The third Avonlea Convention–AvCon 2007–was held last weekend in Toronto.
Friday, July 27: Nearly 50 fans took part in a filming sights tour that included the Sullivan Entertainment backlot, the harbourfront, the Distillery District, and Spadina House.
Saturday, July 28: Fans gathered at Black Creek Pioneer Village to hear our various guests speak. This year, the Convention welcomed author Kevin McCabe (author/compiler of The L.M. Montgomery Album as well as another one regarding her poetry); composer John Welsman; and cast members Ian Clark (Simon Tremayne), Michael Mahonen (Gus Pike), and James O’Regan (Constable Jeffries). They were also able to screen a DVD featuring some of the various dance sequences from throughout the series.
Sunday, July 29: The Convention moved downtown to the Royal Ontario Museum. In the morning was the charity auction, where $4700 was raised for the ROM, which was the selected beneficiary for the year. The afternoon was emceed by Mag Ruffman (Olivia King/Dale) and Kevin Sullivan–the latter discussing various aspects of making the series. For example, the third season episode, “A Dark and Stormy Night” was meant to be a parody of 19th century melodrama. Also in the afternoon, fans got to see a DVD of series outtakes.
In words and pictures…
Corey’s Flickr set
Bobby’s Flickr set
Toronto Star
A more detailed report by Sonya (PDF file; hosted at Avonlea.hu)
avonleaconvention.org
The deadline for auditioning for the role of Anne in Sullivan’s forthcoming prequel movie has been extended to July 27.
To date, 92 audition videos have been added to the Screentest group at Youtube. It is unknown how many have been sent in to Sullivan’s office directly.
Burnaby News Leader
It’s been a week into the search for a new Anne for Kevin Sullivan’s prequel, and — so far — no one seems to be biting, according to the Toronto Star. Online auditions must be uploaded to YouTube by July 20. The favourites — which will be selected by fans — will then be screentested in one of seven Canadian cities (including Toronto), with filming to begin in September, in time for a Spring 2008 release.
Toronto Star
Kevin Sullivan has now formally announced that there will be a fourth Anne movie. Subtitled A New Beginning, it will be a self-written prequel, delving into Anne’s life before moving to Green Gables. This is to be done, in part, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the publication of Anne of Green Gables.
Now, he will need to find a new Anne. A casting call has gone up on YouTube; and there will also be a cross-Canada talent search in seven cities, to be conducted by casting director John Bucan (recent casting credits include Sarah Polley’s film Away from Her). Specifically, they are looking for girls between the ages of ten and twelve, inclusive. Candidates must submit a two-minute video to the Screentest group at YouTube; or they mail an audition tape directly to Sullivan Entertainment at the following address…
Sullivan Entertainment
Attention: The Next Anne Shirley
110 Davenport Road
Toronto, ON
M5R 3R3
Candidates may use material from the novel Anne of Green Gables or the first miniseries. Audition videos must be received no later than July 20. Tapes will not be returned to the auditioners; and only those who are contacted will receive a live audition.
Official press release
YouTube Group: Screentest
Announcement topic at Anne3.com
ACTRA and the CFTPA have reached yet another new deal–one that should make the Hollywood studioheads happier.
This new deal provides a way out of the new terms laid out for payment for new media. After New Year’s Day, 2009, the actors and producers will revisit and renegotiate on this issue.
Post-strike, Toronto has lost up to $400 million in production revenue. It may take a while for things to bounce back. Those represening both sides are just happy that the strike is over, and that everyone can return to work.
Toronto Star/Canadian Press
Playback Daily
