Latest news with #Dalman
Vancouver Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Hollywood North's first union approved vertical series in the works
The union representing actors in B.C. has signed its first deal with a vertical series production. Designed to be watched on your phone, verticals are feature film-length stories typically broken down into 70 to 150 episodes of 60 to 90 seconds each. Until this agreement was struck between the UBCP/ACTRA union and Vancouver's Service Street Pictures for its upcoming production of Night's Embrace: Crimson Vows, verticals had been strictly non-union. 'I've cried at least five times today. This is such an important step forward for our industry, and I'm beyond grateful,' said Monika Dalman, casting director and co-founder of the Vertical Film and Short Series Alliance (VFSSA) in a statement. ' UBCP/ACTRA has been an absolute dream to work with … They have truly gone above and beyond to keep actors working and to support the growth of vertical production.' The VFSSA is a community-led industry collective dedicated to 'professionalizing and elevating the vertical format.' 'We understood from the beginning that even with the eventual creation of a vertical union agreement, there would always be non-union vertical productions — that's simply the nature of the beast,' said Dalman in an email to Postmedia. 'Our goal was to create a framework where clear protections and expectations could exist for cast and crew, regardless of union status. We wanted to be able to help people even if they weren't qualified to join a union yet.' Get top headlines and gossip from the world of celebrity and entertainment. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sun Spots will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. While UBCP/ACTRA members cannot work on non-union productions, the local Directors Guild and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees have allowed members to work on verticals. 'For actors, it opens the door to union vertical work with established minimum fees, insurance and retirement benefits, protections for children, work involving stunts or intimate scenes. For producers and platforms, it establishes a scalable framework, that protects performers tailored to the unique demands of vertical storytelling, offering global usage rights for a defined three-year period,' said the VFSSA statement. The B.C. actor's union acknowledges the growth of the vertical industry and sees this agreement as opening a 'new path of work' for its members, many who have been struggling as the television and film industry around the globe has contracted. Some estimates peg the current industry numbers as being off by 25 per cent. According to Keith Martin Gordey, president of UBCP/ACTRA and vice-president of ACTRA national, the 'pilot agreement' represents a growth opportunity for B.C.'s film and television industry. 'As the industry evolves and exciting new opportunities to tell stories emerge, UBCP/ACTRA is alongside industry to ensure that our members are able to deliver their talent and professionalism to create great productions on safe sets,' said Gordey. Verticals have been criticized by some within the industry for the lack of industry standards. Dalman says that 'in-theory' agencies like WorkSafeBC, Employment Standards, and the federal government of Canada should already be paying attention to what's happening on these sets, but often, oversight 'falls short.' 'A unionized set adds an extra layer of accountability that helps protect everyone involved,' said Dalman. 'It's not just the actors who need protecting — it's every human being on that set, whether they're in front of the camera or behind it. Everyone deserves to work in a safe, fair and respectful environment.' Started in China about seven years ago, verticals began to catch on in North America during the post-pandemic shift away from TV screens and home computers to phones as people began to commute and travel again. The content is watched using apps such as ReelShort, FlickReels, DramaBox and GoodShort. Each platform usually offers between 10-20 free, cliffhanger-packed, episodes to pull the viewer in. After that, it costs between US$20 to US$40 to continue to view. Right now in Hollywood North, around 20 verticals are being shot a month with budgets usually running from US$120,000 to US$200,000. Verticals tend to average around eight days of filming. Dgee@
Calgary Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
Hollywood North's first union approved vertical series in the works
Article content The union representing actors in B.C. has signed its first deal with a vertical series production. Designed to be watched on your phone, verticals are feature film-length stories typically broken down into 70 to 150 episodes of 60 to 90 seconds each. Article content Until this agreement was struck between the UBCP/ACTRA union and Vancouver's Service Street Pictures for its upcoming production of Night's Embrace: Crimson Vows, verticals had been strictly non-union. Article content 'I've cried at least five times today. This is such an important step forward for our industry, and I'm beyond grateful,' said Monika Dalman, casting director and co-founder of the Vertical Film and Short Series Alliance (VFSSA) in a statement. ' UBCP/ACTRA has been an absolute dream to work with … They have truly gone above and beyond to keep actors working and to support the growth of vertical production.' Article content The VFSSA is a community-led industry collective dedicated to 'professionalizing and elevating the vertical format.' Article content Article content Article content 'We understood from the beginning that even with the eventual creation of a vertical union agreement, there would always be non-union vertical productions — that's simply the nature of the beast,' said Dalman in an email to Postmedia. 'Our goal was to create a framework where clear protections and expectations could exist for cast and crew, regardless of union status. We wanted to be able to help people even if they weren't qualified to join a union yet.' Article content Article content While UBCP/ACTRA members cannot work on non-union productions, the local Directors Guild and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees have allowed members to work on verticals. Article content 'For actors, it opens the door to union vertical work with established minimum fees, insurance and retirement benefits, protections for children, work involving stunts or intimate scenes. For producers and platforms, it establishes a scalable framework, that protects performers tailored to the unique demands of vertical storytelling, offering global usage rights for a defined three-year period,' said the VFSSA statement. Article content Article content The B.C. actor's union acknowledges the growth of the vertical industry and sees this agreement as opening a 'new path of work' for its members, many who have been struggling as the television and film industry around the globe has contracted. Some estimates peg the current industry numbers as being off by 25 per cent. Article content Article content According to Keith Martin Gordey, president of UBCP/ACTRA and vice-president of ACTRA national, the 'pilot agreement' represents a growth opportunity for B.C.'s film and television industry. Article content 'As the industry evolves and exciting new opportunities to tell stories emerge, UBCP/ACTRA is alongside industry to ensure that our members are able to deliver their talent and professionalism to create great productions on safe sets,' said Gordey.
