The Alberta Movie Guide

Hello from Vancouver, British Columbia!

2009-01-24T20:32:00.002-07:00

For any of you who are still reading this blog: a big thanks! There is certainly a lack of posting in the last few months, but lots of new opportunities have been presented to me so I'm pursuing them with an outstanding level of support from my amazing family, friends and associates.

I'm now in Vancouver, British Columbia and working with some pretty cool people on some pretty awesome projects. Hopefully, I'll get back to blogging but you'll have to excuse the lack of posts in the meantime while I settle in to my new home.

You can still contact me at the same e-mail address and phone number for now.

We'll chat soon. Cheers!

Chad

Secrets of the Dinosaur Mummy Airs Tonight on Discovery Channel

2008-09-14T14:02:00.003-06:00

Discovery Channel will be airing Secrets of the Dinosaur Mummy tonight. According to Discovery Channel:

In one of the most exciting finds in the history of paleontology "Leonardo" - a young Brachylophosaurus - is found in Montana fully intact, with 90 per cent of his body covered in skin. What Leonardo has revealed challenged previously held beliefs, forever changing what we know about dinosaur physiology.

The Edmonton Journal features an article on the show and the award-wining Edmonton filmmaker who directed the documentary, Michael Jorgensen of Myth Merchant Films. He was also the writer/director on Nova's Battle of the X-Planes and Lost Nuke. Plenty of Alberta creative and technical talent worked on this show as well.

Check your local listings!

Image: David Portnoy/Getty Images for Discovery Communications LLC.

Edmonton International Film Festival Fear Itself Fundraiser Tonight!

2008-06-05T07:35:00.002-06:00

Fear Itself, a horror/thriller series from the people behind Saw II, II, IV, Crash and American Psycho that was filmed in Edmonton, will premiere tonight on NBC. If you're in Edmonton, and rather than sitting at home and watching it, why not head out to the Garneau Theatre at 9:00 p.m. to enjoy it with friends? Show your support for the city's film and television industry and the EIFF! From the press release:

NBC and Lions Gate Films have been filming a television series (titled 'Fear Itself') in our fair city since March this year. The very FIRST episode will be broadcast on THURSDAY this week. We thought, ‘Hey! Why not invite everyone into OUR living room and we can all watch it together’? Means you don’t have to clean up!

THURSDAY, JUNE 5th @ GARNEAU THEATRE
Doors open at 9pm
Broadcast starts at 10pm
Admission Price: By donation (all proceeds go to EIFF)

You can check out the trailer at this link.

Also, be sure to check out the official NBC Fear Itself website!

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford Available For Rental Through Apple iTunes

2008-03-21T15:21:00.000-06:00

For those of you wishing to rent The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford through Apple's iTunes Store, it is now available.

EVENT: Alberta Movie Stills Photographer Lecture

2008-02-14T15:02:00.002-07:00

Exposure 2008, the Calgary/Banff Photography Festival, will be featuring an artist lecture by movie and television stills photographer Kimberley French on Saturday, February 16, 2008 in Calgary.

From the magazine:

If you've seen the posters for either the acclaimed movie Brokeback Mountain or for Brad Pitt's The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, then you've seen the work of stills photographer Kimberley French. In addition to her film work, French is also known for her Ethereal art photographs.

LOCATION:
Alberta College of Art and Design
1407-14th Ave. N.W.
Calgary AB Canada
Stanford Perrott Lecture Theatre

TIME:
7:00 p.m.

CONTACT:
403.284.7600
http://www.acad.ab.ca

Check out her website at: www.kimberleyfrench.com

Edmonton's Fear Itself Offers Trainee Opportunities

2008-02-07T22:58:00.000-07:00

Laurette from the Film Crews/Cast/Producers Facebook Group let me know about cast and crew opportunities with the Edmonton-filming series, Fear Itself (aka Masters of Horror). From the posting:

Feb 4, 2008

“FEAR ITSELF” (fka Masters of Horror)
TELEVISION SERIES

TRAINEE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDMONTONIANS

“Fear Itself” is an anthology television series of 13 x 1-hour episodes, scheduled to shoot in Edmonton from February 13th to July 11th, 2008.

