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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 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 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, 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.  

In Film, TRCG

Canted Pictures Featured in Kitchener The Record

Film Production Company, Ava Torres, Helmann Wilhelm, Canted Pictures, Toronto, Canadian Filmmaker, independent, film, award winner, nominee, Waterloo Region, Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, video services, make it kitchener
Film Production Company, Ava Torres, Helmann Wilhelm, Canted Pictures, Toronto, Canadian Filmmaker, independent, film, award winner, nominee, Waterloo Region, Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, video services, make it kitchener

We had a blast teaching the workshop at the Kitchener Public Library, and were incredibly honoured that the event was featured in The Record, The Kitchener Post, Make it Kitchener, and SPOKE magazine. Our goal has always been to encourage emerging filmmakers to work within their means – especially with a micro-budget – but we place an equal amount of importance on community engage, and so we couldn’t be more excited at the attendance and level of interest for more films in the region.

Thank you to everyone who came out, and thanks again to all the writers for taking the time to cover the event. Please check out the links below for more details 🙂

Kitchener Post:
http://www.kitchenerpost.ca/news-story/6883142-it-s-in-the-can/

The Record: 
http://www.therecord.com/news-story/6883142-it-s-in-the-can/

Make it Kitchener:
http://www.makeitkitchener.ca/makers/details/~25-Filmmakers-produce-with-pennies

Spoke Magazine:
http://spokeonline.com/2016/10/the-art-of-micro-budget-filmmaking/

In Film, TRCG

Official Selection:
Grand River Film Festival

Film Production Company, Ava Torres, Helmann Wilhelm, Canted Pictures, Toronto, Canadian Filmmaker, award winner, Waterloo Region, Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, video services, grand river film festival, official selection, through rose-colored glasses, short film
Through Rose-Colored Glasses, Grand River Film Festival, GRFF2016, Waterloo Region, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, independent film, Canadian, award, best canadian short film, magic lantern raw, dslr, canon 5d mark iii, Ava Torres, Helmann Wilhelm

We’re thrilled to announce that Through Rose-Colored Glasses is an official selection for the 10th annual Grand River Film Festival, which is sponsored by Scotiabank. Not only do we have the honor of screening before one of their selected features, but the short film is also in the running for Best Canadian Short Film at the newly built Apollo Cinema in Kitchener. For those interested in attending the awards presentation, tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

After the awards are handed out, audience members can catch a screening of The Tiger Hunter (Lena Khan 2016), and if you’re so inclined, a post-screening reception at the Grand Trunk Saloon where the director will be a guest speaker.

Hope to see you there! 🙂

In All Things Beautiful, Film

First Look:
All Things Beautiful Poster

Thanks to the very talented Ashley Floréal, we now have the poster for our upcoming short, All Things Beautiful (2017), which is still in pre-production. Although our Kickstarter campaign is a few months away, the illustration will be one of many perks to contributors and will be limited in availability.

Click on the image below for a better look!

All Things Beautiful, short film, 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, Region of Waterloo, Waterloo Region, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, local filmmaker

Synopsis:

Sam, an aspiring scriptwriter, tries to win the affection of a talented actress named Claire despite a crippling speech disorder. When his best friend shows interest in the same woman, Sam becomes dangerously obsessed, breaking into her apartment to learn everything there is to know about his one true love.

Learn More
In Film, TRCG

Official Selection:
Orlando Film Festival

Film Production Company, Ava Torres, Helmann Wilhelm, Canted Pictures, Toronto, Canadian Filmmaker, independent, film, award winner, nominee, Waterloo Region, Region of Waterloo, Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, local filmmaker, film company, video services, kitchener, waterloo, waterloo region, cambridge, orlando film festival, official selection, through rose-colored glasses, short film
Film Production Company, Ava Torres, Helmann Wilhelm, Canted Pictures, Toronto, Canadian Filmmaker, independent, film, award winner, nominee, Waterloo Region, Region of Waterloo, Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener, local filmmaker, film company, video services, kitchener, waterloo, waterloo region, cambridge, orlando film festival, official selection, through rose-colored glasses, short film

We’re delighted to announce that our short film, Through Rose-Colored Glasses (2016) is an official selection for the Orlando Film Festival. Now in its 11th year, the festival will take place on October 19-23rd at the prestigious Cobb Plaza Cinema Café in Florida, a 57,000-square-foot complex with 12 movies screens, 1,100 seats, as well as a wine bar and two art galleries.

Stay tuned to learn more about when the short will be screened!

Cobb Plaza Cinema Café

In Film, Workshop

Micro-Budget Filmmaking Workshop

Micro-Budget Filmmaking Workshop, City of Kitchener, Waterloo Region Small Business Centre, Ava Torres, Helmann Wilhelm, Film, Kitchener Public Library, KPL
Micro-Budget Filmmaking Workshop, City of Kitchener, Waterloo Region Small Business Centre, Ava Torres, Helmann Wilhelm, Film, Kitchener Public Library, KPL

We are very excited to announce that with the support of the city of Kitchener and the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre, we will be teaching a workshop on micro-budget filmmaking on Thursday, September 22nd from 4-7PM (EDT). The event will be held in the newly renovated Theatre Room at the Kitchener Public Library.

About the Workshop:

Whether you are a recent film graduate or an established filmmaker, one of the biggest obstacles in making a film is acquiring the finance to make it. A micro-budget short film, for example, can cost up to $20,000. With that in mind, film can easily be one of the most expensive mediums in the arts, and with the economical state that we are currently in, it is all the more important to be resourceful. Nevertheless, there are other ways to overcome such an obstacle while not compromising the quality of your film. Topics that we will cover in this workshop include: the importance research, hiring crew members and casting actors, working within your means and with your environment, crowd funding, social media, pre-production and post-production.

 Topics Include:

  • Substance Over Style
  • Camera Tips (HD vs. 4K)
  • Employing a Skeleton Crew
  • Working with Natural/Available Light
  • Film Festival Secrets

Refreshments and treats will be provided 🙂 For those interested in attending the event, please use the link below to sign-up!

ATTEND EVENT
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