VIFF breaks records

The Vancouver International Film Festival went out with a bang last month – topping records with ticket sales of $978,000, up $22,000 from last year. Organizers say the 16-day fest’s 572 public screenings brought in more than 150,000, passing a high mark first set in 2002. The 24th annual fest overcame a lack of promotion this year because of the CBC lockout. Next year’s VIFF will run Sept. 28 to Oct. 13, 2006.

Also at VIFF, organizer Melanie Friesen has stepped down as head of its Trade Forum, but will remain involved at its new film center.

Kodak extends Vision2

Kodak has added a sixth member to its Vision2 family of motion picture stocks, promising increased latitude both in highlights and shadows. The lower-speed ultra-fine grain 50D 5201/7201 color negative film is available in all formats from 16mm to 65mm. According to the manufacturer, not only will the new product allow more creative latitude while filming mixed color temperatures and high-contrast exterior scenes in bright daylight, but it’s also optimized for use in the DI process.

Harris takes over Leitch

Harris Corporation has completed its acquisition of Leitch Technology, paying US$450 million for the Toronto-based video house following approval by Leitch shareholders. Harris, a Florida-based IT company, says it will benefit from Lietch’s talented workforce, complementary product portfolio and customer base. Leitch serves approximately 3,000 television service providers, while Harris deals with government and commercial outlets in more than 150 countries.

OMDC axes Waxman

Recent changes have killed off the short film effort at the Ontario Media Development Corporation. The Al Waxman Calling Card Program – which over eight years has backed some 49 shorts – was shut down in September to make room for a $1.5-million program aimed at feature-length films. The program backed shorts including the Oscar nominee Hardwood and the Gemini-nominated Chinese Daughters and Life’s a Twitch.

Curling returns to CBC, TSN

The CBC and TSN have signed a new three-year deal to air the games of the Canadian Curling Association. The agreement divides major events such as the Tim Horton’s Brier and the Scott Tournament of Hearts between the broadcasters, with the first seven out of nine days going to TSN. CBC will air the closing weekends. TSN will also air the Roar of the Rings, the first event of the season, on Dec. 3.

The deal appears to end a squabble between the Ceeb and the CAA, which earlier this year threatened to walk away from the network, alleging its broadcasts had been botched.

Feds okay Discovery HD

Canada will get its first 24/7 high-definition specialty channel by the end of the year, according to CTV, which last month got approval from the CRTC to launch Discovery HD. The Category 2 digichannel is expected to launch in the coming weeks, airing programs by domestic and international producers, and by Discovery Canada’s in-house production company, Exploration Production. The channel is a joint venture with U.S.-based Discovery Communications and CTV Specialty Television, and replaces a previously launched simulcast channel of the same name.

Canucks in BAFTA race

Three kids shows from Canada have been nominated for BAFTAs, and will square off at the children’s version of the British film and TV awards on Nov. 27. Atomic Betty by Breakthrough Animation, Black Hole High from Fireworks and Miss Spider’s Sunny Patch Friends from Nelvana all scored nominations in the international category, along with U.S.-made Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks. The Incredibles, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Shark Tale and The Polar Express are up for best feature film.

WIFT-T, CBC launch award

WIFT-T and CBC are calling for applicants for the new CBC Canadian Reflections Award, aimed at recognizing new talent and diversity. The award will go to an emerging Canadian female filmmaker who will receive creative support from CBC. She will also receive $7,500 towards producing a program of up to 30 minutes in length, with consultation with a CBC drama executive. The winner will be announced at WIFT-T’s Crystal Awards luncheon on Dec. 5. The deadline for applications is Nov. 14. See www.wift.com for details.

CSTC weekend workshops

The Canadian Screen Training Center is running a series of weekend workshops in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa this month – offering basic and intermediate courses on writing, acting, producing, directing and documentary filmmaking. Instructors include producer Josh Morris (The X, Design to Win) and screenwriter Jefferson Lewis (Claude Jutra: An Unfinished Story). See www.cstc.ca for details.

Madness unspools

The 13th annual Rendezvous with Madness film festival returns to Toronto Nov. 10-19, opening with the hour-long National Film Board doc This Beggar’s Description by Philip Tétrault. The festival, which puts the spotlight on mental illness and addiction, will also screen Allan King’s latest doc Memory for Max, Claire, Ida and Company. This year’s themes include artists and madness, a Remembrance Day program, and how kids cope with trauma. Screenings will take place at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. See www.rendezvouswithmadness.com or call (416) 583-4606.