"TIFF Nexus": Locative Media Innovation Day

Sneak Peek attended the inaugural "TIFF Nexus" conference, Friday, October 28 @ TIFF Bell Lightbox, in Toronto.

The "Locative Media Innovation Day" explored emerging themes and practices in locative and mobile media as well as showcasing results of the 'TIFF Nexus Peripherals Initiative' creative jam.

Locative Media is an emerging field at the intersection of GPS/mapping, augmented reality, mobile devices and content.

As the world moves into a trackable, sensor-rich and location-aware reality – the TIFF Nexus Locative Media Innovation Day looks at what kinds of social practices, entrepreneurial opportunities and artistic endeavors can be unlocked.

Highlights of the conference included Keynote Speaker Bill Buxton, TIFF Nexus Hands-on Hour Presented by Autodesk, 'The Business of Locative Media with Michele Perras, the unveiling of the TIFF Nexus Peripherals Initiative, Spacing Toronto Presents Locative Services and Augmented Reality App Lightning Talks, Future Stories Presents a Hands-on Workshop with SnapDragonAR Augmented Reality Software and a Networking Reception and Technology Demo.

At the evening reception, attendees from the film, gaming and new media sectors had the opportunity to meet and greet on the top floors of the new TIFF Building, enjoying Stella Artois beer, Jackson-Triggs wines, cold sushi and hot hors d'oeuvres.

"...'TIFF Nexus' is a new ongoing initiative designed to equip a new generation of Ontario storytellers with the network, skills and partners that they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving and growing digital media landscape. The series supports Canada’s film, game, digital and new media communities as well as fosters integrations between academics, industry members and enthusiasts..."

Future TIFF Nexus conferences, open to the general public, can be found at tiff.net/nexus.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "TIFF Nexus"...

Nicole Kidman's "Trespass" - November 1, 2011

Montreal-based V V S Films will release the $35 million budgeted, psychological thriller "Trespass", directed by Joel Schumacher ("The Lost Boys"), starring Nicolas Cage and Nicole Kidman, on DVD, Blu-ray, Digital Download and Video On-Demand (VOD), November 1, 2011, across Canada :

"...'Kyle Miller' (Cage) is an eccentric diamond dealer who struggles to provide an exceptional lifestyle for his wife 'Sarah' (Kidman) and teenage daughter 'Avery' (Liana Liberato).

"But a sudden 'home invasion' suddenly evolves into something far more complicated as the three are taken hostage by extortionists, with a cycle of betrayal and deception emerging in the pressured conditions..."

"Trespass" is produced by Boaz Davidson, Avi Lerner, Irwin Winkler and David Winkler.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Trespass"...

Catch TNT's "Falling Skies"

TNT reports that production is well underway on a Second Season of 10 more episodes, of the Ontario-lensed sci fi TV series, "Falling Skies", from executive producer Steven Spielberg and DreamWorks TV.

"Falling Skies' debuted June 2011, with 8 million total viewers, ranking it as cable's top series launch in 2011, averaging 6.4 million total viewers in its first three episodes.

The new Second Season episodes will air in 2012.

In other "Falling Skies" news, Dark Horse Comics launched a graphic novel series, July 13, 2011, written by Paul Tobin, with illustrations and cover by Juan Ferreyra/Andrew Dalhouse :

"...In the heart of Boston, following the devastating events of an alien invasion, history professor 'Tom Mason' and his sons 'Hal', 'Matt' and 'Ben' are just trying to survive. After an extreme firefight with the aliens, Ben gets kidnapped. Determined to get his son back, Tom joins forces with the second 'Mass', a militia group that is taking the fight against the aliens. But with the group's munitions supplies running low, Tom must locate an old friend to equip him and his team in order to ensure the survival of the human race..."

"Falling Skies" stars actor Noah Wyle ("ER") as resistance leader 'Tom Mason', who leads a ragtag group of survivors, following a hostile invasion of the Earth.

