Okay, i'm very sorry I haven't blogged in a while but I've been very busy. (ed. Or very...tied up?)
*sigh* My editor tonight is again, the always loyal yet unamusing Lunchmeat Harold (ed. Howdy) But yes, the holidays are sometimes a bit extra "too much" so I spent them "away" from the apartment in the care of some loved ones. (ed. enough " "'s? and btw, the orderlies loved you too. X 2 )
As my loyal readers know, I don't often leave my apartment (ed. unescorted, ((snicker))) so there have been a few trials and tribulations over the last few months. But anyways, I shall endevour to continue my sworn duty to report on the film and TV business in Halifax and beyond (ed. beeeeyyoonnnnddddddd).
Shelburne, Nova Scotia is poised to return to it's place as the apex of film production it used to enjoy back in the ....ummmm, (ed. Eternal Kiss?) For the past ? years the dynamic duo of Jim kendrick and Mary Barstow have readied us for Hollywood to come calling. Despite years of nothing besides promises these Americans with no film experience, convinced our government to give them a retired military base, including land, beachfront and buildings.
(ed. Gosh, sorry, someone seems to be having a hissy fit.)
Although they haven't paid a penny in property taxes, mortgage payments or the local Popsicle Pete distributor, they continue to - I'm sorry are we really this stupid in this province? These folks have tried to encourage Christian Filmmakers to come here as long as they have money up front, the "dad" faces DUI's in the province and apparently the son likes to pick fistfights with whoever. (ed. Thank you Frank, really the only true jornalism left in the province).
Why don't we just elect them to be MLA's and be done with it! (ed. - There we go, there's the pay off. Pheww)
Anyway, let's just gloss over Christmas. (ed. he's a bit bitter since they stopped running the Frank Mill's Tiny Dancer special.)
I watched the pilot for InSecurity, the latest comedy from CBC and I must say it was a breath of fresh air. I'm just coming off watching a Curb Your Enthusiasm/Barney Miller-a-thon and I could use the break from multi-dimensional character driven comedy. (ed. I hate those where you have to think. How can you twitter at the same time if you have to think and then laugh.)
My brain enjoyed the sabbatical from realistic situations and I eagerly shifted into nuetral as the jokes telegraphed themselves to my nostalgically grade 5 mind. It was like a cross between Get Smart/3's Company and Hanging with Mr. Cooper with just a hint of Blackfly. (ed. That's shows from three decades so I guess InSecurity is multi-generational.)
Sorry, it's "lights out" so I will continue later this week. But coutesy of allnovascotia.com (ed. this is TV related, sort of) John Bragg, the owner of cable TV/internet/telephone provider Eastlink, is a bit redfaced (ed. with success!) after he had to expose his value to the CRTC. Apparently the Nova Scotia Resident (ed. eat your heart out Newfoundlanders) is worth $771 Million dollars. But allnovascotia.com crunched some numbers and it turns out he may actually be a billionnairre. (ed. Like Thurston Howell!) Gosh darn it, the guy hates to bragg but the CRTC made him. (ed. really? The CRTC can do stuff?)
So he may be the making him the 39th or 50th richest man in Canada. (ed. Gotta be #1 in Nova Scotia).
But a listing in the millionairre top 100 (ed. Billionaire) is not always secure. Luckily the Nova Scotia Government has stepped up to the plate to help. The taxpayers of this province have offered John (ed. shucks, if we may.) a $5 Million loan to help his blueberry business.
Now, gasp, I know what you're all saying; why would the poorest province in the country help out one of the richest men in the country? There's a darn good reason -
(ed. sorry, at this point he fell asleep. I actually can't wait to hear his response. When I heard this news I was almost ashamed that our goverment would make this deal. But them I thought maybe the asker should be ashamed for asking. eh, what the hell do I know.)
Awake! Anyway, I'm always willing to help out a fellow maritimer down on his luck. In fact, completely involuntarily, but voluntarilly once I found out, I started paying $2 + more last month on my cable bill. Did the quality of my TV go up? Um, yes! (ed. BTW, not that I'm feeling paranoid but, can "they" trace where blogs come from?)
Anyway, we have other stuff to talk about, later this week - NSFilm Deeming Changes, No Production cap. Previously did away with $25 restriction. Plus The Green Arrow is spotted. Sorrye, maybe too many Cosmopolitans this evening but we'll ketchup. Meanwhile Hugs and Dishes!
Friday 26 November 2010
Tuesday 12 October 2010
Falling, Falling, Falling...Like Madmen! (Get it? Cause it's Fall)
Okay, sorry it's been so long; things have been really hectic here. First my sister moved back in with her Brazilian husband and their child, then they moved out except they forgot to take the kid! She said it was just post-partum depression (ed. - Doesn't your mom still have that?) but I think she and hubby went for a mini-vacation while the child was here with me.
All alone. For two days! I have nothing against children, I just don't like them.
Anyhoo, on to the subject at hand - Nova Scotia TV and Film!
As usual, my editor is my friend Lunchmeat Harold (ed. Howdy)
So I missed the Atlantic Film Festival this year. Again. On purpose. It just seems so cliquey since, well , forever. I always went to all the events when it was in it's infancey but... I watched it on Channel Ten and it was just like I was there. All talky and out of focus. Harold scored free tickets (ed. actually very few people actually pay. In the "in" crowd) and he saw some films. Apparently The Corridor was good and well, that's all he saw. (ed. I was sleepy).
Seaside Studios in Shelburne is rising up out of the haze. The American owners who "bought" the soundstage defaulted on, well just about everything; taxes, mortgage payments, suppliers, etc. My sources for all this is from allnovascotia.com (ed Harry Steele reads it) and Frank magazine whom I adore. And the Chronicle Herald for the press release official public version of events. The place went bankrupt and the owners hightailed it back to the states (ed. missed a court date for DUI, BTW, IYDM). But now they're back! With mysterious investors and they all want to make a lot of movies and bring a lot of money here. (ed. They wouldn't be looking for a little "seed" money from our gov't to let the investors know that we're serious here?) Surely the gov't wouldn't fall for that. Again. (ed. "gosh, they're Americans. And Americans make movies! I like movies. Garfield was hilarious! Not the sequel though."
Fitz 2 with Jason Priestly is shooting in the Annapolis Valley. So there's that. I should try and watch; I'll have to bit-torrent it as I can't afford the cable anymore.
In other news, those PicnicFace kids made a movie. For the last few years they've been making their own shorts their own way. Why? I don't know. But people have found them, fallen in love and watch them endlessly on YouTube. They also continue to perform live in downtown Halifax. For like five bucks. They are so naive, they're cute. Bill Niven produced their low budget film. And apparently they're going to have their own TV series on Comedy Network. (ed. that might make the name of the network less ironic). Anyway you kids blessed with only talent, you go girl(s) ...and boys. Hope Canadian film and TV reality doesn't crush your creative hearts too soon.
In national news, "Men With Brooms". Paul Gross, can you do no wrong? (ed. Apparently, if given enough Telefilm money.) I don't know what's wrong with Canadians that they're not tuning into a show about a bunch of guys they never heard of, curling. At least one person at the CBC thought this was a good idea.
Speaking of concepts, I'm also disappointed in you people about "Score". It's a musical about hockey, people! Shouldn't that draw in people who like musicals AND people who like hockey? (ed. I think the Venn diagram wis self-evident in this one).
(ed. - She: Honey, it's a movie about hockey!
He: Sounds great! Like Slapshot. Wait a minute. Do they sing? Because that would be stupid!
She: Olivia Newton John is in it.
He: Really? WTF? Maybe if it was Grease ONJ but...Jesus...
Speaking of Men With Brooms, it didn't win a Gemini but Spellchecker did! The spelling bee show won another statuette for the DHX trophy case (ed. it's right at the top of the stairs in their office.) won a Gemini. (ed. Didn't everybody? Except Men With Brooms which isn't eligible until next year.) Seriously I think this is the best million dollars the government has spent.
Speaking of DHX (ed. Full disclosure - the writer owns 1000 shares and is unnaturally passionate about the company), the bad times are over! I know I never said their were bad times but i didn't want to be negative. But the last few years have been kind of rough at DHX. But they cut expenses (ed. Employees were cut back. Managers gave up their six figure bonuses last year), and bought stuff that makes money and it looks like your tax dollars have not been spent in vain.
Acording to Michael Donovan DHX Media has seven series on the air. One of them Animal Mechanicals is doing well in the states on the HUB network. (ed. my DVR doesn't go up to the six figures). Michael doesn't want to say what the ratings are (ed. I thought ratings didn't matter only in Canada?), no one wants to quantify quality. Anyhow, this is the first quarter in a while that has a positive net income. And I'm no financial expert but I'm pretty sure that's a good thing.
