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Welcome to Screenworks' February E-newsletter
On-Line!
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| The
E-News is where we tell the world what our membership is doing. Do you
have a script in development? Shooting a short film? Are you entered in a festival? Winning awards? Just email us here and we'll spread the word. |
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 Welcome to the first SCREENWORKS e-Newsletter for 2009!
The
year ahead, despite the gloomy economic outlook, will hopefully
build on the higher levels of production noted in 2008 across the
Northern Rivers region. This coupled with increased levels of
local crew employment and higher local spends is all good news.
All this activity has not gone unnoticed by the powers that be:
"Between
the 2001 and 2006 census, employment in the arts and creative
industries in Northern Rivers grew 25% faster year on year than
the rest of the regional economy. This is very unusual for an area
outside a capital city or major conurbation, and is a distinctive
characteristic of the region, and represents an area of real
opportunity, especially in view of the State Government’s
growing interest. Northern Rivers is recognised as the key
‘hot-spot’ for the State’s creative industries beyond
Sydney*. "
*(From
‘Northern Rivers Arts & Creative Industries Strategy 2008-
2012 document’ author Positive Solutions/ David Fishel).
We'll
keep you focused with news, festivals, markets, workshops and seminars,
fundng deadlines and a brand new feature film going into production
right here in our own neighbourhood.
There's a lot to cover, so let's get started.
Cheers
Jill & Denise |
Draft Strategic Plan For Review
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PLANNING FOR OUR FUTURE
Over the past year, your Committee has been meeting to develop a strategy for the long term growth and prosperity of SCREENWORKS.
When
this process began, the current world financial crisis seemed unlikely
if not impossible. Now that it has arrived, it is more important than
ever that not-for-profit organisations like ours have a strategy and a
plan for achievable goals. That plan is now ready for review by the
membership, and we encourage you to download it, read it and react.
The Draft Strategy Document can be downloaded as a PDF file by clicking HERE. SW STRATEGIC DRAFT PLAN.pdf 
You will need to have the free Adobe Reader
installed in order to view the document. You can find the latest
version for your computer platform by clicking the link below:
SCREENWORKS
is a member-driven organisation. We hope you'll take this opportunity
to tell us how you see its future. To share your vision, email us at info@screenworks.com.au.
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| Website Updates |
THE NEWSLETTER IS BACK ON-LINE!
When
we moved to our new format, may people missed being able to read the
E-News on-line, and to view back issues in the archive. We're
happy to say that problem is solved. You can find back copies (up to
last December) on our website HERE.
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INTRODUCING THE SCREENWORKS CALENDAR -
To
make it easier for you to keep track of all the exciting events we have
planned for this year, we've created the Screenworks Events
calendar. This is a Google Calendar that's embedded in the
website (you'll find the link under "Resources") and it updates the schedule of events in real time.
You'll
also find the dates of Festivals, funding deadlines and competitions
there. If you have a Google calendar of your own, you can import these
events directly into your calendar.
Life moves pretty fast - we'll help you keep up!
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Screenworks Events In February & March
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SCREENWORKS DEVELOPMENT CLINICS RETURN FOR 2009
27 February in Bangalow with Anne Chesher
It's a New Year - so how is your Film Project going?
Synopsis? Treatment? First Draft? Sitting in your top drawer? Are
you still saying to yourself "One of these days when I have the time
I'll..." Then Screenworks' Development Clinics are for you.
A Development Clinic is your opportunity to book a consultation with an experienced producer to help you develop your concept for funding and entry into film and television markets. Whether you are an emerging or professional producer, writer or director, this
one-hour confidential one-on-one session can help you to see your
project through objective eyes, and bring you closer to your
goals.
Several of last year's
Clinic participants are now in production, while others have created
new strategies for funding.
Participants
are encouraged to email any possible briefing material in advance in
order to maximise the consultation opportunity.
Places are limited to 6, so call or email now to be included.
