FilmPEI is a PEI film-focused cultural hub offering space, equipment and resources to local and visiting filmmakers and productions. Presently, three staff members offer support and encouragement to filmmakers at all levels to inspire excellence in film, video, and new media projects.
The Film 4Ward program is administered by FilmPEI and is a funding source incubator for film production and skill capacity building for both emerging and mid-career filmmakers. Renee Laprise, FilmPEI Executive Director, says this funding lifts producers and directors to the next level of their creative careers.
A highlight of the 2019 Charlottetown Film Festival being held October 25 to 27 will be the opening night’s showcase of four short films that were supported through Film 4Ward.
“We are extremely excited to share the Film 4Ward films with the world,” says Renee. “All the teams delivered films of high production value and quality storytelling.”
The first group of short films supported through Film 4Ward
Hot or Not – Ryan McCarvill, Director, and Matt Sherman, Producer
SunnySide -Jenna MacMillan, Director, and Bryde MacLean, Producer
Solastalgia – Millefiore Clarkes, Director, and Emma Fugate, Producer
Furball – Jason Rogerson, Director, and Harmony Wagner, Producer
Furball is about a self-centered cat who doesn’t like that his owner Norman is giving him less attention when the possibility of a new relationship enters Norman’s life.
The short film comedy premiered at FIN Atlantic International Film Festival in Halifax on September 15.
In November, Furball will have its American premiere at the Cat Film Festival in New York City.
“Festivals are a great place to showcase what PEI filmmakers can do and to network with others,” says writer and director Jason Rogerson. “It can be challenging to break out of a region, so it’s great the Cat Film Festival has a touring program which will feature Furball in over 50 cities all over Canada and United States in 2020.
It’s exciting and gratifying. Everyone did a terrific job.”
Jason got his start in the film and TV industry on PEI 20 years ago. He started with creating videos for stage productions, including Sketch-22, and worked at Moses Media in Charlottetown doing TV commercials, training videos, and other corporate work.
He co-owns Periscope Pictures with Harmony Wagner, doing both creative and corporate work. In 2015, they produced Kooperman, Periscope’s first feature film, which received funding from Telefilm Canada.
“From pre-production to filming and post-production, up to 80 cast and crew worked on that movie. We were able to pay them a fair wage, which felt good.”
Mentorship
One of the mandates of Film 4Ward is to mentor crew members. This support is crucial to help filmmakers up their game.
“Mentorship is a great way to support people in this industry so they can further develop their craft,” says Jason. “I enjoy mentoring others in the film and TV industry. Training Islanders in key positions is a win-win.”
Applying to the Film 4Ward program
Film4Ward 2019/2020 is currently seeking submissions. Deadline to apply is November 18, 2019.
Visit www.filmpei.com/programs/film-4ward-program for submission guidelines and the application form.
For details about the first four short films funded through the Film 4Ward program, visit www.filmpei.com/film-4ward-films-debut-at-fin-2019.
For more information on FilmPEI, visit www.filmpei.com.
Follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
Film 4Ward is funded by the Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture through Innovation PEI and the Culture Action Plan, with additional funding provided by Telefilm Canada and CBC, and led by FilmPEI.
October 2019 Issue
Page 7
by Stacy Dunn