WIFTV Committee Reports 2008

WRITERS WORKSHOP: Tracey Mack President and long-term Members of Women in Film. The Task This year’s Writer’s Workshop was focused on Writing for Forces uses its expertise, experience and association with Animation. Guest speakers included Cathy Moss (Erky WIFTV to provide support to the Board of Directors and advise Perky, Harry & His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs, creator of on various program and policy issues. Among its endeavours, Franny’s Feet), Norm Hiscock (, Saturday the Task Force undertook a comprehensive review of the Night Live, Corner Gas), as well as representatives from WIFTV Constitution and Bylaws. The Task Force members are three animation studios in town, Keith Ingham (Director, Clare Hodge, Joyce Thierry, Sharon McGowan, Jacqueline Bardel Entertainment), Kirsten Newlands (Head of Samuda, Carol Whiteman, Eileen Hoeter and Danika Dinsmore. Production, Studio B Productions) and Shea Wageman Chairperson Clare Hodge sat on the Board of WIFTV as liaison (Producer, Rainmaker Animation). to the Task Force.

The event generated $1,707 for the operating costs of the POLICY: Clare Hodge and Nina Tryggvason organization, $707 over what was budgeted, and had over a The Policy Committee was formed by Nina Tryggvason and dozen people in attendance. Special thanks to BC Film who Jennifer Kraft to research and provide recommendations on sponsored the event. various Women in Film Policies and Procedures. The committee reviewed Board Procedures and introduced a comprehensive PRODUCER`S WORKSHOP: Tracey Schaeffer Conflict of Interest Policy for the Board Members. Upon This year’s Producer’s Workshop took place on Feb 9 and Jennifer Kraft’s resignation, Clare Hodge joined the Policy 10th at the Small Business BC office. The Producer’s Committee. Workshop was a Success. It was a small “Hands-On” workshop. 16 people attended the entire weekend and we NETWORKING BREAKFAST: Yvette Dudley-Neuman had 1 person Audit the first day. What a terrific year for the Networking Breakfast! Eleven Breakfasts were held at Emelle’s Café (177 W &th Avenue Day One had a panel of Successful Producers and their Vancouver) and hosted by WIFTV Managing Director, Yvette Financiers from Vancouver speak about the experiences Dudley-Neuman. WIFTV Members attend for free as part of they had developing their business and expanding as well as their membership benefits and Non- members pay a registration some of their obstacles and solutions to development and fee of $10.00 We were honoured to have the following speakers: financing with plenty of time left over for Q & A. April: Susan Fox - Casting Workbook Speakers for this day consisted of: Rob Bromley May: Debbie Munro - Chanti Productions President/Partner - Force Four Entertainment; John Ritchie June: Amy Belling DOP & SAG Award Recipient Executive Producer/Partner - Force Four Entertainment; July: Clare Hodge, Deb Peraya & Cheryl Lee Fast Producer - Fast Productions; Mary Anne Larry Di Stefano “Love & Other Dilemmas” Waterhouse Producer - Anagram Films; Janine Bizzocchi- Aug: Carol Whiteman - WIDC Steele Business Analysis-Development BC Film; Gail Ryan Sept: Tracy D. Smith – Taming Tammy Senior Account Manager-Business & Personal RBC Oct: Mac Make-Up Artists Financial. Nov: Zach Lipovsky & Chris Ferguson Dec: No Breakfast Day 2’s session was run by Bill Erichson, a business guru Jan: Delna Bhesania – Bardel Entertainment from Small Business BC. Participants came prepared to Feb: Lisa Jackson – Director work because this day’s session was a practical hands on Trish Dolman – Producer, Screen Siren Pictures seminar designed to give Producers the tools create a Mar: Rudy Buttignol – The Knowledge Network legitimate business plan and to plan ahead financially their companies. Attendance: 155 Members Attended 107 Non Members Attended Once again, a BIG Thank you must go out to all the 17 Guest Speakers Attended sponsors, panelists and participants who made this 279 – Annual Total Attendance workshop a success. An excellent business relationship was established between Small Business BC and WFTV through MARKETING / COMMUNICATIONS: Ami Catriona this workshop. Hopefully, we’ll be able to forge ahead with Women in Film and Television now has a complete, this connection to create some amazing Business Centred professional press kit available. It has background information Workshops for the producers in our association. on WIFTV along with templates for board members to use in crafting press releases. We also have a timeline template to TASK FORCE: Clare Hodge assist with creation and distribution of promotional materials. The Women in Film & Television Task Force was formed in 2007 to address the needs of the current Board of Directors. As we continue to focus on awareness and advocacy, we also are It is made up of former Board Members, Past Presidents, a gaining a stronger relationship with local media (coverage and former Operations Manager, Founding Members, a WIFTI

