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ArkGibson OP t1_ivvhu84 wrote

Reply to comment by RamsesThePigeon in Alex Gibson - Assistant Director and Background Coordinator - Anything you want to know about the film industry I am happy to share with you. by ArkGibson

Hey Ramses,

Welcome to Vancouver!

  1. Most of the productions I've worked on tend to be written by Americans, and then shot in Canada. Canada offers a major tax credit to companies that utilize our crew but there are strict guidelines required to be eligible for this.
    It is called the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC). You can google it for a longer list that explains it in detail,
  2. A big difference between American and Canadian productions is the behavior of the assistant directors. We can always tell when a Director or AD happens to be from the DGA and not the DGC (Directors Guild of America/Canada). The other is the significant number of Canadians required by the production to be either above the line positions (Director, Producer, etc) and then almost entirely Canadian Crew.
    In terms of productions made solely for Canadian distribution I have not worked on any of those, and all my shows have been global releases, some received better than others. (See: The Stand vs Yellow Jackets or Lost in Space S3).
  3. A good source that I've had several people tell me about is Stage 32 - online network for writers and script supervisors.

I hope any of this helps! Networking is huge, and sadly a major part of the industry, but going to film screenings and Stage 32 may be a start. Cheers !

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eekamuse t1_ivyexgh wrote

What's the big difference between Canadian and American ADs?

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ArkGibson OP t1_ivyiijx wrote

For us - and maybe in Canada we’re just super soft and squishy as a people … but the way they treat crew typically. There’s also film jargon they’ll use that throws us through a loop (circus - Canada / base camp - America).

This isn’t a blanket truth though as I’ve worked with many absolute garbage humans as assistant directors who are Canadian and shouldn’t be in the industry.

But while working with James Gunn on Peacemaker we had Lars Winther (marvel 1st AD). Two big Hollywood Americans, and their style of things while I won’t say bad was definitely different than what I’d experienced previously. Gruff, blunt, and enjoyed strong language lol. Generally it’s a different vibe they give off - but as I said I’ve met some Canadian ADs who you just want to toss out an airlock.

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