-by April MacDonald
Action!
Big things continue to happen across Inverness County and Cape Breton Island in terms of the future of film and television.
It’s not surprising, as Cape Bretoners are known for their storytelling, musical abilities, and love for the arts; we also have one of the world’s most beautiful backdrops.
With new incentives from the provincial government and initiatives by the Cape Breton Partnership, the film and television industry is trending in this direction.
The Futures in Film event’s goal is to bring those interested in becoming involved in the industry, be it as an actor, behind the scenes, or a carpenter making sets. The Cape Breton Partnership has created the Futures in Film information series, to show those interested what its like to explore career opportunities in the local film industry with industry professionals.
They are planning a three-day event, which will take place across Cape Breton from March 25th to 27th. The first event is taking place at the Inverness County Centre for the Arts next Tuesday, March 25th. Some of the industry leaders who will be presenting are: Screen Nova Scotia, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (ITASE), Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA), to name a few. As mentioned there will be feature presentations, followed by an exhibitor-style open house. Light refreshments will be provided at each session.
This series really wants to encourage residents of Unama’ki–Cape Breton to explore career opportunities in the local and emerging film industry, right here on Cape Breton Island. The Futures in Film information series will take place in Inverness, St. Ann’s, Sydney, and Arichat.
The Cape Breton Partnership wants you to “unlock your film career,” whether you’re looking to jumpstart one or take your film journey to the next level.
The Cape Breton Partnership has collaborated with Screen Nova Scotia, alongside industry partners and professionals, government, and educational institutions to build a thriving film/TV sector.
Why join?
They explain that by signing up for the Cape Breton Futures in Film Program, you’ll get access to workshops, networking events, job opportunities, and more. “Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, an experienced crew member, or just starting out, this is your opportunity to break into the dynamic world of film and television!”
Information session dates and times:
– March 25th: Inverness County Centre for the Arts, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
– March 26th: Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College, 1:00 pm to 3:00 p.m.
– March 26th: NSCC Sydney Waterfront Campus, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
– March 27th: Telile, Isle Madame, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Telile session will be filmed, so if you are unable to attend any of these upcoming sessions, you will be able to watch the presentations by those in the industry.
For more information, visit https://capebretonpartnership.com/futuresinfilm.
For details on the sessions, or to get tickets, visit FuturesInFilm.eventbrite.ca.
Another exciting development concerns showcasing your home or property. There’s been countless times that I have heard someone say, “What a place to film a movie,” or, “this property is majestic, what a place for a photo shoot.”
Well, there is a new program that aims to create a database with locations just like that.
Screen Nova Scotia asks, have you always wanted to learn more about the film industry, even getting the chance to see how a film is made?
Now is your chance.
With Screen Nova Scotia’s Starring Your Property program, you can include your home or business as a potential filming location in anything from films, television series, music videos, and commercials.
They’re looking for a wide array of residential and commercial properties that might attract a producer’s attention – from warehouses to condos, newly built homes to rustic farmhouses – all properties are valuable in attracting productions to the province.
When you list through their program, they will include your property in their private database of fantastic filming locations available throughout Nova Scotia. Depending on the production, your location may be selected for filming, but the first step is submitting the information with the particular guidelines below.
If you’re interested in listing your property as a rental for accommodation, as opposed to a filming location, they ask that you fill out the same form but let them know in the “Public description” section and they’ll label it accordingly in the database.
“Film production in Nova Scotia communities creates and generates revenues for the local economy, and filming locations, such as your home or business, are just the start of the services required by a film production,” they explain. “Others include everything from dry cleaning, catering, building supplies, accommodations, and more,” they add.
The following guidelines will help with some of the questions you may have about filming if you decide to submit your property.
Types of productions:
– Feature films: Often shot with larger crews of approximately 70–130 people. The average filming schedule is two months.
– Movies of the week: MOWs are generally the same as features except budgets are often smaller. Cast and crew sizes are approximately 50–75.
– Television series: Episodes usually run anywhere from 30–60 minutes. Cast and crew sizes are often smaller than feature films, but with longer filming schedules.
– Commercials/Music videos: This kind of filming is often quick, potentially filming one week and airing the next. Smaller cast and crew sizes.
Making your property stand-out: A great place to start with this is taking photos of and registering your property, business or otherwise with Screen Nova Scotia. To register your property with Screen Nova Scotia, simply their website. When taking photos, be sure to include and consider the unique qualities of your location that will make it stand out. Try to capture your location details as thoroughly as possible. Hint: with photos, try to duplicate the experience of someone arriving at your house for the first time and doing a tour. Presently they have over 1,000 images in their locations library, and that number is growing every day. These photos are made available to locations scouts, producers, and directors around the world.
Here’s how the process typically works:
– The producer sends Screen Nova Scotia a script or project details.
– Screen Nova Scotia’s locations manager does a breakdown of locations, outlining specific types of locations needed in the script.
– The locations library is explored to determine what properties best represent the needs of the producer and director – fitting the overall character of the project – at which time suitable locations are selected for the digital image package. If these locations are not available in the library, local locations scouts are hired to find them.
– Location images are forwarded to the producer and director for consideration, at which time they may decide to visit Nova Scotia and check out your property for potential filming. If a production company is interested in your property, the person in charge of locating, selecting and finalizing locations (location scouts and locations managers) will contact you to arrange a site visit of your property. If at any point you have any doubts, please reach out to Screen Nova Scotia to confirm the validity of the project.
If you have any questions about this program or locations, contact Melanie Solomon, industry services and locations manager: [email protected] / 902-229-1499.