Academy Award winner Paul Haggis Supports Indie

Posted by: Stanch

Academy Award winner Paul Haggis gave something back to Canadian filmmakers by executive producing the 2nd annual MAKE IT SHORT MOVIE PROJECT in Thunder Bay this summer. The 'not-for-profit' educational event was designed by director Lee Chambers and his producing partner, Suzanne Plesh to provide a hands-on introduction to filmmaking, covering the basics of acting, direction, cinematography, lighting, production design, sound and editing. "Participants in front and behind the camera get real film set experience and a credit on a short film," claims Plesh.

Haggis took over the executive producer role from fellow Canadian and Academy Award winner Denys Arcand. Arcand noted last year, that "an event such as THE MAKE IT SHORT MOVIE PROJECT is key to encouraging new talent and getting likeminded people together to experience hands on the process of filmmaking! This is the very best way to learn what making movies is all about".

Confederation College film graduates, Greg Jacobsen, Peter Pasqualino and Sarah McArthur joined over 100 people from the community for the making of â€˜Chasing Mascotsâ€™ in early June. Jacobsen won the chance to direct the workshop film by writing the romantic comedy script, with Pasqualino behind the camera and McArthur editing.

Toronto-based cinematographer Micha Dahan donated his time to the event as a professional mentor on the production by working alongside Pasqualino. Dahan, who has recently shot commercials for Sony Playstation and Volkswagen brings to the event a positive energy that will make for exciting collaborations on the set. Twice nominated for Best Music Video at the Juno Awards, his work also includes videos for Great Big Sea, Finger Eleven and The Proclaimers. â€œThe event was a chance for everyone to be creative and inventive. That's a good way to make a film,â€? notes Dahan.

The event, which has already won numerous education awards, including a 2006 Broadcast Educators Association of Canada Award for Best Short PSA, has proved popular with the local community. â€œThe two days on set were a first rate experience,â€? noted workshop participant David Kachur. â€œWe got to see how much hard work and dedication goes into making a film.â€?

Haggis claims, "the only way to really learn how to make movies is to make them. If a project like this existed when I was young and interested in learning about film I might not have had to take off south of the border."

Beverley J. Oda, the Minister of Canadian Heritage summed it up by saying that, "The Make It Short Movie Project gives participants the opportunity to contribute to the life of their community and gain a better sense of their collective identity". All proceeds from the SilverCity/Famous Players premiere on September 23rd will be donated to the Arthritis Society.