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Welcome to the Northern Rivers Screenworks Email News Bulletin

Issue Date: Tuesday March 4, 2008

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.


CONTENTS

Screenworks news
Local news
Opportunities
Funding deadlines
National news


SCREENWORKS NEWS

Welcome to Screenworks March E-newsletter
This months e-newsletter is packed with stacks of facts and general industry updates. Screenworks events calendar is quickly filling up with important events so keep an eye out for those Screenworks e-alerts!

NSW FILM & TELEVISION OFFICE VISIT NORTHERN RIVERS

Linda TizardOn Friday February 29, Linda Tizard (Head of Development) from NSW Film Television Office met with Northern RiversNSW FTO Filmmakers. Linda discussed the Young Filmmakers Fund, Digital Visual FX Scheme and general Development funding. Linda also met privately with several screen practitioners. On her departure she said she "felt inspired by the projects that were presented to her". This was also reciprocated by several attendees who were personally invited by Linda to submit their projects to her.

DEVELOPMENT CLINICS UPDATE
Anne ChesherTwo Development Clinic regulars had very positive feedback from their recent meeting with Linda Tizard, which should hopefully open up some exciting opportunities for them. On their meeting they were introduced and supported by clinic facilitator Anne Chesher.

There are similar success stories that are emerging from the Development Clinics - congratulations and many thanks to Anne for her hard work and support!

DEVELOPMENT CLINICS GO REGIONAL!

In 2008 Screenworks will be taking the Development Clinics to Tweed (Friday March 28), Grafton (May) and Lismore (August). If you are interested in attending any of these sessions please contact Screenworks to book a place. Session details will be announced closer to the dates.

WHAT ARE THEY?
Each month Screenworks conducts Development Clinics for 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


NEXT CLINIC
Where:
Coolamon Cultural Centre (old Tweed River Art Gallery or City of the Arts Space) Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah
Cost:
$50/$60 including GST. 1 hour session - please note price increase
Next Clinic: Friday March 28, 2008
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

MEMBERSHIP NE
WS
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.


ACHIEVEMENTS, AWARDS, ACCOLADES
KAMAHL DRUESNE
Congratulations to Kamahl Druesne  (winner of 2007 Life's a Pitch) who took the recent AIDC by storm with his intriguing documentary 'Collective Moments of Madness'. Kamahl won the prize for the best pitch! This is great news too for the Northern Rivers screen sector. According to an article in 'The Australian' newspaper it forecasted that "millions will be soon seeing his film". Best of luck to Kamahl and his producer Richard Mordaunt on the rest of their journey.

AIDC UPDATE
Congratulations to Shraddha Star, Denise Cox, Vivien Royston, Kamahl Druesne and David Bradbury who are all Screenworks members and attended the AIDC. According to Shraddha it was great to represent and be part of the Northern Rivers film community in Perth. We look forward to hearing from you all soon.

DAVID BRADBURY
Congratulations to David who was presented with the Stanley Hawes Award for 2008 at the AIDC. The award is for outstanding contribution to the Australian documentary sector and comes with a $5,000 prize. "David Bradbury is a film maker who has made a tremendous impact on the documentary sector in Australia", said Film Australia CEO Daryl Karp.

AKKADIA FORD
Akkadia's film 'Derailed' was screened at the Byron Bay Film Festival on Saturday March 1, which attracted a good size audience and support from TOOT! If you missed out on the film at the festival you can view it at www.newmediaworldcafe.tv/akkadiafordfilms.htm





LOCAL NEWS

ATTENTION LOCAL FILMMAKERS!
YFF ROUND 23
- $30,000 FUNDING
REGIONAL NSW & WESTERN SYDNEY ONLY - DEADLINE APRIL 14

yff logoDo you live in Regional NSW or Western Sydney?
Are you aged 18-35?
Do you have a story to tell?
On Screen?
Online?
Since the inception of the program in 1995, the FTO has funded 107 projects with an exceptional variety of subject matter including short dramas, documentaries, animation, and experimental films.

For more information about the Young Filmmakers Fund: Valerie Allerton, Coordinator YFF & Digital FX PH: 02-9264-6400 Email: allertonv@fto.nsw.gov.au
Guidelines and application forms are available: Web: http://www.fto.nsw.gov.au/fund.asp?id=48



OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT
$650 per/month
Good size office space for rent in main street Bangalow for creative business. For more details call Angel on 042 777 2251

BYRON BAY FILM FESTIVAL UPDATE

BBFF Logo
DON'T FORGET TO BRING YOUR SCREENWORKS
MEMBERSHIP CARD FOR CONCESSION RATES!

