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Canted Pictures

In Film, TV

Former CBC Executive, Ava Torres, expands into Development Consultant work

Ava Torres, CBC executive, Development Consultant, Services, Story editing, Producer, award winning
Ava Torres, CBC executive, Development Consultant, Services, Story editing, Producer, award winning

Having served five years at CBC — with her most recent role being Executive in Charge of Development for Scripted Television — Ava Torres has expanded her services to include development consultant work for film and television.

Ava Torres is a a creative executive with over 10 years experience in the film and television industry, specializing in series development, acquisitions, and content strategy. She brings a unique perspective to the industry having lived and worked across four different countries including Spain, Argentina, the US and Canada, which informs her deep understanding of both the international market and its audience. Most recently, she was Executive in Charge of Development, Drama at CBC for the hit series WILD CARDS (CW, CBC). Before her time in scripted, she also worked in acquisitions at CBC where her team brought large hits such as NORMAL PEOPLE, PEN15, and WAR OF THE WORLDS to Canadian audiences. Her strengths encompass script and talent development, identifying market trends, and steering projects from development through to production.

Any writers and producers who are looking to strengthen their projects so that they’re market ready, or for those interested in learning more about Ava services as a development consultant, please email her directly at ava@cantedpictures.com.

In In Development, Matriarch, TV

Matriarch TV Teaser is Here!

Matriarch, TV series, crime drama, Helmann Wilhelm, CFC, Canadian Film Centre
Matriarch, original series, TV, created by Helmann Wilhelm, writer, Canada, Better Call Saul, Fargo, crime, drama

The MATRIARCH Teaser has been released! The 1-hour crime drama series was developed through the Canadian Film Centre’s Bell Media Prime Time TV Program. At its heart, MATRIARCH is about a mother and winemaker inadvertently creates the most dangerous agricultural crime organization in Canada when trying to save her family from crippling debt. A special thanks goes out to the incredible cast and crew who helped make this teaser a reality.

For more details on MATRIARCH, click here.

In Film

Helmann selected for CFC Bell Media Prime Time TV Program

Canadian Film Centre, CFC, Bell Media Prime Time TV Program, 2022, Resident, Helmann Wilhelm, screenwriter, Canada

Helmann selected for CFC Bell Media Prime Time TV Program

In a press release today, the Canadian Film Centre (CFC) has announced that Helmann Wilhelm was selected for the prestigious Bell Media Prime Time TV Program where he will further develop his original one-hour dramatic television series, ENIGMA, from July to December of 2022. As part of the program, Helmann will also work under Executive Producer, Patrick Tarr, who is set to lead a story room for his upcoming one-hour mystery procedural, THINK TANK.

”Bell Media is delighted to continue our partnership with the CFC to provide new TV series writers with the opportunity for first-class training in a simulated writers’ room. We are thrilled that the participating members will be led and inspired by Patrick Tarr, an incredibly dynamic and talented executive producer.

Rachel Goldstein-CoutoHead of Development, Original Programming, Bell Media

About the CFC

The Canadian Film Centre was founded in 1988 by seven-time Oscar nominee, Norman Jewison (Fiddler on a Roof, In the Heat of Night, and Moonstruck). Notable showrunners who have participated in the Bell Media TV Program include Graeme Manson (Orphan Black) and Brad Wright (Travellers).

For more details, a copy of the CFC’s press release can be found here.

In An Apology, Film

Reel Asian Film Festival
So You Think You Can Pitch Competition

Reel Asian Film Festival, So You Think You Can Pitch Competition, Helmann Wilhelm, An Apology, Short Film, Finalist, 2021
Reel Asian Film Festival, So You Think You Can Pitch Competition, Helmann Wilhelm, An Apology, Short Film, Finalist, 2021

Some exciting news! Our short film, AN APOLOGY, has been selected as a finalist for the Reel Asian Film Festival’s So You Think You Can Pitch competition, sponsored by NBC Universal. Now in its 25th year, the festival will be held from November 10th-19th, 2021 with the live pitch taking place on the last day of the festival. Tickets can be purchased here for the short film programs, features, and live events!

In Creemore Village, In Development, The Disappeared Ones

Official Selection: Nashville Film Festival

Creemore Village, The Disappeared Ones, Creemore Village, Nashville Film Festival, Nashville Screenwriting Competition, Helmann Wilhelm, official selection
The Disappeared Ones, Nashville Film Festival, Nashville Screenwriting Competition, Helmann Wilhelm, official selection, script

THE DISAPPEARED ONES

Creemore Village, Nashville Film Festival, Nashville Screenwriting Competition, Helmann Wilhelm, official selection, script

CREEMORE VILLAGE

Festival season is around the corner and we’re delighted to announce that Helmann’s 1-hour pilot, THE DISAPPEARED ONES, is a semi-finalist while his second script, CREEMORE VILLAGE, has placed as a quarter-finalist at the 52nd annual Nashville Film Festival. Founded in 1969, the Nashville Film Festival will be held this year on September 30th – October 6th. For a complete list of all the quarter-finalists, please visit: https://nashvillefilmfestival.org/.

