Funded by the Government of Canada Financé par le gouvernement du Canada

Transcription

1 Funded by the Government of Canada Financé par le gouvernement du Canada

2 A trilogy of documentaries, activities and educational initiatives on how aviation changed the course of the First World War and Canada s heroic involvement Drawn to Victory Wings of Courage Flight Path of Heroes

3 Introduction The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), Sound Venture Productions and Canadian Heritage present a national initiative that commemorates the First World War with a series of timely documentaries, educational activities and interactive events on how aviation changed the course of the First World War and Canada s heroic involvement. A Nation Soars will: Commemorate important aspects of the First World War during the centennial years of 2015, 2016 and Reach educational institutions across the country through the RCGS s wide educational platforms. Draw attention to important aviation stories and heroes of national significance. Distinguish itself by highlighting lesser-known aspects of the war that are distinctly Canadian, innovative and have far-reaching consequences and lasting impact. Make strong links to the Battle of Vimy Ridge as a formative nation-building event as Canada looks to its 150th birthday in Involve strategic partnerships with organizations such as: The Canadian War Museum Provide heightened awareness of our early aviation history. Connect the past with the present. Capture a wide audience, especially youth. Present timeless subject matter, creating a strong legacy tool that will generate future impact beyond the initial broadcast window. The Canada Aviation and Space Museum The Great War Flying Museum The Canadian Museum of Flight The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum The Air Cadet League of Canada The Royal Canadian Legion Library and Archives Canada Seek broadcasts and intensified promotional activities to coincide with November Remembrance periods in 2015, 2016 and the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy in April The Vimy Foundation Escadrille Nor West Air Squadron Veterans Affairs Canada 3

4 Why is this FWW trilogy so timely? Sound Venture Productions and The Royal Canadian Geographical Society, in collaboration with a number of key supporting partners, are proud to offer sponsors a unique opportunity to participate in a broad reaching national initiative that commemorates the FWW with a series of timely documentaries and a host of supporting educational initiatives and interactive events on the theme of aviation. A Nation Soars Commemorating Canada s Great War Flyers directly aims to build a bridge from the present to the past. While many Canadians feel some sort of connection with the Great War and what it meant to us as a nation, the truth is 100 years have passed. If we want to understand the world today, we need to know and remember what truly happened yesterday. Only a few of the generation, who witnessed the war but were too young to take part, are still alive. The war is slipping inexorably beyond the fringes of living memory. And, as we live through the Centenary of , there is a great opportunity, and some might even say an obligation to make sure Canadians do not forget. This trilogy distinguishes itself by highlighting lesser-known aspects of the war that are distinctly Canadian, innovative, and have far-reaching consequences and lasting impact. For most of us, particularly youth, the First World War feels like distant history. The jumpy black and white films, the unfamiliar clothes and the horses pulling wagons, all look like something from a world long-forgotten. The last soldiers who fought in the war have all recently died. 4

5 Powerful impact and outcomes A Nation Soars will: Capture a wide audience through print, digital, broadcast and social media streams. See its three campaign documentaries reach national English and French broadcast audiences in 2015, 2016 and Target youth, reaching educational institutions across the country through RCGS s wide educational platforms. Commemorate important aspects of the First World War during the centennial years of 2015, 2016 and Draw attention to important aviation stories and heroes of national significance. Connect the past with the present. Make strong links to the Battle of Vimy Ridge as a formulative, nation-building event as Canada looks to its 150th birthday in Benefit from strategic community activities and public engagement. Gain exposure in international markets. Present timeless subject matter, creating a strong legacy tool that will generate future impact beyond the initial broadcast window. 5

6 Drawn to Victory September 2014 to March 2016 If it wasn t for attaching cameras to First World War biplanes the Allies would have not won the war, Canada and the world would not have been mapped and Google Earth might not exist. This program surprisingly reveals that the greatest tactile weapon of the First World War was not fashioned from of metal. Rather it was made of paper accurate and reliable maps! Activities include: The production of a one-hour broadcast documentary. Repeated promotion and a feature story in Canadian Geographic and Géographica magazines. A bilingual poster map with an overview and timeline of the evolution of cartography before, during and after the FWW for distribution with the magazines and to classroom teachers. Online educator resources inspired by the film, the poster map and, the magazine articles including a DTV website. Five copies of a giant 11 metre by 8 metre travelling floor map on the subject of the Western Front for borrowing by schools with accompanying teacher resources. Social media support and promotion. 6

