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ROB MERILEES WINS CFTPA’S PRODUCER’S AWARD AT THE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Toronto, September 4, 2008 – The Canadian Film and Television Production Association announces Rob Merilees (Stone of Destiny) is the recipient of the third annual CFTPA Producer’s Award of a $10,000 CAD cash prize. The Award was presented at the 5th Elementt Restaurant (The Match Club) at the opening of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) earlier today.

Rob Merilees is well known to Canadians for his work on films including  The Butterfly Effect 3, The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus, Sleepwalking, The Cleaner, Just Friends, Capote, Mr. Ripley’s Return, The Snow Walker, Saved!, I Fought the Law (a.k.a., Dead Heat), Here’s to Life!, Bar None,  and Curiously Dead.

Merilees’ most recent project, Stone of Destiny, is already drawing high praise and is selected to make its North American premiere at the Closing Night Gala of TIFF on Saturday, September 13th.  Stone Destiny is based on the true story of four students from the University of Glasgow who hatch a Christmas Eve plan in 1950 to repatriate the Stone of Scone (an ancient coronation stone) from Westminster Abbey where it has been held for more than 700 years. The film is written and directed by Charles Martin Smith, and stars Robert Carlyle, Billy Boyd, Brenda Fricker, Charlie Cox, and Kate Mara.

“Canada does have an excellent system that’s very supportive of emerging talent” says Rob. “And we strive to take advantage of the unique locations and landscape, local talent and financial incentives while keeping creative control of our productions and raising the bar for Canadian films.

We believe that furthering the interests of producers includes celebrating their outstanding accomplishments,” says Guy Mayson President and CEO, CFTPA. “And, the CFTPA-TIFF Producer Award does exactly that.  “I want to offer our congratulations to Rob, and the other four nominees who help us showcase Canadian talent around the world.”

“We have some exceptional producers in this country and choosing only one to celebrate with this Award is a daunting task for our jury to say the least,” says Sandra Cunningham, Chair, Board of Directors, CFTPA. “I also want to take this opportunity to encourage Canadians to be proud of the successes of our industry and to recognize the need to continue to provide an environment in which feature films can flourish for the creators and audiences alike.”

The CFTPA also announced the Award will be extended for another five years.

More than 30 eligible Canadian films are being screened at the festival this year.   The other four finalists included Dean English (Edison and Leo), David Hamilton (Heaven on Earth), Jennifer Jonas (Toronto Stories) and Barbara Shrier (Un Été sans point ni coup sûr).

The national selection jury included Chair Niv Fichman (Rhombus Media), Barbara Doran (Morag Loves Company), Patricia Rozema (Vos Productions), Carole Vivier (Manitoba Film and Sound) and Blake Corbet (Anagram Pictures).

The CFTPA is a non-profit trade organization that works on behalf of almost 400 companies engaged in the production and distribution of English-language television programs, feature films, and interactive media products in all regions of Canada.  More specifically, it promotes the general interests of its members provincially, federally, and internationally; negotiates and manages labour agreements with guilds and unions; administers copyright collectives; trains new industry entrants through seven national internship programs; and undertakes a number of other specific initiatives that help increase awareness and enhance communication within the Canadian and international production communities.

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) ranks among the most prestigious film festivals in the world, presenting the most compelling films from across Canada and around the globe. Through exceptional programming, memorable special events and remarkable filmmakers, TIFF provides its audiences with unparalleled access to ideas and perspectives that lead to exciting creative and cultural discourse through film.

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For further information contact:
Anne Trueman, Director of Communications and Media, CFTPA 
T: (613) 233-1444 x 227,  C: (613) 851-4538

Communications Department, Toronto International Film Festival
T: (416) 934-3200