1. art and entertainment
2. movies
3. film festivals and awards

February 22 to 24, 2012
ACTRA Toronto’s 3-Day Winter MEMBERS’ CONFERENCE
Does your agent
manage you?
Lunch with
Rick Mercer
How to create
a web series in
10 EASY steps
Auditioning for
American VS.
Canadian comedy
Tape yourself!!
BREAKFAST WITH
NEW
Stunt Committee
Action Forum
DAYS 1 & 2 - Ted Rogers School of Management (7th floor, 55 Dundas Street West, Ryerson)
DAY 3 – NEW LOCATION! ACTRA Toronto offices (2nd floor, 625 Church Street)
ACTRAToronto’s Winter MEMBERS’ CONFERENCE DAY 1 Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Registration & Breakfast 8:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m.
*Early-bird session
BREAKFAST WITH... CANADIAN INDIE FILM MAKERS
Canadian independent production is better than it ever has been, and
our local creators are the reason why. Art Hindle interviews a panel of
some of our best actors (7 Gemini wins & more than a dozen
nominations) including Kate Trotter, Jayne Eastwood, Ken Welsh and
Chris Potter. Plus actor/Indie Producer Brigitte Kingsley and Director/
Writer Michael DeCarlo.
2) MANAGING YOUR AGENT
Does your agent manage you? How can you be more in control of your
actor /agent relationship? What are the big issues most actors confront
with representation? Hear the skinny about managing agent relationships from a panel of working actors including Sean Bell, Jan et L o,
S edina Fiati, & Grace Lynn Kung. Actors who have seen it all and aren't
afraid to tell it like it is. Actors helping Actors. Note NO AGENTS allowed. Feel free to ask questions and give your two cents. Moderated by
Theresa Tova.
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
1) TAKE THE LEAD WITH…CANADIAN INDIE FILM ACTORS
Stick around after our Breakfast With... to help these fine actors and
film makers revisit some of their iconic scenes, with you as their scene
partner! This Master Class workshop will give you the opportunity to act
with some of the greats, and get direction from an industry-leading
director and producer to boot.
3) PRESSING NEEDS
- How to Get the Word Out About Your Work
Ready to take that next big step and hire a Publicist? Or are you just
hoping to get some local attention and need a boost to get some press?
Wondering what you should do with that little indie film you shot? Debra
Goldblatt of Rock-it Promotions will talk about the benefits of “personality profiling” and how working with a publicist could get you noticed.
To help you with the initial steps of getting your projects some media
attention, Karen Woolridge will take you through the steps of writing
your own press release. EYE Weekly Movie Reviewer Adam Nayman will
talk about film festivals and rep cinema and the process of getting
critics out to see the films. Whether you bring details of your next
project or your thoughts of where you’d like to see yourself in the next
few years, you’ll get some hands-on help from this terrific panel! Hosted
by Joanna Bennett.
Participants will be pre-selected. Please see MASTER CLASS application details.
10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
24 HOUR CO-OP CHALLENGE
Wanna create your own movie? We'll give you just under 24 hours and
show you how under the ACTRA CO-OP agreement. Steward Barbara
Larose will walk you through the steps and guidelines. Teams will be
formed. Themes will be assigned. Films will be shown at the plenary.
Submit photo, resumé and include any directing, writing or editing expertise you might have. Let us know if you will bring film making
equipment or intend to bring just your iPhone. Hosted by Collette Micks.
Participants will be pre-selected. Please see MASTER CLASS application details.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS WORKSHOP IS A FULL-DAY COMMITMENT.
4) HOW TO CREATE A WEB SERIES IN 10 EASY STEPS
with Naomi Sneickus, Geoff Lapaire, Stephanie Gorin,
Mike Fly and Davin Lengyel
Got an idea, but no idea how? The producers of the hit web series' The
Casting Room, Sexy Nerd Girl and Pure Pwnage and the upcoming Space
Janitors merge together to create a web series before our very eyes, taking us step by step through the process with ACTRA Toronto IPA Steward
Noreen Murphy in an on-their-feet case study and how-to lesson.
1:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
1) SIRT PERFORMANCE CAPTURE
“My Precious...” Intro to Performance Capture.
A SIRT* sponsored Workshop
Lord of the Rings, Avatar, and Call of Duty all depend on motion capture
- image sensors capturing human movements and expressions and
translating them into animation - to create their project. The way we see
it motion capture is really performance capture! Get primed in the basics
skills you’ll need to work as a performer in this exploding medium.
*SIRT, The Screen Industries Research and Training Centre established by Sheridan
College with Pinewood Studios. SIRT is dedicated to innovation in Ontario’s film,
gaming and television industries in the area of performance capture.
2) REEL TOO REAL? Demo Reels Critique for Grown Ups
Get at unique opportunity to present your demo reel to a panel of industry professionals and hear their critique. Julian Dezotti moderates as
demo editor Willi Romita from EditOne plus agent Yanick Landr y from
Newton Landry Management and a broadcast exec view your reel then
candidly reveal what's hot about you, what’s not, and ultimately how you
might get cast. Submit your demo reel... if you can handle the truth.
Participants will be preselected. Ple ase subm it your D emo R eel vi a em ai l to
[email protected] or send hard copies (usb key or DVD) to 625 Church
Street. 2nd Floor Attn: Conference Committee.
3) AUDITIONING FOR TELEVISION COMEDY
MASTER CL ASS WITH MICHAEL COHEN
Master the differences in auditioning for American vs. Canadian comedy. In
this hands-on workshop, Gemini and Canadian Comedy Award nominated
actor and coach, Michael D. Cohen (Modern Family, Michael: Tuesdays
& Thursdays, My Name is Earl) will be joining us from Los Angeles to
help you nail auditions using scenes from current breakdowns on top
American comedies. www.michaeldcohen.com
Participants will be pre-selected. Please see MASTER CLASS application details.
(There will also be cold reads from volunteer audience members!)
3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
1) CASTING DIRECTOR SHOWCASE FOR NEW MEMBERS
New to ACTRA and ready for your big break? Showcase your skills to
leading Casting Directors Millie Tom and Brian Levy. Using scenes from
recent projects they've cast, you’ll receive detailed, expert feedback to
improve your audition technique in this very practical, potentially
career-changing workshop! Hosted by Nicole Stamp.
Participants will be pre-selected. Please see MASTER CLASS application details.
This workshop is geared to newer members and will be cast "outside the box"
with diverse and unexpected choices.
12:15 - 1:15 p.m.
LUNCH WITH AofE RECIPIENT
RICK MERCER
Join 2012 ACTRA Award of Excellence winner
Rick Mercer for a lively, laugh-a-minute
lunchtime interview. Award winning Gavin
Crawford will grill Mercer about his career,
politics, his new award and what kind of
sandwich he prefers.
2) ACTORS AND DIRECTORS: THE DIVINE DYNAMIC
Presented by YEAA!
If you play 17 - 27 here’s your chance to work with awesome director and
teacher M ic hael Kenn edy (Little Mosque) as he coaches emerging
directors, in blocking, rehearsing, and performing scenes from film and
television. This is a YEAA mixer: aimed at establishing creative
bonds between young ACTRA members & filmmakers for a stronger
industry now and into the future.
Participants are pre-selected. Submissions from the 17-27 age category.
Please see MASTER CLASS application details.
3) KOO-KOO-KACHOO! I AM (AFRAID OF) THE TAXMAN
Are your receipts spilling out of your shoe box? No worries, hear simple
and practical ways to set up and manage your own books and to prepare
for your financial future. Join Alex J. Anastasopoulos of Entertainment
Tax Services, Steve Mumford of CASCU and Bob Under wood of AFBS to
help recycle that shoebox and guard your earnings from the TAXMAN!