7 Drawn to Victory Documentary synopsis Aviation, at the start of the First World War in 1914, evolved from being viewed as an unnecessary novelty to an integral strategic asset that gathered intelligence behind enemy lines. Drawn to Victory tells the little-known story of how thousands of Canadian pilots and Canadian topographic surveyors contributed to the past century s greatest map renaissance. No war in history, prior to this one, relied so much on maps. The documentary explores how the Allies, through the new science of aerial photography and new mapping techniques, grew from one British officer and one clerk armed with 1880s antiquated maps operating out of Maps General Headquarters in France, at the start of the war, to almost 5,000 Allies who produced more than 32 million maps by the war s end. The documentary focuses on Canada s role in the evolution of aviation and FWW mapmaking and in the development of flash-spotting and sound ranging techniques to establish the locations of the enemy s artillery. The documentary also highlights that a key element in Canada s victory at The Battle of Vimy Ridge, and all subsequent Canadian battles, was that even the lowest ranking Canadian soldier was made familiar with details of upcoming attacks through the use of intricate barrage maps, trench maps and mockups. The incredible impact of the new mapping standards and techniques developed by the Allies in the FWW, coupled with Canadian innovation in aerial photography and map mosaics directly after the war, enabled them to map the country s huge uncharted territories. This paved the way for today s modern methods of mapmaking such as GIS (developed in Canada) and GPS technology. Drawn to Victory is a story of necessity, achievement and innovation. Delivery: November minutes 7

8 Wings of Courage March 2014 to September 2016 The average life span of a First World War pilot was less than 16 weeks. One in four pilots in Britain s Air Services was Canadian, and 10 of the top 30 British aces of the war were Canadian. This project looks back at Canada s early aviator heroism from a modern perspective, as an interpretive group of pilot enthusiasts lead post-graduate Air Cadets in the construction and testing of FWW replica biplanes. In doing so, these young flyers experience the same excitement, fear and passion felt by Great War flyers of their same age 100 years earlier. 8 Activities include: The construction of 2 replica Sopwith Pup biplanes involving FWW pilot enthusiasts, technical volunteers and a handful of youth drawn from active and postgraduate Air Cadets. Activities taking place at three participating vintage air museums in B.C. and Ontario. The production of a one-hour broadcast documentary. Repeated promotion and a feature story in Canadian Geographic and Géographica magazines. A series of six short educational videos in English and French for students and teachers inspired by WOC s themes and highlighting the aircraft, the experts and the events of the initiative. Bilingual poster map featuring a timeline of events and biographies of FWW pilots and key battlefronts such as Ypres, Passchendaele and Vimy Ridge. Online educator resources inspired by the film, the poster map and the magazine articles including a WOC website. Five copies of a giant 11 metre by 8 metre travelling floor map featuring a Vimy Barrage for borrowing by schools with accompanying teacher resources.

9 Wings of Courage Documentary synopsis Aviation experiences a massive technological and tactical progression during the course of the First World War that forever changes the nature of warfare. Wings of Courage showcases the role of Canada s early military aviators as seen through the eyes of active and post graduate Air Cadets, who are of similar age as their century-old peers when they were pressed into action. Within the backdrop of The Canadian Museum of Flight in Langley, B.C., a dedicated and passionate group of pilots and volunteers, who already build and fly four replica FWW aircraft, work side-by-side with the Cadets to build two new replica FWW Sopwith Pups. During these builds, the Air Cadets connect to what it was like 100 years ago as the story unites the youth of the past with the youth of the present. Six to eight profiles of notable Canadian fliers from the more than 22,000 Canadians who flew for the British air services will act as the documentary s historical anchors. Men like Roy Brown, credited with killing the Red Baron, William Barker, the most decorated serviceman in the history of Canada (and in the history of the British Empire), the controversial Billy Bishop and Alan McLeod the youngest pilot to receive the Victoria Cross at 18 years of age will all be showcased. Within the stories of these decorated Canadian Great War fliers, and the parallel story of the Sopwith Pup builds, the technological and tactical progression of FWW aviation will be featured. It will be further supported through an examination of Canadian aviators who during the many photoreconnaissance missions over Vimy Ridge helped to create the thousands of maps used in one of Canada s most decisive victories. Wings of Courage offers a unique approach to honour our early Canadian aviators as it captures their passion, their excitement, their fear and their enthusiasm emotions that still resonate with Air Cadets 100 years later. Delivery: November minutes 9

