We all enjoy a night out checking out the latest movies on the big screens, right? What we don’t often think about are the people behind the scenes..behind the actors, directors and producers. It’s not always about the glitz and the glamour.
Canada is filled with talented industry people who literally go from job to hopefully job. It’s a competitive industry. I have family members who are in the film and television industry who are involved in continuity, directing assisting, editing, best boys, gaffers etc. They will tell you that sometimes weeks and months that go by without jobs because of limited work, injury or they have fallen on hard times. But like you and I, they have families to support,bills to pay, and little mouths to feed.
The Canadian Picture Pioneers is a national organization that is dedicated to the support and well-being of the members of the motion picture industry in Canada. Founded by a group of 19 prominent members of the industry they attract members from all levels of the industry from marketing types right to on set production people. The group hold social events to provide opportunities to raise awareness, network, socialize and fundraise in support to members in need. The Pioneers Trust Fund frequently helps offset costs for those in need and often by young widows with children.
The annual Pioneers Palooza is a fundraising event geared towards attracting a younger social crowd. This year’s event was held at the TIME nightclub bringing together the motion picture industry and influencers to support and raise awareness of the organizations endeavours. All the major film houses like Paramount, Mongrel Media, Warner Bros, and Disney supported the event and Cineplex was the major sponsor.
“Events are spaced out throughout the year and we try to do this one when it there’s some downtime for the movie studios. The purpose of this particular event is to raise awareness with the younger demographic in the film business. It’s about helping those in the industry in Canada -for those who have fallen in hard times who need financial relief,” says Darren Stokes, General Manager and Vice President of MIJO and member of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Picture Pioneers.
“This event was spawned at the Chateau Whistler about 9 years ago over drinks. We wanted to do something to bring more awareness to the needs in this industry and give an opportunity for members to network especially for the younger set without necessarily spending $150 for a dinner, but in a more casual environment.” says Danish Vahidy, Director of Marketing at Mongrel Media and member of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Picture Pioneers.
The Pioneer Palooza events have helped raised over $100,000 for the Canadian Picture
Pioneers Trust Fund.
For more information a please visit their national website at www.canadianpicturepioneers.ca