VIFF Film & TV Forum: New Filmmakers' Day...

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The Vancouver International Film Festivals' 22nd Annual Film and Television Forum builds to a climax with New Filmmakers’ Day (NFD), September 29, showcasing a line-up of award-winning film professionals, in the only event of its kind in Western Canada.

Following his film's launch at this year's Opening Night at the Toronto International Film Festival, Jeremy Podeswa, director of "Fugitive Pieces" brings his insight to 'Anatomy Of A Scene', with an insider's scoop on two scenes from the film that created unique challenges for him. Podeswa is currently prepping for the Steven Spielberg/Tom Hanks TV-mini "Pacific".

New Filmmakers’ Day also presents 'Blissful Union: The Cinematographer and Production Designer Relationship'. BAFTA/American Society of Cinematographer DP Philippe Rousselot has worked with directors Robert Redford, Neil Jordan, Sydney Pollack and Stephen Frears. At the forum, he will discuss artistry and interplay with Alex McDowell, Production Designer for Spielberg’s "Minority Report", David Fincher’s "Fight Club" and Tim Burton’s "Charlie And The Chocolate Factory".

New Filmmakers’ Day also ventures into indie filmmaking, exploring people-powered financing/distribution with 'Fast Forward: Filmmakers Seize Control'. From generating buzz to financing a feature through social networking sites, more films are being financed outside the box of studios and mini-majors. Leading the way is Lance Weiler, whose first feature "The Last Broadcast" is noted as the first all-digital motion picture released theatrically. With Weiler's alternate reality game "Head Trauma" reshaping paradigms of entertainment, this seminar is for emerging filmmakers seeking unique strategies for success.

Also featured is Arin Crumley, director of "Four Eyed Monsters", a film invited to 20 film festivals, nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards and screened theatrically while managed/distributed by its sole creators.

The 22nd Annual Film and Television Forum happens in the Rogers Industry Centre @ the Vancouver International Film Centre/Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street, September 26-28.

New Filmmakers’ Day is September 29th.

For more information: forum@viff.org

There's Hope For "Rambo: First Blood"...

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Over 25 years have passed since "First Blood" wrapped filming in Hope, British Columbia, but local residents and 'Rambo' enthusiasts agree it doesn't feel like a quarter century has passed.

Back in 1981, BC's film industry was in its infancy when the Ministry of Tourism's Film Promotion Office, helmed by Dianne Neufeld and Justis Greene, received a call from a production company interested in shooting director Ted Kotcheff's "First Blood", a $15 million action feature in British Columbia.

After scouting several different locations in BC, the producers found the exact look they had been searching for in the small town of Hope.

Soon after, a crew of approximately 100 people (many of whom still work in the local industry) began to transform the town into the birthplace of a man who would become the deadly Viet Nam vet 'John Rambo'.

The Sheriff's Office was constructed on the lawn of Hope's District Hall, a gun shop and gas station were built and American flags, mailboxes and US Army billboards were placed along downtown streets.

During filming, cast/crew had to deal with a bitter cold snap, the theft of over 50 firearms, Stallone's injuries and the escape of a wild boar on its way to set.

Despite these challenges, "First Blood", released Friday October 22, 1982 was a major box office success, earning back its production costs within weeks of its release.

To mark the film's 25th anniversary, the Hope Visitor Centre & Museum Complex is celebrating the occasion with events and activities over the Thanksgiving long weekend, starting October 5th.

The anniversary plans currently include a welcome reception, a special screening of the REEL PLACES "First Blood" travelogue/doc by Seattle's Gas Light Alley Entertainment, film location tours, a 'Rambo' look-a-like contest, an art competition, a pig roast dinner and the publication of a collectible "First Blood" booklet.