Brokeback Mountain Screened for Alberta Crew

Ang Lee flew back to Calgary recently to screen Brokeback Mountain with the crew he worked with in the province.

"I had my Calgary family back with me. I tried to watch the movie, but I kept having flashbacks to the incredible experience we all shared.

"The Brokeback Mountain that is up there on the screen would not have been possible without the talent and devotion of the Alberta crew and actors.

"It's their movie as much as mine."

Lee also said he'd like to return to Alberta to film again.

"It wouldn't be a western. I'd like to do a movie about hockey," says Lee, who became an avid Flames fan during his sojourn in Calgary.

"I keep toying with so many ideas.

"I know I'll be back."

Read the whole article at CANOE -- JAM! Movies.

Alberta Film and TV Strategic Business Plan Presented

AMPIA president Doug MacLeod recently collaborated with Damian Petti, president of IATSE 212 to present a long-term Strategic Business Plan for the Alberta film industry to the Standing Policy Committee of Alberta Economic Development and Finance.

Key points included in the presentation were:

strengths including unique locations, experienced talent and production personnel, proximity to Los Angeles, and cost

weaknesses including general lack of awareness locally, nationally, and internationally, oversubscription of funds, and inability to undertake larger projects

threats including fewer licenses issued to Alberta producers, declining value of the American dollar, and decline in licensing by Canadian broadcasters

outcome of fostering growth includes synergies with tourism and new media sectors, increased capital investment, and economic stability

provide sufficient funding for development and training, including HD initiatives and

the proposal of a performance-based funding model that would support and continue the growth of Alberta's film and television industry.

The PDF presentation (with e-mail address for feedback) is located at this link.