THE LAUNCH OF THE
Transcription
THE LAUNCH OF THE
THE LAUNCH OF THE INDUS • A COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF INDUSTRIAL ALLIANCE PACIFIC LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY IN VANCOUVER CPRS ACCREDITATION WORK SAMPLE SUBMITIED BY ANGELA KOULYRAS MEMBER # 5468 VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA MARCH 2006 • TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CASE STUDY ApPENDIX I: BRANDING PROGRAM a. List of branding and sponsorship benefits for lAP b. Old and new logos c. Images of new logo implementation ApPENDIX II: MEDIA RELATIONS PROGRAM a. News release .' b. Photos from news conference c. Summary of media coverage d. Copies of print coverage ApPENDIX III: KEY INFLUENCERS PROGRAM a. Photos from reception and donor wall unveiling ApPENDIX IV: PROGRAM BUDGET a. Detailed budget of entire program • • • • • EXECUTIVE SUMMARY From May 2004 to June 2005, I developed and implemented acommunications program to increase awareness of the Industrial Alliance Pacific Life Insurance Company (lAP) in Vancouver. Here is a summary of the research, analysis, communication and evaluation I undertook to achieve this goal. Research: My first step was to understand my client's situation. My research included client meetings and questions, a communications audit, a media scan and a public opinion survey. Among other things, I found that lAP faced great industry competition, lacked a dedicated and targeted communications program, received little coverage in the media and had the lowest public recognition among its competitors. • Analysis: To increase awareness of lAP, I recommended that the company become a long-term, lead sponsor of a high-profile property. In September 2004, lAP entered into discussions with the Arts Club to become a naming sponsor for its venue, The Stanley Theatre, for $1.5 million. This was one of the largest corporate donations to a Vancouver arts organization in recent history and the largest donation ever received by the Arts Club. Most importantly, it provided many branding and recognition opportunities for lAP, and reached lAP's target market. By March 2005, lAP and the Arts Club were ready to announce this sponsorship and the renaming of The Stanley Theatre to The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. The communications plan I prepared to launch The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage included the following • goal, objectives and audiences. Our goal was to increase awareness of lAP in Vancouver. Our objectives CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006 1 • were to develop a public presence for the company, ensure the adoption of the new name by media, increase lAP's coverage in local media, and build stronger relationships with key influencers and employees. Our key audiences were lAP's target market, the media, key influencers and employees. Communications: Recommended communications strategies and tactics included a branding program (developing and launching the new name and logo); media relations program (a news conference in April 2005); a key influencers program (a reception, performance and sign unveiling in May 2005), and an employee program. Total fees and expenses including taxes for the entire program were approximately $134,000. • Evaluation: I evaluated our communications objectives by ensuring lAP received appropriate recognition for its sponsorship, monitoring the use of the new name, analyzing media coverage, and tracking event attendance and feedback from key influencers. The end result? lAP received branding and recognition benefits reaching 125,000 plus potential customers for the next 20 years. Media adopted the new name and, in one month, featured lAP in 26 stories reaching more than 2.5 million Canadians, the majority in Vancouver. lAP also successfully celebrated the announcement with approximately 500 of its key influencers. In summary, this sponsorship has helped lAP meet its communications objectives, and ultimately increase its visibility in Vancouver for the long term. Word Count of Executive Summary: 310 • CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006 2 r • ( . \. ) • CASE STUDY INTRODUCTION Industrial Alliance Pacific Life Insurance Company (lAP) is the only full-service life insurance company with headquarters in Vancouver. Although it has operated here since 1951 (albeit under a different name until 1999), it has a relatively low public profile in Vancouver, one of its largest potential markets. From May 2004 to June 2005, I worked with lAP to increase its visibility in Vancouver by launching The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. I conducted the research and analysis, prepared the communications plan , and budget, impiemented