For those interested in being an actor or performer, working behind the scenes or providing services for the film industry.  ‘Making Drumheller film friendly!’ free all-ages speaker panel.   7 pm, Thur., Feb. 16th, Canadian Legion, 295 Centre st., Drumheller.   Speakers: Jolayne Motiuk (Calgary Film Commission), Tina Alford (ACTRA/CSIF), Damian Petti (IATSE INT’L) and other special guests…  Drumheller, Alberta, Canada: Matthew Todd Paproski, the President of Starland Studios, says “we are happy to present a free initial public information session oriented to educating residents on ‘Making Drumheller Film Friendly’ and work opportunities in the booming media industries.    We based Starland Studios in Drumheller because it is one of the top film locations in Canada and to provide infrastructure, technical expertise and a pool of talent for producers coming here. To get things rolling, we have invited high-level contacts to speak to the Badlands community”.   Jolayne Motiuk (Calgary Film Commission Representative), will discuss how the building of a new state-of-the-art Calgary Film Centre and advent of new government initiatives geared for the digital media and tourism industries make it good timing for Drumheller to position itself in the market. Drumheller has unique world-class topography and may also double for many places.  Tina Alford (Branch Representative, ACTRA Alberta; President, Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers) will share information on how to be a professional actor, stunt person or filmmaker. Keeping in mind the levels range from no and low budget to medium and big budget, she assists talent in getting jobs, training, agents and casting, as well as filmmakers seeking qualified talent.  Damian Petti (President IATSE Local 212 Calgary; Int’l Vice-President IATSE Canada) will reveal that it looks like an exciting year for communities with good highways near Calgary as union studio zones were recently extended further from city limits. It now makes more economic sense and is safer to go to locations like Drumheller, by commuting or staying at local lodgings. (IATSE is huge global union representing large percentage of vital technical jobs on and off set)  Paproski says “With the ongoing volatility of our resource-based economy, it is more important than ever to now learn new vocations and work with businesses in entertainment and technology, whether performing, doing work behind camera ranging from artist or technician to carpenter or truck driver, or off set providing services related to locations, accommodations or restaurants.”  “Not only may film production result in millions for a community like the Town of Beiseker now hosting the filming of Fargo, Season Three, starring Ewan McGregor, it also has a direct positive effect on tourism. It lures visitors to locations like the Badlands and provides even more jobs. The Lord of the Rings increased visitors to New Zealand by 50% and triggered a multi-billion-dollar economy and now growth in the British Columbia film industry is reflecting a similar situation.”  Paproski has been a military officer, firefighter, actor, journalist, filmmaker and entrepreneur. Now based in Drumheller, Alberta, he operates Starland Studios, producing its own projects and providing media services for clients, and Construction Productions, a commercial contractor.  For Info: Phone: (403)334-2530, Email: office@starlandstudios.com , Facebook page: Starland Studios