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Maple Leaf Pride TV Special
Calgary’s Agora Films International Inc. is in development of a two-hour television special highlighting Canada’s GLBT musicians and artists.
Executive Producer Edmund A. Oliverio has had the concept for the past several years. “Now with so many GLBT television channels around the world, the time has come to fast-track the project,” he said. “Now is the time to proudly showcase the GLBT community members at home and globally.”
Oliverio has been a prominent member of Canada’s film and television industries for 30 years. Working along with his business partner, John Labow, Agora Films plans to tape the musical special this autumn and have sold it around the world to broadcasters to coincide with local Pride festivities next year.
“Canada has a wealth of GLBT artists who are in the mainstream both in the Canadian music scene but in the international as well, acting as Canadian ambassadors,” says Oliverio. Oliverio is past president of the Alberta Recording Industries Association and has produced several music awards shows. John Labow is one of Canada’s prominent award winning documentary producers. He has produced musical specials with Anne Murray in the Caribbean and been instrumental in bringing Canadian documentaries to TVOntario, BCC, PBS and CBC.
Agora Films has over a dozen projects underway, ranging from made-for-television movies, a comedy series entitles Clearwater, documentaries, and a special concert to salute Alberta’s centennial slated for this September .
The company has specifically reached out to employ young film students and any would be film makers as production assistants. “this is a great way to introduce the film and television industry to young people.” Oliverio proudly claims he has paid for the training of these young people as well as their memberships in many film industry associations. “It’s my way of giving back to the community.”
Perceptions readers may make suggestions of GLBT musicians, songwriters and artists that Agora Films should consider for the television special. Suggestions may be forwarded to: Agora Films International Inc., PO Box 1240, Stn M, Calgary AB, T2P 2L2 or e-mail: info@agorafilms.ca
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