NOMFA 2010: Part Two - The Highlights

We received quick directions to a lounge upstairs where the pre-ceremony wine and cheese was scheduled to take place. Maybe it was because we were all ready feeling a little outgunned, but we decided to take an alternate entrance through a corridor lined with carrels and chairs that looked like it had been set up to fend off a zombie onslaught. Eventually we made it in and were able to meet some of the other nominees (and reunite with Kevin and Darlene). I started with Kris Ketonen and Ryan La Via, two of the writing nominees, and promptly called Kris ‘Ryan’ because I was trying to remember Ryan’s name as he wanted us to submit The Lake to a festival in Thunder Bay – sorry again Kris). Eventually, we were given the heads up that it was show time and the nominees made their way back downstairs for the awards ceremony.

My parents were good enough to save eight seats and we settled in for the ceremony, the nerves on full alert. There were 24 presentations and performances throughout the ceremony and we were slotted in at 4 (editing) and 8 (cinematography), so at least we would not have to wait long to get it over with. The rest of the evening proceeded in a series of highlights, so I will present them as such, starting with the first pleasant surprise:

We lost editing to Ben Bruhmuller’s stop motion award sweeper Vs., but won best cinematography and Pat went up to deliver a nice speech that opened along the lines of: “For those of you that I met last night, well I felt like puking then so you can imagine how this feels”. He went on to say what an honour it was, and to thank Kevin for directing and editing the piece, and Mike for writing such a great story. There was a secondary woo from the far side of the room at the mention of my name. Thank you.

Meeting former DGC President Alan Goluboff following the awards and having a great chat, up until he took a call about an impending birth in the family and I had to make my way over to a frantically motioning and hollering Kevin and Pat who…

…wanted to introduce me to Paul Stephens, who it turns out thought we had managed to secure Liev Schreiber for The Lake. That would be me. I have to say, that’s is a much better compliment than Will Ferrell, although when I mentioned that was the usually reaction, I got some good laughs.

The Nominees and VIP after party at Respect is Burning a unique and fun place where we had a chance to catch up and meet the other nominees (and indulge in a few too many drinks all around). As a writer/filmmaker/actor, it was great to be able to discuss how we do what we do with other people who are doing it (in many cases with more success and funding behind them as well), and also to discuss the similarities between the different forms of art with the incredibly talented musicians in attendance.

Special shout out to Faye Blais who made Jaymee’s night by giving her a CD, and who made mine by telling me how she and her friend had pointed me out earlier in the day as “that guy from The Lake”. It was a somewhat surreal experience to be noticed in that capacity.

To check out some of the nominees and winners, click the respective links:

Faye Blais Best Vocal Performance on a Recording (Canvas); Suzana Da Câmara Best Album by a duo or Group (Proof of Love), Best Songwriter Mike Dell, Randall Savoy & Suzana Da Camara (Il n'y a qu'un homme); Kalle Mattson nominees Best Album by a Duo or Group, Best Songwriter Kalle Wainio (A to Z); Cindy Doire Best Album by a Solo Artist (Chapeau de Pluie); Sarah Craig nominee Best Album by a Solo Artist (and winner last year for Best Songwriter), Larry Berrio nominee Best Vocal Performance on a Recording (Rocktown); .

It was another memorable event this year, and we were very excited to be able to take part in all the festivities and to connect with so many talented people. The north truly is a breeding ground for talented, artistic, and uniquely focussed individuals. Next year, I plan to take in the full event. Also, for those who are wondering how things are coming along with our current and future productions, here is a little something to get you excited. It's just a tease mind you: