News and AnnouncementsDGC Ontario News & Announcements
FilmOntario Invites Members to Attend Mayoral Debate
FilmOntario is hosting a Mayoral Debate and is inviting Members to hear the leading candidates discuss their commitment to keep Toronto a competitive screen-based industry of excellence, both domestically and internationally.
WHAT: The four leading candidates (Rob Ford, Joe Pantalone, Rocco Rossi and George Smitherman) will discuss their ideas for ensuring Toronto's film, television and interactive media remains a vibrant industry.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 8, 2010
TIME: 9:30am - 10:30am
WHERE: Pinewood Toronto Studios, 225 Commissioners Street, Toronto
Please RSVP to Beth Sulman or call 416-628-5602 for more information.
In Memoriam - Maury Chaykin
Canada has lost an incredible talent in Gemini and Genie Award-winning actor Maury Chaykin who passed away on July 27 at the age of 61. Born in New York to an American father and a Canadian mother, he later moved to Toronto.
His 35-year career included notable film roles in Whale Music and Dances with Wolves as well as recent television appearances in Entourage and Less Than Kind. All of us at DGC Ontario extend our condolences to his family.
FilmOntario to Host Mayoral Debate
Mark your calendars. FilmOntario is hosting a mayoral candidate debate on Toronto screen-based industry priorities. It is a great opportunity to find out who are the candidates that support our industry and who recognize its positive economic impact on our city.
When & Where: Wednesday, September 8 at 9:30am, Pinewood Studios
If you have questions for the candidates, please send them along to Sarah Ker-Hornell. Questions will be short listed to allow for time. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.
New Entrance Criteria for Director Members
The membership criteria for Directors have changed. The new qualifications affect current DGC members who are not Director members but may qualify for the Director category under the new criteria.
If this is the case, you should contact DGC Ontario to start the upgrade/addition process.These new criteria replace the previous requirement of 180 minutes over two separate productions.
If you have any questions, please contact Laurie Januska, Director of Member and Training Services, at 416-925-8200 or click here to download the required paperwork.
Security Training Information
Please click this link for information on the training and licensing requirements for Security Personnel.
Rally in support of Canadian television
DGC Ontario believes that to maintain or increase work opportunities for its Members, broadcasters must increase their commitment to airing Canadian television and dramatic programmes.
As Global TV announces its fall schedule tomorrow in a press conference at the Hazelton Hotel, members of the film and television community are staging a rally outside the hotel to bring focus to this important issue.
DATE: Tuesday, June 1, 2010
TIME: 2:15 p.m.
PLACE: Hazelton Hotel (118 Yorkville Avenue)
Come out and make some noise on behalf of your industry and your art!
Memorial Service for Andrew Hull
DGC Ontario Member Andrew Hull died suddenly and tragically in London, England, last week. A respected and talented Member of the Art Department, Andrew will be missed by his friends and colleagues at the Guild.
A memorial service to celebrate Andrew's life is planned for Friday, May 21st at the Ward's Island Association Clubhouse starting at 4 p.m. and ending with the last ferry. Everyone is invited to join in this remembrance, memorial and celebration.
For more details about the memorial, click here and for a map to the ferry docks and Ward's Island, click here.
ANDREW MCKENZIE HULL AUGUST 15, 1963 - MAY 8, 2010DGC Ontario Member Astra Burka Premieres Short Film
DGC Ontario Member Astra Burka is pleased to announce that she is premiering her first short film, Painting Daddy, at the Toronto Jewish Film Festival on Tuesday, April 20, 2010. The premier is at noon.
For ticket information, please visit the Toronto Jewish Film Festival site (click here).
First Weekend Club Hosts Genies TalkBack 2010: A Film Artist Salon
First Weekend Club (FWC) is hosting TalkBack: A Film Artist Salon again this year one day before the Genie Awards. Join FWC for an afternoon of conversations with some amazing Canadian filmmakers.
The panel consists of Genie-nominated guests including Director and DGC Ontario Member Kari Skogland (Fifty Dead Men Walking), Director and DGC Ontario Member Charles Officer (Nurse.Fighter.Boy) and Director Brett Gaylor (RIP: A Remix Manifesto). With Canada AM's Richard Crouse as moderator, everyone participating can look forward to an interesting and provocative event. Reception to follow.
WHEN: Sunday, April 11, 2010 at 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Drake Underground (1150 Queen St. W.)
COST: $15 through PayPal. Tickets are available online at First Weekend Club. Just click on the link or contact Mars Horodyski (mars@firstweekendclub.ca) for more information.
