CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival - June 1-6

Presented by TELUS, the CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival, North America ’s largest short film festival, returns for a 16th annual edition June 1-6. Showcasing the best shorts from around the world, the Fest will present a line-up of contemporary short films in 33 programs selected from 4046 submissions.

From a diverse array of live action, doc, animation and experimental films, each 90-minute program screens 5 to 20 films, offering more than 213 Premieres and 34 World Premieres.

In addition to screenings, international buyers, delegates and industry professionals will attend the WSFF to participate in conference/market events over 6 days.

“This year really represents a tour de force in shorts programming,” said Fest Director Eileen Arandiga .

“We have more premieres than ever before, more diverse programming and an incredible line-up of films directed by women - we are really seeing a shift in who’s standing behind the camera."

For more information and a list of the films, go to shorterisbetter.com...

14th Annual Pulps Show & Sale- May 8

We picked up some great old pulp magazines at the 14th Annual Pulps Show & Sale, May 8 @ the Lillian H. Smith branch of the Toronto Public Library, 239 College Street in Toronto.

Just a wee put off that some dealers continue to slip new 'facsimile' printings of scare pulps, in with the rat-chewed, faded original magazines, without informing buyers. Also noticed there was no original pulp cover art for sale.

We still have 10 pieces of original cover art paintings, circa 1948 for sale, including "Women In Crime", featuring 'The She-Vulture'.

Here's hoping that this annual Pulp event will connect with Wizard World for their next comic book/pop art convention in Toronto...

Ubisoft Plugs Into Toronto

It seems there is a renewed optimism to invest in Toronto now that the "take from the rich and give to the poor NDP politicians" will soon be municipal history following the next local elections, as France-based videogame software giant Ubisoft, with a flagship base in Montreal, has announced an investment of $806 million in Toronto, creating up to 1,000 videogame-related jobs.

Ubisoft will build its Ontario base out of an old General Electric plant @ Bloor and Lansdowne in the city's west end, which will evolve into the second largest of the company's Canadian operations.

The French computer/video game publisher/developer, partially owned by Electronic Arts, based in Montreuil-sous-Bois, France, currently has an international presence with studios and subsidiaries in 28 countries.

Toronto studio head Jade Raymond, received $263 million from the provincial government, along with $543 million from Ubisoft, anticipating 150 new employees by year's end and 800 over the next 10 years. Raymond will build an infrastructure on the tech side, before focusing on hiring a new animation director, storyboard artists and writers.

The new Toronto team will also include Ubisoft Montreal's creative director Max Béland, audio director Fabien Noël and producer Alex Parizeau.

Upcoming Ubisoft games for 2010 include "Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood", "Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands", "Pure Football", "R.U.S.E.", "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World", "Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier", "Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X 2" and "TrackMania 2".

Click the images to enlarge...

Bronfman Behind $20 Million Toronto Production Hub

Committed to nurturing Toronto's role as one of North America's most active production centres coupled with a renewed optimism that the days of Toronto's high-salaried, NDP government chasing away big business (and big budget) studio projects from the city will be a thing of the past following the next municipal election, Paul Bronfman, Chairman, CEO of Comweb Group Inc. and William F. White International Inc. report that the development of 'William F. White Centre', the largest and most significant facility in the company's 47-year history, will be a $20-million, world-class production complex, that will function as a 'hub' for industry professionals, while offering a full-range of production and related support services under one roof.

Located in Toronto at 800 Islington Ave., a few blocks south of the company's existing west-end location and within distance of Pinewood Toronto Studios, the new 338,000 square-foot complex will be situated on 17 acres of prime real estate, on a corner lot, minutes from downtown Toronto and the city's international airport.

William F. White International Inc. will occupy nearly half of the building, with the balance of space earmarked to house additional production support service businesses including White's 3D Camera Company.

"For well over three years, we've been searching for the perfect facility where we can effectively serve a vast range of production professionals and this location couldn't be better," said Bronfman.

"Ontario's enhanced all-spend tax credit recently introduced by the Ontario (Liberal) Government, combined with a rebound in US production and a healthy indigenous industry helped this facility become a reality."