One of the bright stars in the DHX family (ed. the best family are foreigners that you buy) is Wildbrain. Although revenues at DHX are low, there's plenty of cash! (ed. you're welcome Nova Scotia taxpayers) so they bought this American company that produces this show I've never heard of. According to Wikipedia, Wildbrain has a show on Nick Jr. in the states called Yo Gabba Gabba (ed. - my uncle made that same sound when he was choking on a sausage).
Speaking of which, here's part of the show. Maybe not to my taste but I can see why it's popular with pre-schoolers and college kids.
(ed. BTW, for an extra trippy afternoon, these guys are on tour with a live show. Mr. magic Mushroom is yummy in my tummy!)
And finally, I have to make note of a sadness. Powerpost has gone bankrupt. The passing of this "post house" is sad because it means a lot of post-production audio, animation and editing work will move to Ontario. But I feel bad for the guys who ran this place, I met them a long time ago, and I know that over the years they helped a lot, I mean a LOT, of newbies in the business with heavily discounted or even free work. It seemed they had the industry good in mind and maybe that's the problem. (ed. BTW DHX is up to $1.16/share.) Anyway, good to know you and good luck!
All alone. For two days! I have nothing against children, I just don't like them.
Anyhoo, on to the subject at hand - Nova Scotia TV and Film!
As usual, my editor is my friend Lunchmeat Harold (ed. Howdy)
So I missed the Atlantic Film Festival this year. Again. On purpose. It just seems so cliquey since, well , forever. I always went to all the events when it was in it's infancey but... I watched it on Channel Ten and it was just like I was there. All talky and out of focus. Harold scored free tickets (ed. actually very few people actually pay. In the "in" crowd) and he saw some films. Apparently The Corridor was good and well, that's all he saw. (ed. I was sleepy).
Seaside Studios in Shelburne is rising up out of the haze. The American owners who "bought" the soundstage defaulted on, well just about everything; taxes, mortgage payments, suppliers, etc. My sources for all this is from allnovascotia.com (ed Harry Steele reads it) and Frank magazine whom I adore. And the Chronicle Herald for the press release official public version of events. The place went bankrupt and the owners hightailed it back to the states (ed. missed a court date for DUI, BTW, IYDM). But now they're back! With mysterious investors and they all want to make a lot of movies and bring a lot of money here. (ed. They wouldn't be looking for a little "seed" money from our gov't to let the investors know that we're serious here?) Surely the gov't wouldn't fall for that. Again. (ed. "gosh, they're Americans. And Americans make movies! I like movies. Garfield was hilarious! Not the sequel though."
Fitz 2 with Jason Priestly is shooting in the Annapolis Valley. So there's that. I should try and watch; I'll have to bit-torrent it as I can't afford the cable anymore.
In other news, those PicnicFace kids made a movie. For the last few years they've been making their own shorts their own way. Why? I don't know. But people have found them, fallen in love and watch them endlessly on YouTube. They also continue to perform live in downtown Halifax. For like five bucks. They are so naive, they're cute. Bill Niven produced their low budget film. And apparently they're going to have their own TV series on Comedy Network. (ed. that might make the name of the network less ironic). Anyway you kids blessed with only talent, you go girl(s) ...and boys. Hope Canadian film and TV reality doesn't crush your creative hearts too soon.
In national news, "Men With Brooms". Paul Gross, can you do no wrong? (ed. Apparently, if given enough Telefilm money.) I don't know what's wrong with Canadians that they're not tuning into a show about a bunch of guys they never heard of, curling. At least one person at the CBC thought this was a good idea.
Speaking of concepts, I'm also disappointed in you people about "Score". It's a musical about hockey, people! Shouldn't that draw in people who like musicals AND people who like hockey? (ed. I think the Venn diagram wis self-evident in this one).
(ed. - She: Honey, it's a movie about hockey!
He: Sounds great! Like Slapshot. Wait a minute. Do they sing? Because that would be stupid!
She: Olivia Newton John is in it.
He: Really? WTF? Maybe if it was Grease ONJ but...Jesus...
Speaking of Men With Brooms, it didn't win a Gemini but Spellchecker did! The spelling bee show won another statuette for the DHX trophy case (ed. it's right at the top of the stairs in their office.) won a Gemini. (ed. Didn't everybody? Except Men With Brooms which isn't eligible until next year.) Seriously I think this is the best million dollars the government has spent.
Speaking of DHX (ed. Full disclosure - the writer owns 1000 shares and is unnaturally passionate about the company), the bad times are over! I know I never said their were bad times but i didn't want to be negative. But the last few years have been kind of rough at DHX. But they cut expenses (ed. Employees were cut back. Managers gave up their six figure bonuses last year), and bought stuff that makes money and it looks like your tax dollars have not been spent in vain.
Acording to Michael Donovan DHX Media has seven series on the air. One of them Animal Mechanicals is doing well in the states on the HUB network. (ed. my DVR doesn't go up to the six figures). Michael doesn't want to say what the ratings are (ed. I thought ratings didn't matter only in Canada?), no one wants to quantify quality. Anyhow, this is the first quarter in a while that has a positive net income. And I'm no financial expert but I'm pretty sure that's a good thing.
One of the bright stars in the DHX family (ed. the best family are foreigners that you buy) is Wildbrain. Although revenues at DHX are low, there's plenty of cash! (ed. you're welcome Nova Scotia taxpayers) so they bought this American company that produces this show I've never heard of. According to Wikipedia, Wildbrain has a show on Nick Jr. in the states called Yo Gabba Gabba (ed. - my uncle made that same sound when he was choking on a sausage).
Speaking of which, here's part of the show. Maybe not to my taste but I can see why it's popular with pre-schoolers and college kids.
(ed. BTW, for an extra trippy afternoon, these guys are on tour with a live show. Mr. magic Mushroom is yummy in my tummy!)
And finally, I have to make note of a sadness. Powerpost has gone bankrupt. The passing of this "post house" is sad because it means a lot of post-production audio, animation and editing work will move to Ontario. But I feel bad for the guys who ran this place, I met them a long time ago, and I know that over the years they helped a lot, I mean a LOT, of newbies in the business with heavily discounted or even free work. It seemed they had the industry good in mind and maybe that's the problem. (ed. BTW DHX is up to $1.16/share.) Anyway, good to know you and good luck!
Wednesday 1 September 2010
Great Balls Of Fire!
Sorry Ladies (ed. and sensitive men) but this heat gets to me! If only I could store it up and use it in the winter when the apartment is frigid.
Anyway, as I type in front of the open fridge (ed. He doesn't pay for electricity and there's really only condiments in there anyway), it's time to see what's happening in the neighborhood. The Halifax TV/Film neighborhood, that is. My editor, as usual is my pal Lunchmeat Harold (ed. Howdy)
So Sam Elliot (ed. apparently his moustache has it's own trailer) was/is in town to shoot a film. Along with Karen Allen (ed. Lord, she be the apple in my eye forever!). I'm not sure what they were working on but apparently they were in the valley and drank a lot of coffee.
And Sarah Polley (ed. smart and hot!) is in Louisberg shooting a feature film with Seth Rogan and Sarah Silverman. I, I, I never imagined any two of these being in a Louisberg setting shooting a film. What the hell is that? A time machine, foul languaged comedy that will make us cry?
Meanwhile I believe Haven has finished on the south shore, based on the fact it's airing on some Canadian station. Not seen it. And the same company that produced that Big Motion picture has started filming Meet Phil Fitz II after the successful screening of the first series on The Movie Network (ed. Actually they haven't aired yet.) But the always charming and always Canadian Jason Priestly is back, hopefully this time they will assign him a driver and not subject the elderly populace of Wolfville to his NASCAR type shenanigans.
"That's So Weird" was taped in front of a CBC crew this summer. Some kids show with a bunch of Toronto people who will be "Nova Scotian" for a crucial time of their lives. (ed. not puberty, he means the "end of the year" wink, wink)
The South Shore sound stage has apparently imploded (ed. Not literally) From what I can gather the Gov't put a bunch of money into building a soundstage near/in/on Shelburne because that would draw...millionaire producers, somehow. (ed. If you build it, they will come.) But apparently no one came. (ed. Except Virginia's Run and Eternal Kiss).
The story in a nutshell (ed. where it belongs) is this. The gov't put a bunch of money into the soundstage (ed. millions) because everybody would want to make a movie there. No one wanted to make a movie there. (ed. long story short). The gov't put it up for sale. Two CFA's (ed. with no soundstage/film experience) offered to buy it. The gov't said yes, you're American, you must know better than us. They "bought" it but didn't spend a dime of their own money. For several years they didn't pay the mortgage, they didn't pay taxes and they listed the property (ed. cut up in chuncks) on eBay for sale for more than they "paid" for it. (ed. Shout out to Frank for the info.) And now they've declared bankruptcy. Sigh.
Anyway, I went looking over the CMF results for the last Quarter ending March 31, 2010. this is money that you (ed. not us, we don't pay for cable) pays into a fund to help Canadian companies develop and produce Canadian shows. Locally, Halifax Film (DHX) received $1.7 Million dollars for Pirates II (ed. This isn't the paper machee head things, is it?). So my company (ed. the writer owns 1000 shares of DHX) may not have produced much last year but let's look forward, shall we? (ed. rhetorical, but yes, let's!)