Women In Film & Television Vancouver – 2008 Annual General Meeting Committee Reports 1 WIFTV Committee Reports 2008

interest ), and additional professional organizations – both PANELS AND FORUMS, WALKING TALKING HEADS within the film and television industry, and outside of it. & CAREER CAFÉ: Yvette Dudley-Neuman

Future plans: Implementation of Communications 1) A Career Café was held on Sept 20, 2007. Jones Brown Inc. Strategic Plan – including fundraising, membership drives, invited members of Women in Film and Television Vancouver awareness campaigns, creating a PR outline for all to a presentation and open discussion on insurance for film and committees, and to assist in having a cohesive, television productions. The hosts were WIFTV members comprehensive, and consistent map for moving the Wendy Morris and Bill Semrau. Attendance: 15 organization forward. This applies within WIFTV and our industry, and throughout the Lower Mainland, and province. 2) WIFTV joined forces with Cineworks on October 9, 2007 to The goal is to ensure a foundation of awareness for WIFTV, present a Meet The Filmmakers Panel in conjunction with the provide a voice to women in our industry, and to make sure Vancouver International Film Festival entitled "CASHING IN that women can, and are, making a living telling our stories. TO WIN: CREATIVE FILM FINANCING". Our panelists were: Tiffany Burns (Mr. Big), and Tracy D. Smith (Taming SPONSORSHIP REPORT 2008: Yvette Dudley-Neuman Tammy) Moderator: Yvette Dudley-Neuman. The topic was, This year WIFTV moved to a yearly sponsorship model. “Making your own feature? Join us for this in-depth look at Women In Film and Television Vancouver is supported by creatively financing your feature film and what you need to many generous donations from corporate sponsors. This know about plot, characters, locations, crew and casting to year those sponsors included the following fantastic realize your dreams on the big screen.” Attendance: 55 organizations: 3) WIFTV partnered with FTX West to present a WIFTV Pitch Kodak, Directors Guild Of Canada- British Columbia, B- Seminar with Laurie Scheer on Nov 17, 2007 at the Vancouver Side.com, The Beat 94.5 FM, Playback Magazine, School Convention &Exhibition Centre. Attendance: 16 Creative, WestEnder Urban Weekly, Macaroni Grill, ACFC WEST, Deluxe Vancouver Ltd, Jewelliette, Legacy 4) A Walking Talking Heads at Finalé Editworks on Dec 4, 2007 Filmworks, FOCUS Entertainment Insurance Brokers, hosted by WIFTV Sponsor Don Thompson. The event was an Wendy D Photography, BC FILM, Properties by Alexis, in depth tour of Finalé Editworks, a creative post production Sharpe Sound, UBC Continuing Studies, West Coast facility built on four principles: Collaboration, Vision, Captioning, BC RenFest, Carol’s Costume Corner, Green & Innovation and Excellence. Participants were given an overview Green, Small Business BC, Toni & Guy, UBC Robson of High Definition formats and production workflows including Square, Women in Film and Television International, picture, sound, VFX and duplication. Attendance: 13 Marika Grabrowski, Prince of Colour – Print and Design, Heenan Blaikie, Hoskins Printing, The Party Bazaar, 5) A second Walking Talking Heads scheduled for Mar 27, 2008 Womyns’ Ware, Film Logic at DIGITAL FILM CENTRAL was cancelled due to inadequate registrations. The tour was to focus on a close-up look at such WIFTV received world-class systems as the ARRISCAN® 6k film scanner and CASH DONATIONS: $23,750.00 the ARRILASER® film recorder (the only pairing on Canada’s IN-KIND DONATIONS $44,640.50 west coast), as well as a demonstration in 2K color correction SILENT AUCTION $36, 000.00 APPROX with the Baselight® color grading and Truelight® color management systems. WOMEN IN FILM FESTIVAL: Danika Dinsmore The Women In Film Festival continues to grow. In its MENTORSHIP / EXECUTIVE LUNCH: Tovah Paglaro second year as a three-day festival, in 2008 it took place on Mentorship activities have centred around the Executive Lunch March 6-8 at the Vancity Theatre, where we have found our Series. We have 11 participants, and 2 regular substitutes true home. Highlights included selling out Gwen Haworth`s participating in the program this year. Participants will enjoy She`s a Boy I Knew, the well-received Film Café featuring a total of 10 round table lunches with senior industry Sharron Bates` inspiring documentary Strong Coffee: The professionals - primarily producers, directors and broadcasters. Story of Café Femenino, our late night happy hour and This year's guests have included Michael MacLennan, Robert screening of Tracy Smith`s Taming Tammy, and our guest Hardy (CTV), Alex Raffe (Savi Media) and Mary Anne visit by professor Gail Vanstone, presenting the history of Waterhouse (Anagram Pictures). The cost of the program is Studio D. We screened over 50 films and thanks to a $250/person. The lunch is co-sponsored by Cachet Co catering generous donation from Deboragh Gabler of Legacy and the CFTPA. While not a big money generator for WIFTV, Filmworks, we were able to award cash prizes to three local this program is important in that it meets the needs of mid-level filmmakers: Tovah Paglaro (1st prize for Locked Out), producers. This year's series will wrap up in June. Applications Caroline Coutts (2nd prize for Dog Boy) and Claudia Medina for the 2008/2009 series will be available in July, with the next (3rd prize for Finding Llorona). series to begin in September.