As part of its commitment to the development of expanding the EDMONTON labor force in film and television production, “Fear Itself” is looking for serious applicants to train on the production in various Trainee roles.

Trainee positions are available in most departments:
Set Decoration,
On Set Dresser
Props,
Construction,
Accounting,
Grip,
Lighting,
Camera,
Script Supervision,
Craft Services
Locations
SPFX
Sound
Wardrobe
Makeup
Hair

Depending on the department and number of qualified applicants, these Trainee positions will range in length from two weeks to five months. Applicants should possess basic knowledge of film / television production and MUST possess a desire to make the film and TV industry their career.

Serious applicants can submit their resumes to “Fear Itself” via e-mail or fax to:
fearitselfproductions@gmail.com
Fax: (780) 487-1730

Please specify any specific departments that you would like to work with.

Qualified applicants will be contacted and interviewed by Fear Itself Productions as part of the selection process for these Trainee positions.

As a limited number of positions are available, resumes should be e-mailed or faxed immediately.

For those looking to get into the Film/TV industry, there is almost no better time than during this production. Assuming this series does well, and you help contribute to its success, one can imagine more series being shot Edmonton. It's definitely work being on set, but there's almost no experience as rewarding! Best of luck to all applicants.

Edmonton-born Fillion to Provide Voice in Animated Wonder Woman Film

2008-02-07T22:42:00.000-07:00

According to The World's Finest, Nathon Fillion (Firefly, Serenity, Slither) will voice Steve Trevor in the upcoming animated Wonder Woman film:

Announced at the 2008 FX International Con, Nathan Fillion (Serenity) is slated to provide the voice of Steve Trevor in the upcoming DC direct to video Wonder Woman animated film.

Fillion will star alongside Keri Russell, who will play Wonder Woman, in the highly-anticipated upcoming direct-to-video animated feature. The direct-to-video animated feature is slated for a late 2008/early 2009 release. Fillion also voiced the hero Vigilante in the late Justice League Unlimtied animated series.

Keri Russell and Fillion recently starred together in Waitress.

Link via SuperHeroHype.com

Pre-order The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford on DVD and Blu-ray Disc

2008-01-18T13:16:00.000-07:00

Readers of The Alberta Movie Guide can now pre-order The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford through Amazon.com/Amazon.ca.

I highly recommend the official soundtrack by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis. Although a perfect companion to the dream-like images in Andrew Domink's film, the music stands on its own proudly, guiding listeners back into another period in American history.

Waterkeeper Alliance Fundraising Event Brings Stars to Banff, Alberta

2008-01-18T00:21:00.000-07:00

While I head back to Edmonton to attend a good friend's wedding this weekend, film and television stars are arriving here in Banff, Alberta to support Robert Kennedy Jr.'s Waterkeeper Alliance.

From one of the press releases:

Leslie Nielsen, Kelsey Grammer, Daryl Hannah, Jason Priestley, Josie Bissett and several more Hollywood stars have added their names to attend The Fairmont Banff Springs Sports Invitational January 17-20, 2008.

The latest roster will join many other stars of film and television already committed to ski the spectacular Canadian Rocky Mountains at Sunshine Village while enjoying the luxurious hospitality of the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Sports Invitational -- in support of leading North American environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s and his Waterkeeper Alliance - will be co-hosted by Kennedy, Tim Robbins, Christie Brinkley, and Alec Baldwin.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Sports Invitational will be held at Sunshine Village, while the spectacular Gala dinner will be held on January 19th at The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and Resort.

More info on the events can be found at this link.

Anyone attending the events and managing to snap a few photos, please feel free to e-mail them to me to me share with readers of this blog! Please be respectful of all the public, celebrities, and organizers.

MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION:

Lori Grant
Regional Director of Public Relations
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
Tel: 403.762.6885
E-mail: lori.grant@fairmont.com

Crosbie Cotton
Celebrity Media Coordinator
Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort
Tel: 403.923.8873
E-mail: ccotton203@aol.com

Photo: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts © 2008

Digital Alberta Seeks Executive Director

2008-01-07T17:08:00.000-07:00

Digital Alberta, a non-profit association, seeks a dynamic executive director to take it into the future. In order to better meet the needs of the growing membership and the digital media industry, the Board of Directors has determined that an Executive Director is needed.