Cast also includes Moon Bloodgood as 'Anne Glass', Will Patton as 'Weaver', Drew Roy as 'Hal', Maxim Knight as 'Matt', Connor Jessup as 'Ben', Seychelle Gabriel as 'Lourdes', Colin Cunningham as 'John Pope' and Sarah Carter as 'Margaret'.

"...'Falling Skies' opens in the chaotic aftermath of an alien attack that has left most of the world completely incapacitated. In the six months since the initial invasion, the few survivors have banded together outside major cities to begin the difficult task of fighting back. Each day is a test of survival as citizen soldiers work to protect the people in their care while also engaging in an insurgency campaign against the occupying alien force.

"...'Tom Mason' (Wyle) is a Boston history professor whose family has been torn apart. His wife was killed in the initial attack, and one of his three sons has been captured. Determined to get his son back and to ensure the safety of his other two sons, Tom must put his extensive knowledge of military history to the test as one of the leaders of the resistance movement known as the '2nd Mass', constantly trying to gain intelligence about the aliens in order to outsmart and overtake them..."

There are two types of aliens in the series named 'Skitters' and 'Mechs'. Combining live action and SFX, the Skitters have spider-like bodies, while the robotic Mechs stand upright and can shoot bullets from their arms.

Along with Spielberg, "Falling Skies" is executive produced by DreamWorks TV's Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank. Robert Rodat ("Saving Private Ryan") wrote the pilot from an idea he co-conceived with Spielberg. Mark Verheiden ("Battlestar Galactica") and Greg Beeman ("Smallville") are co-executive producers, with the pilot directed by Carl Franklin ("Out of Time").

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Falling Skies"...

Quebecor Media Takes CBC/Radio-Canada To Task

Quebecor Media Inc. has responded to what it says is 'misleading and unfounded information' published in its regard, by CBC/Radio-Canada, a federal crown corporation.

"Arriving as it does on the eve of our appearance before a parliamentary commission studying CBC/Radio-Canada's access to information shortcomings, one must question the motives behind this unprecedented effort on the part of a crown corporation to attack a large company in its sector," declared Pierre-Karl Peladeau, President and CEO of Quebecor Media.

"...Quebecor Media requests that CBC/Radio-Canada immediately retract itself and remove without delay the false and malicious information contained in its communication. Quebecor Media will not tolerate that an institution of the federal government will attempt to sully its reputation in this matter..."

This is not the first time that CBC has taken a biased stand. In Toronto, CBC Radio in particular is quite annoying in the mornings with host Matt Galloway of "Metro Morning", who has an obvious dislike of Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and continues his attempts to try and ridicule Ford, whether cross-examining guests until they admit that they agree with him (which they don't) that Ford is inept, or by playing stand-up comic clips that characterize the Mayor as a buffoon.

You can read more about Quebecor's claims against CBC/Radio-Canada here.

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"Sceneopolis": An Entertainment And Social Experience

Sneak Peek attended the "Sceneopolis" party event, 'A Night To Be Seen', October 14, 2011 @ Toronto's Brassaii on King Street West, as part of the launch of the Sceneopolis discounted ticket/event subscription service, described as "...Toronto’s newest entertainment social experience".

With a portion of the proceeds from the evening donated to Toronto's non-profit 'Arts for Children and Youth', the venue was packed with hundreds of beautiful people, entertainers, Sceneopolis signature cocktails from Absolut Vodka mixed by the Martini Club, chilled jumbo shrimps and hot hors d'oeuvres.

"We see our peers out in droves for splashy, free cultural festivals, so we know there's a general interest," said Sceneopolis co-founder, CEO, Mladen Svigir.

"But we see them far less often at the opera or live theatre, where we've realized there's a perception of the arts and culture scene as being stuffy and unaffordable."

Sceneopolis has partnered with the city’s arts, culture organizations and restaurants, offering exclusive discounts up to 40% off tickets, backstage tours, cocktails with the cast, and director Q&A 'talk-backs'. For $45 for one-year, subscribers receive the newsletter 'Eye on the Scene', offering 3-5 sceneopolis 'experiences', opportunities to purchase discounted show tickets, restaurant reservations and a spot at Sceneopolis' exclusive pre- and post-show events.