USA Today
13-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Chris Lindstrom ranked among top 10 interior OL by NFL coaches, scouts
ESPN's poll shows Falcons right guard Chris Lindstrom has the respect of NFL personnel The Atlanta Falcons will enter the 2025 NFL season with numerous question marks, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. On the flip side, the team will return 10 of 11 offensive starters. The only player missing is center Drew Dalman, who signed with the Chicago Bears in free agency. Dalman is a big loss, but the Falcons still have four quality starters along their offensive line -- three of whom are former first-round picks. Right guard Chris Lindstrom has established himself as one of the league's elite interior linemen. Last season, Lindstrom made his third consecutive Pro Bowl and was voted second-team All-Pro. The former Boston College standout was ranked among the NFL's top 10 interior offensive linemen in a new ESPN poll of executives, coaches and scouts. After being ranked second on the list in 2024, Lindstrom fell to No. 7 in ESPN's latest poll. Lindstrom ranked No. 7 interior offensive lineman in ESPN poll: Lindstrom falling five spots is a bit curious, because most evaluators say his play hasn't dipped dramatically. He's an elite zone run blocker who isn't as skilled as a pass blocker but has shown signs of slight improvement. His 92.4 pass block win rate is respectable. "I think he'll be even better with Michael Penix Jr., because the boot game will pick up with his athleticism and that will help [Lindstrom] in the passing game," an NFL coordinator said. "He's never going to be great in pass pro but he's all-world in the run." Lindstrom has made three consecutive Pro Bowls and helped guide Atlanta to a No. 10 ranking in rushing offense. -- Jeremy Folwer, ESPN Lindstrom was the only Falcons offensive lineman to make ESPN's poll, however, Jake Matthews received some votes in the offensive tackle rankings. Matthews was not voted top 10, but he was featured in the honorable mention category. "He has improved in anchoring with power against the better rushers. He has always been good in the run game, but you used to be able to walk him back to the QB. He is much harder to do that against now." an NFL coordinator told Fowler. While the Falcons have two quality guards -- Lindstrom and Matt Hennessy -- and two solid offensive tackles -- Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary -- the loss of Dalman is fairly significant. The former fourth-round pick had developed into a top-10 center over his four seasons in Atlanta. To replace Dalman, the team re-signed veteran Ryan Neuzil to a two-year, $9.5 million contract. While Neuzil doesn't have much starting experience, he played well during the eight games Dalman was injured last season. - READ: Falcons 53-man roster projection: Pre-training camp edition
Hamilton Spectator
09-06-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Judge upholds obstruction conviction for B.C. Mountie in Dale Culver case
A provincial court judge has ruled that the guilty verdict stands for an RCMP officer convicted of obstruction of justice in the case of an Indigenous man who died in police custody in 2017, clearing the way for sentencing. A statement from the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association says Judge Adrian Brooks dismissed the attempt by RCMP Const. Arthur Dalman to have the proceedings stayed, rejecting Dalman's claim that his Charter rights were breached. The B.C. Prosecution Service has confirmed the ruling, which communications counsel Damienne Darby says was released on May 29. Dalman was found guilty last July of obstruction of justice for ordering witnesses to delete video footage taken at the time Dale Culver was arrested in Prince George. The civil liberties association says officers used pepper spray during the 'violent' arrest and Culver died about 30 minutes later after complaining of breathing difficulties. The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. recommended charges in 2020 after finding reasonable grounds to believe two officers may have committed offences related to the use of force and three others may have obstructed justice. But the civil liberties association says manslaughter charges against two officers were stayed last year, one obstruction charge was stayed and another officer was acquitted of obstruction, leaving Dalman as the only officer convicted in the case. The reasons for Brooks' judgment have not been released, and Darby said in a statement on Monday that Dalman's next appearance is on June 19 to set a date for a sentencing hearing. Culver was from the Gitxsan and Wet'suwet'en Nations. He was 35 years old at the time of his death. An RCMP release from the time said police had received a report about a man casing vehicles and found a suspect who tried to flee on a bicycle. The civil liberties association, meanwhile, said after Culver's death that it was aware of reports from eyewitnesses that he 'was taken forcibly to the ground by RCMP members immediately after exiting a liquor store, apparently unprovoked.' The group shared a statement from Culver's daughter, Lily Speed-Namox, following the judge's decision to uphold Dalman's conviction this week. The family has waited 'eight long years' for accountability, Speed-Namox says. 