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
WINE & CHEESE Hosted by YEAA!
ACTRA Toronto’s Winter MEMBERS’ CONFERENCE DAY 2 Thursday, February 23, 2012
Registration & Breakfast 8:00 a.m.
8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
*Early-bird session
BREAKFAST WITH ARSINÉE KHANIJIAN
Get up close and personal with Gemini Award winning
actress, Arsinée Khanijian. Find out how she got started in
the business, what it is like to work with her husband,
Atom Egoyan and how it feels to be in an Oscar-nominated
film and being voted Best Actress by Slate Magazine.
Interviewed by Ferne Downey.
9:45 to 11:45 am
1) TAKE THE LEAD... WITH ARSINÉE KHANIJIAN
Test your chops with award winning actress Arsinée Khanijian
in scenes from her films: The Sweet Hereafter (nominated for
an Oscar for Best Writing and Directing), Where the Truth Lies,
Last Night, Felicia's Journey.
Participants will be pre-selected.
Please see MASTER CLASS application details.
Audience members might also be chosen to do a cold read!
2) READY, SET, SHOW! Voice with the pros.
One of Canada’s top voice talents and teachers, Melissa Altro, joins moderator John Nelles to get your voice warmed up and READY. Then ACTRA’s
2012 Voice Award nominees share how they get SET to audition and
perform. We’ll even put you on mic to up your game and SHOW you what
you can do to succeed in the vibrant world of voice performing.
Participants will be selected from the audience.
Please see MASTER CLASS application details.
3) and... ACTION! DIRECTORS POWER PANEL
Multiple award-winning directors Jerr y Ci cc or it ti, H el en Shav er and
others reveal to host David Gale what they expect from you, the actor,
before and after "action" is called. Discover what these acclaimed
directors think make the best actors: on set and on screen. Candid advice
from some of the top faces behind the camera in Toronto. Expect surprises!
4) ROLLING WITH THE ROLES YOU PLAY IN LIFE
Do you find yourself stuck in roles and staying in a not so comfortable,
comfort zone as an actor? In this workshop with Master Coach and Brain
Gym Instructor Darlene Montgomery, learn techniques to identify and
release stuck patterns, beliefs and family roles that might be keeping you
from taking the risks you need to claim the huge success you deserve.
5) SELF-TAPING – Promoting from Within –
Desperate to get the attention of an Agent or Casting Director but don’t
have a demo reel? Want someone to call you in to read for characters for
which you just never get called? Can’t make it to an audition in another
city? Find out how to make yourself present by taping yourself – whether
on your smart phone, video camera or in a studio. Casting Director Tina
Gerussi and Agent Steve Young will guide you through what to do, and
more importantly, what NOT to do, as PJ Lazic of Out of the Box Studio
takes you through the step by step mechanics of getting your best work
on tape. Hosted by Phil MacKenzie.
Participants will be pre-selected. Please see MASTER CLASS application details.
12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.
Lunch courtesy of ACTRA Toronto
1:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
ACTRA TORONTO’S AGM
• Meet the ACTRA Award nominees
• Stunt Performers Tribute – presentation of Outstanding Achievement
in a Stunt Specialty to John Stoneham SR
• CO-OP Film Screening
• ACTRA Toronto’s Operating Plan & Budget
• DOOR PRIZES!!
3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
1) AUDITION PREP MASTER CLASS
WITH THE ON-CAMERA ACTRA AWARD NOMINEES
Get to strut your stuff in 2 hander scenes with ACTRA’s best! These are
the nominees for the most valued award in our Industry, the ACTRA
Award. These scenes will be from the projects that got them nominated.
Art Hindle will be on hand to give some direction.
