| Welcome to the Northern Rivers Screenworks Email News Bulletin
Issue Date: Wednesday December 5, 2007
If
you would like to have your information included in the next
newsletter, please assist us in the process by sending no more than one
paragraph to info@screenworks.com.au. We reserve the right to edit or
omit information. We look forward to receiving your news and
announcements.
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| Welcome to Screenworks December/Christmas E-newsletter
Woohoo!!
It's nearly the end of the year, we all made it! Thank you for
supporting Screenworks in 2007 - it's been a great year! Have a great
Christmas and New Years break, see you in 2008.
Jill & Rebecca
Life's A Pitch Finale 2007, November 22nd
 What a night! What an event!! Congratulations to Kamahl Druesne who took out 1st place with his documentary 'Collective Moments of Madness'.
The People's Choice Award was a tie between Michael Balson's touching film called 'Different Ways of Dying' and Kamahl Druesne.
Mark
Purser's project 'Circus School' was awarded the project with the most
cross-platform potential. A huge congratulations to all our finalists
who presented such high quality pitches.
LAP 2007 was a very
successful event and Screenworks acknowledges everyone who made it
possible and to those who came and supported such a fantastic event for
our regions filmmakers. A special thanks to Lyn McCarthy and Catherine
Marciniak who made the event possible, plus all the volunteers who
helped on the night. A big thanks to our MC Tobin Saunders who made it
such a fun time and  Spaghetti Circus for their moving performance.
Jackie
McKimmie from AFC and Megan Harding & David Jowsey from ABC TV were
very impressed with all the pitches, the event and overall the vibrancy
of the flourishing film community in Byron Bay. Congratulations
everyone!
A message from one of our members:
"...thank you for the wonderful opportunities you arranged for local filmmakers recently with Life's a Pitch.
It
was such a joyful learning process and I found it really valuable
for improving pitches, meeting other filmmakers, and the wonderful
opportunity to meet with Megan Harding. Finding everyone so open and
accessible is very encouraging when filmmaking is a new venture in ones
life. Many thanks, Lina Eve."
We would like to thank our sponsors: ABC
TV, Australian Film Commission, Department of State and Regional
Development (DSRD), NSW FTO, Country Coast Cellars, The Great Northern
Hotel, Possum Creek Eco Lodge, Madman Films, Videopro, Panavision,
Niche Pictures, Pandamus Media, IF Magazine, Byron Bay Boot Camp,
Moonshine Cinema, Byron Cinemas, Utopia Cafe, The Production Book,
Bangalow Post Office, Bangalow Newsagency, The Noodle Bar, Choux-Choux
and Byron Bay Film Festival.
Images:
Above, The finalists, L-R, Denise Cox, Shraddha Star, Michael Balson,
Kamahl Druesne & Mark Purser. Right: S.MacKinnon & C.Marciniak
at 'Pitch Training Day'
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
Join Screenworks in December and you could win a double pass to our 1st Reel Talk event in 2008!
Everybody who becomes a member in November goes into our monthly draw.
SCREENWORKS
membership offers you the opportunity to be a part of our exciting
program for 2007 at members prices including masterclasses, seminars,
workshops, ReelTalk, Tricks of the Trade, Life’s a Pitch, Development
Clinics, Mentor Matching and Meet the Funding Bodies.
Annual membership includes access to the SCREENWORKS online directories for professional & emerging professionals, monthly e-newsletters, members rates to SCREENWORKS
events, clinics & training, invitations to networking functions and
the ability to promote your event or project on our website & in
our e-newsletter.
Membership fees vary depending on type of membership. SCREENWORKS
membership is divided into 4 categories and is determined by your level
of experience in film, television, video & digital media:
Professional ($60)
Emerging Professional ($40)
Associate ($40)
Student/ Unemployed ($30)
Download Membership Form
Download Membership Definitions & Benefits
Download Membership Survey
A big thank you to Byron Cinema’s who are now offering a concession rate to Screenworks members - membership card must be shown.
DEVELOPMENT PRODUCER CLINICS
Where: 1/12 Byron Street Bangalow, entry at rear via Deakin Street
Cost: $44/$55 including GST/ 1 hour session
Next Clinic: Early 2008
Got a great idea for the screen, but what's next?
Each
month Screenworks conducts Development Clinics for selected emerging or
professional producers, writers or directors who seek a professional
consultation to develop their concept for funding and entry into film
and television markets.
Appointments are confidential,
conducted on a one on one basis and of one-hour duration. Participants
are encouraged to email any possible briefing material in advance in
order to maximise the consultation opportunity. To apply for an
appointment please email: events@screenworks.com.au
Testimonials: “My
meeting was incredible. I have never met a more positive person in my
life. Thanks for letting me be a part of it.” “I'd just like to
thank-you for all your direction and support for the further
development and improvement of my show."
ACHIEVEMENTS, AWARDS, ACCOLADES
Screenworks Member: Stace Martin
When
Local Filmmaker and Actor, Stace Martin and his wife Lisa, co-wrote a
screenplay “Never Sell Out” they did not envision how it would draw
some wonderful talent, crew and support from the local area.
 Stace
had the opportunity to see many of the local films at the 2007 Byron
Bay Film Festival and was inspired to give something back to the
community. The project is based on a true story and explores
transnational manipulation and one man’s determination to stand his
ground …no matter what the odds. While the full feature has many
twists and turns they are hoping the condensed version will still take
the viewer on a visual and entertaining journey.
Stace say's:
“ I am really thankful to everybody involved as they all put in their best effort during each day of the shoot.”
Stace
and Lisa are currently in the pre-production stages of a Pilot for a
series which they are endeavoring to make and film in and around the
Northern Rivers Area. Watch out for a screening of the film at Byron
Bay Film Festival.
written by Lisa Stace Martin
Working Class Hero nominated for best documentary!
A
documentary adapted from Alan Murray's "Working Class Heroes - the
Great 1929 Lockout" has been nominated in the Best Documentary category
at the high profile Asian Festival of First Films. Alan and
historian partner Dr Jacqui Murray recently moved from Brisbane to
South Golden Beach.
The
$400,000 documentary has already screened on the History Channel and is
scheduled for re-broadcast early next year. Lockout tells the story of
the lockout of 10,000 Hunter Valley coal miners during 1929 and 1930.
During confrontations with police one miner was shot dead and numerous
others were wounded and crippled.
Alan
said: "The Lockout documentary tells a moving and disturbing story of a
little-known chapter in Australian history. Paradoxically it has huge
relevance to many current events in Australia today -
particularly in respect of industrial relations and political
betrayal. The Singapore nomination came completely out of the
blue. I think everybody involved is both flattered and surprised."
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BYRON BAY FILM FESTIVAL
Entries
have now closed for the 2008 Byron Bay Film Festival and organisers
would like to thank all the filmmakers that submitted their films to be
considered. We are working towards having the official selection ready
to announce mid-January in the new year.
Confirmed judges
for 2008 (some of which will be attending) include David Jowsey, a
Commissioning Editor at the ABC’s Documentary department; Jon Dalgaard,
International Co-ordinator at Lionsgate, the world’s largest
independent film entertainment studio; Cait Taylor, Programmes &
Schedule Manager for World Movies and Luke Wheatley, Head of Theatrical
Acquisitions & Distribution at Magna Pacific the largest
independent DVD distributor in Australia and New Zealand.
With
workshops and discussion panels planned and many international
filmmakers expressing their desire to attend if selected, BBFF08 is
once again aiming to bring a world class spread of film and filmmakers
and exciting premieres to Byron Bay.
For more information go to www.bbff.com.au
TRAINING COURSE - December 8. Places still available!!
16:9 Dreams - The Creative Art of Directing for Cinema
16:9
Dreams is a two-day intensive course focussed on the different creative
aspects of the director’s cinematic craft, including cinematography,
music, sound, performance, and production design.