In Creemore Village, In Development

Helmann selected for Netflix-Banff Fellowship

Banff Media World Film Festival, Netflix, Banff, Diversity of Voices Initiative, Fellowship, 2021, Helmann Wilhelm, Canted Pictures, Creemore Village, 1 hour pilot, screenplay, script,
Banff Media World Film Festival, Netflix, Banff, Diversity of Voices Initiative, Fellowship, 2021, Helmann Wilhelm, Canted Pictures, Creemore Village, 1 hour pilot, screenplay, script,

Some very exciting news — Helmann is 1 of 25 participants selected for the 2021 Netflix-Banff Fellowship and Pitch Program where he will receive an exclusive one-on-one mentorship with Joseph Kay, EP/showrunner of TRANSPLANT. As part of the program, Helmann will also be given a full access pass to the Banff World Media Film Festival.

The festival, which is partnered with the Black Screen Office, the Canada Media Fund, the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO), and la Société de développement des entreprises culturelles, will take place virtually this year from June 14 – July 16th. To learn more about the Banff World Media Festival, visit https://banffmediafestival.playbackonline.ca/2021/

”“This is an important collaboration and step towards a more diverse, equitable and inclusive cultural community. Congratulations to this year’s participants, your voice is vital in continuing to build and elevate a vibrant industry and ensuring that all Canadians feel represented, in front of and behind the camera."

Chris ReginaDirector, Original Series at Netflix
In In Development, The Disappeared Ones

Official Selection: Austin Film Festival

The Disappeared Ones, Original, Pilot, Script, Helmann Wilhelm, Canted Pictures, Austin Film Festival, Second Rounder, Quarterfinalist, quarter-finalist, screenplay competition, 2020

THE DISAPPEARED ONES

Succession: Human Piñata, Human Pinata, Austin Film Festival, Screenwriting Competition, 2020, Semifinalist, Semi-finalist, Helmann Wilhelm, Spec script, Canted Pictures

SUCCESSION: "HUMAN PIÑATA"

We’ve just received word that two of Helmann’s scripts have placed at the 27th annual Austin Film Festival. His original 1-hour dramatic pilot, THE DISAPPEARED ONES, was selected as a Second Rounder while his spec for SUCCESSION (“Human Piñata”) placed as a semi-finalist, making it the top 2% out of 13,000 submissions. This is the second year one of Helmann’s scripts have placed at the Oscar-qualifying festival, which is going virtual this year. For more information on speakers and badges, have a look here: https://austinfilmfestival.com/

In Creemore Village, In Development

Reelworld Emerging 20 Filmmakers Announced

Reelworld Film Festival and Screen Institute, Emerging 20, E20, 2020, Class, Program, talent lab, announced, Helmann Wilhelm, Creemore Village, Telefilm Talent to watch fund, feature film, canted pictures, recipient
Reelworld Film Festival and Screen Institute, Emerging 20, E20, 2020, Class, Program, talent lab, announced, Helmann Wilhelm, Creemore Village, Telefilm Talent to watch fund, feature film, canted pictures, recipient

We’re thrilled to announce that Helmann will be part of the Reelworld Emerging 20 Program for his 1-hour pilot, CREEMORE VILLAGE! Every year Reelworld selects the top 20 emerging BIPOC filmmakers from across the country.

About the Program

The E20 Program is Reelworld’s initiative to connect some of Canada’s most talented emerging BIPOC talent with industry executives and professionals within the Canadian entertainment industry. E20s are given the opportunity to network, learn, and pitch their projects to industry decision makers.

After the program has concluded, E20 participants are eligible to apply for up to $150,000 from Telefilm’s Talent to Watch program to make their first feature film.

For more info about Reelworld’s Emerging 20, check out their website here.

”“We had over 250 submissions this year and it was with great difficulty that our jury had to whittle that down to only 20 projects. Each year the competition gets more fierce. Congratulations to all our E20’s. I look forward to seeing their projects bloom and find rightful homes on our screens.”

