Montreal producer Denise Robert (The Rocket) is betting that William Shakespeare will continue to resonate with young audiences.

The Quebec government has appointed Senator Francis Fox to mediate the standoff between the AQTIS and IATSE.

Jean-Marc Vallée’s hit film C.R.A.Z.Y. enjoyed another awards sweep at the eighth annual Prix Jutra on March 19, winning a record 13 of its 14 nominations.

The showdown between rival technician unions in Quebec has led to the departure of the Doug Liman-directed feature Jumper (New Regency Pictures) from Montreal to Toronto – leaving AQTIS and IATSE blaming each other for the loss.

Montreal: A former Quebec culture minister is leading an inquiry into why $1 million in public funds went to the organizers of the now-defunct New Montreal FilmFest, in light of recent evidence that brings the decision into question.

Montreal: Flush with the success of recent releases such as March of the Penguins and Manners of Dying, Montreal-based Christal Films has expanded its operations and opened a Toronto office, to be run by former Telefilm Canada analyst Tony Wosk.

Montreal: For its first round of funding for the 2006/07 filmmaking season, Quebec government funder SODEC has announced investment in eight feature projects.

Montreal: Award-winning writer/director Denis Villeneuve is set for a return to filmmaking after a six-year absence with two projects – an adaptation of a popular play and a retelling of the 1989 massacre at L’École Polytechnique.

Montreal: Luc Déry has dreams of Cannes. The producer and principal at micro_scope is overseeing the finishing touches on Congorama, his second collaboration with local director Philippe Falardeau, and hopes the $5-million feature will find a place at the famed festival in 2007.

Montreal: With an eye to the future of new media platforms, the Quebec film and TV producers association has struck a committee to look into the ramifications these changes will have on the industry.

Montreal ­- Saturday Night Live alumnus Will Ferrell will be shooting his next feature, Blades of Glory, in Montreal. The shoot, which will take place March 10-25, is produced by Ben Stiller’s company, Red Hour Films.

Montreal: After months of speculation, the rumors have proven true. The famously troubled New Montreal FilmFest, the inaugural edition of which was held just five months ago, is now history.