Nominations are now underway in a new contest on CBC Radio 3. They are looking for Canada's best live music venue.
"... And the choice is up to YOU! Simply nominate your favourite Canadian club on our blog, or email your nomination to searchlight@cbcradio3.com. Your choice must be indoor, cater to live music, have a legal capacity of 1,000 people or less, and be operational as of today, January 21 2009.
The nominations will be open until next week when they'll post the long list of nominees and voting can begin. From there it will be narrowed down to a top 20, then a top 10, a top 5 and on February 25 the winning venue will be crowned. I don't really know what's in it for the venue except for some serious bragging rights.
It appears that I was wrong when I said that White Collar criminals was the only Canadian finalist in YouTube's Project Direct. So out of fairness here is the other Monday Morning - again the shorts with the most votes will get a screening at the Sundance Film Festival. So please watch, rate and comment
Boost: Canadian Film and Television is a Facebook Group that, once a week, asks people to watch a television or film trailer on youtube, rate it, comment on it and share it on facebook if they like it. There is frequently a link to a facebook group, page or other source where people who like the music can find more information or keep up with the band. Canadian artists frequently have little or no money for marketing/promotion - this is a small step to try and help them out by putting their trailer in front of as many eyes as possible.
Boost: Canadian Music is a similar group, formed for similar reasons that sends out music videos.
You may have heard that the CBC is looking to replace the Hockey Night in Canada theme. This isn't just a rumor. According to Inside the CBC negotiations have broken down and the Hockey Night in Canada Theme is gone from the CBC. But wait, if you're a musician or composer you are going to want to read this. The CBC is now officially looking for a new theme song and while contest details have not been announced someone is going to get a nice paycheque for writing the new one.
"...in a debate that is certain to dominate conversations throughout the country, fans and a jury of experts will choose the best new composition. CBC will offer $100,000 for the winning song, which will then become the new “official theme song” of CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA and will be heard in every broadcast. A portion of the new theme song’s royalties will be donated to minor hockey in Canada. Details surrounding the contest will be announced next week."
That's right, $100,000 cash plus royalties plus national notoriety for writing the new Hockey Night in Canada theme song. I'll publish details when I have them.
Sure it was great to see so many Canadians nominated but really, the Oscars are tired and predictable and tend to reward personal popularity and box office success more than anything. Overall it has all the excitement and drama of Feist being nominated for "Best New Artist" (a joke in itself) and then losing to Amy Winehouse (also not new) because she needs the encouragement so she can handle the regular trips to rehab.
So - screw the Oscars anyway, our films are better and our stars spend less time in jail and jumping on sofas.
TalkBack 2008, with Genie Nominated Filmmakers, Sunday March 2nd, at The Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen West, 3pm to 4.30pm (with a reception to follow). Guests include Rob Stewart (Sharkwater) and Vic Sarin (Partition), hosted by Paul Gratton. An intimate Film Artists Salon, to celebrate the finest in Canadian filmmaking talent. $15.00, RSVP to info@firstweekendclub.ca
Canadian Short Film Festival
From the Canadian Filmmakers Festival and Bell - Comes the "Bell Video Award for Best Short." It would appear that there are only 3 films online now but the contest remains open until March 14. The rules read like this
• Films must be Canadian Productions • Films should be no more than 10 minutes in total length. • Films that have been already submitted the Canadian Film Fest are ALSO eligible. • Please pay attention to our submission guidelines. • Film School submissions are welcome
The Liason for Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (http://www.lift.on.ca/) presents monthly workshops for would be indie filmmakers.
PROJECTOR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR * Fix your own Super 8 and 16mm projectors! SUNDAY MARCH 16, NOON-6 PM Instructor: MARTIN HEATH Cost: Members $60, Non-Members $75 * at Cinecycle, 129 Spadina Ave.
GETTING STARTED AS AN ACTOR Act from the child and do business from the adult! MONDAY MARCH 17, 6-10 PM Instructor: MICHELLE LATIMER Cost: Members $45, Non-Members $55
THE ART OF BLACK AND WHITE REVERSAL FILMMAKING IN 16mm An all-inclusive 'make a film' course - workshops, film and equipment! SATURDAY MARCH 22-SATURDAY MARCH 29 (various dates and times) Instructors: ERNIE KESTLER, JULIA EDIGER, ALEXI MANIS, SHENAZ BAKSH, JEREMY SINGER Cost: Members $250, Non-Members $300
*SECOND CLASS ADDED!* CAMERA THEORY A foundational workshop for aspiring camera operators and directors! SATURDAY APRIL 5, 10 am - 6 pm Instructor: Guy Godfree Cost: Members $50, Non-Members $60
p.s. Now on DVD: Everything's Gone Green
Really funny film, if you're local video store doesn't have it it's because they have no taste.
Some people think Canada has a leadership deficit if you're between 18-25 and think you can fix it - Please grab a video camera and then visit http://www.cbc.ca/nextprimeminister/ for all the rules and stuff.
If every picture is worth a thousand words then a postcard has to be worth at least 500. Geist Magazine and the Tyee are co-sponsoring Geist's 4th annual Literal Literary Postcard Story Contest. The rules are simple, take a poscard, any post card and write a story to go with it - 500 words max. The deadline for entries is December 1 and your $20 entry fee includes a one year subscription (or extension) to the magazine. For the full spiel and info on prizes go here.
Nominations are now underway in a new contest on CBC Radio 3. They are looking for Canada's best live music venue. 