Cost: $50 for Screenworks members / $60 for non-members (GST Inclusive)
Duration: 1 Hour
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL
Please email your request to: events@screenworks.com.au
or call: (02) 6687-1599
NEXT CLINIC: LISMORE
DATE: 27 MARCH
BOOK NOW: events@screenworks.com.au |
SCRIPT CLINICS WITH DEB COX
 Deb Cox, ScreenWriter/ Editor/ Producer (SeaChange,
CrashBurn, East of Everything) is available for a limited number of
Script Consultations at the Screenworks Office in Bangalow. Deb will
read and consult on Feature Film Scripts, TV one-offs and Series and
Short Film scripts. Details of the application process and costs are on
the Screenworks website.
Where: Screenworks Office, Deacon Street, Bangalow
When: March 2009
Time: By Appointment
More info: www.screenworks.com.au
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 "AUSTRALIA" The Movie - Behind the Scenes
When: 7PM Thursday, 12 March
Where: A&I Hall, Station Street, Bangalow
Cost: $15 members/$20 non-members
Hollywood.com Says
"You can’t help but be swept up in this eye-popping visual feast that deserves its comparisons to great movies such as Gone With the Wind and Out of Africa."
The New York Times Called It
"...one
demented and generally diverting horse-galloping, cattle-stampeding,
camera-swooping, music-swelling, mood-altering widescreen package... a
testament to movie love at its most devout, cinematic spectacle at its
most extreme, and kitsch as an act of aesthetic communion."
Roger Ebert Says
"What
a gorgeous film, what strong performances, what exhilarating images and
-- yes, what sweeping romantic melodrama. The kind of movie that is a
movie, with all that the word promises and implies."
 And Northern Rivers Crews helped to make it happen...
Go behind the scenes with three key crew members on Baz Lurhman's latest epic and share their expertise and insights into what it takes to be involved in a major blockbuster.
Join Victoria Sullivan (Continuity), Dominic Bean (Visual Effects) and Guntis Sics (Production Sound Mixer - shown at right) for the inside story of the movie we'll be talking about for years.
Please note we will not be screening the film.
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COMING EVENTS FOR 2009
We
have a huge calendar of events planned for 2009, and we're finalising
the dates right now. But here are just a few of the things that we're
working on:
EQUIPMENT SHOWCASE: Get the inside story on the latest digital gear. Are you backing the Red One or the Panasonic P2? Planned for March
THE PRODUCER OFFSET EXPLAINED: A visit from Screen Australia to bring members up to date with new funding models. Date TBA.
THE STRUCTURE OF STORY: Intensive Master Class for Scriptwriters. TBA
And So Much More...
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| Member News |
BELINDA CHAYKO'S FEATURE FILM GETS THE GREEN LIGHT
 "Lou" to be shot in Northern Rivers
Local
screenwriter/director Belinda Chayko's latest feature, the story of an
eleven-year-old girl and her grandfather, who suffers from Alzheimer's,
will go into production this year, with the majority of filming in and
around Murwillumbah. Distinguished character actor John Hurt has
been confirmed in the key role of the grandfather, with Emily Barclay
signed on to play his daughter-in-law.
Casting
for the title role will begin next month and will be widely publicised
in the press as well as on our website, so keep watching.
Belinda
hopes to use as many local crew as possible. If you are interested,
polish up your CV and send an email to Natalie Palomo, who is assisting
producer Helen Bowden - natalie.palomo@gmail.com. Let's show what a vibrant screen culture the Northern Rivers has, and support Belinda and her team.
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FLICKERFEST SUCCESS FOR MIRIAM SALOMON
"WOODWORK FOR WOMEN" RECEIVES AUDIENCE KUDOS
Congratulations to Miriam Salomon whose short film "Woodwork for Women" was recognized by the judges and audience of the BYRON ALL SHORTS competition over the Australia Day long weekend.
Miriam's
film was highly commended by the judges and received the audience award
during the three-day festival which attracted over 50 entries.