Course
participants will tie theory to practice via the detailed
deconstruction of the work of established master filmmakers. The
course will be of interest not only to aspiring directors, but also to
anyone seeking an in-depth understanding of the layers of meaning in a
film, including writers, producers and film aficionados.
Course
tutor Charlie de Salis is an experienced director who has worked
extensively in a range of directorial disciplines, including short
film, television drama, documentary, television commercials, and
high-end corporate promotions. His short films have screened at more
than 26 international festivals, including Venice (In Competition) and
Cannes (Forum Section), winning Jury awards at Dresden and the New York
Expo. He currently has a feature in development as director with the
Australian Film Commission’s Indivision program, a second feature in
advanced development as writer, again with the AFC, and a feature
documentary in development with Screen Tasmania.
For further information or to register interest, please contact Charlie de Salis at cdesalis@bigpond.net.au
BYRON FLiCKERFEST
Fri 18th to Sat 20th January '08 A&I Hall Bangalow
Friday 18th Opening Night +pre screening drink: International Prog 1 ($16/15 conc)
Saturday
19th: International Prog 2, & Sunday 20th: 30yrs of Australian
Animation 'The Bold,The Brave & The Best' curated by Academy Award
Nominee, Anthony Lucas (Sessions: $12/10 conc)
Season Pass: 3 nights films +opening night drinks ($35/30conc)
Films Start 8.30pm (Tix @ door from 7.30pm)
Flicker Cafe open 7.30 till 11pm for food & drinks
for more info, or to volunteer: ph     (02) 6685 9999
Visit www.iQ.org.au from early December for all festival details.
2008 DUNGOG FILM FESTIVAL CALL FOR ENTRIES
19 November 2007 - 17 February 2008
The
Dungog Film Festival is dedicated to promoting local films and
filmmakers. The event showcases exclusively Australian films in a
non-competitive environment, boasts an education program packed with
stimulating workshops and seminars and offers a relaxed and intimate
experience where attendees can swap stories and bond.
Here's
some of what the filmmakers had to say about Dungog in 2007: "An
absolutely priceless experience." (Erin White student AFTRS); "We had a
terrific time." (Bruce Beresford dir. Don's Party, Breaker Morant); "I
cannot describe how the Dungog Film Festival changed the course of my
career" (Dee McLachlan dir The Jammed).
The 2008 Dungog Film
Festival will be held 29 May - 1 June in Dungog, New South Wales.
Dungog accepts feature film, short narrative, documentary, animation,
film and video submissions. To download the Entry Form go to dungogfilmfestival.org or call (02) 4992 242 for more information.
REELFILMS AT FEDERAL
Monthy Python and The Holy Grail - outdoor screening
You
don't have to travel very far for your fix of classic and offbeat
films. Out in Federal, the Reelfilms crew offer a monthly feast of
cinematic entertainment and delicious food in a quirky village setting.
Get out of the Megaplex and into the village hall!
Next screening: Saturday,December 8
Bookings
essential! See you there. Membership available at the door. Bring a
cushion. For more details contact Alan & Anita on 6684 9313.
BYRON FILM CLUB
The
Byron Film Club (BFC) in association with I.Q inc hold their screenings
of locally connected short films bi-monthly at the Byron Community
Centre. The non-profit co-operative, guided by Faye, Azza and Frank, is
devoted to the exhibition of local short films and multi-media. Visit: www.byronfilmclub.com for updates of the upcoming program and the films currently being streamed. See www.byronfilmclub.com for film submission details or submitfilm@byronfilmclub.com. Further information contact admin@byronfilmclub.com or 02 66804012/ 0416 221233.
THE FILM ARTISTS COOPERATIVE
The
Film Artists Cooperative (FAC), currently have their monthly meetings
from 7:30 to 10 pm on the 1st Thursday of each month at the meeting
rooms of the Byron Bay Services Club, Jonson Street, Byron Bay.