For development funds DHX received $54,811 for "That's So Weird", $30,000 for "Boy Comedy" for Teletoon (ed. I'm hoping that's a working title) , "Big Monster Show" $51,910. (ed. I hope that's a - ) Never mind! And there's also "The Nation" for CTV $39,648. (ed. What the - ? ) So good news is that "we've" developed some shows without touching our $70M reserve. And we've cut a lot of the lower level grunt workers to reduce costs, and assigned a lot of salaries and overhead to the CBC. So let's stay in there for the long run people. We're still selling that jungle show to Equador so don't panic and drive the stock price down!
In other CMF results - The Candy Show (APTN) received $183,000, Jonathan Torrens Show received $202,000, and The Halifax Comedy Fest received $137,000 and $194,000. (ed., what the - double dipping?). the Trailer Park Boys, without Mike Clattenburg (ed. Let's see how that goes in the Showcase/Global world), received $853,000. (ed. You know, them boys seem to live high off the hog.)
And in other news, the Picnicface comedy troop which I projected great things of, years ago (go ahead check my archives) (ed. Yeah, guys like you are coming out of the closet now) are filming their first feature film "Rollertown" in the next week or so. But they say they don't have enough money and are raising funds via donations and goofy fundraising things. I thought it was all publicity but one of them was quoted as saying they don't really have enough money to complete the anticipated post-production. But would producer Bill Niven go into production knowing he didn'y have enough money to deliver a finished project? Would Telefilm commit funds knowing that? Ah, who knows. It's too hot.
I'm tired and sweaty. Still have to talk about the Atlantic Film Festival (ed. AFF) Geminis and other stuff soon.
Anyway, as I type in front of the open fridge (ed. He doesn't pay for electricity and there's really only condiments in there anyway), it's time to see what's happening in the neighborhood. The Halifax TV/Film neighborhood, that is. My editor, as usual is my pal Lunchmeat Harold (ed. Howdy)
So Sam Elliot (ed. apparently his moustache has it's own trailer) was/is in town to shoot a film. Along with Karen Allen (ed. Lord, she be the apple in my eye forever!). I'm not sure what they were working on but apparently they were in the valley and drank a lot of coffee.
And Sarah Polley (ed. smart and hot!) is in Louisberg shooting a feature film with Seth Rogan and Sarah Silverman. I, I, I never imagined any two of these being in a Louisberg setting shooting a film. What the hell is that? A time machine, foul languaged comedy that will make us cry?
Meanwhile I believe Haven has finished on the south shore, based on the fact it's airing on some Canadian station. Not seen it. And the same company that produced that Big Motion picture has started filming Meet Phil Fitz II after the successful screening of the first series on The Movie Network (ed. Actually they haven't aired yet.) But the always charming and always Canadian Jason Priestly is back, hopefully this time they will assign him a driver and not subject the elderly populace of Wolfville to his NASCAR type shenanigans.
"That's So Weird" was taped in front of a CBC crew this summer. Some kids show with a bunch of Toronto people who will be "Nova Scotian" for a crucial time of their lives. (ed. not puberty, he means the "end of the year" wink, wink)
The South Shore sound stage has apparently imploded (ed. Not literally) From what I can gather the Gov't put a bunch of money into building a soundstage near/in/on Shelburne because that would draw...millionaire producers, somehow. (ed. If you build it, they will come.) But apparently no one came. (ed. Except Virginia's Run and Eternal Kiss).
The story in a nutshell (ed. where it belongs) is this. The gov't put a bunch of money into the soundstage (ed. millions) because everybody would want to make a movie there. No one wanted to make a movie there. (ed. long story short). The gov't put it up for sale. Two CFA's (ed. with no soundstage/film experience) offered to buy it. The gov't said yes, you're American, you must know better than us. They "bought" it but didn't spend a dime of their own money. For several years they didn't pay the mortgage, they didn't pay taxes and they listed the property (ed. cut up in chuncks) on eBay for sale for more than they "paid" for it. (ed. Shout out to Frank for the info.) And now they've declared bankruptcy. Sigh.
Anyway, I went looking over the CMF results for the last Quarter ending March 31, 2010. this is money that you (ed. not us, we don't pay for cable) pays into a fund to help Canadian companies develop and produce Canadian shows. Locally, Halifax Film (DHX) received $1.7 Million dollars for Pirates II (ed. This isn't the paper machee head things, is it?). So my company (ed. the writer owns 1000 shares of DHX) may not have produced much last year but let's look forward, shall we? (ed. rhetorical, but yes, let's!)
For development funds DHX received $54,811 for "That's So Weird", $30,000 for "Boy Comedy" for Teletoon (ed. I'm hoping that's a working title) , "Big Monster Show" $51,910. (ed. I hope that's a - ) Never mind! And there's also "The Nation" for CTV $39,648. (ed. What the - ? ) So good news is that "we've" developed some shows without touching our $70M reserve. And we've cut a lot of the lower level grunt workers to reduce costs, and assigned a lot of salaries and overhead to the CBC. So let's stay in there for the long run people. We're still selling that jungle show to Equador so don't panic and drive the stock price down!
In other CMF results - The Candy Show (APTN) received $183,000, Jonathan Torrens Show received $202,000, and The Halifax Comedy Fest received $137,000 and $194,000. (ed., what the - double dipping?). the Trailer Park Boys, without Mike Clattenburg (ed. Let's see how that goes in the Showcase/Global world), received $853,000. (ed. You know, them boys seem to live high off the hog.)
And in other news, the Picnicface comedy troop which I projected great things of, years ago (go ahead check my archives) (ed. Yeah, guys like you are coming out of the closet now) are filming their first feature film "Rollertown" in the next week or so. But they say they don't have enough money and are raising funds via donations and goofy fundraising things. I thought it was all publicity but one of them was quoted as saying they don't really have enough money to complete the anticipated post-production. But would producer Bill Niven go into production knowing he didn'y have enough money to deliver a finished project? Would Telefilm commit funds knowing that? Ah, who knows. It's too hot.
I'm tired and sweaty. Still have to talk about the Atlantic Film Festival (ed. AFF) Geminis and other stuff soon.
Wednesday 21 July 2010
The Heat is On (This is a Post that looks like was never actually published so it's out of date. i blame the new (at the time) meds. Anyway, here it is.
Good Lord, it's hot! I have my fan up to the black button but still the apartment is stifling. I put it on swivel because it feels so good when it turns toward my face, after being off my face. I complain but there's others worse off than me. Well, actually that homeless guy out there is sleeping in the shade.
Anyway, what's happening in Halliwood?
I thought, not a lot but then I had an e-mail drop on my lap (ed. if only it were encased in ice) and my blogging finger may get a workout. As always, my editor is Lunchmeat Harold. (ed. Howdy.)
So "Afghan Luke" has wrapped production. This was a Mike Clattenburg "joint" filmed in B.C., for some reason. I thing it's about a loyal but conflicted dog, but I'm not sure.
"Cloudburst", a "filimm" by Thom Fitzgerald is still shooting in the province (ed. 2 will get you 5 there's a gay character) and "Jump the Broom" is also shooting with the lovely "Angela Basset". (ed. sigh)
"Happy Fun Time Drugs Hippies and Flatulence" the new show by the stars of TPB (ed. You don't have to write that out?) has completed filming. Apparently Amy Sedaris was in town for it. (ed. sigh)
And I thought that was all that was going on until I received the CTF (ed. CMF?) funding results in my box. There was a lot of stuff happening below the radar.
(ed. tch, if only someone out there would let you know).
"Man of a Thousand Songs" for Superchannel (ed. still alive?) producers Terry Greenlaw and William MacGillvrey (ed. Are they Newfoundland residents or Nova Scotian? Or do they have dual citizenship?)
"True Bromance" was developed for CBC by Jay Dahl.
Ocean Entertainment (ed. Producer of Chef Something) seems to be trying to branch out with "Criminal Makeover" in development for S-Vox (I thought we eliminated that with a vaccine) (ed. obviously EVERYONE needs a make-over once in a while) and "Radical Garage" for CTV?
John W. Chisholm's Arcadia (ed. is that spelled right?) produced Jonathan Torren's new TV show called..."TV With Jonathan Torrens" and they are in development on something called "Living Beauty" for CTV.
BTW, Rick Mercer's show received $3,580,111 from CTF. I'm not saying anything bad about the show (ed. It's adorable!) but if this is just part of the budget what the hell do they spend it on? Never mind, I don't want to know. (ed. can you move over, you're hogging the fan.) And This Hour received $2.1M but that's mostly star power salary so that's okay.