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HULA HORSE HEADING TO MELBOURNE: 
The team from Bangalow-based Hula Horse Productions is heading down to Melbourne on February 27. The 2009 Antennae Awards, celebrating the best in Australian Community TV, has nominated their 13-part dating game show BrainDate in the Best Comedy Category. BrainDate screened in 2008 on Channel 31 in Brisbane to excellent ratings and attracted a cult following.
It was picked up by community TV stations around Australia and New
Zealand, and went live at the 2008 Big Joke Comedy Festival in
Bangalow. Producer Hannah Ross says the Antenna nomination should help in attracting sponsors for a second series.
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LIFE'S A PITCH UPDATES:
2008's Finals
at the Byron Community Centre saw our members pitching some of the
strongest projects we've seen - so what's happened to them since
November 15th?
Susie Forster - The winner of the competition with her doco "True Crimes of the Lone Avenger"
has just finalised a pre-sale with ABC Television. With matching
development funding from ABC and Screen Australia, Susie and her team
are making their final choice of producer this week and deciding on a
production company. They hope to be in production by the end of
this year.
Mariani Vermeend & Michael Balson - They pitched "Liquid Images", a series on the hiostory of underwater photography and how it changed the world. With their pitch re-packaged as "Rapture of the Deep" and with John Weiley attached as co-producer theirs is one of only 22 projects selected for this month's Meet Market at the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) in Adelaide.
Dave Watson & Harely Graham - This team pitched a multi-platform animated sci-fi graphic novel thriller "SMTV". They're headed for Ignition on the Sunshine Coast in May, and plan to hone their pitching skills at The Pitch Club in Brisbane.
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ALSO HEADING FOR AIDC
...is Letitia Lee. Her
reality/lifestyle/fitness series "Trim Taut N' Terrific" is well into
to production, and she's off to Adelaide with her sizzle reel to mix,
mingle, network and seal the deal!
CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE - WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING MORE
| Not A Member? - If you enjoy receiving this newsletter and you'd like to join us, just visit the  Website and fill in the on-line registration form.
All you need to know is right there.
You'll save money on Events, Clinics, Reel Talk and much
more, plus you'll be able to promote your skills and projects
through the Directory and the E-Newsletter.
Local News |
MULLUM FLICKS PREMIERE AT THE OLD DRILL HALL
 Mullum Flicks present the award-winning new film I've Loved You So Long by French director Philippe Claudel and starring Kristen Scott Thomas on Saturday 21st February.
This'll be the first of their monthly film nights, held at the Old Drill Hall Theatre in Mullumbimby (opposite the pool).
Tickets are $10 at the door,
doors open at 7pm for tea + cakes + snacks, and the film starts at 8pm.
Seating is provided...bring a cushion for extra comfyness. Beanbags are
welcome too!
Enquiries: 6684 6827
Email: mullumflicks@rachelstone.com
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BYRON FILM CLUB
Byron
Film Club is an informal network of people interested in screening and
promoting the life of North Coast filmmakers. See the Screenworks
Website for more information or go to the new Byron Film Club Site : www.byronfilmclub.com |
FILM ARTISTS COOPERATIVE
The Film Artists Cooperative, or "FAC" is a support group of actors, producers, directors, students and other film artists who collaborate with one another to make films. FAC is free and new members are welcome. For further info, contact coordinator Susie on 6687 0516 or email susie@byronbaymultimedia.com.au
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| Courses and Professional Development |
 The NORTH COAST INSTITUTE OF TAFE Offers
Certificate Courses in many screen disciplines, including Screen &
Media, Multimedia, 3D Animation and Digital Effects, Digital Media and
Media & Performance. More Details Here...
Semester
1 is starting soon, but there are still some places in some courses.
Semester 2 is also filling up, so check it out soon!
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Making Money in the Creative Economy Workshop
If
your business is in the creative industry sector and you want practical
survival tactics, then this is a must-do program for you.