Meet 'Dren': The Future Is Born June 4

Sneak Peek the new poster supporting the Toronto-lensed sci fi horror feature "Splice".

Directed by Vincenzo Natali, "Splice" was picked up for distribution by Joel "Lethal Weapon" Silver and his Warners-based Dark Castle label, after the North American debut of the France-Canadian co-production @ the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, in the 'Park City At Midnight' program.

Filmed in Toronto at Black Creek Pioneer Village, Cinespace Film Studios and York University, "Splice" follows 'Elsa' and 'Clive', two young scientists, who defy legal and ethical boundaries, by splicing together human/animal DNA to create a hybrid chimera organism.

Named 'Dren', the creature develops from a deformed female into a beautiful winged creature, forging a bond with both creators.

Warners will release "Splice" June 4 on 3,000 screens, with marketing support, budgeted between $25-40 million.

Dark Castle is optimistic that the genetic mutation thriller will be the next box-office busting "Paranormal Activity".

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

"Kick-Ass" Facebook Poster Winners

Sneak Peek two posters submitted by fans to Facebook for a "Kick-Ass" poster contest.

In other "Kick-Ass" news, actress Chloë Grace Moretz, who was 11 when she tucked into a purple wig for director Matthew Vaughn's "Kick-Ass" comic book adaptation, is undoubtedly the star of the tough, action comedy feature that is NOT a 'kiddie superhero' movie.

Dimpled Moretz sneers her way through the film as 'Mindy Macready', who becomes masked vigilante "Hit-Girl', alongside Nicolas Cage's feverishly 'camp' portrayal of Mindy's father 'Damon', aka 'Big Daddy'.

As for the 'controversy' raging around her character's use of the word 'cunts' (also used in "Snatch", and "Sexy Beast" as part of English 'underworld' vernacular), to describe a gaggle of soon-to-be-dead criminals, the young actress insists there is no big deal.

"It's for your entertainment," she said.

"If you see it in context it's not that shocking. "

"I am an actress and I was playing somebody who was raised to do what she does," said Moretz, who shot "Kick-Ass" in Hamilton and Toronto Ontario, as well as New York and London.

Moretz credits Uma Thurman in "Kill Bill", Kirsten Dunst in "Interview With The Vampire" and Angelina Jolie as "Lara Croft" for bringing inspiration to her character, also using her previous experience in ballet to help define the role.

"Gigantic football players do ballet," she said. "It's something that makes you nimble and makes you flexible. It gives you balance and amazing posture and that's what you need."

Moretz trained in martial arts for six months, working with some of UCLA's top gymnasts, the "300" stunt crew and a 4-week session at the Toronto School of Circus Arts.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek 'Hit-Girl'...

Warners Releasing IMAX "Dark Shadows", "Batman 3" and "Superman"

Toronto-based IMAX Corporation and Warner Bros. Pictures, a unit of Time Warner Inc. report they have completed an agreement to release up to 20 Warner Bros. films in IMAX's format from 2010 through 2013.

The agreement strategically aligns Warners 'tent-pole' business with the increasing popularity of The IMAX Experience(R) in both 2D and IMAX(R) 3D, providing the studio with an added distribution platform.

Under the agreement, Warner Bros. movies that will be released in IMAX are "Legends of the Guardian: The Owls of Ga'Hoole 3D" (September 24, 2010); "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (3D)" (November 19, 2010); "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II (3D)" (July 15, 2011); "Happy Feet 2 (3D)" (November 18, 2011); and "The Hobbit" (December 2013).

Warners and IMAX also plan to release an additional 15 films over the course of 2011, 2012 and 2013, including "Gravity", "Dark Shadows", "(Mad Max) Fury Road", "Batman 3" and "Superman".

"Our track record with IMAX has been incredible, and incorporating 3D into this collaborative effort will serve as the ultimate experience for our audiences," said Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

"We're thrilled to join with IMAX in bringing global audiences new and exciting experiences through the 3D IMAX format," said Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President, International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

"Warner Bros. is and has been an important strategic partner for IMAX. The success of our partnership to date is a result of our integrated approach to marketing and release strategies, and we believe this formula will lead to more box office success in the future," said Richard L. Gelfond, CEO of IMAX.

