Canadian Movie News - Northernstars.ca

Canadian Academy Appoints Advisory Council
By Staff

(June 6, 2012 - Toronto, Ontario) The Canadian Academy of Cinema & Television (ACCT) continues its year of change. Earlier this year they announced that the previously separate Genie and Gemini awards shows would be combined into one event. Yesterday they announced a new National Advisory Council, calling on the collective wisdom of professionals from all screen-based industries across Canada. The council will provide input, support and advice to the Academy Board.

"As we usher in the changes suggested by Academy Members, the National Advisory Council will ensure that all regions of Canada are fairly represented," said Academy CEO Helga Stephenson. "The scope of our new National Advisory Council reflects the Academy’s diversity of voices across the country and will be an integral part of our ongoing strategic planning as this organization continues its massive change," she added.

Members of the Academy’s new National Advisory Council are:

Chair – Martin Katz, President, Prospero Pictures (ON)
Rob Blackie, Partner, Take the Shot Productions (NL)
Trish Dolman, President and Producer, Screen Siren Pictures Inc. (BC)
Michael Donovan, Chairman and CEO, DHX Media Ltd. / Co-founder Halifax Film (NS)
J. Joly, CEO / Founder, dimeRocker/ Cinecoup (BC)
Phyllis Laing, President, Buffalo Gal Pictures Inc. (MB)
David Paperny, President, Paperny Entertainment (BC)
Charles Ohayon, Consultant, Opinion Libre Inc. (QC)
Anand Ramayya, Principal, Karma Film INC. (SK)
Denise Robert, President and Producer, Cinémaginaire Inc. (QC)
Jesse Wente, Head of Film Programmes, TIFF Bell Lightbox (ON)

Appointed by the ACCT Board, the National Advisory Council is effective immediately.

"We are very honoured and grateful these consummate professionals have joined the Academy’s new National Advisory Council at this historic moment in the evolution of the Academy,” said Martin Katz, who is Chair of the Academy and as indicated above will also serve as Chair of the new National Advisory Council. "We need their experience, passion and support to form the best Academy possible to reflect the enormous successes of Canada’s screen-based industries at home and around the world," said Katz.

Established in 1979, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television is a national, non-profit, professional association dedicated to the promotion, recognition and celebration of exceptional achievements in Canadian film, television and digital media.

"The Academy Board is looking forward to working with the new National Advisory Council as we continue to strive for the recognition of excellence for our Members and industry partners," said Katz.