Canadian Cineman Editors/Ryerson Continuing Education Opportunities
The Canadian Cinema Editors have teamed up with the Chang School of Continuing Education at Ryerson University to offer a series of workshops designed for film editing professionals. Registration begins Monday, March 15, 2010, and spaces are limited.
All of the workshops relate to the postproduction process. The first workshops are "Film Editor's Assistant", "Everything to do with Codecs" and "Colour Correction".
The courses are open to the public and registration is on a first come, first serve basis. C.C.E. Members will receive a $50 reimbursement following successful completion of each course.
Visit http://www.ryerson.ca/ce/filmediting for more information and to register now!
rasta: a soul's journey rasta: a soul's journey tells the story of Donisha Prendergast, Bob and Rita Marley's grandaughter, as she embarks on an epic journey though eight countries to explore Rastafari culture around the world. Along the way, she discovers the cultural and historical links between Rastafari and other peoples.
Donisha has traveled through the United States, Isreal, Ethiopia and South Africa thus far, and the film is still very much a work in progress. If you would like to see clips of her journey, visit http://www.rastaonline.ca. You can view video, read testimonials, explore the gallery of beautiful photographs and learn how to donate to support the making of this unique film dedicated to Rastafarian culture worldwide.
FINAL DRAFT V9 Needs Input
FINAL DRAFT is working towards the development of FINAL DRAFT V9, which will use the XML file format and offer solutions for individual writers and those working with others.
The company is asking for users of their program to help in the development process. There are three ways that you can be involved:
(1) FOCUS GROUP: Individuals must be part of a writing team with credits for scripted tv series, pilots or feature films produced after 2000 and reside in the Los Angeles area. The web form is available by clicking here.
(2) PRODUCT USABILITY TEAM: Individuals will assess the usefulness and functionality of the software and give feedback on the product. Detailed questions will be asked about changes and improvements. Visit this link.
(3) BETA TESTING TEAM: Individuals will test early versions and provide feedback about adverse or unexpected application bahviours. Visit this link.
Help Haiti: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is!
Colin Brunton and his colleagues on the crew of Connor Undercover have come up with a creative way to help the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. By giving up craft service on their show for just one day, they expect to raise over $1000 to donate to the cause.
Connor Undercover is challenging other productions to put down their coffees and croissants and take up the cause. Beat their fundraising total by giving up cheese trays for a day and do something that makes a huge difference. Visit Colin's Facebook page "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is" by clicking here.
I.A.T.S.E. Local 873 Members Ratify Studio Term Agreement
Members of I.A.T.S.E. Local 873 voted in favour of ratifying the 2009-2012 Hollywood Studio Term Agreement on November 1st, 2009. Support for the Agreement was substantial and the ratification sends a strong message to L.A.-based productions that Toronto is absolutely open for business.
DGC Ontario Support Preserves Absolute's Digital Locations Archive
Thanks to DGC Ontario a crucial part of Ontario's film and television industry infrastructure will remain in operation for at least another year.
CEO and Executive Director Ron Haney has announced that the Digital Locations Archive which has been run by Absolute Support Services Inc. for more than 12 years will remain operational for at least one year thanks to financing provided by DGC Ontario. The archive, which includes about 7,000 locations files that may be searched by productions seeking shooting locations, has been in danger of closure for months and would have been out of operations this month had DGC Ontario not stepped up to the plate.
As part of the arrangements DGC Ontario has made with Absolute, Guild Members working on Standard Agreement Productions will be entitled to free access to the library in- house at 185 Eastern Avenue (on -line access will still require payment).
Read DGC Ontario's press release here.I.A.T.S.E. Local 873 Members Fail to Ratify Studio Term Agreement
The results of the Local 873's ratification vote on its recently-negotiated Studio Term Agreement are now public.
They are as follows:
Total Number of Ballots Received - 789
Spoiled Ballots - Not Conforming to Instructions for Voting - 85
Total Number of Valid Ballots Cast - 704
Number of YES votes - 322
Number of NO votes - 382
Therefore, the contract was not ratified.
DGC Ontario's CEO and Executive Director Ron Haney has expressed the opinion that this ratification result will have a serious negative impact on American service production and is extremely bad news for everyone who works in the Toronto film and television industry.
Ministry of Finance Offers Details on Expanded Tax Credit
On September 10th the Ontario Ministry of Finance released details on the Ontario Production Service Tax Credit enhancement announced June 29th. Please see the e-mail link below.
http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/english/publications/bulletins/2009_09_10_filmtax.html 629 Eastern No Longer Under Consideration for LRV Yard
We have recently learned from the City of Toronto that 629 Eastern Avenue will not be recommended to City Council as the site of a proposed Light Rail Vehicle Yard. The recommended location will be the Ashbridge's Bay site.