The next meeting is Thursday December 6. FAC is an independently run
filmmaker and digital artist support group and membership is free. FAC
is always looking for new members and everyone is encouraged to
participate.
FAC
is a participant run group of local film makers from the Northern
Rivers community who are helping one another to achieve their film
making goals.
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| NEW FOUNDATION FOR DOCUMENTARY FILM
The
Documentary Australia Foundation is a new private philanthropic
initiative to provide information and resources to philanthropic
grantmakers, charitable organisations and documentary filmmakers in
order to explore, share and enhance their mutual objectives of creating
a better society. The Foundation, which has registered charitable DGR
(Deductible Gift Recipient) status (enabling foundations to make grants
and individuals and corporations to make tax-deductible donations to
documentaries) is dependent upon funding from external foundations,
corporations and individual grantmakers and does not commission or
directly fund projects without funding from external grantmakers.
http://www.documentaryaustralia.com.au
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Start the new year with a new job at Metro Screen
TECHNICAL ASSISTANT: TRAINING
Applicants
for this position will have demonstrated skills in digital media and
video production, advanced computer skills and knowledge of media
compression, file organisation and storage.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANT: FACILITIES
Applicants
for this position will have demonstrated skills in digital media and
video production, with a keen interest in a specialist area such as
camera, sound, editing, etc. Knowledge of and experience in compression
based digital media, advanced computer skills and knowledge of media
file organisation and storage is an advantage.
PROJECT COORDINATOR
Primary
responsibilities include organising screen production programs
(including coordinating enrolments, equipment and resources, tutor
liaison, facilitation of screenings) and the provision of direct
support to the Project and Productions Manager. Administrative
responsibilities include the preparation of grant submissions,
attending relevant conferences, progress reports and acquittals,
including budget reports.
All applications MUST address the
selection criteria available by ringing 0293615318. Applications close
very soon, so don’t hesitate.
CALLING ALL COMEDY FILMMAKERS!
The Funnybone 500 has been running for five years, our aim is to encourage comedy film making. The
Funnybone 500 Comedy Short Film Festival has just begun our Call for
Entries for 2008. Comedy films and animations three minutes or less.
$2000
Prize for Best New Comedy Film (Plus! prizes for Best Animation, Best
New Talent and Best Script.) As usual film makers retain all rights,
we’re only asking to screen the film on the one evening. Films can have
been made at any time, even for other competitions! Deadline for
entries is February 25th 2008.
More information and entry forms on our website: www.funnybone500.com.au
2008 SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL
4 – 22 June 2008, Sydney - Entry Deadline December 31
Sydney
Film Festival (SFF) is seeking features, documentaries, short films,
experimental works and animations to screen in the 55th annual
festival. With 130,000 attendances each year, the Sydney Film Festival
attracts cultured, diverse and film savvy audience, making it a great
place to get your film noticed. Download the festival's 2008
pre-selection entry form online.
Website www.sydneyfilmfestival.org
ABC TV Arts and Science Documentary Pitching Competition at AIDC
20 – 22 February 2008 - Deadline January 14
ABC
TV Arts, Entertainment & Comedy and ABC TV Documentaries (Science)
will finance the development of a Science and Arts documentary project
to the value of AU$10,000 after a pitching competition at the AIDC next
February. The collaboration between these two highly divergent cultures
is now a dynamic area of practice, with increasing numbers of artists
and scientists exploring each other's ideas, materials and working
methods. Artists are inspired by science and technology as well as
providing fresh critical viewpoints of the consequences of new
knowledge and the artistic impulse is itself an area of research by
scientists. Proposals from science and arts filmmakers that use
innovative formats are welcomed. Website www.abc.net.au/tv/aidc
ONE80 PROJECT- Call for entries
PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Early deadline for 2008 Festival is December 14
The
early deadline for The Palm Beach International Film Festival (PBIFF)
is quickly approaching! December 14 is the early deadline for the
for the 2008 Festival, taking place April 10-17; the late deadline is
January 21.
