Welcome to the SCREENWORKS e-Newsletter for March & April 2009!

New Media is one of the hot-button topics in the screen industry these days & we have a terrific event planned for you.  If you're wondering how to add a digital dimension to your story, keep reading.

We'll also keep you up to date with what our members have accomplished, and ways that you can become more involved in Screenworks programmes.

And of course, we have news, festivals, markets, workshops and seminars, and funding opportunities.

There's so much to tell you - let's go.

Cheers
Jill & Denise                         Click below to jump to any topic

   Employment Opportunity

Northern Rivers Screenworks Seeks Events & Membership Manager

The Screenworks Events and Membership Manager is a permanent part-time position starting 25 May 2009.  Applicants will have expertise in events management, media writing, publicity and marketing and membership contact and management using both old and new media. Knowledge of local creative industries is a definite advantage. You will also possess intermediate skills in Microsoft Word and Excel and be familiar with Apple Macs. Website maintenance experience is required.

The ideal applicant will be highly organised and motivated with  extensive media, publicity and marketing experience and will enjoy making a positive contribution to this not-for-profit organisation and the screen industry. The Events and Membership Manager's position is for three days per week (24 hours per week).

To download a full job description and criteria, please go to the website – www.screenworks.com.au
Or  email Jill Moonie - gm@screenworks.com.au

Applications in writing addressing all selection criteria should be emailed to Jill Moonie <gm@screenworks.com.au> and a hard copy sent by post to be received no later than Friday 17 April, 2009

Address to:
Jill Moonie, General Manager
Northern Rivers Screenworks,
PO Box 146 Bangalow 2479

Whether we're Professional Screenworkers with CV's the size of the phone book, or Emerging Hopefuls getting our first projects off the ground - whether we're creating for the Big Screen, TV, Internet or  Mobile Phones - we're all in love with motion pictures.  So what are YOU watching?  Have you seen a movie that knocked your socks off? Are you hooked on a series that you want to tell the world about?  Or have you watched something that got raves, and you thought it was a let-down?

We're inviting you to write a review of a show that you're passionate about, and send it to us by Email at events@screenworks.com.au.   Every month we'll feature one or more on the website. We're looking for reviews that reflect what you like or dislike, and Why?  Have your say about what's showing on the screens you're watching!

STORY-TELLING ON MULTIPLE PLATFORMS
Content creation for TV, Internet, Mobile Phones and Digital Media.

Screenworks and North Coast TAFE present a New Media Seminar featuring cross-media specialist Christy Dena.  Christy works as a narrative and game design consultant, educator and researcher. She consults to clients in the film, TV, print, gaming and marketing industries across Australia and internationally, and was a keynote speaker at Power to the Pixel, London Film Festival last year.  Her website is www.ChristyDena.com.

This event is open to the public, and you can find more information on the Screenworks website.

WHEN:    Friday, 1 May, 10am to 12:30pm WHERE: North Coast TAFE, Cudgen Road, Kingscliff COST:     $20 Screenworks Members/$30 Non-Members RSVP:     events@screenworks.com.au TEL:        02-6687-1599

SCREENWORKS DEVELOPMENT CLINICS

Got a Project? How's it 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.

 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.

CATHY HENKEL & JEFF CANIN'S AWARD-WINNING DOCO TO COMPETE AT TRIBECA

Fresh from its win as the IF Awards Best Documentary, THE BURNING SEASON has been invited to compete in the ‘World Documentary Feature Competition’ at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival in New York in April.  THE BURNING SEASON is the only Australian documentary that will screen in competition, and is director Henkel's second outing at Tribeca. In 2004 she won the coveted award for ‘Best Documentary’ with her very personal film, “THE MAN WHO STOLE MY MOTHER’S FACE “. You can read more about THE BURNING SEASON on the website:  www.theburningseasonmovie.com

CAMEL EPIC NEARS COMPLETION

Kamahl Films is nearing completion on its SBS documentary "Collective Moments of Madness: A Camel Odyssey". Director Kamahl Druesne took the top prize in 2007's "Life's A Pitch" and went on to attract SBS as a broadcaster with his pitch at AIDC in Perth.  Keep watching for broadcast dates and times.