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SPOTLIGHT AWARDS GALA: Linda Watters Our Raffle Prize Sponsors: On March 8th, International Women’s Day, the 2008 Sheraton Wall Centre, Metropolitan Hotel, Mini Yaletown, Spotlight Awards Gala was held at the Vancity theatre, Focus Insurance, Avyonce Spa, Arbonne International, Fabufit sharing the day with the Women In Film Festival and, as Spa, Sutton Place Hotel, ShopAbout Tours, Beijo Bags always, the eagerly anticipated Silent Auction. For it’s 8th year, the Spotlight Awards Gala chose “The Great And all of our wonderful volunteers! Adventure” as its theme and what an adventure it was this year as the women of WIFTV rallied together to weather the Holiday Gala (Sabrina Prada, Tracey Mack) ups and downs of the industry with fortitude and grace. This year’s Holiday Gala was held at the Hycroft Mansion. Olesia Shewchuk, provided background music for the event on This year Carole Tarlington, Christine Welsh, Jacqueline the grand piano, and a scrumptious display of holiday goodies Samuda, Catherine Lough Haggquist, Maureen Levitt, were available in the dining room for snacking, while your Michelle Porter and Andrew Williamson were honoured for Women In Film board members assisted in serving drinks at the their work and commitment in supporting women in the film bar. This event was a wonderful opportunity to thank all of our and television industry, mentoring women in the industry sponsors for their support during the year, as well as invite our and for the telling of women’s stories. WIFTV also hosted fellow members to join us in celebrating the holiday season. the MPPIA / WIDC inaugural Feature Film Award, which Attendance was up significantly over last year’s event, was received by Jacqueline Samuda. generating $1,149 in ticket sales, in comparison to last year’s total of $151. The event did run at a loss of $280, although it We would like to thank the people who made this year was budgeted to break even. This was partially due to the Spotlight Awards Gala a success. Our generous Sponsors, board’s decision to donate the 50/50 proceeds from the event the WIFTV Board of Directors, Volunteers and Staff (plus towards the Women in the Director’s Chair fund, instead of their countless supporters at home and in the workplace) and covering the operating costs of the event. Special thanks to other Industry Supporters. Annie Wilkinson, who was a partial sponsor of the food for the evening, as well as all of our great volunteers. SILENT AUCTION: Sabrina Prada Thanks to the generosity of more than 70 organizations and ADVOCACY: Danika Dinsmore individuals, 2008 Spotlight Gala attendees were able to bid This year WIFTV continued its relationship with the BCIFP to on more than 45 baskets of products, services and original assist in launching the Please Adjust Your Set Campaign art, valued at nearly $38,000. The benefit of their generosity (www.pleaseadjustyourset.com) in response to the recent study continues, as our On-Line Auction heats up. The On-Line of the status of women in film in British Columbia. We co- Auction closes May 14, so get your bids in soon! presented the campaign launch event at UBC Robson Square to a full house, with guests Anne Wheeler and Rina Fraticelli. In Please visit the Spotlight Festival website to see the logos addition, we are partnering with Rina to co-present the Women and links to the websites of our silent auction donors: in View Forum to coincide with the 2010 Olympics. www.wiffbc.com. Then…let our donors know you appreciate their support of Women In Film!

