AS: What has been one of the most successful things to come out of the ‘Celluloid Social Club’? 

PA: People often tell me that they met someone that they then made a film with, or they were able to crew up a film successfully as a result of Celluloid Social Club. One musician was even nominated for a Genie Award as a result of meeting Anne Wheeler at the CSC and going on to contribute some songs to her film. Those songs went on to be nominated for a Genie Award. I felt great about that.

In addition, sometimes my venue is the only place where some films have been seen and it has been the location for the premiere of some high-profile films, such as some of Bruce McDonald’s films. We also screened Andrew Loog Oldham's 'Charlie Is My Darling' featuring the Rolling Stones at the CSC before it was seen anywhere else in Vancouver. Based on the success of the screening Andrew decided to start screening it around the world. We have also had other high profile people in the industry attend the CSC such as Robin Williams, Moses Znaimer and Gary Busey. 

Tell me about the wildly popular 'Bloodshots Horror Film Contest'. How are you and the Celluloid Social Club involved? 

This is the 2nd annual screening that I’ll be hosting for the Bloodshots Canada 48-Hour Horror Filmmaking Challenge, which takes place in the US and Canada. The winners from Vancouver then go on to be judged by Joe Dante, a top Hollywood horror director of the 'The Howling' and 'Gremlins' fame. The contest and screening is timed appropriately, of course, for Halloween.

18 teams have 48 hours to make a short horror film. Some of the celebrity judges this year include Zach Lipovsky from Fox’s 'On The Lot' and director Damon Vignale, who has directed a number of horror films. There are not many film competitions left in Vancouver - no more 48 or 24 hour film contests. This is a chance to pick up the slack and give people a chance to exercise their filmmaking abilities.

The screening will be held at 8:00 PM Wednesday, October 24th at the ANZA Club, #3 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver. Doors 7:30 PM. Tickets $5 at the door. www.celluloidsocialclub.com

What made you get into film?  

I went to university in England where I got involved in theatre. I came back to Vancouver but it was difficult to make a living just in theatre, so I expanded into film and television. Ever since then I’ve produced film, television and theatre. One of the earlier things I did in television was produce 'Daytime'  which is now known as 'Urban Rush' with Mike and Fiona. Around that time I also started producing theatre. Since then I’ve produced around 17 plays and am currently involved with the 'Lyric Stage Project' which presents both classic plays and original plays.

After 'Daytime' I started producing short films and features. Shorts include 'Mon Amour Mon Parapluie', which is the first full producer credit I received on a film and 'Break a Leg Rosie', directed by Tara Hungerford. Features I've produced include 'Moving Malcolm', directed by Benjamin Ratner and starring Ratner and Elizabeth Berkley (Showgirls). I also co-produced 'Ill Fated', directed by Mark Lewis, starring Peter Outerbridge and executive produced 'See Grace Fly' directed by Pete McCormack, starring Gina Chiarelli and Paul McGillion. All three were give strong First Weekend Club support when released theatrically.

Are you working on anything now, film wise?

I am currently working on a feature documentary about the 1960’s with Karl Ferris directed by Tony Papa. I’ve also produced a number of music videos including Jeff Martin from the Tea Party, Jim Byrnes and Bif Naked. 

Where do you hope to see Canadian film go? 

I’d like to see it have more presence on the international stage. Just as other countries like Australia and the UK have a strong film presence and international identity for their industry, I’d like to see Canada achieve that as well. 

What about locally, within Canada?

I’d like to see people go to more Canadian films. I think we have to give them a chance because I think people will be pleasantly surprised. When people I know do go see them, they always say they wish they’d been going to more Canadian films because they get more out of them. They are richer and speak to them more. 

What is your personal ultimate goal in the Film Industry? 

My ultimate goal is to continue to produce films, both dramas and documentaries, but also to get more creatively involved, as I am doing with a documentary at present.

For more information on Celluloid Social Club, visit: www.celluloidsocialclub.com or email Paul at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it