The 2008 Festival, in its 14th year,
will add a new element designed to help develop independent filmmakers
of today and tomorrow: the Film Financing Production
Conference. The conference is free for any filmmaker who submits
a film. These panels and seminars are focused on aiding writers,
directors, and producers of low budget and guerilla productions.
CANNES FILM FESTIVAL SELECTOR IN AUSTRALIA IN DECEMBER
Christian
Jeune, scout for the Cannes Official Selection (In Competition, Out of
Competition, Un Certain Regard, Shorts Competition and Cinefoundation)
will return to Australia in mid-December.
He will be viewing
feature films and short films that meet the selection criteria for the
Shorts Competition (under 15 minutes) for potential preselection for
the Cannes International Film Festival 2008.
If you have a
feature film or eligible short film that you would like viewed by
Christian Jeune, please contact Dale Fairbairn at the Australian Film
Commission on dale.fairbairn@afc.gov.au or 02 9321 6580 or toll free 1800 226 615 (if outside NSW).
METRO SCREEN
Play Now Act Now video production workshop - Deadline Dec 14
Two
free video-production workshops in regional NSW for young people aged
16 to 25yrs offered as part of the 2008 Play Now Act Now Creative
Competition. The workshops aim to produce a short film, maximum
5-minutes in length, around the issues associated with the use of
alcohol and other drugs eg., health, social, political, moral or
ethical issues. The aim of these workshops is to reach young people who
are at risk and/or would not normally have access to these
opportunities. Play Now Act Now is a film, graphic design and writing
competition for young people aged 16 to 25 in NSW. It recognises that
young people do and will drink alcohol and use other drugs, and sets
out to minimise the harms associated with this. Contact Katrina Douglas
for an expression of interest form to tender for the free video
workshop. Tel 02 9361 5318 Email k.douglas@metroscreen.org.au Website www.playnowactnow.net.au/
METROSCREEN
Jump Start Program
Offering $40,000 annually for filmmakers to have access to reliable, sought-after equipment, current technical facilities and production support. For productions that: inspire and encourage original screen content; allow professional development for emerging screen practitioners; provide an opportunity for those generally excluded from mainstream media production; and encourage communities to use video and digital media as a cultural development tool. Contact David Opitz Tel 02 9361 5318 Email d.opitz@metroscreen.org.au Website www.metroscreen.org.au
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| NSW FTO
Development Assistance
This
grant from the NSW Film and Television Office (FTO) is to assist
projects to reach the stage where they are ready to attract production
finance. Development assistance takes the form of an investment which
is repaid with interest when a project goes into production. Funding is
available for the following types of projects: feature films,
television series and telefeatures; documentaries; animation.
The
FTO favours projects which show a commitment to quality, innovation and
potential commercial viability; provide a clear economic benefit to NSW
and its film community; are likely to be substantially produced in NSW;
and are qualifying Australian films. Details online. Tel 02 9264 6400
Website www.fto.nsw.gov.au
NSW FTO
Regional Filming Fund (RFF)
The
NSW Film and Television Office supports and encourages the growth of
the film and television industry in NSW through the Regional Filming
Fund (RFF).
It
is an annual fund that is available for filmmakers that intend to film
at least one week or more in any part of regional NSW. The level of
assistance is based on the total amount a production will expend in a
regional area and considers amounts of up to 35% of the estimated
regional spend.
For eligibility and selection criteria, email: wildem@fto.nsw.gov.au
NSW FTO
Travel Assistance
The New South Wales Film & TV Office provides assistance for filmmakers to attend international festivals and markets.
Festivals
Assistance is available for the producer, director or writer to travel
to an approved international festival with a completed film. The film
must have received prior investment from the FTO. In exceptional
circumstances, the FTO will consider applications from other
significant creatives, such as actors, editors or cinematographers.
Travel assistance is available for feature films, television series,
telefeatures, documentaries and animation, and is in the form of a
grant.