10 Flight Path of Heroes April 2015 to September 2017 Six First World War biplane replicas take to the skies and make a historic flight across Canada touching down in Canadian cities and towns gathering unique and personal stories about extraordinary Canadian soldiers who fought and were victorious at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The three main elements from Drawn to Victory and Wings of Courage the evolution of aviation, the evolution of mapping and the Battle of Vimy Ridge all come together in this symbolic and highly visual pilgrimage. A pilgrimage that pays tribute to two treasured anniversaries of nationhood: the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and Canada s 150th Birthday. Activities include: A cross-canada flying roadshow that bridges the past and the present, featuring pilot enthusiasts from Canada s Great War Flying Museum, along with a handful of postgraduate Air Cadets. An accompanying travelling exhibit featuring educational and interpretive experiences tied to understanding Canada s contribution at Vimy from unique perspectives. The production of a one-hour broadcast documentary. Repeated promotion and a feature story in Canadian Geographic and Géographica magazines. Online educator resources inspired by the tour, the film and the magazine articles including a dedicated website. 10

11 Flight Path of Heroes Documentary synopsis The past and present come together during a flying road show that spans one nation and two treasured anniversaries of nationhood. Vimy: Flight Path of Heroes adds to the visceral and visual impact of two significant dates in Canadian history our 150th anniversary of nationhood and the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The documentary chronicles a coast-to-coast flying roadshow featuring a squadron of six First World War biplane replicas that perform nostalgic flyovers in communities across Canada. At selected stopovers, memories and stories of Vimy veteran soldiers, as told by their family members, will be presented to bring a greater understanding of how Vimy has reached a mythical status in Canadian history. Serving as a backdrop to the flying roadshow, will be a historical account of the events leading up to The Battle of Vimy Ridge, the battle itself and its successful outcome. Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Vimy the FWW victory that brought global prominence to our young nation and accelerated feelings of nationhood on the battlefield and at home, at the same time that Canada prepares to celebrate its 150th, is a gracious nod to the sacrifices of the past that should never be forgotten during the many celebrations planned for Delivery: April minutes Beginning in British Columbia, the pilots and their crew will be seen overcoming the challenges of logistics, weather and distance as they chart a course from west to east. The documentary blends together their pan-canadian journey with personal Vimy soldier accounts to deliver powerful messages about triumph over insurmountable odds and the determination of the human spirit. 11

12 Canadian Geographic and Géographica Repeated promotion and feature articles in Canadian Geographic and Géographica magazines. Award-winning journalism renowned for its storytelling, photography and cartography since Canada s third-most read magazine, with million readers per issue (PMB 2015). French-language companion Géographica is distributed to higher demographics (education, income) across Quebec. 12

13 A NATION SOARS Digital The creation of key supporting digital content across multiple platforms. CanadianGeographic.ca: Acts as a portal to all Canadian Geographic and RCGS content. Attracts over 3 million visitors per year. Educational websites directly tied to each A Nation Soars theme, including downloadable poster maps and learning resources. Social media: A strong presence to cross promote content from all other platforms through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. 13

14 Canadian Geographic Education This educational arm of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society reaches a network of more than 15,000 educators across Canada. A Nation Soars has a number of educational initiatives tied to CG Education, such as: The creation of two subject-specific Giant Floor Maps. Featuring the FWW Western Front and a Vimy Barrage map. These are unique educator resources that invite exploration and discovery and aimed at increasing geographic and spatial literacy. Made available for borrowing by Canadian schools free of charge. Each 11-by-8-metre map comes with a trunk of curriculum-linked activities suitable for multiple grade levels. Can be used in conjunction with digital technologies to enhance learning. Adapts to different learning styles. Easy to book through Canadian Geographic Education s reservation system. 14