Now as many of you know I am an investor in HFX Films/Decode/Studio B/Bulldog (ed. his Father left him 1,000 shares) and I have been concerned lately because I hadn't heard anything was going on there. (ed. What were they doing? Sitting on their laurels? And stacks of investor cash?) The last i heard all they had going on was "something Idol" that they announced at Banff. But just going through the list of cable end users contributions I see they have been quite busy.
The list of projects in development includes (ed. Does not include Studio B and Decode projects which are CFA's):
"Big Monster Show" - CBC
"Befriend and Betray" - Global
"Boy Comedy" (ed. This sounds fishy) - Teletoon
"That's So Weird" - Now being produced for YTV at CBC Halifax studios
"The Nation" - CTV
What I like about this (ed. Beside the money?) is the fact that the pressure on the CTV/CBC/Global development people relaxes. No need to go through all those other submissions.
But besides devlopment DHX was in production last year on "Animal Mechanicals" (ed. $1.18M from CTF) and Pirates II ($1.7 M). God, they are so modest when it comes to making stuff.
And it warms my heart that DHX is on the cutting edge of (ed. mandated changes) multi-platformed entertainment delivery. Other platforms (ed. i.e. websites) were financed to the tune of $200,000 for 22 Minutes, $200,000 for Bo on the Go and $200, 000 for Pirates (ed. something tells me the maximum was $200,000)
This is sweet for various reasons. Joe and Joan Lunchpail's kids don't watch "TV" anymore. Everything is on-line. So creating content specifically for the computer generation is just da'bomb! Plus, really how much does it cost to set up a websiite and hire someone to cut and paste and type synopsis onto it?
Anyway, what's happening in Halliwood?
I thought, not a lot but then I had an e-mail drop on my lap (ed. if only it were encased in ice) and my blogging finger may get a workout. As always, my editor is Lunchmeat Harold. (ed. Howdy.)
So "Afghan Luke" has wrapped production. This was a Mike Clattenburg "joint" filmed in B.C., for some reason. I thing it's about a loyal but conflicted dog, but I'm not sure.
"Cloudburst", a "filimm" by Thom Fitzgerald is still shooting in the province (ed. 2 will get you 5 there's a gay character) and "Jump the Broom" is also shooting with the lovely "Angela Basset". (ed. sigh)
"Happy Fun Time Drugs Hippies and Flatulence" the new show by the stars of TPB (ed. You don't have to write that out?) has completed filming. Apparently Amy Sedaris was in town for it. (ed. sigh)
And I thought that was all that was going on until I received the CTF (ed. CMF?) funding results in my box. There was a lot of stuff happening below the radar.
(ed. tch, if only someone out there would let you know).
"Man of a Thousand Songs" for Superchannel (ed. still alive?) producers Terry Greenlaw and William MacGillvrey (ed. Are they Newfoundland residents or Nova Scotian? Or do they have dual citizenship?)
"True Bromance" was developed for CBC by Jay Dahl.
Ocean Entertainment (ed. Producer of Chef Something) seems to be trying to branch out with "Criminal Makeover" in development for S-Vox (I thought we eliminated that with a vaccine) (ed. obviously EVERYONE needs a make-over once in a while) and "Radical Garage" for CTV?
John W. Chisholm's Arcadia (ed. is that spelled right?) produced Jonathan Torren's new TV show called..."TV With Jonathan Torrens" and they are in development on something called "Living Beauty" for CTV.
BTW, Rick Mercer's show received $3,580,111 from CTF. I'm not saying anything bad about the show (ed. It's adorable!) but if this is just part of the budget what the hell do they spend it on? Never mind, I don't want to know. (ed. can you move over, you're hogging the fan.) And This Hour received $2.1M but that's mostly star power salary so that's okay.
Now as many of you know I am an investor in HFX Films/Decode/Studio B/Bulldog (ed. his Father left him 1,000 shares) and I have been concerned lately because I hadn't heard anything was going on there. (ed. What were they doing? Sitting on their laurels? And stacks of investor cash?) The last i heard all they had going on was "something Idol" that they announced at Banff. But just going through the list of cable end users contributions I see they have been quite busy.
The list of projects in development includes (ed. Does not include Studio B and Decode projects which are CFA's):
"Big Monster Show" - CBC
"Befriend and Betray" - Global
"Boy Comedy" (ed. This sounds fishy) - Teletoon
"That's So Weird" - Now being produced for YTV at CBC Halifax studios
"The Nation" - CTV
What I like about this (ed. Beside the money?) is the fact that the pressure on the CTV/CBC/Global development people relaxes. No need to go through all those other submissions.
But besides devlopment DHX was in production last year on "Animal Mechanicals" (ed. $1.18M from CTF) and Pirates II ($1.7 M). God, they are so modest when it comes to making stuff.
And it warms my heart that DHX is on the cutting edge of (ed. mandated changes) multi-platformed entertainment delivery. Other platforms (ed. i.e. websites) were financed to the tune of $200,000 for 22 Minutes, $200,000 for Bo on the Go and $200, 000 for Pirates (ed. something tells me the maximum was $200,000)
This is sweet for various reasons. Joe and Joan Lunchpail's kids don't watch "TV" anymore. Everything is on-line. So creating content specifically for the computer generation is just da'bomb! Plus, really how much does it cost to set up a websiite and hire someone to cut and paste and type synopsis onto it?
Wednesday 26 May 2010
Spring Cleaning
I was just doing a bit of cleaning when I found some older stuff behind the couch that I hadn't posted. (ed. Not covered in dust bunnies, are they?)
My editor as usual, is my friend Lunchmeat Harold. (ed. Howdy)
Halifax Film raised another $16.5 Million through a share offering some weeks (months?) (ed. It's all a blur to me too) They already have a lot of cash on hand and the government still owes them a lot of money from tax credits. (ed. Now we have to cash flow the government? Pay up you high rollers.)
So we're flush with cash (ed. Note: the author owns 1000 shares of DHX). And DHX intends to buy more and more companies that produce kids shows like the ones they already bought Decode and Studio B.
Sidebar, your honour, re share prices and Decode. (ed. relevence?) Isn't everything relevent, your honour? Aren't the singing birds relevent to a butterfly in Brazil who are relevent to the wrinkles on Abe Vigoda's scrotum? (ed. Whatever. Proceed.)
Per allnovascotia.com, a while back (ed. weeks? Months?) Yes, one of those, Exec VP at Decode, Beth Stevenson sold 200,000 shares of DHX stock at $1.05 to $1.16 a share. Over the last year she sold 400,000 shares, 169,000 of those @ $ 0.63 last June. Jeesh, somebody needed the cash. Should have waited, because they're trading at OVER $1.00, now. Whatsamatter, a temporary loss of faith? I wish I had the cash at the time, I would have bought them because I have the highest confidence in DHX. More than "some people" I could mention.
BTW, congrats to Beth on being a finalist in the IPF Multi-media o-rama. This was a "competition" where the winners would receive cash to finance web based entertainment shows. You know, TV on the internet that's so much more than TV on the internet. The competition is usually a place where struggling writer/director/animators get some money to live on while trying to develop projects and break into the business. Gosh, maybe Beth is struggling, after all.
Speaking of allnovascotia.com, yesterday they reported on an interview with Michael Donovan on the financial well being of Halifax Film. Although revenues are down because broadcasters are ordering fewer programs (ed. sigh, remember Global Television's early mornng kid's shows'o'rama?), an 11% cut in operational expenses (ed. the espresso/biscotti cart is no longer coming around?) should ease the pain of a Q1 loss.
And things are looking up (ed. look way up and I'll call Rusty. Heh, remember humans on kids shows?), one might say things are looking "toyetic". Animal Mechanicals, a hit in "Canada...U.K., Brazil and Poland" could be the knight in shining armor that we need. Toyetic, our word for the day, means this show will genrate sales of toys, games, T-shirt's, mongrammed L'il junior bathrobes, lollipops and all kinds of fine merchandise that kids will scream to own. The show, which I haven't seen, is apparently a Transformers for pre-schoolers but is supposed to teach co-operation (ed. Or some such crap. Who cares? I want my Animal Mechanical jumpsuit.
The key is a deal with a network in the states called The Hub. (ed. um, I fear that's not on basic cable.)
Speaking again of allnovascotia.com (ed. jeesh, why don't you just marry them?) they printed a letter (ed. I think you mean posted his e-mail, you hick.) from Paul Donovan who has nothing to do with DHX. Paul, apparently has just returned from working in Germany, on what, I do not know. I hope he was here in time to catch up on his old pal Rutger Hauer who just finished working on Hobo With a Shotgun, a local film produced by Paul Gross about a Hobo with something. (BTW, Paul Donovan, whatever happened to The Conclave?)
Anyway, Paul's letter was in support of PowerPost Productions Ltd which recently filed for bankruptcy protection. PowerPost, which does post-production work on TV and films, had started life as an arm of Salter Street Films. But they sold it to the Power Brothers (ed. just thinking out loud, that sounds like a cool name for a superhero show.) The company did a lot of work for DHX until they didn't anymore. Paul thinks the company is too inportant to the local industry and the government should step in and help them. (ed. tax credits, maybe?) Most production companies "are all struggling to get their next project financed" . "I think the film industry will soon discover that it's best days are behind it unless the province steps in and exerts some larger picture influence."