the strategies and tactics, and evaluated the program. I worked closely with lAP, its sponsorship partner and suppliers to organize, implement and manage the program. This case study • describes the research, analysis, communication and evaluation of my communications program for lAP. RESEARCH When I began working with lAP, and before I made any communications recommendations, I needed to understand lAP's current situation; specifically its industry and company, communication efforts, media presence, and public awareness levels. My research included client meetings and questions, a communications audit, a media scan, and a public opinion survey. Following is an in-depth description of my research and what I found. Understanding the Industry and lAP From my client meetings and industry research, I found that the Canadian insurance industry is dominated • by a few major companies, namely Manulife, Sun Life and Great-West Life. lAP markets its investment and CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006 1 • insurance products primarily through independent brokers, so its relationships with brokers are very important. I also found that lAP differentiates itself from its competitors by targeting the underserved "kitchen table" market: the average Joe, typically over 40 years old with some savings. While its competitors sell $200,000 policies, lAP sells $50,000 policies. Auditing Communications Activities and Materials Having reviewed lAP's communications activities and materials, I found that it lacked a dedicated communications program. Communications were sporadic and done when absolutely necessary. As there was no in-house communications department, the company relied on consultants. Although the company did not generate "breaking news," it frequently neglected or missed potential communication opportunities. • The area with the greatest potential in communications was lAP's sponsorships. lAP spent thousands of dollars each year supporting arts, cultural and health initiatives, but had little to show for it. Although most sponsorships were with high-profile organizations, lAP was not focusing its dollars to be the lead or title sponsor and was not leveraging sponsorships to increase its visibility. Scanning Media In terms of coverage, I found that lAP had very little profile in local media since 2000, when the company took on its new name. The brief coverage it did receive focused on company appointments and sponsorship announcements. Gauging Public Awareness Levels '. To determine recognition levels of lAP, we conducted an Ipsos Reid survey and found: 20% of British Columbians had heard of lAP, the lowest recognition level among its major competitors CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006 2 • There were no statistically significant differences in awareness levels across the province, or between males and females The youngest age group (18-34) was more likely to have heard of the company, in comparison to the oldest age group (55+) Individuals with some post-secondary education, and earning less than $60,000, were more likely to have heard of the company. Key Research Findings In summary, I found the following through my research: lAP is in a very competitive industry, dominated by very large players lAP's relationships with independent brokers are critical to its success • lAP targets the underserved kitchen table market lAP did not have a dedicated, proactive communications program lAP was not leveraging its sponsorships to increase its profile lAP's media presence was almost non-existent lAP had the lowest public recognition among its major competitors. ANALYSIS Based on my research, it was clear that both internal and external factors were the cause of lAP's low visibility. Internally, the company lacked proactive and dedicated communications, lacked major news, and was not leveraging its sponsorship dollars. Externally, lAP competed in a crowded marketplace with wellknown and large companies. '. CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006 3 • In order to increase lAP's visibility in this environment, the company needed a major announcement with a long-lasting impact. I recommended that one of the best ways this could be done was for lAP to "own" or be the lead sponsor of a high-profile property. We would leverage this sponsorship to increase the company's visibility in the community and media, and with its key influencers. In terms of criteria, the high-profile property had to be: In the arts, culture, education or health sectors A long-term strategic partnership Relevant to the lAP brand, target market, and business strategy Cost effective (i.e. sponsorship costs had to be in line with the benefits) Sponsorship savvy and open to new marketing ideas. • After a few