Thursday 26th and Friday 27th February 2009 Strategic to Tactical Marketing - Increasing Value and Sales
Venue: The Board Room, Ramada Hotels and Suites, Ballina
Cost: $55 per day (includes lunch) limited to 20 participants
Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th April 2009 Legalese – Maximising Intellectual Property & Making the Pitch
Venue: The Board Room, Ramada Hotels and Suites, Ballina
Cost: $55 per day (includes lunch) limited to 20 participants
For full details and to book a place, visit the ARTS NORTHERN RIVERS WEBSITE.
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 Short Courses in Brisbane:
Visit the AFTRS Website for details and bookings for upcoming Short Courses.
Courses Closing Soon Include:
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Monday, 23 February, 2009, Ramada Ballina
Cost: $99 for Premium Members, $129 others (GST Incl)
This
workshop is designed to equip you with the basic skills to identify
media opportunities to promote your business and to get the best
results in media coverage.
Special guest will be the Editor of The Northern Star, Sue Short. For Bookings: rsvp@northernriverstourism.com.au
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| State & National News |
 NSW Film and Television Office Announces Emerging Filmmaker Funding
Previously
known as the Young Filmmakers Fund, the FTO Website says "The Emerging
Filmmakers Fund was established in 1995 to support new and emerging
filmmakers in NSW. The Fund provides career development pathways for
talented practitioners, and the opportunity for the advancement of
up-and-coming content creators. The FTO encourages exploration,
experimentation, and mastery of new technologies in particular. In each
round, a maximum of four successful projects receive grants of up to
$30,000 for production and/or post-production...There is now no
restriction on age, and instead preference will be given to applicants
who can demonstrate their commitment to a career in screen content
creation."
The previous round closed in November 2008 and the
winners were announced on 17 February. All four were short
dramas. You can read the full Media Release HERE.
Screenworks member Sarah Ford was a successful applicant in the previous round with her short film "Tea",
which is now in post-production. Sarah says "EFF is a fabulous
opportunity to to take your skills to the next level, but it's
competitve so being prepared is everything. It's not just about having
a great script, it takes time to pull together a crew, negotiate and
gather deals in writing and submit a polished application. Of course we
are lucky to have Screenworks Development Clinics to help us along, but
planning well in advance can make or break an application."
The
next deadline for this program will occur after 1 July 2009. As soon as
there is more information it will be sent out via the FTO e-alert and
posted on the website.
To receive the FTO's e-alerts , sign up at http://www.fto.nsw.gov.au/subscribe.asp
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INDUSTRY ALERT:
Travel Grants opportunities for Cannes Film MarketScreen Australia is offering travel grants for producers travelling to the Cannes Film Market, 13 – 22 May 2009.
Deadline for applications is Tuesday 3 March 2009. Grants available are Type B for market-experienced producers and Type C for producers developing market experience.
The Marketing Travel Grant Guidelines and application form, outlining all eligibility criteria, is available to download from the Screen Australia website:
www.afc.gov.au/funding/marketing/travel/default.aspx
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| FUNDING DEADLINES: |
Visit  for Funding Information and Opportunities.
For most categories of support, applications can now be made at any time.
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Visit the NSW Film and Television Office
This is where you will find information on all their Programs of Assistance.
In particular Emerging Members should download information on the Emerging Filmmakers Fund.
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| Markets and Festivals |
AIDC STARTS THIS WEEK
... and runs until the 20th. Good luck to all Northern Rivers filmmakers who are attending. Visit the Website...
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BIGPOND ADELAIDE FILM FESTIVAL: 19 February to 1 March Visit the Website...
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AUSTRALIAN WRITERS GUILD NATIONAL SCREENWRITERS CONFERENCE: 25-27 February
Visit the Website...
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| MIPTV EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION IS OPEN: Runs 30 March - 3 April. Visit the Website... |
Keep In Touch With the Screen Industry in the Northern Rivers
by visiting our website. You'll find information on Short Courses
and Funding Deadlines, Links to Industry Organizatons and
Magazines. And it's updated frequently, so you don't have to wait
a whole month to get your dose of Screen News.
Just put www.screenworks.com.au in your Bookmarks, and stop by often. |
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