Island filmmakers go to the movies

Film PEI announces program to support Island film industry

By Daniel Brown

Sept. 14, 2018

Renee Laprise is looking to make four good films.

She’s executive director of Film PEI, and she’s overseeing the Film 4Ward program.

It was unveiled Aug. 24 and information sessions were held Sept. 10-11. It allows Islanders to submit short film scripts by Oct. 19, which a Film PEI jury will judge.

The jury will choose four to fund and produce by June 2019.

“That’s why it’s called Film ‘4’Ward,” Laprise said.

The scripts must be under 10 minutes. Emerging and mid-career filmmakers must have productions teams of at least two, and 80 per cent of the film must be shot on P.E.I.

If accepted, filmmakers will take part in workshops, catered to the skills they need. Films will be shot between March and May next year.

Film PEI aims to create films eligible for festivals. They could be aired on CBC, which is a program sponsor, Laprise said.

“We’re hoping these will be calling cards for filmmaker’s careers.”

Renee Laprise prepares for Film 4Ward information session at the Film PEI office on Sept. 10. Two sessions were held, for emerging and mid-career filmmakers. Daniel Brown photo.

Laprise is a professional editor. Her first gig out of film school was for a friend in Toronto who needed help in animation.

“I was good at it,” Laprise said. “I just got hooked because animation is fun.”

Film 4Ward scripts can be narrative, but Film 4Ward also accepts documentaries, as there’s a growing number being filmed by Islanders.

Other East Coast film programs don’t fund documentaries.

“We believe that’s important for P.E.I.,” Laprise said. “We developed this program so we can make the best projects we can possibly make.”

Laprise sees Film 4Ward as a step forward for P.E.I. culture. The film industry is inspiring, fun, and important, she said.

“Telling stories is part of being human.”