SOCIAL EVENTS – HOLIDAY GALA / MARTINI MADNESS: Committee Service! Robyn Wiener, Tracey Mack, Sabrina Prada

Martini Madness was held, as usual, during this year’s Serving on a committee is not only a great Vancouver International Film Festival. It earned $8,392 way to give back to the community, it’s a towards the operating costs of the organization, $3,392 more great way to network and gain experience! than budgeted, and more than doubled the revenue of last year’s event. The event was held at the Macaroni Grill, with approximately 800 attendees, and had a DJ providing music, If you’d like to serve on any one of the as well as roving ‘Screen Legends’, selling raffle tickets and above committees, please contact the socializing with guests. committee chair, or: [email protected] 604-685-1152 A Special Thanks to our Event Sponsors: Macaroni Grill, West Coast Captioning, Heenan Blaikie, Hoskins Business Services, 1-900 Costumes, Film Logic, Chocolate Dog Corporate Image, The Beat 94.5, Playback Magazine, AllTypes Communication Services

Women In Film & Television Vancouver – 2008 Annual General Meeting Committee Reports 3 WIFTV Committee Reports 2008

What is Women in Film International And why is it important?

Eileen Hoeter Chair, Women In Film and Television International

So many times I am asked what does WIFTI do and what do we get from being part of it?

As chair of WIFTI, I feel it is important to share with you some of the events and work we do.

Since I have been part of the board, we have had a summit in New Zealand, Los Angeles and Toronto.

These summits have brought hundreds of women together to learn, share and network with other women around the world.

In 2003 WIFTI put on a fundraiser Hollywood/Bollywood with New York to raise money and support which was a great success. It was an international celebration of the American and Indian film industries.

In 2004 The biennial international summit conference of WIFTI was held in Auckland, New Zealand, and attracted over 350 delegates from WIF and WIFT chapters around the world.

In 2005 WIFTI presented the 2005 WIFTI HUMANITARIAN AWARD FOR GLOBAL VISION TO CRISTINA SARALEGUI OF UNIVISION AT CELEBRACION LATINA NIGHT in Washington, DC

In 2006 we were able to help Afghanistan set up meetings to start work on a chapter of Women in Film.

In 2007 WIFTI presented the International summit in Toronto Canada and was able to provide funding through the GM initiative to have many of the programs telecast live. http://wift.insinc.com

In 2008 WIFTI has been in touch and continues to support UGANDAN female film-makers with their work and in creating a new Women in Film Chapter

WOMEN IN FILM & TELEVISION INTERNATIONAL is also in touch with a new chapters and individuals in Iceland, Argentina, Hungary, Nigeria, and Pakistan

For the last 3 years WOMEN IN FILM & TELEVISION INTERNATIONAL has organized the International Film Showcase, which screens on or around March 8th for International Women’s Day.

The WIFTI is board is made up from volunteers from many different chapters around the world WOMEN IN FILM & TELEVISION INTERNATIONAL is funded through the $2.00 per member fee as well as patrons, and other fundraising events.

Women In Film & Television Vancouver – 2008 Annual General Meeting Committee Reports 1 WIFTV Committee Reports 2008

WIFTI BOARD

Board Officers

WIFTI Chair: Eileen Hoeter, (Vancouver, Canada) WIFTI Treasurer: Carol Savoie (Los Angeles, USA) WIFTI Secretary: Sherry Richardson (Atlanta, USA)

Board Members

David Aion, Fundraising (Las Vegas, USA) Gayle Economos, Chair of Communications (Maryland, USA) Laerke Morell Pedersen, Fundraising (Denmark) Amanda Lopez de Moleon, Membership (Jamaica) Barbara Meyer, (New York, USA) Denise DuBarry Hay, Fundraising (Palm Springs, USA) Rouane Itani, Programming (Washington DC, USA) Amanda Lopez-Moleon, Membership (Jamaica) Mairi Gunn, Fundraising, (New Zealand) Laerke Morell Pedersen, Fundraising (Denmark) Rynagh O'Grady, Fundraising (Ireland) Cynthia Salzman Mondell, Membership (Dallas, USA) Patricia Turanich (Alberta, Canada) Annett Wolf, WIFT Europe Liaison (Denmark) Sara Zommorodi, Membership (Sweden)

Honorary Board Members

Lisa Clarkson (Toronto, Canada) Ina Fichman (Montreal, Canada) Mike Peters (New York, USA) Natalie Thompson (Jamaica) Lone Kühlmann (Denmark) Fiona Milburn (New Zealand)

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