This is part of a year-long ‘Love for Local’ series called NB365: portraits of New Brunswick entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations. Huddle is a media partner with Love for Local. Today, we hear from Tony Merzetti of NB Film Co-op in Fredericton.

THE NB FILM CO-OP OFFERS AN ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE WAY FOR FILMMAKERS TO LEARN, CREATE AND CONNECT WITH ONE ANOTHER. IT IS UNIQUE IN HAVING MEMBERS PROVINCE-WIDE WHO PARTICIPATE IN PRODUCTIONS IN MANY LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

The spirit of collaboration starts with the organization which lowers barriers to entry with inexpensive film workshops, free equipment access to most members’ projects, and a volunteer crew and cast network that makes any project possible. The organization’s equipment ranges from vintage 16mm celluloid cameras up to the latest Virtual Reality equipment. The heart of the organization is its network of members whose generous spirit and love of filmmaking create a thriving filmmaking environment in New Brunswick.

We are very community-minded. We draw our members from communities around the province and these members in turn draw in people from their community to participate in the making of films. Local actors are featured prominently in many productions. The films produced are showcased at the Silver Wave Film Festival, a gala celebration of the films and filmmakers of the province. The Co-op also brings the community together through its involvement with the Fredericton Under the Stars outdoor summer film series and its Monday Night Film Series which brings together cinephiles from the general public to watch the best Canadian and international films. The Co-op also partners with many organizations in support of community events like the St Thomas University Indigenous Film Festival, The Pink Lobster LGBTQIA2S+ Film Festival and various 48 Hour Film Competitions around the province.

Some say that film is the dominant arts medium of the last 100 years. These days films can be made anywhere, you no longer have to go to Hollywood to be a filmmaker. We are proud of our role in helping New Brunswickers tell their stories to each other and the world. The Co-op is open and accessible to all and the community continues to grow. We are particularly excited by the opportunity to engage underrepresented communities and to ensure that everyone has a chance to have their voice heard.

Local businesses and organizations make a difference because they care deeply about their community and the people in it. They strive to work within their community to make it the best place to live and prosper.