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Corus and CFTPA announce 2003 interns for Young Filmmaker’s Initiative
Corus Entertainment Inc. (TSE: CJR.B; NYSE: CJR), one of Canada’s leading entertainment companies, and the Canadian Film and Television Production Association (CFTPA) today announced the winners of the second annual Corus Entertainment Young Filmmaker’s Initiative.
A jury consisting of Sharon Mustos, Director, Television Programming, Corus Television, Bonita Siegel, Director, Original Productions, YTV, Treehouse TV and Discovery Kids, Deborah Andrews, National Director, CFTPA National Mentorship Program and Kevin DeWalt, CEO/Chairman of Minds Eye Pictures and Committee Chairman of the National Mentorship Program of the CFTPA chose the winning applicants.
The winners were announced by Peter Moss, Executive Vice President, Programming & Development for Corus Television, in his opening remarks to kick off Corus Children’s Day at the Banff Television Festival. “The Young Filmmaker’s Initiative reflects Corus’ commitment to the development of emerging Canadian talent,” said Moss. “We are confident that our continued support and resources will help foster the next generation of Canadian filmmakers.”
Six winning applicants, ranging in age from 17 to 24 were selected to receive a maximum of $25,000 to develop and produce their films:
· Erica Genereux Smith (Winnipeg, Man) - Yearning is set against a backdrop of domestic servitude in the 1920s and reveals dark secrets, hidden agendas and opposing motivations.
· Ajuki Ike (Nepean, Ont.) - The Canadian Kid is a documentary that explores what it means to be Canadian for Ike’s 14 year-old brother - born in Ontario to Ugandan parents, and with a German stepfather.
· Marta Markowski (Toronto, Ont.) - Pop n’ Chip Curfew takes a humorous look at life’s unexpected events through the eyes of 11 year-old Peter.
· Chester Sit (Edmonton, Alta) - Wind Water focuses on the feng shui (or wind water) book that Lucas receives from his Chinese grandmother. Will it change his life or will he change it first?
· Alan Griffith (Victoria, BC) - The documentary The Island of Caves presents the wonder, adventure and exploration of caving in the Vancouver Island Caves.
· Ted Bezaire (Oakville, Ont.) - Live-action comedy The Putting Edge centers on all the excitement of a mini-golf tournament. For office worker Ronson, the stakes have never been higher – his reputation and the girl of his dreams.
In 2002, Corus committed $1 million to the Corus Entertainment Young Filmmaker’s Initiative, a new program for young and aspiring Canadian filmmakers. Administered by the CFTPA, the initiative provides participants with the professional guidance and hands-on experience needed to produce their first film. Canadians between the ages of 16-24 were invited to submit concepts to the CFTPA.
“We have some remarkable talent out there,” said Elizabeth McDonald, President and CEO of the CFTPA. “Without this initiative and the commitment of our members to mentor this new generation of talent, many fledging filmmakers would not have the opportunity to fully realize their potential.”
These young filmmakers will be matched with a CFTPA mentor, an experienced production professional who works closely with them to guide the project through to completion. The number of applicants for the Young Filmmaker’s Initiative doubled from its initial launch last year, due in part to Corus’ support and creation of a promotional spot that ran across its television networks in the weeks leading up to the application deadline.
Last year’s winners have completed their films and those films will be given a national broadcast window on a Corus Entertainment service.
About Corus Entertainment Inc.:
Corus Entertainment is a Canadian-based media and entertainment company. Corus is a market leader in both specialty TV and Radio. Corus also owns Nelvana Limited, an internationally recognized producer and distributor of children’s programming and products. The Company’s other interests include music, television broadcasting and advertising services. A publicly traded company, Corus is listed on the Toronto (CJR.B) and New York (CJR) Exchanges. Corus’ Web site can be found at www.corusentertainment.com.
About the CFTPA:
The CFTPA is a non-profit, trade association representing almost 400 companies involved in the Canadian production industry. The association promotes the general interests of Canadian producers by lobbying government on policy matters, negotiating labour agreements, and offering mentorship programs and copyright initiatives.
For more information, please contact:
Corus Entertainment
Kerry Morgan
Vice President, Communications
Corus Entertainment
416-642-3792
For more information on this, please contact:
Jane L. Thompson
Director of Communications
Canadian Film and Television Production Association
Tel: 613 233 1444 ext 227