"'Sceneopolis' is driving sustainability for the arts and culture sector," said Svigir, "by engaging a new audience", partnering with over thirty of Toronto's arts, culture and entertainment organizations, including Mirvish Productions, the ROM, DanCap, Soulpepper, Cirque du Soleil and Tarragon Theatre.

"I love Toronto," said Svigir. "We want to see our friends and peers out there enjoying all the city has to offer while giving back to the sector to ensure that it continues to grow and expand."

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Ministry Of Labour Investigating "Resident Evil: Retribution"

Further to our report this morning, more details have emerged regarding the accident Tuesday, October 11 on the set of "Resident Evil: Retribution".

The Ontario Ministry of Labour has now launched an investigation into the accident, that injured 16, when reportedly, a platform shifted, leaving a gaping hole into which cast and crew members fell five feet down, hitting a had floor, some onto their backs. Ten of the injured were hospitalized.

Screen Gems’ "Resident Evil: Retribution" stars Milla Jovovich, directed by her husband, Paul W.S. Anderson. The film is the fifth installment of the action movie franchise based on the video game series.

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Real Life Horror On "Resident Evil: Retribution" Set

Eleven background performers wardrobed as 'zombies', were injured after falling off a high platform on the set of "Resident Evil: Retribution", at around 8 AM Tuesday morning.

Toronto's Emergency Medical Services say 11 people were taken to hospital – two of them on backboards – to be treated for bruises and broken bones after falling from a platform inside Cinespace Film Studios, on Kipling Avenue south of Bloor Street.

An EMS spokesman said the victims were dressed like they were in a 'zombie' movie, making it difficult for paramedics to assess their injuries.

Toronto police say the platform was as high as one or two storeys above the ground when the accident occurred.

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Del Toro Books Muschietti's "Mama"

Executive producer Guillermo del Toro ("Hellboy") has now booked the genre feature "Mama" @ Pinewood Toronto Studios, to be directed by Andres Muschietti, for shooting through early December 2011.

The Universal picture is based on the frightening 3-minute Spanish-language short film "Mama", following 'Victoria' and 'Lily', two girls on the run from a ghostly woman in a Gothic home.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Mama"...

VisionTV Acquires "Fawlty Towers"

Canada's VisionTV report they have signed a deal with BBC Worldwide Canada, to air more classic Brit TV including "Fawlty Towers", the comedy series starring John Cleese as hotel owner 'Basil Fawlty' and Prunella Scales as his domineering wife 'Sybil'. Episodes to be aired include Series 1-2 and the Special "Basil the Rat".

VisionTV has also acquired "Jam & Jerusalem", written by Jennifer Saunders ("Absolutely Fabulous"), starting October 6, 2011, airing Series 1-3 and two Specials;

"Yes, Minister", starring Nigel Hawthorne, airing Series 1-3 and one Special;

"Yes, Prime Minister", airing Series 1-2;

"The Vicar of Dibley", starring Dawn French ("French & Saunders"), airing Series 1-3 and five Specials;

"The Old Guys", starring Clive Swift ("Keeping Up Appearances"), airing Series 1-2.

"We're very pleased to have acquired these powerhouse series from BBC
Worldwide and to bring them to audiences across Canada," said Mark Prasuhn, Chief Operating & Content Officer of Zoomer Media Ltd, Television Division.

VisionTV currently airs the long-running Brit soap opera "The Eastenders".

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12th Annual "Planet In Focus Environmental Film Festival"

The 12th Annual Planet in Focus Environmental Film Festival (PIF), running October 12–16 in Toronto with galas, film screenings and workshops, presented an early morning media conference at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) September 22, 2011, announcing this year's Opening Night Gala will be "Revenge Of The Electric Car', narrated by Tim Robbins :

"...in 'Revenge Of The Electric Car", director Chris Paine ("Who Killed the Electric Car?") gets extraordinary access behind the closed doors of Nissan, GM, and the Silicon Valley start-up Tesla Motors to chronicle the story of the global resurgence of electric cars..."