The new Executive Director will be expected to build upon the existing track record and lead the association as it advances its program goals in the years ahead. The position calls for a creative leader with outstanding strategic management and communications skills, as well as political savvy and a bold leadership spirit.

Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the executive director is responsible for overall management and operation of Digital Alberta and protection of the organization’s financial assets while ensuring compliance with board directives.

More information about the role can be found at the Digital Alberta website.

Happy New Year 2008!

2008-01-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year to all the film, television, and digital media communities in Alberta and elsewhere.

I hope 2008 is another successful year for our creative production industries.

Also, thanks to all the readers and supporters of The Alberta Movie Guide!

I will continue to make it a valuable online resource and companion to the book in progress.

Cheers!

- Chad

New Alberta Film Crew/Cast/Producer Facebook Group

2007-10-09T10:49:00.000-06:00

There's a new Facebook group for Alberta crew/cast/and producers that can be found at this link.

The group has just got started, but it looks like another great resource for the Alberta production community. There's already some great photos from the set of Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning.

Thanks to John for the heads up!

Photo: On the set of Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning. Courtesy of Laurette Bourassa.

Tom Green Feels Freezer Burn in Edmonton

2007-10-05T12:38:00.000-06:00

According to Playback, principal photography on Freezer Burn: The Invasion of Laxdale (starring Tom Green), has commenced in Edmonton:

In Freezer Burn, Martians want to transform Earth into a time-share and construct crop circles to up the temperature and turn the planet into a tropical hot spot -- much to the detriment of humanity.

Director and cowriter Grant Harvey -- who directed Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning, is bullish on the new film's prospects. "I think what will set this film apart [from other Canadian sci-fi comedies] is our real star power, as opposed to just putting someone in with marquee value to a distributor or a funder, but who doesn't hold the attention of an independent audience," he says.

The acting muscle comes from Green (Freddy Got Fingered), who steps out of his long-established clown shoes into a dimwitted, straight-man role. The villain is played by cult favorite Crispin Glover (Willard).

Apparently the crop circles created for the film are creating quite a commotion outside of the city! Should be a fun film to see.

Check out the full article at this link.

Edmonton Journal Talks with Brian Murphy about Mars Rising

2007-10-03T16:23:00.000-06:00

There's a bunch of Alberta talent behind the upcoming Discovery Channel mini-series Mars Rising. Jennifer Fong, a freelance reporter with The Edmonton Journal recently spoke with Brian Murphy, writer and director of two of the six episodes of the highly-anticipated mini-series.

Murphy, a longtime colleague of Mars Rising supervising producer Michael Jorgensen, signed on to the project knowing very little about space exploration. The idea of going to another planet fascinated the veteran filmmaker, who has been making documentaries for Discovery Channel, CBC and National Geographic for 25 years. "It's like ... back in 1492, and we wanted to do a documentary about this crazy guy who was going to jump into a boat and go to a new world -- it's just so out there."

But science has never been very sexy, and Murphy had a lot of facts and figures to cram into the two hour-long episodes he'd been assigned to. His goal was to show the beauty and the creativity behind all the equations, measurements, and numbers by focussing on the personalities involved.

"You really get a sense of it in Mars Rising that these people just live and breathe it. It took NASA that kind of energy to get to the moon -- just people that are so dedicated to it, and the creative thinking that goes into it," said Murphy. "You found that they were these really incredible scientists with incredible visions. They were like artists."

He's now convinced that a trip to the Red Planet will succeed, and he's looking forward to it. "It'd be nice if I'm in my walker one day and I go by my TV set and I find out that they landed on Mars," said Murphy. "Definitely they will -- I can't say when, though."

Head over to the Edmonton Journal article to read the rest of the insightful interview.

Photo: Candace Elliott, The Edmonton Journal

Edmonton Gripped by Fear Itself

2007-10-03T11:43:00.000-06:00

Playback reports that Lionsgate has unveiled the name and premise of the series to film in Edmonton: Fear Itself. From the article:

The horror series is the first production in a two-year deal worth almost $9 million, according to reports, that LG inked with the province in July. Although the company's publicists would not confirm the value of the deal, Playback Daily reported at the time that the city would kick in $3.5 million, with the province throwing in an additional $5.4 million.