The Festival commenced on February 29 and will span over eight days and nine nights, showcasing the talents of more than 150 filmmakers from 34 countries.

Featuring an exciting mix of feature films, documentaries, short films, animations, experimental films, environmental films and surf films, the Festival began with a Gala opening party, screening two world premiere Australian films: You Better Watch Out, starring AFI-winner Stephen Curry (The Castle, The King) and Monkey Puzzle, which follows five friends on a journey to find the world's rarest tree, the Wollemi Pine.

On Friday March 7, in conjunction with the Byron Bay Writer’s Festival, feature film writer and director Belinda Chayko will conduct a free in-depth discussion of the often overlooked Point of View (POV) – who's story are you telling? She will also focus on finding the spine of your story and realising the dramatic relationship between your characters.

On Saturday March 8 BBFF hosts a free discussion panel on the topic of 'Making Movies that Matter' that will focus on spreading your message and how to get a social / political / environmental view across to an audience.
For more information go to
www.bbff.com.au


14th  WORLD OF WOMEN WOW FILM FESTIVAL
Yamba will be hosting the WOW Festival March 12 – 15
The World of Women (WOW) Film Festival is a short film festival that promotes and awards the talents of women directors, producers, writers, editors and cinematographers in the Australian film industry and in Oceania.  It is a unique festival that offers emerging and established filmmakers the opportunity to screen short works giving a thematic perspective of “seeing the world through the eyes of women”.

A panel discussion, “Somewhere over the Rainbow” will be held on the Thursday evening where guest speakers will explore the skills and processes required to progress an idea from its conception to a final product shown on screen. There will also be a script writing and acting workshop on the Saturday afternoon. The WOW Regional Tour will offer three varied programs including a few raunchy finalists from the WOW Short Film Competition.  The national tour will go to over 18 destinations Australia-wide. For more information Please contact Debbie at Yamba Cinemas 02 66463430.

CALLING FOR CREW!
Travel Documentary
Incredible opportunity to mix film-making, travel, adventure and fun with the romance-meets-reality of humanity. Join Aussie Ben Dale on his pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Ben, 30, has walked from Canterbury to Rome to the foothills of Macedonia. In April, when the snows thaw, he will set out again from Macedonia and walk to Jerusalem. He has an extra camera and sound gear. All he needs is crew. Check out his walk on wwww.partypilgrims.com or call his mum Stephanie (who walked with him for 50 days) on 02 6684 5485.

Feature Trailer

I'm trying to shoot a trailer in Super 16 for a road movie taking place in Byron, Nimbin and later on all around Australia. I am seeking a Cinematographer experienced on a ARRIFLEX SR3 in SUPER 16mm, Kodak ...also a boom operator who can work with a Fostex DAT recorder, time code in stereo - sound with own equip., otherwise I'll rent it in Brisbane. Also looking for an interested art director. Shooting time is in Byron in 1 - 2 weeks from now. Contact: Andreas andreasmichera@gmx.de or mobile: 0405 - 399 408


REELFILMS AT FEDERAL
Dingo, 1991, Australia, Drama, Rating PG
Next screening: 8 March
Dingo
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! 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
Next Meeting: Thursday March 6
New members welcome!
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. 

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.

EXPERIENCE RAINFORESTS WITH THE EXPERTS
Rainforest Rescue
Ever wanted to experience the magic of being in an ancient rainforest and learn first hand how these wonderful ecosystems contribute to the health of our planet?
 
Rainforest Rescue’s annual Daintree Escape Tour in Far North Queensland is just that opportunity and is happening over the Queen’s birthday weekend, June 6-9. 1

“The tour provides the chance to see the amazing variety of plant, bird and animal life in the Daintree rainforest, parts of which are still threatened by development. Rainforest Rescue’s specialist guides will take the tour into places of untouched beauty, home to the Daintree’s rare and endangered species,” says Tour Organiser Alice Moffett from Rainforest Rescue.