Tonya WilliamsFounder, Reelworld Film Festival & Screen Institute
In Film

FIRST LOOK: The Things that Shape Us

The Things that Shape Us, short film, Ava Torres, Helmann Wilhelm, Canted Pictures, Canada Council for the Arts, Waterloo Region Arts Fund, Cambridge, Kitchener, Filmmakers, Toronto

The official trailer is here! We’re still putting the finishing touches on the film, but we’ll be posting updates throughout the year.

The Things that Shape Us is a short narrative about Romina, a 16-year-old tomboy, is paid to clean the house for Mrs. Lewis, a strange and recluse woman with a troubled past. After the work is done, Mrs. Lewis offers Romina even more money for an unusual request.

https://vimeo.com/371480715
The Things that Shape Us, short film, Ava Torres, Helmann Wilhelm, Canted Pictures, Canada Council for the Arts, Waterloo Region Arts Fund, Cambridge, Kitchener, Filmmakers, Toronto
The Things that Shape Us, short film, Ava Torres, Helmann Wilhelm, Canted Pictures, Canada Council for the Arts, Waterloo Region Arts Fund, Cambridge, Kitchener, Filmmakers, Toronto
The Things that Shape Us, short film, Ava Torres, Helmann Wilhelm, Canted Pictures, Canada Council for the Arts, Waterloo Region Arts Fund, Cambridge, Kitchener, Filmmakers, Toronto
The Things that Shape Us, short film, Ava Torres, Helmann Wilhelm, Canted Pictures, Canada Council for the Arts, Waterloo Region Arts Fund, Cambridge, Kitchener, Filmmakers, Toronto
The Things that Shape Us, short film, Ava Torres, Helmann Wilhelm, Canted Pictures, Canada Council for the Arts, Waterloo Region Arts Fund, Cambridge, Kitchener, Filmmakers, Toronto
The Things that Shape Us, short film, Ava Torres, Helmann Wilhelm, Canted Pictures, Canada Council for the Arts, Waterloo Region Arts Fund, Cambridge, Kitchener, Filmmakers, Toronto
In Film

OFFICIAL SELECTION: Austin Film Festival

Better Call Saul, Spec Script, Misfire, Helmann Wilhelm, Canted Pictures, Austin Film Festival, Second Rounder, Quarterfinalist, quarter-finalist, screenplay competition, 2019

Exciting news! Helmann’s spec script for Better Call Saul (“Misfire”) was chosen as a Second Rounder out of 12,000 entries for the 2019 Austin Film Festival (AFF). An Academy Award qualifying festival, the AFF has been around for 26 years, establishing itself as career launchpad for emerging writers and filmmakers alike.

Congratulations to all the other finalists! A full list of the scripts can be found here.

In All Things Beautiful, Film

OFFICIAL SELECTION: SOO FILM FESTIVAL

Thrilled to announce that ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL is an official selection at the Soo Film Festival in Saulte Ste Marie, Michigan! For those in the area – and anyone coming to join us – the film will be screening on Friday, September 13th, 2019 at 6PM. To learn more about the Soo Film Festival, and to see the full lineup of films, check out their website here.  

Can’t make it, but still want to see the film? Grab a digital download at our shop:

Watch the Film
In All Things Beautiful

Kansas City FilmFest Photos

Kansas City Film Festival, Kansas City FilmFest, 2018, Film Festival, All Things Beautiful, Official Selection, Ava Torres, Helmann Wilhelm, Short Film, filmmakers

Ava and I wanted to share with you some photos from the 22nd annual Kansas City Film Fest. It’s always been a dream of ours to share any film that we’ve made in front of a live audience and to interact with the community, so it was a wonderful experience from beginning to end.

A HUGE thank you to Kansas City and all the volunteers who helped make the festival a sweet and unforgettable event. Check out some images from the festival below and stay tuned for more updates!

In All Things Beautiful, Film

OFFICIAL SELECTION:
Kansas City FilmFest

Kansas City Film Festival, Kansas City FilmFest, 2018, Film Festival, All Things Beautiful, Official Selection, Ava Torres, Helmann Wilhelm, Short Film, filmmakers
Kansas City Film Festival, Kansas City FilmFest, 2018, Film Festival, All Things Beautiful, Official Selection, Ava Torres, Helmann Wilhelm, Short Film, filmmakers
All Things Beautiful, Toronto, Waterloo, Kitchener, Short Film, Micro-Budget, Ava Torres, Helmann Wilhelm, Magic Lantern RAW, ML RAW, Canon 5D Mark iii, DSLR, Indie filmmaking, Canadian, official selection, skeleton crew, natural light, available light, Waterloo Region, Region of Waterloo, Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, local filmmaker

We’re thrilled to announce that our short film, ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL, is an official selection at the 22nd annual Kansas City Film Festival! Our film is screening Saturday, April 14th at 10:05pm as part of the “Romantic Blues” shorts block, but a detailed schedule can be found here. The event itself will showcase over 100 films with seminars, panels, after-parties, and a VIP Filmmaker Lounge from April 11-15th at the Cinemark Palace downtown. Individual tickets can be purchased at the box office while VIP passes for entry into all events start at $80. For details, check out the Kansas City Film Fest website at https://www.kcfilmfest.org!