months of seeking out such an opportunity, we found one through lAP's existing sponsorship of The Stanley Theatre, owned by the Arts Club Theatre Company. lAP had sponsored a Stanley Theatre musical each year since 2000, and the theatre needed help in paying down its large mortgage. In September 2004, lAP entered into discussions with the Arts Club to become a 20-year naming sponsor of The Stanley Theatre for $1.5 million. This would be one of the largest corporate donations to a Vancouver arts organization in recent history and the largest donation ever received by the Arts Club. Most importantly, this opportunity fit our criteria. It was a high-profile property in the arts with significant branding opportunities that would give lAP a dominant public presence for a 20-year period. As the '. demographic profile of the average theatre-goer matched lAP's kitchen table market, the company would CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006 4 • reach 125,000 potential customers each year. Finally, sponsorship costs were in line with the benefits and the Arts Club was open to leveraging the sponsorship. After six months of negotiations, internal discussions and approvals, finalizing recognition and branding benefits, and preparing the legal paperwork, lAP and the Arts Club were ready to announce this major sponsorship and the renaming of The Stanley Theatre to The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. The communications plan I prepared to launch The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage included the following goal, objectives and audiences. Communications Goal • Our goal was to increase awareness of lAP in Vancouver, specifically amongst the kitchen table market. Communications Objectives To meet our goal, our objectives were to: 1. Develop a permanent public presence of lAP at the theatre 2. Ensure the adoption of the new name by media 3. Increase lAP's coverage in local media 4. Build stronger relationships with local key influencers and employees Our Key Audiences Public (kitchen table market): 125,000 theatre patrons per year • Media: print, radio and TV; regional and national; arts and general reporters CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006 5 • Key influencers: lAP agents, brokers, and associated companies; local community, government and business leaders Employees: lAP staff, company directors, and senior management COMMUNICATION I worked closely with all parties involved from the start to approve the communications plan, budget and timeline, and assign responsibilities. The communications plan included the following strategies and tactics. Branding Program As part of this sponsorship, lAP received ongoing branding opportunities and recognition benefits for the next 20 years. The Stanley Theatre is now known as The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, and theatre • patrons are welcomed to The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage before each performance. In addition, the new name and logo were incorporated by the theatre company into new exterior and interior signage, and all promotional, marketing and corporate materials including advertising, posters, programs, invitations, website, newsletters, and annual reports. I worked with a graphic designer to design and implement the new logo. Media Relations Program I also worked with the Arts Club public relations manager to prepare the news conference and media materials for the sponsorship announcement on AprilS, 2005. Our theme was "Taking the Stanley Theatre to the Next Stage." Media and guests received invitations for a "major announcement" at the theatre. • CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006 6 • The news conference was a theatrical event. We arranged for entertainment, red carpet, cake cutting and refreshments. A videographer and photographer were present to capture the speeches, cheque presentation and logo unveiling. I had also planned to unveil the external sign as a media photo opportunity with Vancouver's mayor a few weeks after the news conference, but this was postponed because the sign was not ready in time. Instead, we unveiled the theatre's new donor wall at the key influencers event on May 31,2005. Key Influencers Program To build stronger relationships with lAP's key influencers, I organized a gala event for May 31,2005, celebrating the announcement of The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. Almost 500 key influencers, lAP • directors and senior managers attended the event, which featured a cocktail reception, followed by the performance of Miss Saigon, and the unveiling of the new donor wall at the theatre. Employee Communications Program The plan also included tactics to engage lAP staff in the