Cinema Canada (Sep 1979)

Filmmaking, like politics, is a contact sport. It’s not always what you know, but it is most definitely who you know. Anonymous As a film student, one has certain advantages, Equipment is readily available, supplied by the school without cost. Budgets are fairly low, therefore financial risk is limited. Crew members work for free. Deadlines for projects are rather flexible. The student can concentrate on the artistic qualities of his film instead of having to worry about all the business hassles of filmmaking in the real world: accountants, insurance, lawyers, producers, rights for literary works and music... If a film goes over budget, if one is lucky, mom or dad will chip in an extra $100 for lab fees or an extra 400’ of film. One smart kid had his father play the main role in his western which became a very sound investment in more ways than one. But the ‘“‘pleasures” of school are only realized after a few years on the “outside.” The transition can be rather painful if one doesn’t think ahead. No matter what aspect of filmmaking one decides to pursue, it is important that a student or young filmmaker have examples of his work to show to a prospective producer, distributor or financier. No one in their right mind is going to give a kid $60,000 to make a half hour film on an idea alone. The student in a relatively leisurely 3-4 year program should be able to produce several projects showing his capabilities during that period of time. First year students are not included. All it takes is a little ingenuity. For example, many small companies or schools would be happy to financially support a super 8 project advertising either a company’s product or a school’s new technological program to show to prospective clients or students. Health associations have been known to back short 16mm documentaries that have eventually been sold to television. One company sponsored a _ student commercial and paid for the film and added $2,000 for the filmmakers’ efforts. Unfortunately, the filmmakers were unaware of the fact that they had Lois Siegel writes, photographs, teaches and makes experimental films in Montreal. to pay royalties for music lifted directly from a record and spent their $2,000 to obtain music rights. After graduation, a student who has produced a good film will be eligible for grants. Production aN The Canada Council, for instance, stipulates in their Application for Film Grants that the filmmaker should have directed at least one film or have established a professional reputation in the visual arts. The Film Grant covers production costs up to $25,000. It is rarely advisable for a beginning filmmaker to ask for this amount. Don’t be too greedy your first try. Application deadlines occur four times a year: March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15. Announcements of grants are three months later. But applications for $10,000 or less are adjudicated within 6-8 weeks. Project Cost Grants include script development and writing, research and advanced studies. The grant does not cover film production costs. The maximum grant is $2,400. The brochure Aid to Artists and application forms are available from the following address: The Canada Council, Arts Division, Box 1047, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5V8 (613) 237-3400. Other resources are the various provincial councils or institutes. The Ontario Arts Council has an elaborate program to aid artists. It offers special assistance in the areas of film, photography, video and screenwriting. Film grants are available in two categories: junior: for short films (less than 20 minutes) of an experimental or self-expressive nature; up to $7,000 to initiate such a film or up to $3,500 to complete and senior: for dramatic films or docu/dramas (over 20 minutes) which are scripted and employ actors; up to $20,000 to initiate or up to $10,000 to complete. Deadlines occur twice a year: February 1 and August 15; and once a year for the scriptwriting competition, December 1. Write: Ontario Arts Council, 151 Bloor St. W, Toronto, Ontario, MSS 1T6 (416) 961-1660. The Manitoba Arts Council also offers grants to artists. A Major Arts Grant totals $7,000 and is awarded to professional creative and performing artists in all disciplines showing exceptional quality or accomplishment who wish to concentrate solely on _ their art for a period of time to carry out a well-defined program. A Visual Arts Grant of $2,000 is awarded to professional visual artists. The Project Grant which provides for a part of the actual costs to the artist on a specific project awards a maximum of $1,500 in film. Address: Manitoba Arts Council, Centennial Concert Hall, 123-555 Main St., Winnipeg, Manitoba (204) 944-2237. The Nova Scotia Department of Recreation, visual arts officer, Cultural Affairs Division, Tom Taylor reports the following: “Most of our grants are directed towards developmental projects for groups and individuals, and applications are made to a Grant Review Committee and based on a provincial priority.” The program includes assistance for co-sponsored (visual arts) projects (maximum assistance negotiable), Assistance POST PRODUCTION SERVICES EDITORS CUT LIMITED 44 WELLINGTON ST. E. SUITE 24 TORONTO, ONT. MSE 1C8& (416) 364:.9038 Cinema Canada/23