The show has been picked up stateside by NBC for a 13-episode run, with preproduction slated to begin in December. The idea is to get celebrated horror filmmakers to each do an original 60-minute episode, which will air in summer 2008.

It is similar to Masters of Horror, which Fear producers Keith Addis, Andrew Deane and Mick Garris made for Showtime in 2005. That series, also shot in Canada, featured episodes directed by such genre giants as Dario Argento, John Carpenter and Takashi Miike.

You can read the full article at this link.

Other Links:

• The Hollywood Reporter
• Variety
• ShockTillYouDrop.com

Cowboys & Indians Magazine Talks Jesse James and Alberta

2007-09-21T16:15:00.000-06:00

The September 2007 issue of Cowboys & Indians features a lengthy article on Brad Pitt, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, and filming in Alberta. The Magazine also talks with world-renowned, Alberta-based horse wrangler, John Scott.

From the article:

"Yeah, I'd say he's just a wonderful guy for that part," says John Scott, the production's head wrangler, who first worked with Pitt about 12 years earlier on the set of Legends of the Fall. "He's just a wonderful man, period."

Pitt barely had any experience at all with horses before Legends, recalls Scott, who was head wrangler on that film too -- also shot in Alberta. "But he was so utterly determined that he was riding extremely well by the time he went to camera," says the veteran Canadian horseman.

and...

Reuniting with the actor several years later to prep him for another saddle-bound shoot on Jesse James, Scott notes that it was like deja vu--sort of. "He was the same easygoing, charitable, well-mannered guy with the same work ethic. And he hadn't done much riding since Legends, so it was like another crash course. But I think he was facing at least 10 times more pressure and stress during the filming of Jesse James than when we last worked together and he was still just kind of starting up."

The magazine also discusses the real Jesse James including some of the actual locations he left his impressions upon. Some of these include St. Joseph, Missouri where the house that James was allegdly shot in still stands, the James Farm in Kearney, Missouri, and Northfield, Minnesota, where the James-Younger gang met its demise.

If you can't locate a copy on the magazine shelf of your local bookstore, you may be able to order a back issue at the official website. At some point they may have a digital version on their website, though currently it looks like the Archive section is temporarily offline.

Broken Trail and Wounded Knee Win Emmy Awards

2007-09-17T12:13:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to all the cast and crew involved with the making of the filmed-in-Alberta movies, Broken Trail and Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.

Broken Trail won at the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Miniseries, while Outstanding Made for Television Movie went to Wounded Knee. Broken Trail was also recognized through the talents of Robert Duvall, who won for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries or Movie while Thomas Haden Church won for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie.

Wounded Knee has received 6 Emmy Awards in total, while Broken Trail has received 4.

You can check out the full list of winners at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences website.

Canadians can order the DVDs at the Amazon.ca links on the side of this blog.

New Jesse James Video Clips

2007-09-14T15:10:00.000-06:00

Thanks to JoBlo.com, we're made aware of new video clips from The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford posted over at RopeOfSilicon.com.

You can check out the video clips at this link. (Flash is required.)

Jesse James Website Updated

2007-09-13T15:42:00.000-06:00

The official website for the upcoming Warner Bros. picture, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, has been updated.

Head over to the site to discover and download photos, desktop wallpaper, the teaser trailer, instant messaging buddy icons, and film info.

Jesse James Tour Coming To Edmonton

2007-09-12T23:22:00.000-06:00

The Edmonton Sun reports that Fort Edmonton Park will begin offering wagon tours where key scenes from The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford were filmed. The article states the tours will run from September 17 through September 22. No word if there will be more tours. From the article:

It will include “behind-the-scenes stories, little known facts and insider information about the film location,” Jan Archbold, a city spokesman, said today.

“We had people asking us, ‘So, where did they shoot and what did they do?’ They had all of these questions about the use of an Edmonton attraction in a movie,” Archbold told Sun Media, explaining where the idea for the tours came from.

The flick – premiering in select markets Sept. 21 – tells the story of how James died at the hands of Robert Ford, portrayed by Casey Affleck. Pitt stars as James. Filming began in southern Alberta in August 2005, before moving north to Fort Edmonton Park.

Archbold said tour highlights will include the train cars refurbished for the movie and McDougall’s General Store on 1885 Street where a robbery scene was filmed.