Special thanks to our Kickstarter backers for making this a possibility, and if you haven’t had a chance, check out the trailer below.

In Film

Ava Wins WIFT & Meridan Artists Mentorship

Ava Torres, CBC executive, Development Consultant, Services, Story editing, Producer, award winning
Ava Torres, CBC executive, Development Consultant, Services, Story editing, Producer, award winning
Film Production Company, Ava Torres, WIFT, Canted Pictures, Toronto, women in film and television, independent, film, award winner, nominee, Waterloo Region, Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, meridian artists, video services
Film Production Company, Ava Torres, WIFT, Canted Pictures, Toronto, women in film and television, independent, film, award winner, nominee, Waterloo Region, Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, meridian artists, video services
“

The initiative and proactiveness she has demonstrated in her career so far is very impressive to us. She is eager to learn more about the role of an agency as it relates to her producing career. We are excited to welcome her to our office in the fall.

Kerry BallLiterary Agent and Head of Department, Meridian Artists

TORONTO, July 5, 2017—Women in Film & Television – Toronto (WIFT-T) is pleased to announce Ava Torres as the recipient of the 2017 WIFT-T Meridian Artists Agency Mentorship. Launched this year, the Meridian Artists Agency Mentorship is a unique experience for a female emerging professional working in the Canadian screen-media industry that offers a three-week experience in the day-to-day operations of a talent agency.

“We’re thrilled to have Meridian Artists join our roster of mentorship opportunities for emerging talent,” says Heather Webb, Executive Director, WIFT-T. “This partnership represents WIFT-T’s commitment to providing emerging professionals with career development opportunities that highlight the numerous entry points and roles in the industry. At WIFT-T, our goal is to highlight the diverse possibilities existing in the industry and provide the tools needed for women to emerge and thrive as vocal, innovative, and visionary leaders in Canadian media.”

At Meridian Artists, Ava will learn, through job-shadowing, how a select roster of the most talented writers, directors, actors and authors are represented and managed.

“We are very pleased to have Ava as our inaugural mentee,” says Kerry Ball, Literary Agent and Head of Department, Meridian Artists. “The initiative and proactiveness she has demonstrated in her career so far is very impressive to us. She is eager to learn more about the role of an agency as it relates to her producing career. We are excited to welcome her to our office in the fall.”

In All Things Beautiful, Film

That’s a Wrap!

Film Production Company, Ava Torres, Helmann Wilhelm, Canted Pictures, Toronto, Canadian Filmmaker, independent, film, award winner, nominee, Waterloo Region, Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, video services, all things beautiful, short film
video services, video production services, commercial, corporate, small business, in the spotlight, canted pictures, toronto, ava torres, helmann wilhelm, professional, magic lantern raw, canon 5d mark iii, canon 5d mark 3, filmmakers, dslr, interview, documentary, toronto, short film, indiefilm, documentary, that's a wrap!

Making a film is not just about your vision, but all the hard work your team puts towards making it a reality. One of the reasons why this is a bit surreal for us is that the screenplay for All Things Beautiful was written back in 2008, and although we were very keen on filming, we needed the team and resources to fully flesh out the idea. 

That said, we’re very happy to see that our supporters continue to grow and we couldn’t have done this without you. 

In Film, TRCG

Winner:
Best Short Film at GRFF

best short film, Canted Pictures, Film Production Company, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Region of Waterloo, City of Kitchener, Make it Kitchener, Ava Torres, Helmann Wilhelm, workshop, film, Through Rose-Colored Glasses, short film, magic lantern raw, Toronto, Canadian filmmakers, canada, award winners, nominees, apollo cinema, grand river film festival, 2016, GRFF2016

We’re excited to announce that Through Rose-Colored Glasses won Best Short Film at the 10th annual Grand River Film Festival. This was especially meaningful to us, not only because of the hard work that everyone put into the film, but also due to the fact that Helmann had previously worked as a volunteer years back. With a lovely introduction by Philippa Gates, Professor and Film Adviser at the Wilfred Laurier University, we were able to watch the film at the newly built Apollo Cinema, all of which made for an unforgettable experience. 

We’re so happy to have worked with such a wonderful team and very grateful for the continued support from everyone.  

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