See who our nominees are at h ttp://www.actratoronto.com/ down loads/pressreleases/2012.01.10awards_nominees.pdf
3) FROM SCRIPT TO SET WITH MICHELLE LATIMER
Written an awesome script? Now what? Award-winning filmmaker,
writer, producer and actor, Michelle Latimer (Choke, Jackpot) will guide
you through the essential steps to get your script funded, shot and on the
screen. Even without a script, this practical approach to filmmaking will
be invaluable in taking charge of your career.
4) ACTRA TORONTO STUNT COMMITTEE “ACTION FORUM”
Your NEW ACTRA Toronto Stunt Committee for 2012-2013 will share updates on current issues important to the stunt community, outline their
agenda for the upcoming term and want to hear from each and every one
of you personally on how they can best represent you. This new
Committee has adopted an open door policy to be sure you are heard
and strongly encourages your input and participation. Support
your industry, support your craft and most importantly participate in
the process to continue to make improvements in all facets of what
stunt performers do, on and off the screen.
5) STATE OF THE UNION
Members of the ACTRA Toronto Executive and Staff discuss the
2012 Operating Plan.
Participants will be pre-selected. Please see MASTER CLASS application details.
2) FLY ON THE WALL OF A CASTING SESSION
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
Enjoy a rare opportunity to be on the inside of a casting session. Watch
director Mi ch ael Ken nedy and casting director Jason Kn ig ht as they
audition 10 top-notch performers for the same role, and witness what
actually goes on as the folks behind the table come to their ultimate
decision. This is one of our most popular sessions — don't miss it!
Moderated by Gina Clayton.
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
WINE & CHEESE
Day One
Michael D. Cohen
Day Two
John Stoneham Sr.
Day One
Grace Lynn Kung
Day One
Naomi Sneikus
Photo credit:Earl Reinink
Day One
Gavin Crawford
ACTRA Toronto’s Winter MEMBERS’ CONFERENCE DAY 3 Friday, February 24, 2012
NEW LOCATION! ACTRA Toronto offices (2nd floor, 625 Church Street)
The conference is free to
ACTRA Toronto members who register.
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
1) ACTRA ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND PERFORMER (AABP)
CAUCUS, AGM & EXECUTIVE ELECTION
Come out to elect your NEW AABP Executive. The nine dedicated
members you choose will give voice to your concerns for the next two
years. Why not throw your hat in the ring and help to build your caucus?
Catch up on the exciting initiatives your outgoing executive has undertaken
on behalf of AABP within the union and the industry. GET informed about
the upcoming IPA negotiations and what's in them for AABP members
like you!
GREAT PRIZES DONATED BY:
Luba,
Simply
Luba
GRAND PRIZE:
Tickets $2 each or 3 for $5 with all proceeds going to the Actors Fund.
ZOOM Teeth Whitening from The Art of Dentistry
CASTING DIVERSITY SIGN UP!
ACTRA Toronto presents www.CastingDiversity.ca.
Casting Diversity Sign Up Table. FREE!
Are you a culturally diverse or physically diverse ACTRA member? Then
sign up and be seen for FREE on ACTRA Toronto's CastingDiversity.ca online talent database. CastingDiversity.ca helps Producers, Casting
Directors and Agents cast the world in Toronto. You can post a profile
that includes your headshot, video reels, credits and more!
Registration is simple and quick. AND CastingDiversity.ca will have a
station set up at Days 1 & 2 of the conference, so bring along electronic
versions of your headshot, résumé, links to your videos and access to
your email and we'll help you set up your profile!
Please register by February 20, 2012
Master class participants must apply by February 14, 2012.
Participants should apply at www.actratoronto.com with your photo and
résumé and any other requirements for that particular master class.
We encourage performers with disabilities to apply.
All workshops and master classes are subject to change.
Check for conference updates at www.actratoronto.com.
HOW TO REGISTER
• the fastest way to register is online: www.actratoronto.com
• by fax (416) 928-0429
• or drop off your workshop choices at
ACTRA Toronto, 625 Church St., 1st floor
GETTING THERE
Ted Rogers School of Management (55 Dundas Street West)
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