Troubling words indeed.
If PowerPost shuts down, DHX will have to ship stuff to Montreal for Post-production. Not only does that mean shipping costs but the post costs themselves won't count for the provincial film tax credit. (ed. Other local filmmakers may also - ).
This government better get off it's high horse soon if it wants to seen any return on it's investment. (ed. But they're not invest - ). Paul rarely speaks up about industry infastructure things (ed. Isn't he friends with - ) so you know this is important. It's time we think about others, don't you think, government with your money?
(He also mentions the millions of government dollars wasted on Elctropolis but it might not be the best time to bring that up.) (ed. Stop using brackets, that's my thing! And stop cutting me - )
So, um, yeah. I guess that's it with a few final notes. Our last post brought a few comments about Eternal Kiss, a film by Paul Kimball that had it's premier a month back (ed. or a few weeks, whatever.) A comment was made in less glowing terms that the film itself was not that good. But I've yet to hear any other reviews. Anybody else, see it?)
Film Nova Scotia was looking into setting up a local Film and TV Walk of Fame. Has this happened? Any ideas on who should be nominated to be the first filmmaker planted?
Walk of fame. Animal Mechanicals "Toyistic"
Walk of Fame
My editor as usual, is my friend Lunchmeat Harold. (ed. Howdy)
Halifax Film raised another $16.5 Million through a share offering some weeks (months?) (ed. It's all a blur to me too) They already have a lot of cash on hand and the government still owes them a lot of money from tax credits. (ed. Now we have to cash flow the government? Pay up you high rollers.)
So we're flush with cash (ed. Note: the author owns 1000 shares of DHX). And DHX intends to buy more and more companies that produce kids shows like the ones they already bought Decode and Studio B.
Sidebar, your honour, re share prices and Decode. (ed. relevence?) Isn't everything relevent, your honour? Aren't the singing birds relevent to a butterfly in Brazil who are relevent to the wrinkles on Abe Vigoda's scrotum? (ed. Whatever. Proceed.)
Per allnovascotia.com, a while back (ed. weeks? Months?) Yes, one of those, Exec VP at Decode, Beth Stevenson sold 200,000 shares of DHX stock at $1.05 to $1.16 a share. Over the last year she sold 400,000 shares, 169,000 of those @ $ 0.63 last June. Jeesh, somebody needed the cash. Should have waited, because they're trading at OVER $1.00, now. Whatsamatter, a temporary loss of faith? I wish I had the cash at the time, I would have bought them because I have the highest confidence in DHX. More than "some people" I could mention.
BTW, congrats to Beth on being a finalist in the IPF Multi-media o-rama. This was a "competition" where the winners would receive cash to finance web based entertainment shows. You know, TV on the internet that's so much more than TV on the internet. The competition is usually a place where struggling writer/director/animators get some money to live on while trying to develop projects and break into the business. Gosh, maybe Beth is struggling, after all.
Speaking of allnovascotia.com, yesterday they reported on an interview with Michael Donovan on the financial well being of Halifax Film. Although revenues are down because broadcasters are ordering fewer programs (ed. sigh, remember Global Television's early mornng kid's shows'o'rama?), an 11% cut in operational expenses (ed. the espresso/biscotti cart is no longer coming around?) should ease the pain of a Q1 loss.
And things are looking up (ed. look way up and I'll call Rusty. Heh, remember humans on kids shows?), one might say things are looking "toyetic". Animal Mechanicals, a hit in "Canada...U.K., Brazil and Poland" could be the knight in shining armor that we need. Toyetic, our word for the day, means this show will genrate sales of toys, games, T-shirt's, mongrammed L'il junior bathrobes, lollipops and all kinds of fine merchandise that kids will scream to own. The show, which I haven't seen, is apparently a Transformers for pre-schoolers but is supposed to teach co-operation (ed. Or some such crap. Who cares? I want my Animal Mechanical jumpsuit.
The key is a deal with a network in the states called The Hub. (ed. um, I fear that's not on basic cable.)
Speaking again of allnovascotia.com (ed. jeesh, why don't you just marry them?) they printed a letter (ed. I think you mean posted his e-mail, you hick.) from Paul Donovan who has nothing to do with DHX. Paul, apparently has just returned from working in Germany, on what, I do not know. I hope he was here in time to catch up on his old pal Rutger Hauer who just finished working on Hobo With a Shotgun, a local film produced by Paul Gross about a Hobo with something. (BTW, Paul Donovan, whatever happened to The Conclave?)
Anyway, Paul's letter was in support of PowerPost Productions Ltd which recently filed for bankruptcy protection. PowerPost, which does post-production work on TV and films, had started life as an arm of Salter Street Films. But they sold it to the Power Brothers (ed. just thinking out loud, that sounds like a cool name for a superhero show.) The company did a lot of work for DHX until they didn't anymore. Paul thinks the company is too inportant to the local industry and the government should step in and help them. (ed. tax credits, maybe?) Most production companies "are all struggling to get their next project financed" . "I think the film industry will soon discover that it's best days are behind it unless the province steps in and exerts some larger picture influence."
Troubling words indeed.
If PowerPost shuts down, DHX will have to ship stuff to Montreal for Post-production. Not only does that mean shipping costs but the post costs themselves won't count for the provincial film tax credit. (ed. Other local filmmakers may also - ).
This government better get off it's high horse soon if it wants to seen any return on it's investment. (ed. But they're not invest - ). Paul rarely speaks up about industry infastructure things (ed. Isn't he friends with - ) so you know this is important. It's time we think about others, don't you think, government with your money?
(He also mentions the millions of government dollars wasted on Elctropolis but it might not be the best time to bring that up.) (ed. Stop using brackets, that's my thing! And stop cutting me - )
So, um, yeah. I guess that's it with a few final notes. Our last post brought a few comments about Eternal Kiss, a film by Paul Kimball that had it's premier a month back (ed. or a few weeks, whatever.) A comment was made in less glowing terms that the film itself was not that good. But I've yet to hear any other reviews. Anybody else, see it?)
Film Nova Scotia was looking into setting up a local Film and TV Walk of Fame. Has this happened? Any ideas on who should be nominated to be the first filmmaker planted?
Walk of fame. Animal Mechanicals "Toyistic"
Walk of Fame
Thursday 8 April 2010
Spring is in the Air and the Smell of Film Weaves it's Magic Web
Okay, sorry, I haven't blogged in a whle. Been busy with spring cleaning, treatments, created an afghan for my bed (ed. a bed covering, right? Not a dog. Because you are not the Creator; capital "C")
Editor, as usual, is my pal Lunchmeat Harold.
So what's new in the local film and TV business? Whirlygig has wrapped production; a film by Chaz Thorne; something about a middle-age guy who has to come home and live in his parents basement (ed. kinda like you, except for the parents thing. And the basement. And probably hygiene.)
Also, The Corridor has been completed; script by Josh MacDonald and directed by Evan Kelly, whom I was told did a bang-up professional job. Seriously, I wasn't there but someone really said that. (ed. Someone just got their med's cheered up.)
And Hobo With A Shotgun is still shooting (ed. I wonder what that's about?) with Blade Runner guy Rutger Hauer! That is way cool. And not Mr. Hauer's first time in the provinces; he was here years ago to shoot an episode of Lexx. I think there was blood and sex involved in that particular episode.
So that's a lot of movies for this place; impressive in the fact that they're not Hollywood films cashing in. They're really Nova Scotia films (ed. I'm tearing up. Don't look at me! Move on.)
But one local film, alas, has not spread any local cheer. Apparently, Eternal Kiss had it's premiere last week and the reviews were less than glowing. Well, actually one review (ed. but that's 100% of the reviews you've received.)
"I am very surprised to see that you have not posted about Paul Kimball's 'Eternal Kiss' screening? The lack of competence behind the creation of that film (made with provincial money) made a lot of people very very angry. And if you indeed are fighting the fact that "no one talks openly about it", it being our industry, I am very surprised you haven't mentioned the backlash. It has been a buzzword for most of our industry this past week."
See my previous posting for the full comment.
Anger? Backlash? Geesh, all I saw were congratulations on the film on Facebook. As I'm unable to leave my apartment I was unable to attend the screening (ed. plus you weren't invited.), so I can't give an actual opinion on the film until it appears on my illeagal TMN feed some late night. Apparently it's about vampires, which is a very hot topic.
Anyone else see it? Have opinions? A review? (ed. Bueller? Bueller?)
Editor, as usual, is my pal Lunchmeat Harold.
So what's new in the local film and TV business? Whirlygig has wrapped production; a film by Chaz Thorne; something about a middle-age guy who has to come home and live in his parents basement (ed. kinda like you, except for the parents thing. And the basement. And probably hygiene.)
