WHERE TO GET HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY
In the dynamic landscape of the entertainment industry, the need for practical guidance is as paramount as creative prowess. This panel delves into the crucial resources available for producers, writers, and creators, providing a roadmap for tackling practical challenges. From unravelling the intricacies of licensing to discovering valuable research support, our experienced panellists will share not only where to find help but also how to cultivate a resilient network. Join us for an engaging session that goes beyond creative discussions, empowering you with actionable insights for a thriving career in entertainment.
MODERATOR
Tara Taylor - Playwright, Filmmaker, Multimedia Artist, Actress
(East Preston, NS; LightHouse GO Mgr; Festival Director - Emerging Lens Cultural Film Festival; CBC Cultural Columnist; Women in Film & Television – Atlantic board member; 2021 Winner - ANSMA Industry Development Award; playwright, filmmaker, multimedia artist, actress)
SPEAKERS:
Bradley Au - Branch Representative at ACTRA Maritimes
Bradley is the Branch Representative at ACTRA Maritimes. Bradley has worked in legal and labour relations roles at various levels of government, most recently as the senior officer at the Nova Scotia Labour Board. Bradley is excited to combine his work experience with his interest in the film industry, and to work with performers and filmmakers everyday in his job at ACTRA.
Francine Deschepper - Manager of membership services and operations at DGC Maritimes
Francine has worked in the Nova Scotia screen industry for 28 years as a professional performer and is a Past President and National Councillor of ACTRA Maritimes. Francine is the current manager of membership services and operations at DGC Maritimes, where she oversees the Permittee Program, training, and crew development, and is the staff liaison for DGC Maritimes' Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Committee.
Desirée Couture Casimir - Co-Chair for DEI at IATSE Union
She is a seasoned professional in the film and television industry, has been immersed in the world of Costuming, Buying, and supervising since 2014, making her mark in both Canada and the USA while being a part of the Motion Picture Tec Union IATSE. Her passion for fashion ignited at the age of 12 growing up in a Trinidadian household in Canada, is where she began styling her parents for events. After a decade in the financial industry, Desirée's life took a turn after an accident, leading her back to her true calling in the fashion industry. Founding Couture Images, she intertwines her lifelong fashion expertise with image therapy to empower individuals, enhancing their mental health and self-esteem, whether its picking out garments that properly compliment black actors or actress' body type or choosing a suit for the boardroom for a corporate client ultimately aiding her clients in achieving their goals with confidence. In 2022, Desirée was appointed Co-chair for DEI at IATSE union as well as being part of the DEI committee for Actra and Screen Nova Scotia, dedicated to fostering opportunities for individuals from marginalized backgrounds in the film and television industry. In 2023, she was chosen as a mentor for WIFT-AT (Women In Film and Television Atlantic), taking her role seriously due to her fervent desire to assist individuals in presenting their best selves, in life. Desirée remains humble yet impactful, dedicated to using her actions to uplift others as she continues to pursue her passion for helping people to put their best foot forward.