"IMAX has a deep appreciation for Warner Bros.' approach to the film business; they consistently work with the industry's most talented filmmakers, produce and release blockbuster films that captivate global audiences and make going to the movies a fun, powerful and inspiring experience," said Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment.

Since June 2003, Warners has released 25 titles in IMAX's format, 10 of which featured IMAX 3D, including several live action pictures that were partially converted into 3D with IMAX's proprietary 2D-to-3D conversion technology.

Warner Bros. films have generated approximately $565 million in box office revenues at IMAX theatres around the world, with each Hollywood title digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of 'The IMAX Experience' using IMAX's proprietary IMAX DMR(R) (Digital Re-Mastering) technology. Also included in the tally are the studio's four original IMAX 3D co-productions, "NASCAR 3D" (2003), "Deep Sea 3D" (2008), "Under the Sea 3D" (2009) and "Hubble 3D," in select IMAX theatres now...

Canadian Government Body Approves "Vanessa"

The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), Canada's TV watchdog, said as long as industry codes on violence are followed and "equitable portrayals" of the sexes are maintained , an application by "Sex-Shop Television" will be approved by the government body, allowing Sex-Shop to offer its adult pay TV service "Vanessa" in HD.

"Vanessa", founded by French TV host/producer Anne-Marie Losique, will make its initial thrust into the market, October 2010.

According to the CRTC:

"...The Commission approves the application by 'Sex-Shop Television Inc.' to amend the broadcasting licence for the national, Category 2 pay television programming undertaking known as 'Vanessa' in order to allow the service to be available for distribution in high definition (HD) format until the end of its current licence term. The Commission did not receive any interventions in connection with this application.

"Consistent with the Commission’s approach to HD specialty services set out in Broadcasting Public Notice 2006-74, as well as with the changes to this approach announced in Broadcasting Public Notice 2008-100, the licensee shall be subject to the following condition of licence until the end of its current licence term:

"The licensee is authorized to make available for distribution a version of its service in high definition (HD) format, provided that not less than 95% of the video and audio components of the upgraded and standard definition versions of the service are the same, exclusive of commercial messages and of any part of the service carried on a subsidiary signal. Further, all of the programming making up the 5% allowance shall be provided in HD..."

The service, billed as "Canada's Playboy Channel," must air at least 20 percent homegrown content, leaving lots of room on the dial for U.S.-originated content.

The Vanessa channel promises a range of French-language, erotic-themed dramas, with the CRTC overcoming earlier objections from religious groups that argued Canadian-content obligations for Vanessa meant young Canadians will be hired to work in the porn industry, and that Ottawa was in effect sustaining a homegrown adult entertainment industry.

Canadian actors union ACTRA, who are usually vocal in their protection of performers from 'non-signatory', ie 'non-union' producers, have yet to make any statements about attempts to unionize the increasingly profitable Canadian porn movie industry, before the English-language counterpart for Vanessa becomes available to the rest of Canada by 2011...

"Iron Man 2" In IMAX

Sneak Peek the new IMAX posters supporting the release of Marvel Entertainment/Paramount Pictures big screen comic book adaptation "Iron Man 2", directed by Jon Favreau, starring actors Robert Downey, Jr. and Mickey Rourke.

The film's limited IMAX release will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R) with IMAX DMR(R) technology.

"The success of the first Iron Man movie catapulted the franchise from the comic books to theatre screens, and we're excited that the IMAX format will offer fans an even more immersive way to experience the sequel," said Tim Connors, Chief Operating Officer, Marvel Studios.

"Iron Man 2 is a fantastic addition to our growing film slate for 2010, which is filling out faster than any previous year," said Richard L. Gelfond, CEO Of Toronto-based IMAX. "The rollout of our digital projection system has enabled us to add more films to the slate, and we're very excited to partner with Marvel and Paramount on this next installment of the incredible Iron Man franchise."

"We're thrilled to once again be working with Paramount and our long time friends at Marvel Entertainment as we help to bring their characters to life in IMAX," said Greg Foster, Chairman, President, IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "The combination of Marvel's iconic Iron Man story, Jon Favreau's brilliant vision and Paramount Pictures' talented team coupled with IMAX will make for a wild cinematic experience."