"SAVED" PREMIERES 12 APRIL ON SBS

Written by Belinda Chayko and directed by AFI Award-winner Tony Ayers (Home Song Stories), "Saved" stars Claudia Karvan, as a woman who becomes the advocate for a young Iranian detainee, and develops a complex relationship with him that threatens her marriage. Belinda's Feature Film "LOU" is currently gearing up for production in the Northern Rivers.

NEW FILM HONOURS BANGALOW WAR VETERANS

Terry Bleakley and Lisa Sharpe have produced a DVD documentary titled "Heart of the Man", on behalf of the Bangalow Historical Society. Bangalow’s war veterans will be honoured with the launch of this new film on Wednesday 15th April in the Bangalow A & I Hall, Station Street, Bangalow at 7pm.

Terry and Lisa interviewed a number of Bangalow veterans and have produced a compelling  and moving documentary.  

Tickets are $10 each and are available from Barebones. Drinks on arrival and a light supper will be provided. Music from the era will be played by Bangalow pianist Anna Sansom and children from the Bangalow School choir will perform a number of wartime songs.

R.S.V.P.  Wendy Grissell on 66884342 by 9th April. 

IS YOUR MEMBERSHIP WORKING FOR YOU?

Did you know that last month we had over 66,000 hits to The Screenworks website? That on the average we get more than 2,000 hits per day? If you haven't updated your details on your directory profile, they haven't seen your name, and they don't know what you can do.  Instructions for editing your profile are on our web page (Click "About" and select "New Log-In Instructions"). But if you have any problems, just call or email us and we'll talk you through it. Your Membership matters, make it work for you!

SCREENWORKS owes a great debt of thanks to the generosity of its sponsors. This month, we'd like you to meet just two of them - The Byron at Byron and A Plus B Solutions.

 The Byron of Byron has this package on offer:

Winter Embrace - A short escape to The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa
Sneak away on this short mid year winter escape. Curl up in the luxury of your cosy suite and enjoy some quiet time just to be. The perfect excuse for a weekend away together or simply get away and have some ‘you’ time.

- Two night’s accommodation in a superior suite at The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa
- Welcome bottle of Australian red wine in room on arrival 
- Full buffet breakfast daily in the Restaurant 
- Complimentary hot chocolate and marshmallows in The Restaurant (one per person per stay) 
- Complimentary in-room movie (one per room per stay) 
- A 10% discount off any treatment in The Spa and Wellness Centre 
- Complimentary daily yoga at 8am

 
This package is subject to availability and valid for travel between 1st May – 31st August 2009.
Please call reservations on 02 6639 2000 or visit www.thebyronatbyron.com.au for more great packages.
GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE FOR ACCOMMODATION, DAY SPA & RESTAURANT

Adam Bayly of A Plus B Solutions says:

"A plus B Business Solutions is a business services practice focused on helping business make better decisions.

We have solutions to provide your business with a range of accounting and finance skills on a part time basis:
• senior financial support in your business on a regular basis
• solutions to maximise the value of your business
• An independent review of the financial status, decision making process and the accounting procedures of your business.

We do not offer a tax or compliance service, rather our focus is on the financial information and controls required to run a successful business – ie. cashflow forecasting, budgeting, transparent financial information, investment analysis etc."
 

 Local News

Pictures in Paradise is set to begin pre-production on its $8 million musical-comedy feature "A Heartbeat Away" in August.

Casting for the Queensland-based film, which is being directed by theatre stalwart Gale Edwards, will begin next week. “She’s one of the jewels of the theatre world as a director – she’s just directed Jerry Springer at the Opera House,” producer Chris Brown said.

The film marks a change of direction for Pictures in Paradise which largely concentrates on the horror genre and has two major films due to be released this year: ocean thriller Triangle and vampire movie Daybreakers. "A Heartbeat Away" tells the story of a young man obsessed with becoming a rock guitar legend who is instead forced to become musical director of his father’s brass band.