15 Epilogue A further vision to 2017 Through the momentum created by A Nation Soars, there is an even broader vision to expand our activities to actively participate in two high profile events in With this vision, our vintage biplane squadron from the Great War Flying Museum, along with a few postgraduate Air Cadets, would relocate to France in early 2017 and prepare for the first event. On April 9th, 2017, they will take to the skies in an epic flyover of the Vimy Memorial as part of the 100th anniversary observance, emotionally moving the thousands of international dignitaries and spectators present. For one brief moment in time, we would return all who are watching to that momentous day for Canada 100 years ago. After this stirring and poignant event, the pilots and biplanes would then return home in June 2017 to a working, recreated FWW airfield exhibit at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa. Actively manned by Canadian Air Cadets dressed in FWW uniforms, the event will afford the public to once again the opportunity to see and touch history. Through witnessing the young eager faces of the Air Cadets, who are much the same age of Canadian pilots who flew in FWW, the visiting public would fully come to appreciate what was gained and lost in the battle for freedom. A highlight of our biplanes summer residence in Ottawa would naturally evolve to their participation in the second notable event, this time at Parliament Hill, during Canada s 150th birthday celebrations on July 1st. Here they will participate in an emotional flyover, saluting the past while celebrating Canada for what it is today strong, proud and free. 15

16 ABOUT US Sound Venture Sound Venture is a dynamic full-service production company. Highly diverse, it has developed over 300 hours of proprietary television content, specializing in the areas of documentary, arts, culture and of note, Canadian history. Notable productions include: Angels of Mercy Nursing Sisters were the first women to be fully accepted into the military during World Wars I and II. Angels of Mercy tells the story of these brave women and pays homage to their actions which have helped pave the way for equality ever since. Produced in French as: Les Anges de la Compassion Canvas of War: The Art of World War II A follow-up to Canvas of Conflict, this documentary examines the art of World War II. A select group of artists went into combat and managed to create thousands of pieces of art. For those that are still alive today, theirs is a harrowing tale to tell. Produced in French as: Tableaux de Guerre Canvas of Conflict: The Art of the Great War During the First World War, the Canadian government commissioned artists from around the world to go to the front lines and capture the war on canvas. Canvas of Conflict looks at the artists who risked their legacy and the profound effect the war had on them. Produced in French as: La Toile du Conflit In Search of a Soul: Building the Canadian War Museum This patriotic documentary chronicles the passion and vision of architect Raymond Morigama, as he creates a new Canadian War Museum to remember Canada s involvement in war and to provide hope for future generations. Produced in French as: À la Mémoire du Passé: Le Musée canadien de la guerre 16

17 ABOUT US The Royal Canadian Geographical Society Giving Canadians a deeper knowledge of their country its people and places, its natural and cultural heritage, and its environmental, social and economic challenges The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) has been making Canada better known to Canadians and the world for more than 85 years. The RCGS employs many mechanisms to fulfil its mission, from providing research grants to post-secondary students to supporting expeditions and awarding medals in recognition of extraordinary service or achievement in geography. Through its widely read publications Canadian Geographic and Canadian Geographic Travel, millions around the globe are exposed to the fascinating stories that make up our great nation. Increasingly, the RCGS collaborates with public and private sector partners to pursue its mission. Among these partners are Sound Venture, Parks Canada, the Canadian Museum of Nature, Esri Canada, the Canadian Association of Geographers, Bird Studies Canada, the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation, the Canadian Wildlife Federation, the Canadian Remote Sensing Society and Polar Knowledge Canada. 17

18 ABOUT US Audience and reach Canadian Geographic s brand universe 3,420,170+ per month Canadian Geographic 2,977,000 readers per issue Rated number one for reader interest (PMB 2015) Website activity E-newsletters CG Photo Club 250,000 unique visitors monthly 60,000 s sent monthly 73,452 members July 2015 CG Education Social media 15,000 members July 2015 Facebook Twitter Instagram Google+ 18,367 15,814 9,423 1,115 Total: 44,719 18

19 CONTACT The Royal Canadian Geographical Society 1155 Lola Street, Suite 200 Ottawa, ON K1K 4C1 Tel: (613) rcgs.org John G. Geiger Chief Executive Officer Gilles Gagnier Chief Operating Officer and Publisher Ellen Curtis Director of Education Sound Venture Productions 441 MacLaren Street, Suite 401 Ottawa, ON K2P 2H3 Tel: (613) soundventure.com Tim Joyce President Tel: (613) ext. 248 Cell: (613) Barry Stanton Vice-President, Strategy and Business Development Tel: (613) ext. 243 Cell: (613)