Markets
Producers with one or a slate of projects ready for financing can apply
for a travel loan to attend an international market such as Cannes,
MIP-TV or MIPCOM. Applications are assessed on: a project or slate of
projects developed sufficiently to attract market place finance, the
track record of the applicant, the expressed marketplace interest in
the project, a business and travel itinerary with a schedule of pre
arranged meetings. Travel assistance to markets is repayable to the
FTO.
Applications are accepted year round with the assessment process taking approximately four to six weeks.
For details, email: devfin@fto.nsw.gov.au
SBS, FTO
Launch new drama development fund
SBS
Independent (SBSi) and the New South Wales Film and Television Office
(FTO) have joined forces to create a new television drama development
fund.
http://www.fto.nsw.gov.au/content.asp?content=3&Id=482%20
FFC Funding Deadlines
The
FFC has deadlines for funding applications in all program categories.
All information and documentation must be supplied by the date
specified and any application missing relevant materials must wait
until the subsequent deadline and board meeting.
Note that for
Evaluation projects, these deadlines apply only for those projects with
a Letter of Intent which are seeking FFC commitment to finance;
otherwise, projects making an application for Evaluation can be
submitted at any time and may take up to three months to be assessed.
Click here for FFC closing dates for funding applications
AFC Deadlines
NEW FUNDING DEADLINES TO GO LIVE ON AFC WEBSITE ON DEC 21!
Second Time+ Feature Development Funding
Deadline: N/A (applications accepted at any time)
Seed Feature Funding (Strand B)
Round 2 deadline: TBA
Short Drama Production (Strand H)
Round 2 deadline: TBA
IndiVision Low-budget Feature Production (Strand I)
Round 2 deadline: TBA
Seed Feature Funding (Strand B)
Round 2 deadline: TBA
Documentary Production (Strand N)
TBA
ABC Regional Production Fund
The
ABC Regional Production Fund commissions work form experienced radio
producers and talented content providers that live outside the major
capital cities. If you have an idea for a complete and delivered
program which fits within an existing ABC format, an original script, a
collection of oral histories, music segments etc then contact Jo Upham
via email: rpf@your.abc.net.au
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| Peter Garrett is new Federal Arts Minister
Peter
Garrett will be the new Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts
and will have a spot in Cabinet, it was announced by the Prime Minister
elect, Kevin Rudd, in Canberra on 29 November. Stephen Conroy will be
the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.
PFTC APPOINTS NEW ICT MANAGER
Alan Wells has been appointed to the position of Information Communications Technology Manager for PFTC.
Part
of Alan’s role will be to drive the implementation of PFTC’s suite of
new online services. In 2008, PFTC will launch a new website
including a more functional Queensland Production Directory, new online
application forms, and the capability for clients to submit entries to
QNFA online and create their own unique location packages.
NEW INDIGENOUS TELEVISION SERIES CASTING IN QLD
TOWNSVILLE: Thursday 13 & Friday 14 December
A
comedy series by the team behind award winning SBS series RAN: Remote
Area Nurse is set to commence casting in North Queensland.
 T.I.
Taxi, about a family that runs the taxi service on Thursday Island,
will be casting in Townsville, Cairns, Thursday Island and Bamaga for
two weeks through December.
Once
production commences it will be shot entirely on Thursday Island with
Kath & Kim director Ted Emery directing. Torres Strait Islanders
John Harding, Norah Bagiri, Aaron Fa’aoso and Charles Passi will write
for the series, alongside script producer Matt Cameron of Seachange
fame.
Penny
Chapman and Helen Panckhurst are producing the series and PFTC and SBS
have provided investment for the development of the project.
Men and women between the ages of 17 and 45 are invited to attend castings as follows:
Venue: 4K1G Radio Station, 271-279 Sturt Street
Contact: Velma Gara on 0408 982 362
For general enquiries please contact Aaron Fa’aoso on 0425 325 667 or Helen Panckhurst on 0414 930 399.
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Northern Rivers Screenworks is supported by the NSW Department of Regional Development, Developing Regional Resources Program.
 
The Masterclass and Clinic programs are supported by:
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