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Dear
Screenworks Member
Welcome
to Screenworks August E-newsletter!
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There's so much to talk about this month
- the New Website,
Upcoming Events, Member Success Stories - we can hardly wait to tell
you.
We're kicking off the lead-in to "Life's A Pitch" this
month with a terrific seminar on writing a synopsis. Whether
you're working on a documentary, animation, a short film or a
full-length feature, we have two terrific presenters to show you how to
create a synopsis that presents your ideas in a compelling way.
Two of our members are going
into production on their projects,
and we'll share with you how they tapped into our Monthly Development
Clinics to get to the green-light stage. Their stories are as
different as their projects, and each has something different to tell
us about how to get our work on to the screen.
You’ll notice the newsletter
has a different look this month.
That’s because we’re integrating it with the new website
interface. We welcome your feedback on the website and the
newsletter. It’s your Screenworks too, so tell us what you
think!
We hope you enjoy the month ahead – let’s see what
it has to offer!
Warm regards
Jill & Denise |
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| New Website Launched |
See It Now!
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Have you logged on to the Screenworks
Website in the past week? If you have, you've seen some major
changes.
You'll
meet our new Board members for 2008, easily access the latest news and
upcoming Events, workshops and funding deadlines. Browse the new
Locations Gallery, and the members Directory.
There's a wealth
of new information and resources there, much more than we've ever had
before. Take some time to look around. We feel sure there will be
something new there for everyone.
The feedback we've received so
far is overwhelmingly positive, but if you have any difficulty
navigating the site or finding what you want, please let us know, so we
can improve your user experience.
Members
– be sure to log on to update your details and personalise your
profile. You’ll find the instructions to do this on the website.
Just click on “ABOUT” and go to “NEW LOG-IN
INSTRUCTIONS”.
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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.
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Screenworks Events In August |
The Art of the Pitch Part One:
How
to Write a Synopsis That Sells
Monday, 4 August at 7PM,
Bangalow A&I Hall
Have
you spent months, even years on your screenplay? Or perhaps your
documentary needs funding. You know what comes next...sooner or later
you're going to have to pitch your project. It may be to a broadcaster - to an investor - to a funding
body, but sooner or later you need to step up and sell your idea.
 So how do you begin? Join prominent
documentary filmmaker Catherine Marciniak and feature
film writer/director Belinda Chayko for this  informative
look at how to create a compelling synopsis as the first step towards
perfecting your pitch. Remember - Life's A Pitch, our annual
Pitching competition, is coming! Start to prepare now!
When: 4 August, 7PM
Where: A&I Hall, Station Street, Bangalow
Cost: $15 members/$20 non-members including GST.
Bookings
are not required, but expressions of interest are welcome to assist in
planning.
To RSVP email events@screenworks.com.au
Or Call : (02) 6687-1599
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NEW
MEDIA INCUBATOR Information Session at SAE - 
Thursday 21st August 5.30pm SAE
Institute, Byron Bay
Screenworks launches
the New Media Incubator
Screenworks
announces a major new 3-day digital media event for 2008. This is
your chance to develop a concept for multi-platform delivery, mix with
the people at the forefront of the digital revolution and learn all the
jargon that goes with an industry that is changing every minute.
This
3-day event includes a 2-day hothouse for the development of a selected
number of local projects with the guidance of media professionals, and
an open Conference on Day 3. Many of Australia's key players in the
screen industry have already signed up to discuss the impact of digital
media for content producers and how to cater for future trends expected
in New Media. The Incubator will be held at the Byron At Byron Resort
23-25 October.
To discover how to submit your project for
participation in this fantastic 2-day hothouse Incubator, or to learn
more about attending the Conference Day – don’t miss our
information night:
New Media Incubator Information Session at SAE Institute, Ewingsdale
Road, Byron Bay Thursday 21st August 5.30pm
This Event is Supported by:
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MEMBER NEWS
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Development
Clinics Promote Success
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Sarah Ford 's 8-minute drama "Tea", with Byron
Bay director
Darius Devas is one of only four projects which have been selected for
funding in Round 23 of the NSW Film and Television Office's Young
Filmnakers Fund, which fosters the talent of emerging young filmmakers
in NSW. For the first time, this year’s round was open
exclusively to applicants from regional NSW and western Sydney.