Many thanks to all the DGC Ontario Members who wrote letters protesting the consideration of 629 Eastern Avenue and to the Toronto Film Board and the FilmOntario Board for their lobby efforts with the TTC Commissioner and senior staff.
Once again, we have all helped demonstrate that making our voices heard on issues of importance to our industry does make a difference.
New Edition of Film and Television Safety Guidelines Available
The fifth and most recent edition of the Safety Guidelines for the Film and Television Industry in Ontario were recently released. The Ministry website is currently undergoing a major overhaul so they haven't yet been posted there but you can view them by clicking below:
Green Screen Toronto Wants to Green Your Set!
Green Screen Toronto is currently launching a pilot project offering FREE consultation to productions interested in greening their operations.
Productions of all sizes and types are welcome to be part of this project, the intent of which is to provide a comprehensive free service that will be accessible to all productions working in Toronto.
For more information, please click hereOntario Government Announces Production Services Tax Credit Expansion!
Industry efforts to lobby the provincial government for an enhanced Ontario Production Services Tax Credit paid off with the June 30th announcement that the credit may now be claimed on all eligible production expenses, not just labour.
This brings Ontario's tax credit in line with the one in Quebec which was similarly enhanced June 12th.
Read more details about the announcement in DGC Ontario's press release.Whites Announces New Web Site Feature
William F. White International Inc. is pleased to announce a brand new feature on its website called “Whites Request a Quote.”
This application will offer a new level of convenience to existing and new customers, without compromising any of the excellent customer care that Whites' clients have come to expect. Production managers, coordinators and crew members can save valuable time by selecting items from our lists at a time convenient to them and submit them online. These requests will be forwarded to Customer Service Representatives (CSRs), at the location of your choice, who will then quote out your list and contact you.
Currently this application is restricted to Expendables Sales only, but Whites may add more departments at a later date.
You can visit Whites website at www.whites.com (under the Equipment drop down tab) to request a quote now!
Quebec Ups Film, TV Tax Credit
The Quebec government has increased its film and TV tax credit from 25% of labor expenses to 25% of the overall budget of films and TV shows shot in the Canadian province, it was announced Friday.
This effectively doubles the tax credit, since the rule of thumb is that labor accounts for around half of the budget for most films and TV productions.
The increase gives Quebec the most competitive tax credit in Canada and puts pressure on the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia -- the other main film centers -- to hike their tax credits. Both currently have credits in line with Quebec's old 25% of labor expenses
For more details about Quebec's tax credit increase, please click here.
DGC Ontario CEO and Executive Director Ron Haney has written to Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan asking his government to match Quebec's tax credits. Click here to read that letter.
Rezoning of Toronto Film Studios Rejected by OMB
Plans for a $220 million retail "power centre'' south of Eastern Ave. in Leslieville have been turned down by the Ontario Municipal Board.
"This is a total victory for the city of Toronto," city lawyer Brendan O'Callaghan said yesterday. The city wanted the land set aside for "creative industry" jobs like those in film or media. SmartCentres argued the redevelopment would bring about 2,000 permanent retail jobs.
Please click here for the full story.
Television production stalls out in NYC
The state's tax credit for filming in the Big Apple has become a victim of its own success; the state is out of money and a lack of pilots is threatening jobs. See this link for the whole story.
National Film Board Puts Movies On-line
The National Film Board of Canada is putting hundreds of its celebrated documentaries, animation and fiction work online, allowing movie fans around the world to catch them for free
The initiative is just one of the ways the NFB will mark its 70th anniversary this year and signals the board is embracing revolutionary changes that have been taking over the film industry, says NFB chair Tom Perlmutter. More than 700 films, clips and trailers are available on the film board's website at www.nfb.ca.
Professional Discounts for DGC Ontario Members! Final Draft, Inc. maintains professional relationships with international studios, industry professionals and production companies. As a result, special discounts on the latest software tools have been extended to guild members and other industry professionals. As a DGC Ontario Member, you are eligible for professional pricing on Final Draft 7, Final Draft AV 2.5, Final Draft Scriptwriter's Suite , and Script Magazine, among other Final Draft products and services! Click this link to download the Special Discount Order Form, or click the title above for further details.
Thanks to DGC Ontario a crucial part of Ontario's film and television industry infrastructure will remain in operation for at least another year.