announcement. However, due to the lack of internal resources, lAP did not pursue these recommendations. Positioning and Messaging No sooner had the ink dried on lAP's sponsorship contract, when another local corporation was publicly criticized for "buying out" a Vancouver landmark. Because of this we were extremely sensitive about our logo/signage design, positioning and messaging. It was important for us to be tasteful and not blatantly commercial. We positioned it as an Arts Club announcement, acknowledging lAP for its generous • contribution. CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006 7 • In terms of messaging, we focused on lAP's history of community involvement, its long-standing relationship with the theatre company and the benefits of the sponsorship to the community. Budget Actual fees and expenses including taxes for the entire program were $134,111.60. This included $52,266.12 (before taxes) for the research and analysis stages, which spanned 10 months. Of this $6,117.80 was for the public opinion survey. Actual fees and expenses, before taxes, for the communications tactics were as follows: Branding program (logo design and management): • $3,500.00 Media relations program (news conference): $11,219.57 Key influencer program (gala reception): $52,733.10 In terms of the evaluation stage, we had budgeted $9,000, but actual costs came in at $2,975.00 because the client did not proceed with the recommended survey to measure awareness levels in Vancouver. EVALUATION Our four communications objectives were evaluated as follows. Objective #1: Develop a permanent public presence of lAP at the theatre As described in the sponsorship contract, lAP will be publicly recognized for the next 20 years, which is a • significant step towards increasing its public awareness. On average, more than 20,000 people per day will CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006 8 • see the new exterior signage as they drive or walk by the theatre. Approximately 125,000 theatre patrons (lAP's kitchen table market) will hear or see the new name each year when attending a performance or reading theatre collateral materials. In addition, the new name will reach a wider audience in neighbouring cities through the theatre's advertising and promotional initiatives. Objective #2: Ensure the adoption of the new name by media After the news conference, I monitored media for use of the new name. Most media began using it right away. The ones that didn't received friendly reminders of the name change. The new name is now included in theatre production reviews and theatre listings on an ongoing basis. Objective #3: Increase lAP's coverage in local media • Our news conference had an excellent media turnout, with radio, television and print reporters covering the announcement. Over the course of one month, we tracked 26 media stories, reaching an audience of more than 2,500,000 locally and across Canada. lAP continued to receive the odd interview request months after the announcement. The announcement only generated one negative letter to the editor. Although lAP is not pursuing an ongoing media relations program, it continues to see its name in the media as a result of the Arts Club's dedicated and ongoing media relations. Objective #4: Build stronger relationships with key influencers and employees Approximately 500 key influencers attended the gala event. This was above and beyond my client's expectations. Our initial budget was for a maximum 400-person reception. We had such an incredible response that we had to turn people away, and ended up allocating staff tickets to lAP guests. lAP received • positive feedback, including congratulations letters from members of government. People thoroughly enjoyed the event. lAP has continued to host well-attended key influencer events at the theatre. CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006 9 • Please note that lAP did not pursue employee activities to celebrate the announcement, so the employee part of the objective was not measured. Finally, I was not able to evaluate whether we had achieved our communications goal of increased awareness of lAP in Vancouver. Although I had recommended we conduct another public opinion survey at the completion of our communications program, this was not carried out because my client contact was transferred to another part of the company. CONCLUSION • The launch of The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, a long-term and high-profile community partnership, has helped lAP achieve its communications objectives. It increased the visibility of lAP with its kitchen table market, in the community and media, and with its key influencers. Although measurement of the communications goal did not take place, one can assume that based