Maryna Petrenko

Before you interview your staff on camera, always interview them OFF camera first.  We call this the ‘pre-interview’ and it’s essential. Do it on Zoom, record the meeting, and ask your prepared questions. Then get it transcribed. You’ll find that some of your questions are dead-ends, while others bring up things that you’d rather not mention in a video. BUT, you’ll also get some amazing answers and insights that are useful even beyond the video. Which is why I recommend that EVERYONE tries this technique — whether you’re making a video or not. Here are some ideas for questions to get the ball rolling: 1. Imagine you’re at a party and someone asks you where you work. What do you say? 2. Apart from making a profit, why does COMPANY exist? 3. What’s 1 thing you think COMPANY does especially well? 4. What’s something that people don’t realize or understand about COMPANY that you wish they did? 5. If you were to describe COMPANY’s culture in one word, what would it be and why? (Trust me, once you do the pre-interview, you’re going to rewrite most or all your questions now that you’ve seen what works and what doesn’t for each particular person.) And if you’re thinking, ‘don’t waste all the good answers on a Zoom call, save it for the video shoot!” — I hear you. There’s always that risk. But 9 times out of 10, it’s better for people to practice what they want to say in a low-stress environment and come to the actual shoot relaxed and prepared, having already done this before. Have you ever done an interview shoot? And if so, did you try this technique first? Thanks to Kyle Biller and Culture Media House for having me on their podcast to talk about this and other stuff! Full episode is dropping soon. 

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What’s Your Role in the Story? Every great story needs a hero. Not just the one on screen, but the one who steps up to make the story possible. The Quiet Canadians is more than a film—it’s a bold, independent project that refuses to settle for cookie-cutter storytelling. It’s about passion, grit, and a belief in the power of cinema to move us. Thanks to From the Heart Productions, supporting this film isn’t just generous—it’s strategic. Their fiscal sponsorship turns your contribution into a tax-deductible investment in something meaningful. Why? Because when you back this project, you’re helping more than a film—you’re fueling a vision. Here’s your chance to make a difference. To be part of something that doesn’t come from a corporate greenlight but from human creativity and drive. Visit https://lnkd.in/g4cmB9yi today. Your support means this story gets told. The world needs more independent voices. Will you be one of them? #TheQuietCanadians #SupportIndieFilm #TellTheStory #MakeItMatter

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Transform Your Vision with 24 Media Productions - International! 🎬 Are you in Canada and looking for a team that can seamlessly blend technical expertise, creative vision, and top-tier management to bring your animation projects to life? Look no further! With over two decades of industry experience and a portfolio that speaks for itself, 24 Media Productions - International is your go-to partner for elevating your productions to new heights. 🚀 Why Choose 24 Media Productions? ✅ Proven Track Record: With over 500 successful projects under our belt, we deeply understand client requirements and consistently deliver projects that surpass expectations. ✅ Technical & Creative Mastery: From intricate planning and budgeting to leading diverse technical and creative teams, we guarantee seamless execution and stunning results every time. ✅ Versatile Expertise: Our proficiency spans business development, technical operations, creative design, and comprehensive management. We adapt to any role to drive your success. ✅ High-Profile Projects: We have extensive experience with a wide array of clients, conditions, and locations. No matter the size or complexity, we handle every project with the utmost professionalism and care. 🌟 Highlighted Work: Dive into our latest showreel and witness the exceptional quality and precision our team brings to each animation project. See why we're trusted by clients across continents. 🎥 Enhance Your Brand Value: Amplify your brand’s value and connect with your potential customers through professionally crafted animation videos tailored to your unique needs. 💡 Exceptional and Economical Budgets: Create your content with an exceptional and economical budget, giving you more value for your investments in marketing and sales. 📈 Exciting New Services: Get ready for the launch of additional video production services soon, designed to meet all your media needs.  Stay tuned for more innovative solutions from 24 Media Productions - International. Transform your vision into reality with our seasoned professionals who guarantee excellence. Connect with us today and take the first step towards unforgettable media experiences. Let’s create something amazing together!

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More to follow.

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Increase the time visitors spend on your site by incorporating engaging videos. Video content not only captivates but keeps audiences coming back for more. Add videos to your site now! 🌐 https://yourreelstory.ca/ 📧 [email protected] #yourreelstoryproductions8979 #Musicians #Cinematographers #MotionGraphics #Compositing #Audioengineer #SpecialEffects #CreativeContent #ProfessionalVideos #BusinessGrowth #Storytelling #VideoMarketing #ReachMorePeople #AudioProduction #VideoProduction