Also, The Corridor has been completed; script by Josh MacDonald and directed by Evan Kelly, whom I was told did a bang-up professional job. Seriously, I wasn't there but someone really said that. (ed. Someone just got their med's cheered up.)
And Hobo With A Shotgun is still shooting (ed. I wonder what that's about?) with Blade Runner guy Rutger Hauer! That is way cool. And not Mr. Hauer's first time in the provinces; he was here years ago to shoot an episode of Lexx. I think there was blood and sex involved in that particular episode.
So that's a lot of movies for this place; impressive in the fact that they're not Hollywood films cashing in. They're really Nova Scotia films (ed. I'm tearing up. Don't look at me! Move on.)
But one local film, alas, has not spread any local cheer. Apparently, Eternal Kiss had it's premiere last week and the reviews were less than glowing. Well, actually one review (ed. but that's 100% of the reviews you've received.)
"I am very surprised to see that you have not posted about Paul Kimball's 'Eternal Kiss' screening? The lack of competence behind the creation of that film (made with provincial money) made a lot of people very very angry. And if you indeed are fighting the fact that "no one talks openly about it", it being our industry, I am very surprised you haven't mentioned the backlash. It has been a buzzword for most of our industry this past week."
See my previous posting for the full comment.
Anger? Backlash? Geesh, all I saw were congratulations on the film on Facebook. As I'm unable to leave my apartment I was unable to attend the screening (ed. plus you weren't invited.), so I can't give an actual opinion on the film until it appears on my illeagal TMN feed some late night. Apparently it's about vampires, which is a very hot topic.
Anyone else see it? Have opinions? A review? (ed. Bueller? Bueller?)
Friday 19 March 2010
Halifax Film and Television Industry Trudges On
Okay, so, like, I'm posting again, because people say I don't post enough but then no one tells me stuff that's like, going on so I'm all like, dude, whateveeerrrrr. (ed. This would have been satiric like 25 years ago.)
My editor tonight is Lunchmeat Harold (ed. howdy)
The rumble out of CBC T.O. Headquarters is that This Hour has 22 Minutes may not return for next year. For a while now, some naysayers in the Broadcast Centre of the Universe is that the money they pay for the show is not worth the ratings. Sure the show may be a little top heavy with salaries, but $175,000 a year is nothing for the talent we're talking about. (ed. actualy that's per week)
Irregardless, Michael Donovan has come up with a clever strategy, and really does the man do any other kind. He's decided to press the press (ed. groan) with his case that 22 Minutes should go on for another year.
The article in The Metro-News (ed. Did that get nominated for a Pulitzer for it's reprinting of Hollywood gossip?) mentioned that the show has suffered a dip in ratings this year but since then Mark Farel has regained the reins of the runaway stagecoach from showrunner Ed MacDonald and things have improved and will continue to improve (ed. We promise, just give us another year? Or 2? Or 6 because then it will have run 22 years. Get it? (ed. Got it.)
Michael, (if I dare be so bold), mentions that the low ratings are actually the CBC's fault for not publizising the show enough. (ed. er, that's usually a result of a decision, rather than a cause).
BTW, I'm not sure I like this new regieme at CBC. They seem more concerned with ratings and advertising and all that baloney, rather than personal relationships, expensive italian restaurants and how business is done on a handshake and a fart regardless of the production. (ed. God, I do remember The Itch) If it was good enough 18 years ago, why are we trading canoes in mid-stream now?
But I digess. (ed. back to you.)
Now with very little other production going on for Halifax Film, the cancelling of 22Minutes could be serious for my bottom line. (ed. the author owns 1000 shares of DHX aka Halifax Film). Because the budget allows for a small stipend to contribute to Halifax Films rising costs, we may have to actually dip into our own cash. Yes, you read that right. In a business where it;s expected we can live off the drainage of OPM, (ed. Other People's Money) we may have to use our IPO capital to pay the rent. (Not for another few years so don't get all paniky on me)
I'm hoping that the reorganization of the CTF into the CMF will confuse enough people long enough to shore up our dykes (ed. as in Holland and the sea, people, please.) There's already a 22 minutes on-line whsich should justify (ed.barely) all the new rules and regulations of our multi-platform universe. (ed. and before the friggen unions get wind.)
In the meantime DHX announced today (ed. wow, busy day publicity wise. It's like someone said we should be in the news more.) Animal Mechanicals, I'm not sure what this show is about but if the kddies buy the toys, bring it on!
(ed. a show about fixing pets with robotic pieces), has been sold to an American Network! A major broadcaster! So yeah!!!!! They've already sold in the cool parts of the world and to Al-Gezara
But how does the rest of the industry fare in Nova Scotia? (ed. We care, we really do.)
Cheryl Hassen, where are you?
What's happening with The Corridor? Done?
Also, likewise, similarly Whirlygig?
Mike Clatenburg starts directing Afghan Luke tomorrow? What be that?
Cashed the old HST cheque today so now it's time to settle back with a few cosmopolitans and quarter pounders and relax.
My editor tonight is Lunchmeat Harold (ed. howdy)
The rumble out of CBC T.O. Headquarters is that This Hour has 22 Minutes may not return for next year. For a while now, some naysayers in the Broadcast Centre of the Universe is that the money they pay for the show is not worth the ratings. Sure the show may be a little top heavy with salaries, but $175,000 a year is nothing for the talent we're talking about. (ed. actualy that's per week)
Irregardless, Michael Donovan has come up with a clever strategy, and really does the man do any other kind. He's decided to press the press (ed. groan) with his case that 22 Minutes should go on for another year.
The article in The Metro-News (ed. Did that get nominated for a Pulitzer for it's reprinting of Hollywood gossip?) mentioned that the show has suffered a dip in ratings this year but since then Mark Farel has regained the reins of the runaway stagecoach from showrunner Ed MacDonald and things have improved and will continue to improve (ed. We promise, just give us another year? Or 2? Or 6 because then it will have run 22 years. Get it? (ed. Got it.)
Michael, (if I dare be so bold), mentions that the low ratings are actually the CBC's fault for not publizising the show enough. (ed. er, that's usually a result of a decision, rather than a cause).
BTW, I'm not sure I like this new regieme at CBC. They seem more concerned with ratings and advertising and all that baloney, rather than personal relationships, expensive italian restaurants and how business is done on a handshake and a fart regardless of the production. (ed. God, I do remember The Itch) If it was good enough 18 years ago, why are we trading canoes in mid-stream now?
But I digess. (ed. back to you.)
Now with very little other production going on for Halifax Film, the cancelling of 22Minutes could be serious for my bottom line. (ed. the author owns 1000 shares of DHX aka Halifax Film). Because the budget allows for a small stipend to contribute to Halifax Films rising costs, we may have to actually dip into our own cash. Yes, you read that right. In a business where it;s expected we can live off the drainage of OPM, (ed. Other People's Money) we may have to use our IPO capital to pay the rent. (Not for another few years so don't get all paniky on me)
I'm hoping that the reorganization of the CTF into the CMF will confuse enough people long enough to shore up our dykes (ed. as in Holland and the sea, people, please.) There's already a 22 minutes on-line whsich should justify (ed.barely) all the new rules and regulations of our multi-platform universe. (ed. and before the friggen unions get wind.)
In the meantime DHX announced today (ed. wow, busy day publicity wise. It's like someone said we should be in the news more.) Animal Mechanicals, I'm not sure what this show is about but if the kddies buy the toys, bring it on!
(ed. a show about fixing pets with robotic pieces), has been sold to an American Network! A major broadcaster! So yeah!!!!! They've already sold in the cool parts of the world and to Al-Gezara
But how does the rest of the industry fare in Nova Scotia? (ed. We care, we really do.)
Cheryl Hassen, where are you?
What's happening with The Corridor? Done?
Also, likewise, similarly Whirlygig?
Mike Clatenburg starts directing Afghan Luke tomorrow? What be that?
Cashed the old HST cheque today so now it's time to settle back with a few cosmopolitans and quarter pounders and relax.
Friday 26 February 2010
Goodbye Big O
I'm soooooo glad those O games are over. Really, I've never been a fan of any sports that make you wet and cold. Even watching them was too much to bear especially when the heat conked out about a week ago. (ed. you have to pay the oil bill every time they deliver oil. That's the law!)
Tonight my editor is Lunchmeat Harold (ed. Howdy!)
I've had criticism that my blog is too wordy, goes on and on, and takes forever to get to the point (ed. Irony. Got it. Move on.)
My blog last time, or maybe the time before (ed. Don't know. Don't read them) expressed concern about a rumour that the tax credit for film and television in Nova Scotia was going the way of fiscal restraint by politicians in this province (ed. Nice foreshadowing).