on these accomplished objectives we have and will continue to increase awareness of lAP in Vancouver for the next 20 years. Increased awareness will help this local insurance company compete more effectively in its industry and increase its share of the kitchen table market. Word Count of Case Study: 1920 • CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006 10 • • ( • List of Branding and Sponsorship Benefits for lAP • Branding and Sponsorship Benefits for Industrial Alliance Pacific Life Insurance Company The new name or logo is included on the theatre's outdoor and indoor signage, and all collateral materials. Outdoor Signage left and right sides of the marquee poster window Indoor Signage donor wall bar sign - wall projections • Promotional, Marketing and Corporate Materials advertising posters - flyers rack cards subscription brochures programmes invitations Arts Club website House program Encore Arts Club subscriber newsletter, Backstage View Arts Club annual reports Other Patrons are welcomed to The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage before the start of each performance In addition, Industrial Alliance Pacific received the following sponsorship benefits. Complimentary tickets to Stanley productions The right to hold private receptions at the theatre Membership to the Arts Club's Artistic Directors Circle Half-page advertisements in house programs • • Old and New Logos • Old Logo - The Stanley Theatre • New Logo - The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage INDUSTRIAL ALLIANCE STAGE • '. Images of New Logo Implementation • • • APPENDIX 1 - 0 • • TDOOR SlGNAGE Marquee (left and right sides) V26361 IVAN_LA W\ 18295012 -4- • • • Poster Window Oeft side (north) of the building) V26361 \VAN_LA W\ 182950\2 • APPE DIX 2- DOOR SIGNAGE 5 TRUCTURf. FUNOING IJ!tOVIOtiJ i3Y fbe redcJ31 (jo>,1nmen l of Canada TIle ProI1l1Ct of JJtflhh ColumlJi, me C~J of I/anCOUVCr Il ·1. • .._It....· V26361WAN _ LAWI 182950\2 I Cl"Kj >!.\GI1X)\O'" s'i[ CI TtN llUU [1"\ n <.• Donor Wall • \' ~ -2- • • • Bar V2636J\VAN_LAW\ 182950\2 -4 - • • Wall Projections • V26361 \VAN_LA W\ 182950\2 • APPE DlX 3-PROMOTIONAL, MARKETING ND CORPORATE MATERIALS • Examples of application of Word Mark, Logo and IA Corporate Logo (As Season Sponsor) to promotional, marketing and corporate materials. • V263611VAN_LA WI 18295012 • • •• / News Release • • •••• . i INDUSTRIAL ALLIANCE PACIFIC 1M INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES ARTSCLUB THEATRE COMPANY MEDIA RELEASE The Stanley Theatre moves to the next stage with $1.5 million donation April 5, 2005, Vancouver, Be ~ The Stanley Theatre today received a $1.5 million donation from Vancouver-based Industrial Alliance Pacific Life Insurance Company. This is the largest donation ever received by The Stanley Theatre and the Arts Club Theatre Company. It is also one of the largest corporate donations to a Vancouver arts organization in recent history. In recognition of such a significant donation, The Stanley Theatre will become The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. John Gill, President of Industrial Alliance Pacific, said, "Arts organizations make important contributions to our communities. They need our support. We are delighted to continue supporting The Stanley Theatre. Our donation will ensure its financial stability for years to come." • This announcement marks the start of a 20-year partnership between Industrial Alliance Pacific, the Arts Club Theatre Company and The Stanley Theatre Society. The Company's donation will support the repayment of The Stanley Theatre's mortgage. New signage for the theatre will be unveiled in May 2005. Arts Club Theatre Company General Manager Howard R. Jang stated, "This is a very exciting day for the Stanley Theatre Society and the Arts Club Theatre Company. We have entered into a partnership with a longtime supporter. Industrial Alliance Pacific is showing tremendous leadership, and sincerely cares about the arts." Long-time Artistic Managing Director Bill Millerd, said, "This is a major development for our theatre company in ensuring our future. A big thank you to Industrial Alliance Pacific for its belief in the power of the arts." Industrial Alliance Pacific has been a sponsor of the Arts Club Theatre Company since the 2000-2001 Season when they sponsored Ain't Misbehavin' at The Stanley Theatre. The Company has sponsored a Stanley Theatre production in every year since then, including: The Mousetrap (2001-2002), Dial M for Murder (2002-2003), Evita (2003-2004) and Miss Saigon (2004-2005). -30- • • About Industrial Alliance Pacific Life Insurance Company Industrial Alliance Pacific Life Insurance Company is part of the Industrial Alliance Group, the fifth largest life and health insurance