Taxi’s main driver, Paul Lavoie, together with new business partner Jeff Spriet, former director of advertising for Nike, have launched Chokolat, Toronto – a new venture they hope will unite product placement and ‘high-quality entertainment.’

The Commercial Production Association of Toronto is lobbying the federal government and has Toronto MP Dennis Mills onside on a proposal to streamline the fed’s tax waiver policy in the hopes of stimulating more roadhouse work.

The Television Bureau of Canada has announced its 2003 Bessies judging panel.

MONTREAL: Six young filmmakers from across the country have entered an intensive 12-week National Film Board mentorship program called Animation Hothouse.

Toronto prodco Steam Films has added local director Philip Kates to its roster.

Joining Toronto prodco Radke Films as sales and marketing rep is Amy Renaud.

Toronto’s Hero Films has signed a deal with New York-based commercial production house Treat, expanding the Toronto prodco’s roster and, according to head of sales Dave Clarke, bringing to Hero a wealth of new comedy directors.

Through its association with New York-based Public Domain, Toronto’s Sparks Productions is now repping comedy director Daniel Kaufman.

Director Jennifer Little has joined Apple Box Productions and will work from the prodco’s Vancouver and Toronto offices.

Six director/cameramen have joined Toronto’s Generator Films.

Directing team Jacobs & Briere and director Todd Factor have joined Toronto commercial prodco newnew films’ roster.

The Motion Picture Theatre Associations of Canada believes there is not enough dialogue between Canadian producers and exhibitors. But it hopes to change that at the 17th edition of ShowCanada, its annual exhibitor/ distributor conference and trade show, slated for April 30 to May 3, by bringing in producers to hype their wares.