Shaw Multicultural Channel and explorASIAN's 2nd Annual Filmmakers Showcase

Canadian Filmmakers are invited to submit their work for the 2nd Annual Filmmakers Showcase presented by Shaw Multicultural Channel and explorASIAN

Filmmakers telling stories that explore Asian-Canadian culture are invited to submit full-length or short films to the 2009 Filmmakers Showcase. Selected films will air on Shaw Multicultural Channel in May 2009 in celebration of Asian Heritage Month.

Eligibility
The Filmmakers Showcase will accept independently-produced films and videos by Asian-Canadian artists, or films and videos that explore Asian-Canadian themes.

Submission Deadline
The submission deadline is Friday January 30, 2009.

Entry Fees
There is no entry fee for submissions to the Filmmakers Showcase, but entrants are responsible for any courier costs involved in the transport, delivery and return of their materials.

Submission Materials
Acceptable formats for preview screeners are: VHS, DVD, Betacam SP, DVCam (NTSC formats only)

Acceptable formats for airing copies are: Betacam SP, DVCam (see below)

Tapes or DVDs must be labeled with film title, confirmed total running time, contact name, current address, phone, and email address.

Please include with your entry:

*Confirmation of clearance of all copyright, performing rights and mechanical reproduction rights for the film

Film synopsis (approximately 100 words)

Film images (high resolution electronic images 300 dpi in CD or DVD format)

Cast and crew list

CVs and photos for key creative personnel

Copies of any publicity associated with the production (awards, screenings, reviews)

*Important notice regarding copyright/ airing rights: If the copyright/ airing rights for the film are held by a third party, it is the filmmakers' responsibility to coordinate the rights with the copyright-holder and submit the film selection with the airing rights pre-cleared.

If you would like your submission materials to be returned following the review process, please include a stamped self-addressed envelope as part of your submission.

Selection Notification
Filmmakers will be advised of the selection of their work for the 2009 Filmmakers Showcase by Friday February 27, 2009.

Selected filmmakers may be asked to participate in print and televised promotions for the 2009 Filmmakers Showcase, and may be asked at that time to confirm their availability for these promotions.

Airing Copies
Upon confirmation that the film has been selected, the filmmaker must provide to Shaw no later than Friday March 13, 2009, a master broadcast copy of the film for packaging. This master copy will be returned to the filmmaker following the airing of the 2009 Filmmakers Showcase.

Shipping Address
Please mail, courier or deliver your submission materials to:
Shaw Multicultural Channel
Attention: 2009 Filmmakers Showcase Submissions
Shaw Cablesystems
900 - 1067 West Cordova Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 3T5

(for hand-deliveries, please come to the 9th floor Reception, weekdays 8 am - 5 pm)

Inquiries
We'd love to hear from you!
Contact us at smc@shaw.ca

or directly at:

Sandra Murphy
604.629.3109 or sandra.murphy@sjrb.ca

Norman Wong
604.629.3347 or norman.wong@sjrb.ca

Info: http://vancouver.shawtv.com/smc/smc_promotions.htm#filmmakers

THE ODD COUPLE - July 17 to 27 & August 13 to 21

Latest VACT comedy asks: Can two polar-opposite Asian guys live together?

This summer, Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre (VACT) is bringing a fresh and unique twist to the classic Neil Simon play, THE ODD COUPLE. In this hilarious version, the cast will be predominantly actors of Asian-heritage – and for the first time for the theatre company, all performances will include Chinese subtitles. Also, the show will run in two locations – in both Richmond and Vancouver. Through July 17 to 27, the play will be at the Richmond Cultural Centre and through August 13 to 21, the production moves to Vancouver’s Roundhouse Performance Centre.

Tickets are available in advance online at www.vact.ca and at the door

VACT, now in its ninth season continues its run as Western Canada’s only theatre group devoted solely to staging cultural stories focusing on the modern Asian experience in North America. With its new production of Neil Simon’s 1965 smash hit, THE ODD COUPLE, VACT is hoping to bring several segments of the community together. “We really have an opportunity here to grow our audience base in a big way,” says producer and VACT president Joyce Lam. “This production appeals to our core audience of first generation and “Generation 2.0” young acculturated Asian Canadians, but we think we’ll also attract recent immigrant Chinese especially those living in Richmond, plus older Asian Canadians and parents especially those who are familiar with the works of Neil Simon, and then finally every one else who aren’t Asian Canadian but are looking for a unique and entertaining cross-cultural experience.”

THE ODD COUPLE, first performed in 1965, is about two men – one divorced and one estranged and neither quite sure why their marriages fell apart – move in together to save money for alimony and suddenly discover they’re having the same conflicts and fights they had in their marriages. Oscar is a messy, slovenly sportswriter who takes in Felix, a neurotic neat freak news writer. They skip the honeymoon phase of their new arrangement and go straight into the hilarious bickering.

THE ODD COUPLE is directed by actor/director Raugi Yu. Most audiences will recognize him as the hilarious gangster Kam Fong from the CBC Television series, jPod. Oscar is played by actor/journalist Ron Yamauchi and Jimmy Yi plays Felix. In the supporting roles as the poker buddies are Sean Cummings (Speed) and past Sex In Vancouver members Jono Lee (Murray), Tom Chin (Vinnie) and Ed Fong (Roy). And rounding out the cast as the sexy Pidgeon sisters are Carmine Bernhardt (Gwen) and Lissa Neptuno (Cecily).

The Odd Couple by Neil Simon

Venue #1
Richmond Cultural Centre
7700 Minoru, Richmond

July 17 through 27
All evening performances at 8:00 PM, matinees at 2:00 PM
Thursdays to Saturdays (evenings) + Sundays (matinees)

Venue #2
Roundhouse Performance Centre
Pacific Blvd & Davie (Yaletown), Vancouver

August 13 through 21
All evening performances at 8:00 PM, matinees at 2:00 PM
Tuesdays to Saturdays (evenings) + Sundays (matinees)

Ticket prices
$23 in advance (www.VACT.ca)
$25 by reservation (cash only, pickup at the door) (Phone 778-885-1973)
$25 at the door (cash only)

Service charges are included
Please call for Group Rates

For more ticket information please visit http://vact.ca

VACT (Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre) aims to produce quality plays in which Asian-Canadians take on culturally or artistically significant roles. VACT works to dispel Asian stereotypes by producing leading and/or supporting roles where Asian-Canadians are depicted realistically in the performing arts.

explorASIAN is a Community Partner of Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre (VACT)