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Is Canadian Film an Untapped Opportunity? When investors consider the film industry, their thoughts often gravitate toward Hollywood blockbusters or European indie darlings. But what if there’s a thriving, under-the-radar market much closer to home? Canadian films offer a unique blend of cultural depth, financial incentives, and growing global appeal, making them a compelling and often-overlooked investment opportunity. What Makes Canadian Films Stand Out? Canada’s reputation for diversity, innovation, and authenticity shines through in its storytelling. Canadian films often explore universal themes with a fresh perspective, balancing cultural specificity with global resonance. Take thrillers, for instance—a genre known for consistent audience appeal. Canadian productions have embraced this format, combining high production values with efficient budgets to deliver compelling narratives. Films like The Quiet Canadians, a spy thriller rooted in Canada’s historical and cultural identity, highlight how these projects can stand out in a crowded marketplace. Why Investors Should Look North One of the most attractive aspects of investing in Canadian film is the country’s robust financial ecosystem. Programs such as the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC) and various provincial incentives allow filmmakers to reduce costs significantly. These financial structures lower the risk for investors while ensuring projects can maintain high production standards. Additionally, Canada’s supportive environment for the arts means that film investments often come with built-in advantages, like access to government funding and tax-efficient structures, that are difficult to replicate elsewhere. The Global Demand for Canadian Stories Canadian films are finding more global opportunities than ever before, thanks to streaming platforms. These stories, blending unique perspectives with universal appeal, are resonating with international audiences and creating new revenue streams. For investors, this translates into greater exposure, diverse distribution opportunities, and long-term financial benefits. The expanding appetite for Canadian stories positions the country as an underutilized yet powerful player in the global entertainment industry. More Than Returns: Cultural Legacy Matters Investing in Canadian films isn’t just about financial gain. It’s also a chance to play a vital role in preserving and amplifying cultural narratives. Investors can contribute to bringing powerful stories to life, leaving a legacy that goes beyond numbers. Aligning with Canadian filmmakers also reflects values like diversity, inclusion, and creativity—principles that resonate strongly with today’s audiences and businesses.

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Yesterday, I did some work and opened up a 1-on-1 consultation (one session) is aimed at people who need guidance to start their AI filmmaking journey or are facing challenges with AI projects, whether for clients or personal work www.lonelion.ca #aimasterclass #aiworkflow

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I had the amazing opportunity to attend the just concluded Reelworld Screen Institute Summit 2024 where critical discussions took place about the evolving landscape of film and television in Canada. For anyone who wishes to attend the festival, it continues online from today. Buy passes here: https://lnkd.in/eZWkggrh One of my key takeaways was the unique set of challenges Canada faces, particularly being so close to the U.S., where the dominance of Hollywood can overshadow local content creation. A lack of private interest in funding Canadian content compounds these difficulties, leaving creators fighting over insufficient resources. The lack of diversity also remains a hot-button topic, but more than that, it continues to be a massive barrier to entry for BIPOC filmmakers and executives. We still have a long way to go to see true representation on and off-screen. There’s a huge need for bridging the gap between the powerful stories coming from racialized communities and the infrastructure needed to make these films and businesses sustainable. Without proper resources and support, these stories will struggle to reach the audiences they deserve. It will take time, vision, and the dedication of dogged pioneers to bring this to fruition—qualities we embody at Snag! We're incredibly excited for the future and deeply believe in the power of these stories by and featuring Black and African creators. We’re not standing on the sidelines—we’re doing our part to pave a path forward to the day when Black and African cinema becomes mainstream, fully embedded in Canada’s culture and industry. #DiversityInFilm #BIPOCCreators #CanadianCinema #BlackCanadianCinema #ReelworldSummit2024

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The new music video Quebec Glitter by my AI made music band "Vlad and Vostoks" 😀 Everything is #aigenerated using Midjourney and Runway. The faceswaps are using AKOOL, the music is generated using #Udio and soundFX by #MyEdit. Edited on Adobe Premiere Pro - Tips, Tricks, & Tutorials 🤘 Enjoy 🌟 #Midjourney #RunwayML #AIart #AI

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Here's a roundup of all the research we've published this week: 🇨🇦 Canada: A platform-funded lifeline for broadcasters The Government of Canada's moves to revive the domestic broadcast industry are part of its broader efforts to support a financially-stressed news and media sector 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eT5-UfXn 💪 Regulating the #resilience of communications #platforms Though outages to popular #apps like KakaoTalk are increasingly disruptive, few #regulators have so far enacted #policies to improve platform resilience 🔗 https://lnkd.in/esWQQJzX 💻 A new market structure for #broadband in Italy The sale of TIM's fixed-line infrastructure is not expected to affect #competition at the #wholesale level, but the Government will be watching developments closely 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eJwggrMi 💼 Event debrief: #AI Fringe Seoul Summit Panellists questioned the long-term aims of the international AI summit series while encouraging participants to consider the future direction of the UK’s own #tech policy 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eHWT4zvQ 📶 Spectrum Tracker Updated to include the second award of 26-28GHz spectrum in Hong Kong 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e5ey8Tgj 🤖 AI Tracker Updated to include the introduction of AI safety #legislation in Chile and Mexico 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eNAtE97j ♻ ESG Tracker Updated to include France’s policy framework for the ecodesign of #digital services 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e-PBkE7u 📱Platforms and #BigTech Tracker Updated to include the launch of an #antitrust investigation into Apple in Turkey and new digital markets #regulation in China 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eS8h6-SN