organization in Canada. The Industrial Alliance Group insures over 1.7 million Canadians, employs more than 2,600 people and manages and administers $28.5 billion in assets. Industrial Alliance Pacific is committed to ensuring the financial security of the individuals it serves and contributing to the communities in which they live. About The Stanley Theatre After an intensive Save the Stanley Campaign in the mid nineties, The Stanley Theatre re-opened to the public with Dean Regan's recordsetting production of Swing in October 1998, and it is now the Arts Club Theatre Company's main venue. An intimate version of a Broadway or London classic theatre, this elegant venue has permitted the company to move into the exciting arena of producing larger musicals, 20th-century classics, and acclaimed productions from around the world. Media Contacts: • • For the Arts Club Theatre Company: Sarah Durno Public Relations Manager 604-687-5315 x 244 oublicitv~artsclub.com For Industrial Alliance Pacific: Koulyras Contemporary Communications 604-637-3041 [email protected] ~ngela • Photos from News Conference • • The Announcement of The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage Images from the News Conference, April 5, 2005 On April 5, 2005, Industrial Alliance Pacific presented a cheque of $1.5 million to The Stanley Theatre. The new name and logo for the theatre were also announced. • • • Summary of Media Coverage • • • • • COlltemporaryl Communications The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage Announcement, April 5, 2005 Media Coverage COMPANY: CBC Radio One CKWX News 1130 CTV News Live at Five CTV News at Six CTV News at 11 :30 CityPulse News at Six CityPulse Tonight Spirit of Vancouver Globe and Mail The Province Vancouver Sun 24 Hours Charity Channel (E-news) WestEnder Georgia Straight Vancouver Sun Vancouver Sun Vancouver Sun Village Vibes (E-news) The Commentary Vancouver Courier Vancouver Magazine Shared Vision Magazine Shaw TV-Art Jones & Co. ,*CIT¥! Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver National Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver National Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver Vancouver TOTAL AUDIENCE REACH: Prepared by Contemporary Communications AU.DIENCEREACH 48,000 390,000 25,000 56,000 68,000 22,000 22,000 unknown 337,288 154,590 172,486 145,000 unknown 47,930 340,000 172,486 172,486 172,486 3,200 unknown 136,000 65,000 40,000 unknown 2,589,952 ~.. >t .'.!. e:.' . ",..... COVERAGEiDETAIL~, d%. April 5, 2005: story aired at 12pm, 12:30pm and 4:30pm April 5, 2005: story aired throughout the day April 5, 2005: story aired at 5:30pm April 5, 2005: story aired at 6:16pm April 5, 2005: story aired at 11 :58pm April 5, 2005: story aired at 6:50pm April 5, 2005: story aired at 11 :50pm April 5, 2005: copy of news release on Vancouver Board of Trade Web site April 6, 2005: news brief on page R2 April 6, 2005: news brief on page B6 April 6, 2005: article plus images on pages C1 and C2 April 6, 2005: article plus image on page 4 April 6, 2005: reprint of Globe & Mail news brief April 7, 2005: news briefs on pages 7 and 14 April 7, 2005: news brief on page 49 April 8, 2005: mention as part of play review April 9, 2005: news brief on page B4 April 11, 2005: Kudos news brief on page F5 April 11, 2005: news brief with link to Arts Club Web site April 12, 2005: mention as part of play review April 13, 2005: news brief and photo caption on page 17 May 2005: news brief in event listing May 2005: news brief June 7, 2005: Peter Birnie mentions donation ,. • Copies of Print Coverage • • .... ~~ ......... J .v1I9 sarfu • TOl-onto. McLacWan is about . to pUll another disappearing act. : First, the folk-pop songstress ; with the famously ethereal voice will play the final leg of her current concert tour. But after that, she insists she's going underground. "This is it folks," McLacWan said with a laugh over the phone from , Vancouver Island, where she was enjoying a few days off this week. "There are no more tours booked for the next couple of years. , .. I'm going to just go home , and have some time off." The new slate of shows is set to kick off in Victoria next week, with dates scheduled across the United States and Canada. McLacWan has been out on the road for almost two years now promoting her Grammy-nominated albumAfterglow. CP Ian Tyson to tip his hat : to the Queen next month , Edmonton. Country singer Ian Tyson will headline a showcase of musical talent for the Queen on " her visit to Alberta next month. I • siriger's ageht, Paul Mascioli, 'from his office in Orlando, Fla. "He was invited to perform as part ofAlberta centennial celebrations." Joining Tyson at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton on May 23 will be the Corb