"...Based on Marvel's iconic Super Hero, Iron Man 2 continues the story of the 2008 summer box office blockbuster Iron Man, the first feature film to be produced independently by Marvel Studios. The first film in the franchise has grossed over a half billion dollars worldwide at the box office. The IMAX release will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie..."

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Iron Man 2"...

OK You Cunts: Millar Bends Over For "Kick-Ass"

"Kick-Ass" comic book creator Mark Millar, in an 'official statement', commented on the opening of director Matthew Vaughn's Toronto/UK/New York-lensed big screen comic book adaptation:

"...I'm just back from a weekend's break to find messages from Lionsgate, Matthew Vaughn and various actors on the movie buzzing that we were #1 in America this weekend. We were top Friday, Saturday and Sunday — which is amazing, considering we're in the middle of a holiday season and up against 3-D competition with an R-rated superhero movie.

"It's also worth remembering that we only cost $28 million after the U.K. tax breaks, and our U.K. and U.S. gross alone is already at $38 million as of last night.

"We're looking at a very nice profit here and word of mouth is spectacular — the reviews being among the best I've ever seen — and so we're all very proud to find ourselves in this position. Positive advance reviews had some people hoping for a $25 million domestic opening. I wanted 'Avatar' numbers myself, but as Matthew sensibly pointed out, we were made on a Tarantino budget and should be more than happy with Tarantino numbers.

"This is a great place to build on, and I'm very excited to see if we stay in the #1 position next weekend. 'Sherlock Holmes' benefited by having 'Avatar' getting people into cinemas again, and I'm hoping we can do the same when 'Iron Man 2' is launched the week after next. #1 is brilliant news for all concerned, and it's amazing to see a movie at the top of the charts that was rejected by every studio when we pitched it.

"The whole gang are feeling very pleased and, since most of us took deferred payments, pretty relieved, too.

"Mark Millar..."

Meanwhile, the new "Hit-Girl" 12-inch action figure will be released September 2010, based on the 11-year old costumed vigilante character, starring in "Kick-Ass", the movie.

"...She may be cute, but she's got a filthy mouth! 'Hit-Girl', a.k.a. 'Mindy McCready' is an 11-year-old, pigtail-wearing waif with the fighting skills of a ninja. And the little superhero has proven that she has some real kick-ass skills! This highly detailed Hit Girl Action Figure stands approximately 12-inches tall, features multiple points of articulation, and includes her signature plaid cloth skirt, purple wig, and cape. Armed with a pair of butterfly knives and her double Gitano-bladed Mindy Stick, Hit-Girl is ready for action!

"Kick-Ass" the movie is based on the comic book of the same name by Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr. following teenager 'Dave Lizewski', who decides to become a real-life superhero after being inspired by the heroes of comic books. Under the name of 'Kick-Ass', he encounters a mysterious vigilante called 'Big Daddy' and his daughter 'Hit-Girl', who are working to bring down local crime boss 'Frank D'Amico'..."

Click the image to order...

Canada's "Rocket Robin Hood" - May 18

Written by Ralph Bakshi ("Fritz The Cat") and produced by Krantz Films 1966-1969, for Toronto's Grantray-Lawrence Animation, "Rocket Robin Hood" features a gaggle of Canadian voice actors, including Chris Wiggins, Bernard "Bunny" Cowan, Len Birman, Paul Kligman and Gillie Fenwick.

"...'Rocket Robin Hood' leads his 'Merry Men', including 'Little John', 'Friar Tuck', 'Will Scarlet', 'Maid Marian' and other characters from the classic story of 'Robin Hood'. They live in the year 3000 on 'New Sherwood Forest Asteroid' and are determined to foil the despotic plans of 'Prince John', the 'Sheriff of N.O.T.T.' ('National Outer-space Terrestrial Territories') and other villains including 'Dr. Medulla', 'Manta', 'Nocturne' and the 'Warlord of Saturn'..."

"Rocket Robin Hood" will be release May 18.

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Rocket Robin Hood"...