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I’ve learned the past few months that “development” on an independent film project is about creating value and adding assets. What are assets? Screenplay, IP rights, Cast, leadership teams, financing, relationships, those are all assets. Every day we are working on increasing the value of The Quiet Canadians assets. There is a compounding effect of that work, even though it can sometimes seem like a small piece of the pie. But The Quiet Canadians has more value today than it did yesterday. It has financial value, sponsorship value, and cast value. And that gets bigger every day. Https://quietcanadiansmovie.com

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Strut is honoured to work with Music Publishers Canada on its Women in the Studio Program, which supports the career development of talented non-male producer-songwriters. The program provides workshops, skills development and networking opportunities with industry leaders that might otherwise be inaccessible. Recently six producer songwriters from across Canada were announced as participants in the 2024 Women in the studio cohort. According to a 2023 USC Annenberg study across a sample of 1200 top songs between 2012-2023, there were only 6.5% female producers. Though that percentage has increased over the past several years, there is still a RATIO OF 30 TO 1 MEN TO WOMEN PRODUCERS across top songs. Though this is a US study, there are similar trends globally, and it’s important for the industry to continue to push for change, which is why we’re excited to collaborate with Music Publishers Canada and support the Women in the Studio Program! Music Publishers Canada’s CEO Margaret McGuffin and 2024 Women in the Studio participant, Alysha Brilla chatted with our friends at CP24 Breakfast about Women in the Studio. Check out the interview: https://loom.ly/jDKJJZM

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A movie pitch deck is an essential tool that visually communicates your film’s vision, storyline, and potential to investors, sponsors, and collaborators. Alongside your screenplay, it represents one of your project’s first assets—your "Minimum Viable Product." A well-crafted pitch deck includes key elements such as: Logline & Synopsis: A brief and compelling summary of your film's story. Character Descriptions: Insight into the main characters and their arcs. Director's Vision: A personal note from the director about the creative inspiration and direction. Visual References: Mood boards, concept art, or stills to convey the film's look and feel. Market Analysis: Information about the target audience and potential market reach. Budget Overview: A transparent breakdown of the financial requirements and funding strategy. Team Bios: Highlighting the talents of the cast and crew involved. This pitch deck is designed for private investors, distributors, sponsors, and even potential cast and key crew, making it a tool to rally support and build excitement. Curious to see what our pitch deck looks like? Get an exclusive peek behind the scenes of our upcoming feature film, 'The Quiet Canadians.' Sign up for our email list to receive a copy of our Creative Pitch Deck and join our community! Join our email list now to follow the journey of making a Canadian spy thriller: https://lnkd.in/gt_YZtWg #IndieFilm #Filmmaking #MoviePitchDeck #BehindTheScenes #TheQuietCanadians #FilmCommunity

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We are creating a new YouTube series on the development of The Quiet Canadians. What question(s) do you have, related to the development and making of the movie, that we could potentially answer?

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CBC Saskatchewan has launched a FAST (free ad-supported TV) channel! Available online, on CBC Gem (under the Live TV tab) and streaming providers, this 24-7 channel is a highlights reel of today's news and our top storytelling. https://lnkd.in/exzk99Kr Getting this channel up and running has been a refocusing of our work on video storytelling. That means you'll also see many more videos on our website. I'm curious: Do you like consuming news in video format? If so, what kinds of stories? Are there any video formats (raw footage, interviews, traditional TV reports, mini features, explainers...) you enjoy most? What would you like to see more of and what could we be doing better?

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This unfortunate development within the Canadian Animation industry could be signs of what is to come next. When we brought our 20 million dollar PBS kids production to Nova Scotia, I had spent more than a year developing a plan to shuttle some of those funds to the local colleges and identity art schools there to establish animation production training courses there, to ensure that the animation talent infrastructure and ecosystem is bolstered with our money, and expertise. This was a vital part in my decision to go there, given of course the fact we had no choice other than to work with a third party studio in Canada.(We had absolutely no option to produce the series on American soil, so, establishing a healthy Animation infrastructure in NS was key, if the production is successful) With the hijacking of the series and the abandonment of our prior promises,plans and agreements- the plan was shelved. Now, given this sad development today, I do not see how the Canadian Animation industry grows beyond this, but when the government props up a private industry by picking winners and losers with the publics tax dollars in ANY country, the free market dies. I hope this is not as bad as it is looking.

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