Lund Band, Oscar Lopez, Maren Ord and Carolyn Dawn Johnson - all artists with strong connections to Alberta. CP Historic Vancouver theatre renamed and refinanced Vancouver. Vancouver's historic Stanley Theatre, a handsome Granville Street landmark since it opened as a vaudeville house in 1930, is being renamed the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. Arts Club Theatre Co., which restored and reopened the theatre as its main venue seven years ago, yesterday announced that it had received a $1.5-million donation from Vancouver-based Industrial Alliance Pacific Life Insurance Co. The donation is the largest received to date by the non-profit company and will support repayment of the theatre's mortgage through a 20-year partnership. President Woodrow Wilson and General Doilglas MacArthur and songs byAl Jolson, Muddy Waters and Nirvana are among 50 recordings being set aside for special preservation. There's plenty of music, from Victor Herbert's Gypsy Love Song of 1898, through Glenn Miller's In the Mood in 1939, to Nirvana's 1991 album Nevermind. Performances must be 10 years old to qualify. This is the third group of recordings to be added to the registry. AP Kidman and Downey confirmed for Arbus biopic New York. Nicole Kidman and Robert Downey Jr. are to star in a film about photographer Diane AIbus to be shot at Brooklyn's new Steiner Studios. Douglas C. Steiner, chairman of the Hollywood-style complex, announced yesterday that Fur is t-o be directed by Steven Shainberg. Based on Patricia Bosworth's biography, the screenplay by Erin Cressida Wilson presents an imaginary portrait of the life of the late New York fashion photographer.AP Art Canada Advertisers please call: Toronto (416) 585-5592/5567; Montreal (5141 982-3050; Vancouver (604) 631-6627 ~~'P';':~:7 tr'-::?~: Starting April 6, we're open three _ ,_ _ _._ _ , ',.'_',' _, evenings 0 week'tihtiI9:0',:. .. ·,i.;",. And ,new lower p~ices f(n general admission. 'f', Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10 am to 9 pm FREE Wednesday evenings 6 to 9 pm (except Massive Change) • Saturday and Sunday 10 am ta 5:30 pm Closed Monday and Tuesday ,.... A r.t Ga II.el¥.~~ri~~~t", 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto www.ago. ,~~,,~~.~;; a f • :m!llM I v,,"nT-~ 86 I E-TODAY WEDNESDAY. APRil 6. 2005 THE PROVINCE Britney to do reality series THE DISH: UPN has signed Britney and Kevin for a new TV series Brimey Spears and hubby Kevin Federllne have said "r do" to starring in a UPN real- ity series that documents their courtship, engagemen! and wedding. Featuring what UPN bills of their "personal love story," the six-episode series is scheduled to premiere later this year. It picks up shortly after the pair mel in Los erline performed as a backup dancer for Spears. UPN is also shooting new [ootage and commentary with the couple. who wed in tion machine called a I..ektor, lillIe knowing that the enLire aITair is a trap "ict by evil crime cartel SPFCTRE as revenge the death of Dr. No. Federllne. - Stanley renamed AP That marriage was annulled 55 hours later. Bond, James Bond Amidst the speculation about who the next Agent months for the 23-year-old 007 will be, the folks at Electronic Arts have returned to one of the most beloved der in a surprise wt..-dding in Las Vegas in January 2004. fUf Britney Spears and Kevin September. It was the second marriage in nine Spears, who married childhood friend Jason Alexan- New signagc for the mouthful will be unveiled next t963 ftlm's plot, in which the super spy nies to gel his hands on a Soviet encryp- as "exclusive, never-beforeseen private home videos" Angeles and headed to Europe on lOUT, where Fed- Sean Connery will lend hi' voice and his (more youth[u1) likeness to the upcoming video-game version of From Russia with LotI(!, The game will follow the actors ever to sip the signalure martini. The Stanley Theatre is no marc. Thl' Cranville Street land· mark has heen renamed after receiving as I.S-million donation from Vancouverbased Industrial Alliance Pacific J.iff' Insurance COI11- pany. The new name? The Stan- momh. Carol Shields' play Ullless open-s tonight allhe Slanlc}. Itemizing • .. David Hallon, the rocksteady Washingwn curre- spondent for CBC-1V News, is retiring aftcr fOllr decades on the job. Ilis father, Matthew lIalton, was a famous corrc5.pondent for CBe Badio during and after the SCcond World War ... In her first gig since Once and Again was cancelled three years ago, F.mmy winner Sela Ward will join Fox's hit lIotisp for the final Iwo episodes this season and may relurn for 1110rc. \Vard will playa former ho~pilal lawyer and ex·girlfripnd of curmudgeonly Dr. Gregorv Ilouse (Hugh Lauric). ley Industrial Alliance Stage. IlfJiP5'.' _""WSlC - News Services uc,_,,:::::::L