Three years into its formalization as a federal non-profit, NICE is evolving and growing!
The NICE founding Board Chair Andy Willick of the Fox Theatre, Toronto, ON, and the Bytowne Cinema, Ottawa, ON, has completed his term. Andy has been a dedicated and proud representative of independent cinemas across the country, and has always vocally supported the priorities of the network at large. His contributions cannot be understated and we will miss his leadership as Board Chair. Luckily for us, Andy will remain on the Board in the capacity of External Committee Chair.
Taking on the roles of Co-Chairs are Lisa Milne of The Royal Theatre, Trail, BC, and Mitchel Fleming of Hall Webber LLP, Toronto, ON. Both Co-Chairs have been serving with great dedication on the NICE Board and are trusted collaborators. Together, these two Co-Chairs bring a great balance of clear and compelling cinema advocacy from the perspective of a cinema operator, with the practical framework and big-picture thinking of a lawyer who works in our industry.
New Board Co-Chairs
Lisa Milne
Lisa has been the proud owner of a VIP single-screen movie theatre since 2009, and her main goal is simple: making sure every guest has an amazing experience every time they visit. She focuses on first-run movies but also love showcasing arthouse and independent films for those who appreciate something a little different. Over the years, she has introduced many fun firsts to our area, like Sensory Screenings, Mom & Tots shows, and Knit Flix, all to make sure there’s something special for everyone. For Lisa, it’s all about creating a space where movie lovers can escape, connect, and enjoy something a little different. She takes pride in making sure every visit is a special one!
“When I’m not at the theatre, I’m at home with my two busy kids and my husband, who’s a firefighter. We love traveling and spending time outdoors as a family. Running a business while juggling family life keeps me busy, but it’s a balance I wouldn’t trade for anything.”
Mitchel Fleming
Part of Toronto’s newest cohort of entertainment lawyers, Mitchel Fleming brings to his practice a wealth of entertainment experience. Fleming has extensive experience acting as production legal counsel, including handling rights acquisitions, international co-pro agreements, broadcast and distribution deals, performer agreements, production financing, tax credit optimization and E&O insurance reviews for a growing list of feature films and TV series.
Fleming not only works on behalf of legacy film and television organizations, but maintains a diverse roster of clients, including social media sensations, comedians, and live sport entertainment companies.
Fleming also serves as COO of The Rights Clearance Company, the next generation of rights clearance services in the film and television industry.
New Board members
Following a recruitment campaign during which we received a truly astonishing number of incredible applicants, NICE has brought three new members onto the Board: Canadian competition expert and small business owner Keldon Bester; communications strategist Èva Morin representing legendary Montréal, QC, cinemas Cinéma Beaubien, du Parc and du Musée; and government relations expert in arts and heritage Andrew Walker.
Member services, government relations and fundraising are three major priorities for NICE. These new Board members will really help us get to where we are going!
Keldon Bester
Keldon Bester is the executive director of the Canadian Anti-Monopoly Project (CAMP) and a fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI). He has worked as a special adviser at Canada’s Competition Bureau and as a fellow at the Open Markets Institute in Washington, D.C..
Èva Morin
Èva Morin worked as a Strategist at communications and digital agencies for 7 years. A long-time client of independent cinemas in Montréal, she made the move to Cinémas Beaubien, du Parc, and du Musée in 2023 where she heads the cinemas’ communications, and butts in the programming when she can. Her favorite films (of the moment) include The Silence of the Lambs, Certain Women and Arrival.
Originaire de la région d’Ottawa-Gatineau, Èva a travaillé comme stratège dans des agences de communication pendant 7 ans. Cliente de longue date des cinémas indépendants de Montréal, elle rejoint les Cinémas Beaubien, du Parc et du Musée en 2023, où elle dirige les communications des cinémas et est toujours prête à donner son avis à la programmation dès qu’elle le peut. Ses films préférés (pour le moment) sont LE SILENCE DES AGNEAUX, CERTAIN WOMEN et ARRIVAL.
Andrew Walker
Andrew Walker currently serves as Director, Arts, Culture, and Procurement at PAA Advisory Conseils, where he has worked in advocacy for over 30 arts and culture organizations, ranging in interests from arts infrastructure funding and grant applications to cultural policies, such as broadcasting and copyright. Based in Ottawa, Andrew has extensive experience in government relations and advocacy in the arts, culture, and heritage sectors.
