Launch of online directory of mentors and scriptwriting consultants

MONTREAL, July 26 /CNW Telbec/ - Telefilm Canada is today unveiling its brand-new online directory of mentors and scriptwriting consultants, which includes the names of more than 100 experts, that creators working in Canada's film industry will be able to access via Telefilm's website.

"Telefilm Canada is dedicated to supporting all links in the Canadian film industry value chain," stated Sheila de La Varende, Telefilm Canada's Director of National and International Business Development. "Canadian filmmakers are bursting with talent, and we are committed to meeting their needs and supporting their growth and development-which, at the end of the line, will result in the creation of high-quality feature films that will appeal to their target audiences. We are very enthusiastic about the potential of the new online directory of mentors and scriptwriting consultants that we're unveiling today, which enables Telefilm to act as a catalyst for the industry's success."

"When I started my career, I was very lucky to benefit from the patient advice I received from such industry professionals as Michael Miner (Anaconda, Robocop), the wonderful writer and film editor," said Vancouver writer Michael Giampa, who is included in the directory as a scriptwriting consultant. "Having a mentor who can answer your questions and provide encouragement makes all the difference when you're starting out in the business. I hope that this directory will foster these kinds of relationships and that it becomes a key tool in the development of a mentoring philosophy within Canada's movie industry, one that will hep nurture Canadian talent."

The new online directory of mentors and scriptwriting consultants will enable emerging writers and producers to make contact with industry mentors and veterans, offering them the possibility of developing their skills or finding specific expertise for a given project. All the producer-mentors and writers included in the online directory were chosen by Telefilm following a call for candidates issued in May, and all have agreed to makes themselves available to offer professional advice, coaching and know-how, and thereby help foster the development of talent and projects.

The directory will also enable those participating in such programs as Écrire au long, Feature It! or Featuring Aboriginal Stories to seek out a mentor-consultant who will support them for the duration of their project-one of the eligibility criteria of these programs. Others working in the industry seeking expertise in a variety of areas may also approach the consultants listed in the directory; it will be up to the two parties themselves to negotiate the terms of their agreement.

New applications for mentors and consultants will now be accepted on an ongoing basis and the directory will be updated regularly. The online directory of mentors and scriptwriting consultants and the application form for those wishing to be included in it are available at the following address: http://www.telefilm.gc.ca/en/clients/directory-mentors-consultants

About Telefilm Canada

Telefilm Canada is a federal cultural agency dedicated to developing and promoting the Canadian audiovisual industry. Telefilm provides financial support to the private sector to create distinctively Canadian products that appeal to domestic and international audiences. Telefilm also administers the Canada Media Fund. Visit www.telefilm.gc.ca.

For further information: Denise Arab, Director, Communications, Telefilm Canada, 514-283-0838, ext. 2099, [e-mail]; www.twitter.com/telefilm_canada