"None of this would have been
possible without
the support of Screenworks and in particular the Development Clinics
with Anne Chesher." says Sarah (far left, with Michaely O'Brien at
a recent Screenworks Workshop). The Development Clinics have helped me
to refine my craft and gain a greater understanding of the industry. I
can’t wait to start production in September.”
Micahely commented "I
thought Sarah was absolutely fantastic.
She had a great idea, but she’d also put a lot of hard work in to
realising that idea. It was very refreshing to find someone so
talented and professional in a regional area."
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Another Development Clinic
devotee is Letitia Lee,
who recently featured on NBN Television's evening news with her
feature-length reality-based project "Thinkin' Trim, Taut, Terrific" in
which she and a group of like-minded participants embark on a campaign
to regain health & well-being using Letitia's own holistic
method. Learn more about her project at her website.
Letitia
says “The biggest and most important thing Anne has done for me
is believed in me. I had some unconventional ideas and having a voice
of reason was invaluable, she’s tough enough to thrash it out
with, which makes me think, and then either decide not to do something,
or concretes my ideas so I know they will work. Anne has been my rock,
my confidant and I can’t say enough good things about her. She is
down to earth, honest and knows what she is talking about…what
more could you ask for?”
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The next
Development Clinic
will be held on 29 August in Lismore. For more information
or to make a booking, email us at events@screenworks.com.au
or call 6687-1599.
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| LOCAL NEWS |
BYRON
FILM CLUB
Byron Film Club is
an informal network of people interested in screening and promoting the
life of North Coast filmmakers. It is devoted to the production and
enjoyment of film, art and cultural experiences in the way of short
films and multimedia screenworks. Byron Film Club is a non profit
organisation incorporated under the Island Quarry and sponsored by
FrankAz, Azinc, Screenworks, The Arts Factory, Claire Douglas and
filmmakers of the region. BFC works in collaboration with the Film
Artists Cooperative (FAC). Screenings are held on a monthly basis as
are Film Artist Cooperative meetings. Curation of films is ongoing.
The new Byron Film Club Site
can be found at www.byronfilmclub.com
The Byron Film Club now has a forum which can be found at www.byronfilmclub.com/bfc_chat
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. Meetings feature project
‘pitches’, updates on work in progress, brainstorming
sessions, guest speakers and open discussions regarding member
projects. FAC is free and new members are welcome. For further info,
contact coordinator Susie on 66870 516 or email susie@byronbaymultimedia.com.au
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FAC meet on the first Thursday
of the month at the Byron Bay Services Club in Jonson Street, at 7.30pm.
REEL FILMS AT FEDERAL
Enjoy a slate of Films that has something for everyone
this month.
Bring
the family along this month on 9 August for two children's offerings
starting from 1pm, plus something for the grown-ups at 7pm.
Bookings are essential. Membership available at the door. Bring a
cushion. For more details contact Alan & Anita on 6684 9313.
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OPPORTUNITIES AND
FESTIVALS
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EAST OF EVERYTHING RETURNS TO THE BAY – CALL FOR LOCAL
PERFORMERS
Series
Two of the ABC TV drama East of Everything will begin filming in Byron
Shire in early August and the production is looking for local
performers to appear in the show.
To apply, send an outline of
your performance experience with a very recent photograph, capturing
your current hair style and colour, Or, if you haven't performed before
but would like to appear in the show, indicate your special skills
– such as drivers licence, golf player, tennis player, surfer,
waiter etc. The producers welcome applications from both amateurs
and professionals, over the age of 18, but particularly encourage
people aged 35 – 60. There are no roles for children under
the age of 16.
Some of the roles the production is looking to
cast are backpackers, circus performers, surfers, cafe patrons, wait
staff and other special performance talents.
“It’s
great to be back in Byron Shire. As with Series One, we’ve
had tremendous support from the community.” said producer Fiona
Eagger. “We are also looking for babies due in August as our
character Lizzy is due to give birth”.
Applications should be sent to PO BOX 2601, Byron Bay NSW 2481, and
must be received by August 4, 2008.
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THE REELIFE SHORT FILM
FESTIVAL 2008
DEADLINE: 10 August
Reelife,
is an opportunity to showcase 'real' life experiences that affect young
people through contemporary use of film and video. If you are 25 or
younger put your ideas into motion in a short film.
