Camp Jam's Film Week A Hit!

The Film Commission sponsored 4 kids' participation in the Walkers Road Church of God's Camp Jam film project last week. The key instructor, Nate Norris, is a graduate of New York Film School and he used the time to give the enthusiastic 12-18 year olds an introduction to film making. At the end of the week, they produced three short films: Park Bench, Air Jesus and Robbery 101.

Here's a brief summary of the week's activities:
Monday - Nate took the kids through different camera shots and showed them a short film called Lucky to demonstrate what a short film was. He then illustrated how to use the camera and asked them to come up with a short film idea. They brain stormed and came up with "The Park Bench". They directed, filmed, and acted out the different parts of the film.

Tuesday and Wednesday: - These two days was used as script writing days. Nate divided the group into two groups and appointed leaders to work with their team and come up with a short film idea and a commercial. The commercial that they came up with was Air Jesus and the short film was called Robbery 101.

Thursday: Costumes were provided for the kids and they reviewed their Air Jesus idea. From 1:00 to 2:30 they shot the commercial on location at Cox's basketball court. Reports are that their dedication to get the right shot done was simply amazing!

Friday: There was a location shoot for Robbery 101 at the Walkers Rd. Texaco. This idea was one of a robbery gone bad, it was really funny.

From all reports, the experience was an eye opener to the film industry for many of the teens who participated and youth minister, Pastor Felix, was happy that the young people stepped up to the plate and allowed their creativity to really shine.

The CIFC was happy to help send these four kids to camp.

Are you interested in Television Animation?

We are pleased to inform you that the Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) Television Animation Conference (TAC), is scheduled for October 14-18, 2009. It is North America’s largest animation Festival, and is organized by the Canadian Film Institute, a not-for-profit charitable organization.

This critically acclaimed and respected festival provides a means of linking regional, national, and international animation communities, as well as fostering the development and growth of animation talent found within Canada. The TAC draws over 250 producers, directors, distributors, developers, buyers and industry gurus from across Canada and the world, and the organizers encourage attendance by buyers in order to propel and create opportunities for Canadian and Foreign companies. For more information on the OIAF TAC, please visit their web site at: http://animationfestival.ca/index.php

Also, the OIAF produces a Canadian Animation Directory, which is a comprehensive guide to the Canadian animation industry for 2009-10. It covers a broad spectrum of existing and emerging production companies, funding agencies, schools and post-production services.

Additional information regarding the Festival/Conference, and purchase of the Directory can be obtained directly from the organizers (co-ordinates below):-

Dominique Forget
TAC/Workshop Assistant
Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF)
2 Daly Ave, Ste. 120,
Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6E2, Canada
Tel: 613.232.8769
Fax: 613.232.6315
Email: tac@animationfestival.ca

Queen Noor sends statement of support for CIFC

Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan has shown her support for the launch of the CIFC’s Film Crew Certification Training Programme. She sent a statement saying, "I wish the Cayman Islands Film Commission every success and trust that their efforts will foster sustainable economic, social and cultural benefits for the people of the Cayman Islands in years to come." Queen Noor had planned to attend the January 30th launch of the CIFC on the invitation of advisory board member, Jason Felts, but travel schedules did not permit.

Her Majesty is an international public servant and has served on several international boards devoted to peace and positive educational and cultural development.

Line Producer of hit HBO Series “Six Feet Under” added as guest presenter for the Cayman Islands Film Commission Crew Training workshop

Earlier this month, the Cayman Islands Film Commission announced the addition of Bob Del Valle, line producer and production manager with over 20 years experience in film and television production as guest presenter at their upcoming Crew Training Workshop. Del Valle has worked on numerous series, feature films and mini-series that include Ally McBeal, Melrose Place, Tales of the City and Six Feet Under. He has won the Directors Guild Award for producing and has been nominated for two Emmys and two Producer Guild Awards. Bob is also the author of “The One Hour Drama Series”, a book on how to produce episodic television.

Bob will join David Lyman, the lead workshop facilitator, who is the Founder and Director of Media Workshops International, a New York City based company that has been conducting training for filmmakers and photographers worldwide for 34 years.

The Uprising

Legends in the world of skateboarding hit the bowls and pipes of Black Pearl Skate Park in Grand Harbour, Cayman Islands on Friday, May 22 to film new episodes of a Christian reality series, THE UPRISING. In addition to filming at Black Pearl, THE UPRISING crew will join renowned boarder Dennis Martinez to promote an anti-drug message at school assemblies throughout the Cayman Islands.

Film Crew Certification Programme

Beginning this May, The Cayman Islands Film Commission will introduce its Film Crew Certification Training Programme which is designed to prepare Caymanians for successful careers in the film industry. Workshop participants will be exposed to different aspects of film production and guided as to what each area means for prospective job roles when media projects come to town.

The first Film Crew Certification Workshop will be facilitated by highly regarded industry educator, David H. Lyman of Media Workshops International. It will also feature other local and international guest speakers and it is scheduled to take place over the week-end of May 29-31st. The weekend begins Friday evening at 6pm with a reception and the following two days will include lectures, group activities and screenings interspersed with interactive discussions. The programme runs all day Saturday from 9-5pm; Sunday begins at 10am with a morning brunch followed by a career planning session until 2pm.