The Rough Draft

The body of the following article is an email I received recently regarding how we can support Canadian film by attending screenings opening weekend to convince theater owners to hold the films over. While I agree somewhat with this sentiment as a ways to convince reticent distributors of Canadian product, I disagree that budget shortfalls in promotion are completely to blame. I use Quebec as an example because year after year they manage to get their films up for oscar Contention. They also manage very good worldwide sales and not just in French speaking countries. The reason for this in my opinion is that they tell compelling stories that are well developed and well excecuted.

The problem with too much of what is shot in English speaking Canada is that it is beholden to Government influence at the funding stage and that we do not treat our stories as product (which they are) but as art. We’re too sensitive now to offend or shock. Unlike the early days of the seventies when people like Cronenberg, and Rietman we’re trying to make genre films that would get bums in seats any way they could. We need to take back our creative drive and find the money from places that believe in the process and the product, to make film everybody will want to see, advertising blitz, two thousand screen openings aside.

All that said, this list can’t hurt, check it out in the read more section of the article.

Thanks,

Steve Abbott

“If you are a filmmaker, writer, producer, director, actor or simply a movie lover and are interested in seeing some good Canadian films, consider joining the First Weekend Club. As the name suggests, it is an organized network of people who pledge to support an independent film during its critical first weekend in the theatre. Our goal is to generate awareness and excitement about Canadian films and to build stronger audiences during opening weekend so that these films will stay in theatres longer. If this interests you, please read on and then send us an e-mail with “ADD TO FWC LIST SERVE” in the subject line. There is no cost to become a member other than purchasing a ticket to see the films we are promoting. I hope you will seriously consider joining. Collectively we can make a huge impact on the success of Canadian cinema and reach more people with our stories.”

The First Weekend Club

What is it? The FWC is an organized, grassroots marketing strategy to support a film^(1)s critical first weekend theatrical release. This concept was launched in Vancouver in February 2003 and has been very successful, now with over 2000 members who directly support the club^(1)s mandate. It originated in LA over ten years ago through the Black Hollywood Resource and Education Center, which has become massively successful with over 10,000 members.

How does it work? It^(1)s easy. Members are informed when and where a film is playing through a web site, email, or telephone call. Members attend the film, or at least purchase a ticket, and encourage others to do the same. Theatres are sold out for opening weekend.

Why is this important? The bottom line counts. Theatre owners will extend a film^(1)s release if the first weekend box office is strong. The problem most Canadian films face is that they typically do not have large marketing and advertising budgets. Consequently, few hear about these films, opening weekend box office sales are poor, and the film gets pulled from the theatre.

What does it cost to become a member? Membership to the FWC is free. The only cost is the purchase of the movie ticket.

To learn more about the First Weekend Club visit http://www.firstweekendclub.ca This national resource posts schedules of Canadian films opening across the country, and includes film synopsis’, lists of key cast and crew, and trailers, if available. Visit our membership page for contact information of the FWC chapter in your area. Currently, the First Weekend Club has chapters operating in Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton, Toronto and Halifax, with head office in Vancouver. If you are interested in starting a chapter in your region, contact Anita Adams at 604-988-3923, or by e-mail at anita@alibiunplugged.com.

And remember, the First Weekend Club is all about filling theatre seats on opening weekend so we can help keep good Canadian films in theatres longer. So please become a member, spread the word, your friends will love it!

See you at the movies!

Anita Adams
President
First Weekend Club

To join the email list for the Toronto chapter send an email to filmclub@thismagazine.ca with ADD TO FWC LIST SERVE in the subject line.