have also worked on television in the series, Falling Skies. For you, how does TV acting compare with film acting and what creative rewards do you get from each of these mediums?

They are both extremely rewarding – I enjoy doing what I do whether for film or TV. With that said, the biggest difference for me is that with television you’re working with new directors, actors, and sometimes whole crews after each episode. That is both cool and challenging. With TV your character is always developing as new directors and writers come in and offer their creativity – which is awesome as it keeps you dynamic. This can also make it challenging as you are trying to deliver a consistent character for millions of fans watching at home. With film you are typically working with a single director for the duration of the shoot. You develop a strong character but don’t get as many fresh eyes on your work. I love collaborating with new artists and the uncertainty of not knowing what is going to happen keeps you on your toes as an actor.

How would you describe your creative process as an actor for getting into your characters?

My process changes with each project. Nothing is ever set in stone. I always find myself falling into my characters through the strangest or simplest ways – you would be amazed what mundane things can make all the difference. For Black Fly it was mocking phone calls and just improving with Matt MacCaull before takes. For Falling Skies, it was the placement of my hands and the tightness of my boots. For Sitting on the Edge of Marlene, it was the coat and the weird blink I do. When you find it then it kind of just happens – the next thing you know, “boom,” I’m no longer me.

Who were your greatest influences when you were starting out?

I have never been influenced by other artists per se. They inspire me to work harder and when I see their success I strive to do even more. I figure if they did then why can’t I? With that said, it takes hard work and I know I’ve still got a lot to learn and experience but I don’t ever doubt myself. If I don’t believe in myself to be the best, then who will?

Overall, what is the very best thing about acting?

It’s the only job where you don’t ever have to choose a job. In acting I can be everything – doctors, lawyers, criminals, aliens, cowboys. I can be a brain surgeon without ever taking a day of school.

What has been your most memorable moment as an actor so far?

My most memorable moment as an actor thus far was one of my first read throughs for Falling Skies. We were doing a table read at Aja Tan, which is a massive post-apocalyptic studio/set they use for the show. So I am sitting at the table across from Noah Wyle, Will Patton and next to me is my now good friend Doug Jones. And I had this overwhelming sensation of “Wow, this is incredible!” It just felt right. Like I had earned my spot at their table. A table full of actors I’ve watched my entire life.

What do you want people to associate with you in the future if they see your name on a film?

I’d love it if, when people went to the movies, that one buddy would turn to his other buddy before the opening titles and say, “this movie is with Dakota Daulby and that other guy.”

Seriously though, I guess I’d want people to associate me with not only acting but also writing, producing and directing. I want to be known as the guy who can do it all. Secondly, I’d want people to know that I used any and all success in film to help others. Helping others follow their own dreams in or outside film is very important to me.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in acting?

I would advise them to not think they can solely rely on ‘natural’ talent. Yes, you may have it, but a surgeon who has a steady hand still goes to school before stepping into the operating room. Trained and untrained actors don’t compare. Find a good school and take it seriously, like you would any other career.

What books have been influential in your creative journey so far?

Actions: The Actors’ Thesaurus by Marina Caldarone is definitely one of the books that stands out as having been instrumental to my career, I never leave home without it! But seriously, it’s crucial for actors to be as specific as they can be with their acting. In life we always know exactly what we’re saying, doing and why. But when you’re performing it’s not always that easy. You’re using a set of predetermined words written by somebody else, which can make the act of appearing natural more difficult. If I can fully understand what I’m saying in a scene, then the viewers will be able to better relate to the character. The more relatable you are to an audience then the more people will want to stay with you and watch you.

Where can people find out more about you and keep up with your latest projects?

My website would be a good start: DakotaDaulby.com or just contact me on social media – Twitter, Facebook, and Instragram.

Social media for me is a great way to get in contact with fans who want to talk or ask questions in real time. I love talking or just shooting the shit. If you want to know more all you’ve got to do is say “hi.”

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Black Fly will screen on September 27th at the Rio Theatre and September 30th at International Village.

Sitting on the Edge of Marlene will screen on October 1st at the Rio Theatre and October 3rd at International Village.

For more information, please visit visit VIFF.org,

The post The Biz Interview: Dakota Daulby of Black Fly appeared first on Biz Books.