will help young talent get started

A one-year apprenticeship program for aspiring filmmakers has been established in Toronto in memory of commercial director Richard Radke.

The program, first announced at Radke’s funeral last May, will provide for full salaried apprenticeships each year for two up-and-coming people, either directors, directors of photography, editors, producers or assistant directors.

The apprenticeship was initiated by Don McLean, president of The Partners’ Film Company. McLean was also a partner with Radke in Radke Films, the company that the high-flying director opened in 1993 as a Partners’ associate.

Radke died from a brain aneurysm resulting from an accidental fall in his apartment. He was 40 and, after only six years of directing, at the height of his career.

‘All of us agree that it’s necessary to keep introducing young creative people into the business,’ says McLean. ‘What better way to do it than in Richard’s memory?

‘Richard helped a lot of young cameramen, directors and editors along the way. He was loyal and supportive of his people, and, in fact, we (Radke and McLean) had talked about the need to bring in fresh new talent, so this seems the right idea.’

The program is not restricted to graduating students. It is intended to draw in any applicants who feel qualified and who want to work in commercial production.

‘This is open to everybody and anybody who has an ambition to get into the business,’ says McLean.

Tina Petridis, who joined Radke Films six months after it opened and is now executive producer, says the apprenticeship is consistent with Radke’s commitment to developing young talent. For her, it also represents a means of ‘remembering and preserving the foundation of this company.’

She says: ‘Richard was always behind giving opportunity to people who had talent, desire and fire in their bellies. And what makes an apprenticeship in his name particularly appropriate is that he also felt that hands-on experience is the best way to nurture new talent.’

Applicants should submit a resume and a covering letter explaining why they are interested in being considered. Letters should be addressed to Tina Petridis, executive producer of Radke Films, 49 Ontario Street, Third Floor, Toronto, Ont. M5A 2V1.

A decision on the applications is expected to be made before the end of May.

The program is being jointly funded by Partners’, Radke Films and Toronto ad agency Lowe SMS.