All genres and
styles accepted: documentaries, dramas, comedies, experimental films
and animations. Prize categories will include Best Film, Best
documentary, Best Script, Best Under 18, and Audience Choice, amongst
others.
Entries will be open from the 10th of June to the 10th August 2008, so
submit your films now!
Visit the website at www.reelifefilmfestival.net,
for an Entry Form. For more information contact Festival
Coordinator - andrianna.kalogirou@vibewire.net |
MEDIA MENTORSHIP
FOR WOMEN
APPLY NOW! Deadline: 15th August
Applications
for Mentorship Round 1 are open! If you are interested in applying
please download the Guidelines and Application form from our website - www.nsw.wift.org/MENTOR.
The application deadline for Round 1 is 15th August 2008.
The
Media Mentorship for Women program will establish mentor relationships
between industry professionals and women who are seeking to further
their careers in key technical areas such as Cinematography, Editing,
Sound Design, Music Composition, Directing, Script Writing and other
areas in which women are consistently under represented.
All
applicants will be invited to attend free workshops and forums as part
of the Mentorship program. Moreover all applicants will have free
access to our online forum called i-Mentoring and other helpful web
resources. We are also in the process of making podcasts of our Sydney
events available to all applicants who live in regional NSW or other
States.
If you would like to participate as a Mentor or Sponsor please email
Ana Tiwary (Mentorship Coordinator) at wift.mentorship@gmail.com
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SHORTS 2008
Now Accepting Entries
DEADLINE: 15 August
Shorts
is a national short film festival and competition, attracting
filmmakers from across Australia to compete for it’s lucrative
prize pool, including the coveted first prize trip to Cannes Film
Festival.
Shorts provides growing forums for exposure in Australia
and overseas to further the development of its film makers and to
facilitate their transfer into professional feature films, serials, or
documentary-making.
Full details and entry forms on the SHORTS Website.
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FLICKERFEST 2009
Now Acceppring Entries
DEADLINE: 29 August
Flickerfest,
Australia’s premiere international short film festival, will
be held at Bondi Pavilion on Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach,
9th-18th January, touring nationally till March. The Festival will
consist of a main International competitive program which is
Academy® accredited,
a short documentary competition, Australia competition and a
number of additional programs and forums out of competition.
Eligibility: The Australian and Documentary
Sections are open
to any production available on 35mm or SP Beta tape. To be
eligible for any section of the Festival the production must be no
more than 30 minutes in length. (In rare and exceptional
circumstances the festival committee reserves the right
to accept films of longer duration). Films that have not been
broadcast in Australia and International shorts that are a
Sydney premiere are preferred.
Full details are on the FLICKERFEST
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DigiSPAA ENTRIES NOW OPEN
DEADLINE: 19TH September
DigiSPAA
is an initiative designed to encourage digital feature film production.
Now in its fourth year, DigiSPAA provides a forum for Australian and
New Zealand filmmakers to showcase their work in a competitive
environment. The winner, who will be announced at the SPAA Conference
in November 2008, will receive a cash prize of $15,000 as well as
$20,000 worth of post-production sponsored by the Movie Network
Channels, a subscription to Movie Network, and return airfares and free
registration to the prestigious Rotterdam Cinemart International
Feature Film Market. The winning entry will be screened on the Movie
Extra channel.
Applications are now open. Please send all
requirements by 19th September 2008. Information and applications forms
are available on the SPAA
website.
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INSCRIPTION AWARDS
DEADLINE: 31 October
With
a total prize value of $200,000 including a trip to Los Angeles and the
chance to work with a stellar cast of leading international script
developers, writers and actors - the third biennial INSCRIPTION AWARDS
are the biggest yet. The competition continues to grow, with bigger
cash prizes and more awards on offer this year. The seven prize
categories include Film, Television, Theatre, Regional, Grey Matter,
Youth and Indigenous. The winner of each award category will receive a
prize package worth $25,000, including $5,000 cash, $15,000 worth of
intensive script development with leading international talent, and
$5000 in production support.
Please visit www.inscription.com.au to download an application form or
email marcus@inscription.com.au
or phone Marcus West on (02) 9386 5993
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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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