The Closing Night Gala will be "The Whale", narrated by Ryan Reynolds :

"...'The Whale', executive produced by Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johannson, produced and shot by Suzanne Chisolm, tells the true story of 'Luna', a baby orca who gets separated from his family and starts to make friends with humans on the rugged West Coast of Vancouver Island..."

"I am delighted to have these two powerful films bookend our festival," said Sarah Margolius, Executive Director of Planet in Focus. "They embody the often contradictory forces at play in debates about the state of our planet."

This year, Planet in Focus will spotlight contemporary film/videomakers, "redefining changing perceptions of landscape", including "The Polar Explorer" from Mark Terry, who will be awarded the 'Gemini Humanitarian Award' for his work on climate change, exploring the Arctic and Antarctic and uncovering new life on previously inaccessible areas of ocean seabeds.

In addition to public screenings, PIF will offer two days of panels, workshops and pitch sessions devoted to film production, distribution and funding, with 'The Green Pitch', a funding program offered to Canadian filmmakers, taking place during the 'Industry Series'. This competition offers participants the opportunity to test their 'green story' ideas in front of a jury of creative professionals. Finalists will gain feedback as they pitch to win $5,000 in development funding plus valuable in-kind services.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Planet In Focus"...

Toronto Urban Film Festival Winners

Sneak Peek attended the 5th annual Toronto Urban Film Festival (TUFF) Awards September 18, 2011 @ Toronto's The Drake Hotel on Queen Street West.

TUFF runs annually on the Onestop network of digital platform screens located in subway stations across the Toronto Transit System, with the festival bringing silent, 1-minute films to a daily audience of over 1 million commuters.

This year’s prizes included over $20,000 in cash and in-kind products/services from the CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival, Earth Day Canada, Planet in Focus, Rattail Films, Shopper’s Drug Mart, Sony Creative Software, STASH Magazine, Toon Boom Animation, Toronto Film Scene, Videoscope, Witz Education and Women in Film & Television Toronto.

Top awards selected by guest judge Atom Egoyan were presented to Jackie English for her film "Nimby", Sam Lalonde for "Whelm" and Che Kothari for "Flip Hop: che kothari x elicser x skam".

A cash prize of $2,500 went to Richard B. Pierre, recipient of this year's Naish McHugh Award for Emerging Toronto Filmmakers, for "Fresh Start", presented by Michael Thompson, Chair of the Economic Development Committee of The City of Toronto.

Honorable mentions went to Alison Davis for the animation "Courtship" and Su Tomesen for the split-screen video "Dwelling". Other winners, chosen by jury members Angie Driscoll (CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival) and Guillermina Buzio (Planet in Focus), included :

* Best Animation - "Mirroring Reality" by Martynas Genkovas
* Honorable Mention for Animation - "Cutters' by Ahmet Serif Yildirim
* Best Canadian Environmental Film - "Relics" by Chris Juraschka
* Most Ambitious Film by a Local Female Director - "Woodland' by Claire Bennett
* Toronto Lens Award - "Little White Corvette" by Shane Azam and Alex Bowron
* Poetic Toronto Award - "In These Streets" by Lila Karim and Michael Barry
* Jury Prize for Documentary - "Shoeshop" by Mai Phuong Pham and Ha Thanh Phung
* Jury Prize for Narrative - "What if..." by Autumn Schrock
* Jury Prize for Experimental Film - "Amoré' by Juli Saragosa

The Best Local Film Award was given to Terry O’Neill and Tara Cooper for "Haircut".

The most popular film of the festival, as determined by online votes, was "In Bubble Trouble", directed by Iain Lew Kee.

"Being around this much talent is inspiring," said TUFF Executive Director, Sharon Switzer. "I love being able to celebrate our 1-minute filmmakers".

Films can be viewed online throughout the year at torontourbanfilmfestival.com

TUFF is co-produced by Art for Commuters and Onestop Media Group, and funded by the Canada Council for the Arts.

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