Visitors will also be shown where the shell of James’ home was constructed on 1885 Street. It was strictly a movie prop for outdoor scenes and has since been torn down.

“There were a number of shots of Brad Pitt on the veranda of this house, and you’ll be able to know where it would have been.”

The Kenneth McDonald house, also on 1885 Street, was used as the interior of James’ home.

You can read the full article at the link above.

Image: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Jesse James To Open Calgary International Film Festival

2007-09-07T22:30:00.000-06:00

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford will open the 2007 Calgary International Film Festival. From the press release:

The film will be presented at the American Express Opening Night Gala on the eve of the Festival September 20, 2007.

“CIFF will be the second Festival in Canada to see this film after the Toronto International Film Festival,” explained CIFF’s Executive Director Jacqueline Dupuis. “This is truly a coup for Calgary and a testament to the people of Alberta and the Alberta film industry.” Dupuis expressed her thrill that Warner Bros. is giving CIFF the opportunity to share this remarkable cinematic achievement with a Calgary audience, many of whom worked on the film while it was being shot in Alberta during the fall of 2005.

The press release briefly mentions some location information:

A drama filmed in the spectacular landscapes of Alberta, the film highlights the expansive prairies of the south and snowcapped peaks of Kananaskis, doubling for the American frontier circa 1881. Authentic period architecture at Fort Edmonton and Calgary’s Heritage Park, as well as the talents of the Alberta film industry, such as horse wrangler John Scott, are highlighted in this critically acclaimed film.

You can read the full press release at the link above.

Image: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Days of Heaven Criterion DVD

2007-09-07T00:10:00.000-06:00

On September 18, The Criterion Collection will be releasing Days of Heaven, the visually stunning 1978 Terrence Malick film shot in Alberta starring Richard Gere, Sam Shepard, and Brooke Adams. Days of Heaven uses Alberta's southern prairie scenery as a dreamlike backdrop for the tale of 2 Chicago residents who pursue wheat harvesting in Texas after fleeing a crime.

More information can be found at the official website of The Criterion Collection.

I am a big fan of Malick's work and highly recommend his films. His use of great actors, incredible scenery, and outstanding music qualifies him as one of America's modern day cinema masters. Opponents will argue his films look like nature documentaries. I disagree. His shots of nature signifies the sometimes-forgotten relationships humanity has between our surroundings, the planet, and ourselves.

The Days of Heaven trailer:

You can support this blog by ordering the film at the links below.

Aint It Cool News Reviews Jesse James

2007-09-05T16:30:00.000-06:00

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford gets some reviews from the folks over at Aint It Cool News.

Harry Knowles writes:

Brad’s Jesse James is a squirrelly character. He observes the room he’s in, studying anyone in it and their every move. And everyone else reacts to him – as if he’s a rattlesnake. They become still and cautious. There’s respect and fear. Nobody wants to get bit, but they all know if they spend too long with him, it’ll be an inevitability.

However, as great as Brad is as Jesse James – the actor to watch and marvel at in this film is Casey Affleck.

I know – that sounds astonishing, but it is absolutely the god’s own truth. Casey Affleck delivers the single best performance that I’ve seen thus far this year.

You can read the rest of Harry's review at this link.

Edmonton International Film Festival Passes Discount

2007-08-31T12:36:00.000-06:00

Just a reminder that until Midnight tonight, you can order Reel Deal Film Festival passes or 6-pack passes for the Edmonton International Film Festival at 30% off! From the industry mailout:

Before you blast away for the long weekend, be sure to purchase your all-access, Reel Deal Film Festival Pass or 6-Pack. Until midnight TONIGHT -- Friday, August 31st -- Reel Deal passes are just $70 (regularly $100) and 6-Packs are $45 (regularly $60).

Purchase at TIX on the Square, Princess/Garneau Theatres (during movie screening hours), Earth's General Store or by phone at EIFF offices: 780-423-0844.

You can check out the full line-up of films and other events surrounding the festival at the official website.

New Jesse James Trailer

2007-08-27T20:39:00.000-06:00

Thanks to ComingSoon.net for the info about the new trailer for The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. The film stars Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, and Sam Rockwell.

Trailer courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and AOL Moviefone.