CEO and Executive Director Ron Haney has announced that the Digital Locations Archive which has been run by Absolute Support Services Inc. for more than 12 years will remain operational for at least one year thanks to financing provided by DGC Ontario. The archive, which includes about 7,000 locations files that may be searched by productions seeking shooting locations, has been in danger of closure for months and would have been out of operations this month had DGC Ontario not stepped up to the plate.
As part of the arrangements DGC Ontario has made with Absolute, Guild Members working on Standard Agreement Productions will be entitled to free access to the library in- house at 185 Eastern Avenue (on -line access will still require payment).
Read DGC Ontario's press release here.
I.A.T.S.E. Local 873 Members Fail to Ratify Studio Term Agreement
The results of the Local 873's ratification vote on its recently-negotiated Studio Term Agreement are now public.
They are as follows:
Total Number of Ballots Received - 789
Spoiled Ballots - Not Conforming to Instructions for Voting - 85
Total Number of Valid Ballots Cast - 704
Number of YES votes - 322
Number of NO votes - 382
Therefore, the contract was not ratified.
DGC Ontario's CEO and Executive Director Ron Haney has expressed the opinion that this ratification result will have a serious negative impact on American service production and is extremely bad news for everyone who works in the Toronto film and television industry.
Ministry of Finance Offers Details on Expanded Tax Credit
On September 10th the Ontario Ministry of Finance released details on the Ontario Production Service Tax Credit enhancement announced June 29th. Please see the e-mail link below.
http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/english/publications/bulletins/2009_09_10_filmtax.html
629 Eastern No Longer Under Consideration for LRV Yard
We have recently learned from the City of Toronto that 629 Eastern Avenue will not be recommended to City Council as the site of a proposed Light Rail Vehicle Yard. The recommended location will be the Ashbridge's Bay site.
Many thanks to all the DGC Ontario Members who wrote letters protesting the consideration of 629 Eastern Avenue and to the Toronto Film Board and the FilmOntario Board for their lobby efforts with the TTC Commissioner and senior staff.
Once again, we have all helped demonstrate that making our voices heard on issues of importance to our industry does make a difference.
New Edition of Film and Television Safety Guidelines Available
The fifth and most recent edition of the Safety Guidelines for the Film and Television Industry in Ontario were recently released. The Ministry website is currently undergoing a major overhaul so they haven't yet been posted there but you can view them by clicking below:
Green Screen Toronto is currently launching a pilot project offering FREE consultation to productions interested in greening their operations.
Productions of all sizes and types are welcome to be part of this project, the intent of which is to provide a comprehensive free service that will be accessible to all productions working in Toronto.
For more information, please click here
Ontario Government Announces Production Services Tax Credit Expansion!
Industry efforts to lobby the provincial government for an enhanced Ontario Production Services Tax Credit paid off with the June 30th announcement that the credit may now be claimed on all eligible production expenses, not just labour.
This brings Ontario's tax credit in line with the one in Quebec which was similarly enhanced June 12th.
Read more details about the announcement in DGC Ontario's press release.
Whites Announces New Web Site Feature
William F. White International Inc. is pleased to announce a brand new feature on its website called “Whites Request a Quote.”
This application will offer a new level of convenience to existing and new customers, without compromising any of the excellent customer care that Whites' clients have come to expect. Production managers, coordinators and crew members can save valuable time by selecting items from our lists at a time convenient to them and submit them online. These requests will be forwarded to Customer Service Representatives (CSRs), at the location of your choice, who will then quote out your list and contact you.
Currently this application is restricted to Expendables Sales only, but Whites may add more departments at a later date.
You can visit Whites website at www.whites.com (under the Equipment drop down tab) to request a quote now!
Quebec Ups Film, TV Tax Credit
The Quebec government has increased its film and TV tax credit from 25% of labor expenses to 25% of the overall budget of films and TV shows shot in the Canadian province, it was announced Friday.
This effectively doubles the tax credit, since the rule of thumb is that labor accounts for around half of the budget for most films and TV productions.
The increase gives Quebec the most competitive tax credit in Canada and puts pressure on the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia -- the other main film centers -- to hike their tax credits. Both currently have credits in line with Quebec's old 25% of labor expenses
For more details about Quebec's tax credit increase, please click here.
DGC Ontario CEO and Executive Director Ron Haney has written to Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan asking his government to match Quebec's tax credits. Click here to read that letter.
Rezoning of Toronto Film Studios Rejected by OMB
The National Film Board of Canada is putting hundreds of its celebrated documentaries, animation and fiction work online, allowing movie fans around the world to catch them for free
Professional Discounts for DGC Ontario Members!