*Westward ho!

Seven months after Toronto-based Rave Films and Vancouver’s Aviator Pictures inked a deal to rep each other’s directors in their respective markets, former Aviator executive producer Jason Hunt has taken the Aviator roster and opened a Vancouver office of Rave.

Meanwhile, Aviator still exists and is in the midst of assembling a new roster of directors.

The Rave roster includes industry veteran Bill Irish, and Stephen Scott. Former Aviator director Wade Ferley did not follow the crowd, but instead joined Circle Productions, and Phil Brown is being repped by Rave in Vancouver but not in Toronto.

*Fritz Spiess archives

William F. White is doing its part to preserve and celebrate the memory of the man known as the dean of Canadian cinematography, Fritz Spiess, by establishing an archive in his honor.

Following Spiess’ death in March 1998, his family set aside his collection of commercial reels, work-related documents and awards to be preserved for future generations of cinematography buffs.

This past April, at a memorial service for the late cinematographer, Carl Spiess, Fritz’s son, proposed the idea of an archive. Harve Sherman, executive producer at Maxx Films and an old friend of Spiess’, set the ball in motion.

The collection, housed at William F. White’s Toronto facility, contains more than 1,500 television commercials on 16mm film, special film and video compilations, more than 100 linear feet of archival films, and published materials pertaining to the art of cinematography, specific productions, technical innovations and professional organizations. A photographic archive houses more than 400 Spiess assignments, including original negatives, vintage exhibition prints and production stills.

Spiess’ career as a cinematographer spanned 40 years, in which time he won numerous awards at Canadian and international festivals. He was a founding member of the Canadian Society of Cinematographers.

The display will open Dec. 16. Sponsors and donations are being sought.

*Holy Toledo

Spanish director Alejandro Toledo has joined Toronto’s Angel Films. Having helmed numerous spots in Europe, South America and Asia, Toledo was sought out by Angel Films president Sarah Ker-Hornell and his work will soon appear for the first time in the North American marketplace.

‘I think that we’ve pretty much exhausted interesting talent from the States in this country,’ says Ker-Hornell. ‘I was looking for someone with creative flexibility and who is excited about doing the work in Canada, not just willing to consider Canada one of the millions of things they do.’

Ker-Hornell knew of Toledo and was impressed by a number of spots he had made for clients such as bmw, Nescafe and Kellogg’s International. She was also impressed with his fluency in Spanish, English and French and his ‘visually stunning’ body of work.

‘It’s very strongly visual, but with a sense of whimsy,’ says Ker-Hornell. ‘Although some of his spots have a tremendous post-production savvy, the post is never apparent – the story is still the star.’

*NewNews

Newnew Films has added one more name to its roster, Eric Bute from Salt Lake City, Utah.

*Final call for Bob Mann nominations

While the Bessies are still months down the road, the deadline for nominations for the 2000 Bob Mann post-production award is just a few days away.

The award, which will be handed out Wednesday, May 10 at the Bessies, goes to the commercial post-production person who ‘exhibits continual excellence and consistent integrity in the industry.’ Eligible nominees are any Canadian working, past or present, as an editor, online editor, digital effects artist, colorist, cgi designer/animator, audio designer/engineer, lab or optical personnel.

Past winners include Bob Mann, Mike Smith, Ernie McAdam, Ross Briggs, Al Lindsay, Archie Van Dyke, Bob Kennedy, Jeff White and Dave Giles.

topix/Mad Dog’s Lisa Hemeon is chairperson for the jury committee. Mark Hajek, Doug Morris, Clive Desmond, Connie Dercho and Anna Tricinci are the judges.

Deadline for submissions is Nov. 10. Ballots can be faxed to the Television Bureau of Canada at (416) 923-8739.

fyi: The Bessies are back at the Sheraton next year.