The film will be distributed by Mainline in the US and Hoyts in Australia, which have also invested in the movie alongside Screen Australia, the Pacific Film and Television Office and Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Mr Brown said Pictures in Paradise is continuing to work with Italy’s Barbablu Films after signing a major five-year co-production deal around August last year.

Its first co-produced film, Dark Door, remains in script development and is now due to enter pre-production around September. The film was originally set to be shot in the first quarter of this year. “Getting the material right is terribly important. These days the market is so selective,” Mr Brown said.
email: c.brown@picturesinparadise.com.au

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

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

  Courses and Professional Development

 Every Month in Brisbane offers a selection of Industry Short Courses. Take a look at their website for offerings coming up next month.

 State & National News

OZDOX - Thursday 9 April 2009

The Australian Documentary Forum and The Australian Director's Guild, in association with AFTRS, supported by Metroscreen and Sydney Film School presents:

The Documentary Distribution Dilemma :  What online video can and cannot deliver,  and why filmmakers need to understand it NOW!     

Special Guests:

Moderator: Sandra Davey - General Manager - Digital, Unwired Australia
Judith Bowtell - Director, Policy and Communications, NSW Film and Television Office
Chris Gilbey OAM - www.vquence.com.au & www.perceptric.com
Robert Hutchinson - Head of New Media & Digital Services Interface stream, ABC - www.abc.net.au

With Overseas Guests (via video):

Elliot Grove and Zara Ballantyne Grove - www.raindance.tv
Nick Ware - Managing Director - Joining The Docs in UK

WHAT: Panel discussion, presentations and audience Q&A
WHERE: AFTRS Sydney - 130 Bent St, Entertainment Quarter (NOTE NEW VENUE)
WHEN: Thursday 9 April 2009 - 6.30pm for 7pm start.
ENTRY: $5 suggested donation (No RSVP)
Limited seating so please be early.
http://tinyurl.com/aftrs-theatre
 

   Go To   for Funding Information and Opportunities. For most categories of support, applications can now be made at any time.

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.

Returning to Byron Bay with a knockout selection of films, the 2009 Sydney Travelling Film Festival will light up the Dendy Byron Bay 1 – 3 May.

This year’s opening night features Her Whole Life Ahead, a smart and playful Italian satire plus AFI winner Dog with Electric Collar. The weekend program celebrates the latest and greatest in world cinema with armchair travels far and wide; to Belgium with the Dardenne Brothers’ latest Cannes winner,
to Norway with a kooky adventure, to Italy with the captivating Red Like the Sky based on the inspired by the remarkable childhood of award-winning sound editor Mirco Mencacci, to France with a family reunion like no other and to the Lowlands for a fantastical journey. We also screen new Australian family drama Playing for Charlie and the audience favourite from the Sydney Film Festival Fugitive Pieces.

The full schedule will be available soon on the website: www.sff.org.au

The Sydney Underground Film Festival Organisers are Calling for Entries,

...and they want even more Australian entries for this year’s edition.

For entry details, visit www.suff.com.au. And “to help with those recession blues, filmmakers will also be granted a $5 discount when a previous rejection letter from any film festival accompanies their entry,” said the organisers. The earlybird deadline closes on April 24.

The Janison Short Sharp Film Festival 2009 Call for Entries is on again!

We are doing a call to arms to students and members of our community to start making films now!  We have had some great entries in previous years from across the Mid North Coast including across NSW and Queensland.  Entries close Friday 15 May 2009. Signature item for 2009 is a COLANDER, either visual or verbal. The Festival event is on 11 July 2009 at the Jetty Theatre in Coffs Harbour

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2009?
This year the event will be held at the Jetty Theatre in Coffs HarbourThere are now two sections for entry in the Secondary area:
- Junior High School – Years 7 to 10
- Senior High School – Year 11 & 12 (Year 12 films from 2008 are eligible)
Cash Prizes for all sections winners - $2,000 first prize for OPEN, $500 first prizes for Senior High School, Junior High School and Primary School
 
For more information go to www.shortsharpfilmfestival.com