But from what I understand from Lenore Zann, the gov't was looking at money spent on TV and Film but not the tax credit. And Percy Paris just came back from the Berlin Film Festival (ed. Now which Nova Scotia film was playing there?) so I'm sure he's now been indoctrinated (ed. "he now appreciates" might be a better) how the industry works in this province. Nothing like a German Goody Basket to appreciate the possibilities (ed. and if I remember my school trip to West Berlin all those years ago, there really is nothing like a German Goodie).
So that's better. Now about those greedy N.S. politicians who've been in the news over the last month, just using taxpayer dollars for their own personal -(ed. okay stop there. We're all tired of hearing about them.)
Okay. Back to the TV and film business.
The CTF results are finalized for the year, and although I'm dismayed by the dirth of NS productions in receipt of dollars, at least they did go to the right ones.
(ed. Note: the writer owns 1000 shares of DHX Inc.)
This Hour welcomed $2,181,503 in CTF money. (ed. They must have produced 40 - 50 episodes with that.)
And I really have to mention my concern here for DHX. I've copied the following and I'm about to paste it below but I need a moment. (ed. you know this isn't in real time and no one will be pausing here?)
"DHX revenues (are) down 56% in the last quarter"
And again. (ed. breathe)
DHX "Distribution revenues to be flat"
And...no, I can't - (ed. I will)
"Net loss of $209,000." (ed. How can you lose money when you don't use your own?)
Okay, okay but let's not panic. Despite this, the company is in solid shape, okay. Although they haven't done much producing lately (ed. Damn you Osama Bin Laden!), the company is fiscally flush. There are millions and millions of dollars owed to the company, 69% of it owed by the gov't, and you know they're good for it. (ed. we know where you live.)
So although CFO (Sharkey) Dana Landry (ed. $223K per) addressed analysts (ed. have you ever seen an undressed analyst?) "Based on history, that's how we're judging our optimism to get back to those levels and even larger amounts".
Um, I think I feel better. (ed. It makes perfect sense. We made money before, and we'll do what we did then with all those parameters and circumstances exactly the same and we'll make money again. Trussssstttt in meeeeee. Whoa, I feel woozy.)
But I worry when Allnovascotia reports that "Michael Donovan spoke with Measured Reticence" (ed. Why, because he's such an upbeat life of the party?)
But then Dana Landry reported there was a "deal with U.S. Broadcaster for Animal Mechanicals which is the "Magic Bullet" for DHX successful in the U.K. and Latin America" (ed. translated into Latin?). "Licensing is where the money is (ed. I still have my original Scooby Doo pajamas though they're a bit snug now)".
But enough for that. I still struggle with the decision to keep my shares or sell them. I'd feel like such a traitor if I sold them to feed my heinous keeping warm and eating monkeys on my back. Damn you heinous keeping warm and eating monkeys on my back.
In other news: Phil Phitz with Jason Priestly (ed. Not a real priest)has wrapped up.
Whirleygig a Chaz Thorne "joint" is currently in production. (ed. Did he write too, or just direct?) as well as "The Corridor" written by someone called Josh MacDonald and directed by someone called Evan Kelly. These are features which are not for children and don't feature puppets or animation so...the Genie nominations are out. Canadian films. Didn't see them and neither did you.
Oh, Glen Mathews did a day to day log on shooting of The corridor but he doesn't report anything about anyone sleeping with anyone else, so there you go. but here's a linky http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/notes/glen-matthews/the-corridor-day-14-15/355129183071.
oh, and a Gerri Dee pilot for CBC was shot and "word on the street" says it's not that funny. (ed. $350K from CTF)
I guess that's all the news that's phit to print (ed. see you should have left that Phil Phitz thing for here for continuity.)
Chow
Tonight my editor is Lunchmeat Harold (ed. Howdy!)
I've had criticism that my blog is too wordy, goes on and on, and takes forever to get to the point (ed. Irony. Got it. Move on.)
My blog last time, or maybe the time before (ed. Don't know. Don't read them) expressed concern about a rumour that the tax credit for film and television in Nova Scotia was going the way of fiscal restraint by politicians in this province (ed. Nice foreshadowing).
But from what I understand from Lenore Zann, the gov't was looking at money spent on TV and Film but not the tax credit. And Percy Paris just came back from the Berlin Film Festival (ed. Now which Nova Scotia film was playing there?) so I'm sure he's now been indoctrinated (ed. "he now appreciates" might be a better) how the industry works in this province. Nothing like a German Goody Basket to appreciate the possibilities (ed. and if I remember my school trip to West Berlin all those years ago, there really is nothing like a German Goodie).
So that's better. Now about those greedy N.S. politicians who've been in the news over the last month, just using taxpayer dollars for their own personal -(ed. okay stop there. We're all tired of hearing about them.)
Okay. Back to the TV and film business.
The CTF results are finalized for the year, and although I'm dismayed by the dirth of NS productions in receipt of dollars, at least they did go to the right ones.
(ed. Note: the writer owns 1000 shares of DHX Inc.)
This Hour welcomed $2,181,503 in CTF money. (ed. They must have produced 40 - 50 episodes with that.)
And I really have to mention my concern here for DHX. I've copied the following and I'm about to paste it below but I need a moment. (ed. you know this isn't in real time and no one will be pausing here?)
"DHX revenues (are) down 56% in the last quarter"
And again. (ed. breathe)
DHX "Distribution revenues to be flat"
And...no, I can't - (ed. I will)
"Net loss of $209,000." (ed. How can you lose money when you don't use your own?)
Okay, okay but let's not panic. Despite this, the company is in solid shape, okay. Although they haven't done much producing lately (ed. Damn you Osama Bin Laden!), the company is fiscally flush. There are millions and millions of dollars owed to the company, 69% of it owed by the gov't, and you know they're good for it. (ed. we know where you live.)
So although CFO (Sharkey) Dana Landry (ed. $223K per) addressed analysts (ed. have you ever seen an undressed analyst?) "Based on history, that's how we're judging our optimism to get back to those levels and even larger amounts".
Um, I think I feel better. (ed. It makes perfect sense. We made money before, and we'll do what we did then with all those parameters and circumstances exactly the same and we'll make money again. Trussssstttt in meeeeee. Whoa, I feel woozy.)
But I worry when Allnovascotia reports that "Michael Donovan spoke with Measured Reticence" (ed. Why, because he's such an upbeat life of the party?)
But then Dana Landry reported there was a "deal with U.S. Broadcaster for Animal Mechanicals which is the "Magic Bullet" for DHX successful in the U.K. and Latin America" (ed. translated into Latin?). "Licensing is where the money is (ed. I still have my original Scooby Doo pajamas though they're a bit snug now)".
But enough for that. I still struggle with the decision to keep my shares or sell them. I'd feel like such a traitor if I sold them to feed my heinous keeping warm and eating monkeys on my back. Damn you heinous keeping warm and eating monkeys on my back.
In other news: Phil Phitz with Jason Priestly (ed. Not a real priest)has wrapped up.
Whirleygig a Chaz Thorne "joint" is currently in production. (ed. Did he write too, or just direct?) as well as "The Corridor" written by someone called Josh MacDonald and directed by someone called Evan Kelly. These are features which are not for children and don't feature puppets or animation so...the Genie nominations are out. Canadian films. Didn't see them and neither did you.
Oh, Glen Mathews did a day to day log on shooting of The corridor but he doesn't report anything about anyone sleeping with anyone else, so there you go. but here's a linky http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/notes/glen-matthews/the-corridor-day-14-15/355129183071.
oh, and a Gerri Dee pilot for CBC was shot and "word on the street" says it's not that funny. (ed. $350K from CTF)
I guess that's all the news that's phit to print (ed. see you should have left that Phil Phitz thing for here for continuity.)
Chow
Wednesday 10 February 2010
...and back.
Okay, so I joined the 21st Century and started a Facebook page and quite a lot of "friends" jumped aboard. However, no one really talked to me or gave me any info on the state of the industry in Nova Scotia. I hope this doesn't turn out the last time when I went to bed one night and everybody un-friended me. I couldn't take that pain again. After all, I'm here because of you all!
Irregardless, I will share some tidbits I've picked up but first I'll introduce my editor, the irrascable Lunchmeat Herold. (ed. howdy!)
LOL, that gets me everytime.
The first funding deadline has elapsed for the FilmNS money slots. It'll be interesting to see who all is out there looking to leverage the taxpayer's money. Last year the highest benificiary was Halifax Film (ed. Full disclosure, the blogger owns 1000 shares in HFX/DHX/Studio B/tbd) and in 2nd place was Ocean Entertainment. Though I can't see how cooking shows will return an investment better than a one shot spelling bee. (ed. Yeah, I can't see one beating the other over cash sales, either).