'I have somehow managed to remain positive about my feelings that eventually someone would be held accountable. 'Even if it's because Dalman lied under oath to 'protect' his fellow officers. How many people have to die before people realize that the justice system is broken?' In the earlier decision finding Dalman guilty of obstruction of justice, the same provincial court judge, Adrian Brooks, found the officer deliberately lied and his evidence was 'so fraught with illogical missteps … and so contradictory when compared with reliable evidence, that it (was) not worthy of any belief.' Culver's cousin, Debbie Pierre, says in a statement that Brooks' latest decision upholding Dalman's conviction marks a step toward accountability. 'But true justice goes beyond one decision. My vision is for a system where Indigenous lives are protected — not silenced — and where police are trained to de-escalate, not destroy. 'This is not just about Dale; it's about transforming a justice system that continues to fail our people. We will not stop until that change is real.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 9, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
09-06-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Judge upholds obstruction conviction for B.C. Mountie in Dale Culver case
A provincial court judge has ruled that the guilty verdict stands for an RCMP officer convicted of obstruction of justice in the case of an Indigenous man who died in police custody in 2017, clearing the way for sentencing. A statement from the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association says Judge Adrian Brooks dismissed the attempt by RCMP Const. Arthur Dalman to have the proceedings stayed, rejecting Dalman's claim that his Charter rights were breached. The B.C. Prosecution Service has confirmed the ruling, which communications counsel Damienne Darby says was released on May 29. Dalman was found guilty last July of obstruction of justice for ordering witnesses to delete video footage taken at the time Dale Culver was arrested in Prince George. The civil liberties association says officers used pepper spray during the 'violent' arrest and Culver died about 30 minutes later after complaining of breathing difficulties. The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. recommended charges in 2020 after finding reasonable grounds to believe two officers may have committed offences related to the use of force and three others may have obstructed justice. But the civil liberties association says manslaughter charges against two officers were stayed last year, one obstruction charge was stayed and another officer was acquitted of obstruction, leaving Dalman as the only officer convicted in the case. The reasons for Brooks' judgment have not been released, and Darby said in a statement on Monday that Dalman's next appearance is on June 19 to set a date for a sentencing hearing. Culver was from the Gitxsan and Wet'suwet'en Nations. He was 35 years old at the time of his death. An RCMP release from the time said police had received a report about a man casing vehicles and found a suspect who tried to flee on a bicycle. The civil liberties association, meanwhile, said after Culver's death that it was aware of reports from eyewitnesses that he 'was taken forcibly to the ground by RCMP members immediately after exiting a liquor store, apparently unprovoked.' The group shared a statement from Culver's daughter, Lily Speed-Namox, following the judge's decision to uphold Dalman's conviction this week. The family has waited 'eight long years' for accountability, Speed-Namox says. 'I have somehow managed to remain positive about my feelings that eventually someone would be held accountable. 'Even if it's because Dalman lied under oath to 'protect' his fellow officers. How many people have to die before people realize that the justice system is broken?' In the earlier decision finding Dalman guilty of obstruction of justice, the same provincial court judge, Adrian Brooks, found the officer deliberately lied and his evidence was 'so fraught with illogical missteps … and so contradictory when compared with reliable evidence, that it (was) not worthy of any belief.' Culver's cousin, Debbie Pierre, says in a statement that Brooks' latest decision upholding Dalman's conviction marks a step toward accountability. 'But true justice goes beyond one decision. My vision is for a system where Indigenous lives are protected — not silenced — and where police are trained to de-escalate, not destroy. 'This is not just about Dale; it's about transforming a justice system that continues to fail our people. We will not stop until that change is real.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 9, 2025.
