Cinema Canada (Aug 1978)

Correction I would like to correct what I feel to be mis-statements of fact concerning the Canada Council’s relationship with the Coopérative des Cinéastes Indépendants, as described by M. Claude Chamberland in the article “Craziness Paying Off’ in Cinéma Canada No. 46. While I cannot deny M. Chamberland’s obvious commitment to the dissemination of 16mm. independent film, his statements regarding Council policy toward his organization do not seem to coincide with notes taken at meetings with M. Chamberland or with detailed letters explaining Council’s position. In 1957, the Canada Council withdrew support from the Coopérative because it was felt that the Co-op’s inability to provide any kind of audited statement, along with their deficitary financial situation, reflected inadequate management of the Co-op. But, when told that the Coopérative could not afford an accountant to prepare an audited statement, Council offered to provide funds for that purpose. Apparently, though, their financial affairs were such that they were unable to take advantage of our offer. Later, in July, 1977, when Cinéma Paralléle was incorporated, M. Chamberland returned to Council asking for operational funding as a new organization. He was told that a new organization might be considered for modest special project funding after at least six months of operation; but, since funding had originally been withdrawn from the Co-op because of what was perceived as weak financial management, Council felt that the least it could ask for was one full year of sound management. After such -a year, a balanced, audited statement reflecting no defecit would offer proof of their budgetary responsibility, and the Coopérative could then be considered for Council funding once more. Through its Explorations programme, the Canada Council has recently supported the Cinéma Paralléle’s “‘Retrospective du Cinéma Indépendant canadien’’, and we remain ready to assist the Coopérative in the future should it be able to comply with our policies and criteria for sound financial management. Francoyse Picard Canada Council 4/Cinema Canada REVERS A Last Ditch Effort The Toronto Filmmakers Co-operative has been helping independent filmmakers since its inception in 1971. An unfortunate case of mismanagement has recently brought the Co-op to the brink of bankruptcy. We are currently negotiating with the major creditors and the funding agencies in a last ditch effort to try to save this organization, which has more than proven its worth over the years. Hundreds of aspiring filmmakers have been assisted by the Co-op through a very impressive workshop program, post production facilities at reduced rates, film production advice from script to screen, lab discounts, and a job placement program. As an information and energy centre in its role as a common meeting ground for young Toronto independents, the Co-op fulfills a much needed function. The new executive board is hard at work trying to correct the mistakes of the past. We urgently need letters of support from the film community, if we are to survive. Please mail them to the Toronto Filmmakers Co-op, 67 Portland Street, Toronto, Ont. MSV 2M9. Also, you may contact your MP or the major funding agencies directly. Every letter and phone call or telegram helps. The Co-op is very grateful for all the support it has received so far from Toronto’s film community. You may call (416) 366-3005 to offer further assistance. Thanks, George Csaba Koller Our Riel Apologies The following for Paul Kelman. letter was received Dear Paul; Saw the interview in Cinema Canada and, despite the shock of seeing my photograph identified as someone else and the other error with captions, I wanted to drop you a note to say what an excellent piece of work you did in making clear sense out of our long and rambling conversation. It was refreshing to read something on the controversial Riel film written with such objectivity and with enthu siasm that pictures like this are starting to be produced here. Thanks again, Paul and best of luck. Roy Moore Some errors which editors make are worse than others. Using wrong names in captions is one of the worst. We extend our apologies, both to Roy Moore and to Paul Kelman. Ed. A Pleased Reader The following letter came to us, addressed to Jaan Pill. Dear Jaan: I picked up a copy of Cinema Canada in the local bookstore and was pleased to see your article on Television Commercial Competitions. Paul and I enjoyed reading it and both agreed that it was a very fair and objective commentary — not attributes that can always be ascribed to the media. One minor correction — the top 30 is selected on the basis of the combined scores from the initial and final judging, not just the final judging. The 1978 competition is basically the same as in previous years although a few refinements have been made. If you want to sit in on another session let me know and I will send you the timetable. Les Jones Research Spectrum Limited cinema canada Subscribe