So we'll see how the funding shakes out in the next month or so. I hope Halifax Film gets some provincial funding. That with money from a broadcaster, CTF and tax credits will keep our cash flow, flowing and hopefully we won't have to touch our cash (ed. $70-ish million). Last year the Hfx Film principals forewent (ed. past present of forego) any bonus's. Luckily the province stepped up with overhead and and producer fees to cover the basic, down to the floor, no bonus's (ed. said that.) salaries of the executives. Michael Donovan, Charles "The Green Arrow" Bishop, Dana Landry and David Reagan. Reagan (ed. Ragan, Regan, Rogan?) had to even sell his house, for the love of god! Oh, and there's some other guy in Toronto who makes more but that's because he's from Toronto. But a Million + is small potaoes compared to , um, someone else who makes more money.
So hopefully the province will "do the right thang" as Spike Jones would say and cough up. And I'm sure something will be made for CBC.
Anyways, the only projects I've heard on the go are:
- "Whirlygig", another Chaz Thorne joint. (ed. How about a variety headline "Chaz's Latest Gig a Whirly!" I have no idea what this is about. Sounds like it could be a circus movie or hookers at a boy scout jambouree.
- "The Corridor", written bu Josh MacDonald, directed by Evan Kelly and produced by Beverly Bliss. I have no idea who these people are bt a movie about a hallway doesn't sound that exciting.
- "The Berzerkers: Men of Dignity", Something from the mind of Michael Clattenberg (ed. but, but...what happens to Bubbles?). I have no idea if this is a feature, a series, video game or Michael's neighbours on acid (ed. Should you really be writing a column?)
- "Hobo With a Shotgun" - Jason Eisener made a trailer that Quinton Terrantino liked. So now it's a movie?
From the "Where are they Now" Column; Jay Dahl's scary thing; Paul Donovan's "The Conclave", Paul Kimball's Eternal Kiss"? Waiting gentlemen. I think you could learn from Michael Donovan about how to say he's going to make a movie, go out and make a movie and then...do some other stuff after the movie doesn't do as good as it should have with the stupid public who needed a Rwanda movie after the otehr ones. their loss. Loosers.
Goodnight.
Irregardless, I will share some tidbits I've picked up but first I'll introduce my editor, the irrascable Lunchmeat Herold. (ed. howdy!)
LOL, that gets me everytime.
The first funding deadline has elapsed for the FilmNS money slots. It'll be interesting to see who all is out there looking to leverage the taxpayer's money. Last year the highest benificiary was Halifax Film (ed. Full disclosure, the blogger owns 1000 shares in HFX/DHX/Studio B/tbd) and in 2nd place was Ocean Entertainment. Though I can't see how cooking shows will return an investment better than a one shot spelling bee. (ed. Yeah, I can't see one beating the other over cash sales, either).
So we'll see how the funding shakes out in the next month or so. I hope Halifax Film gets some provincial funding. That with money from a broadcaster, CTF and tax credits will keep our cash flow, flowing and hopefully we won't have to touch our cash (ed. $70-ish million). Last year the Hfx Film principals forewent (ed. past present of forego) any bonus's. Luckily the province stepped up with overhead and and producer fees to cover the basic, down to the floor, no bonus's (ed. said that.) salaries of the executives. Michael Donovan, Charles "The Green Arrow" Bishop, Dana Landry and David Reagan. Reagan (ed. Ragan, Regan, Rogan?) had to even sell his house, for the love of god! Oh, and there's some other guy in Toronto who makes more but that's because he's from Toronto. But a Million + is small potaoes compared to , um, someone else who makes more money.
So hopefully the province will "do the right thang" as Spike Jones would say and cough up. And I'm sure something will be made for CBC.
Anyways, the only projects I've heard on the go are:
- "Whirlygig", another Chaz Thorne joint. (ed. How about a variety headline "Chaz's Latest Gig a Whirly!" I have no idea what this is about. Sounds like it could be a circus movie or hookers at a boy scout jambouree.
- "The Corridor", written bu Josh MacDonald, directed by Evan Kelly and produced by Beverly Bliss. I have no idea who these people are bt a movie about a hallway doesn't sound that exciting.
- "The Berzerkers: Men of Dignity", Something from the mind of Michael Clattenberg (ed. but, but...what happens to Bubbles?). I have no idea if this is a feature, a series, video game or Michael's neighbours on acid (ed. Should you really be writing a column?)
- "Hobo With a Shotgun" - Jason Eisener made a trailer that Quinton Terrantino liked. So now it's a movie?
From the "Where are they Now" Column; Jay Dahl's scary thing; Paul Donovan's "The Conclave", Paul Kimball's Eternal Kiss"? Waiting gentlemen. I think you could learn from Michael Donovan about how to say he's going to make a movie, go out and make a movie and then...do some other stuff after the movie doesn't do as good as it should have with the stupid public who needed a Rwanda movie after the otehr ones. their loss. Loosers.
Goodnight.
Friday 15 January 2010
Halifax Film Tax Credit Safe
A non-story scare. I was worried the government was going to do away with the provincial film/tv tax credit before I sold my show idea to Halifax Film, but Lenore Zann reports that Graham Steel is not contemplating doing away with the Tax Credit That would be a disaster for the industry in Nova Scotia and yours truly who holds 1000 shares of DHX which is THE industry in Nova Scotia.
As always my editor tonight is Lunchmeat Harold (ed. Howdy)
When you think about the $22 Million spent on the film/tv tax credit last year it's a drop in the bucket (ed. compared to the hunt for wmd. Sorry NS, about there not being enough hospital beds.)
Ahem! Still there are naysayers, (I'm looking at you Harold) and the gov't of the day says "In a perfect world we would find a way to make this industry grow so its not totally dependant on the tax credit."
Okay, scary stuff I know but he's talking about a perfect world, not Nova Scotia.
In other news DHX aka Halifax Films announced that they received $1.5M from a hedge fund firm as an investment (ed. aren't those the companies in the states that caused - )
Anyway, according to David Regan at Halifax Film this will add to their already liquid position (ed. should I be getting turned on?) and they will start looking for other kids TV production companies to take over. (ed. Does this sound like someone's putting a big fat carrot into a wabbit trap? Didn't Michael Donovan want to quit last year?)
I'm glad to hear they are looking to grow because I don't hear a lot of producing going on. Since they raised $70M in an IPO, another million from Nova Scotia Business Inc (ed. gov't money to hire N.S. i.e. Ontario kids) and used FilmNS and tax Credits to fund everyday expenses and salaries, I was worried they were not going to "make" money. But the fact that a hedge fund firm invests money with you when you don't have a clear forecast of a profit happening soon, causes share prices to go up. (ed. didn't it make them money too? Do they have to announce when they sell shares?)
I'm was worried because I don't hear a lot of producing going on. (ed. Why would they produce?)
I guess you're right there. Any producing going on will be like the spelling bee thing (ed. $250,000 from FilmNS? The kids got pens as prizes!) will cover
day to day expenses. Now we're just dealing and wheeling and speculating.
Of course I was a little put out by the fact that the NS taxpayer funded DHX had it's general meeting in toronto last fall (ed. you can't leave the apartment anyway) but still Michael Donovan says he likes living here and dagnabbit so do I!
(ed. why wouldn't he like living here? He earns his living from Nova Scotia.)
As always my editor tonight is Lunchmeat Harold (ed. Howdy)
When you think about the $22 Million spent on the film/tv tax credit last year it's a drop in the bucket (ed. compared to the hunt for wmd. Sorry NS, about there not being enough hospital beds.)
Ahem! Still there are naysayers, (I'm looking at you Harold) and the gov't of the day says "In a perfect world we would find a way to make this industry grow so its not totally dependant on the tax credit."
Okay, scary stuff I know but he's talking about a perfect world, not Nova Scotia.
In other news DHX aka Halifax Films announced that they received $1.5M from a hedge fund firm as an investment (ed. aren't those the companies in the states that caused - )
Anyway, according to David Regan at Halifax Film this will add to their already liquid position (ed. should I be getting turned on?) and they will start looking for other kids TV production companies to take over. (ed. Does this sound like someone's putting a big fat carrot into a wabbit trap? Didn't Michael Donovan want to quit last year?)
I'm glad to hear they are looking to grow because I don't hear a lot of producing going on. Since they raised $70M in an IPO, another million from Nova Scotia Business Inc (ed. gov't money to hire N.S. i.e. Ontario kids) and used FilmNS and tax Credits to fund everyday expenses and salaries, I was worried they were not going to "make" money. But the fact that a hedge fund firm invests money with you when you don't have a clear forecast of a profit happening soon, causes share prices to go up. (ed. didn't it make them money too? Do they have to announce when they sell shares?)
I'm was worried because I don't hear a lot of producing going on. (ed. Why would they produce?)
I guess you're right there. Any producing going on will be like the spelling bee thing (ed. $250,000 from FilmNS? The kids got pens as prizes!) will cover
day to day expenses. Now we're just dealing and wheeling and speculating.
Of course I was a little put out by the fact that the NS taxpayer funded DHX had it's general meeting in toronto last fall (ed. you can't leave the apartment anyway) but still Michael Donovan says he likes living here and dagnabbit so do I!
(ed. why wouldn't he like living here? He earns his living from Nova Scotia.)
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