The cost of the tour is only $995 per person which includes three nights’ twin share accommodation, all tours and transfers. Airfares and meals except breakfasts are additional.  Major airlines have regular flights into Cairns from most Australian capital cities.
Numbers are limited to provide the best personal experience for those on the tour. For bookings, email: tours@rainforestrescue.org.au or phone: 1300 763 611, or for more information visit http://www.rainforestrescue.org.au/daintreeescape.html 
Rainforest Rescue. Protect Rainforests Forever.

Michael Hauge Story Mastery Seminar comes to Brisbane
Friday May 23 Dendy Portside, Hamilton
During this special, one-day seminar, Michael Hauge will present his unique approach to creating and marketing successful novels and screenplays. Using clips from recent successful films, as well as hands on exercises and direct feedback to participants, Michael will reveal his proven methods for eliciting emotion in your readers through story concept, plot structure, character development and theme.
 
Michael will then reveal his proven method for getting the people in power to read your manuscript or screenplay. Selected participants will also get direct feedback on their story concepts and pitches.


He is one of those rare and inspiring teachers where everyone - even the most seasoned professionals – are willing to sing his praises:
"Michael Hauge’s principles and methods are so well argued that the mysteries of effective screenwriting can be understood - even by directors.." - Phillip Noyce, Director: Patriot Games; Clear and Present Danger; The Quiet American; Rabbit Proof Fence

“In a field choked with alleged “script doctors”, Michael Hauge remains the surest, most sensible alternative. When I pick up the phone for help, he's the call I make.” - Shane Black, Screenwriter: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang; Lethal Weapon 1 & 2
 
Tickets $195, $150 industry concession (AWG, MEAA), film student concession and Northern Rivers Screenworks & Northern Rivers Writers Centre members www.epiphany.com.au Telephone Bookings & Enquiries: 02 9572 7222
bookings@epiphany.com.au



 OPPORTUNITIES
CALL FOR ENTRIES
SURF & TURF SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
FOR UNCLASSIFIED FILMS
Film makers are invited to submit short films that have never been classified for either sale/rental or public screenings. The festival is to run over Easter 2008 in the Richmond Valley Northern NSW. For more information, entry forms and conditions go to www.richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au  Phone 02 6660 0205


MUNICH INTERNATIONAL is excited to announce the call for entries for this year's short film festival, which takes place directly prior to the "big" Munich Filmfest. Starting on Thursday, June 12 through Wednesday, June 18, 2008, the festival will showcase the world's best contemporary short films each night at the tradition-steeped Gloria Filmpalast in the heart of the Bavarian capitol.

The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2008, and we kindly ask that you send your film in as soon as possible, rather than waiting until the deadline. Please check the complete submission requirements at http://www.muc-intl.de


JTV DOCS3
DEADLINE MARCH 10!

JTV DOCSABC TV Arts, Entertainment & Comedy and the Australian Film Commission (AFC) are pleased to present jtv docs3.
We are calling for proposals from emerging filmmakers nationwide. jtv docs3 seeks fresh approaches to half-hour and one-hour documentaries that will explore contemporary issues, ideas and culture through the eyes of generations X, Y and Z. The documentaries will screen on ABC TV and ABC2, and will have cross-platform potential via the jtv website. The initiative is designed to support one-off, stand-alone documentaries for production and post-production.
jtv docs3 is for emerging filmmakers who are 35 years or under.
For more details go to: http://www.abc.net.au/jtv/docs/


PLAY NOW ACT NOW CREATIVE COMPETITION
DEADLINE JULY 25 2008
Play Now Act Now is a film, graphic design and writing competition for young people aged 16 to 25 in NSW. Play Now Act Now recognises that young people do and will drink alcohol and use other drugs, and sets out to minimise the harms associated with this.

There are 3 main competition categories in the 2008 Competition:
- Film/Video
- Creative Writing
- Graphic Design
Finalists will be selected primarily on content and the artist’s ability to convey their story. Creativity, knowledge, insight and an opinion on the topic will be vital. Finalists from each category will be showcased at an Award Presentation and on the 2008 DVD & Education Resource.

ENTRY IS FREE + OPEN TO ALL RESIDENTS OF NSW AGED 16 TO 25.
Check out www.playnowactnow.net.au for more information on the competition.

INSCRIPTION AWARDS
Deadline October 31
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

CALL FOR WRITERS

METRO MAGAZINE AND SCREEN EDUCATION MAGAZINE
Metro magazine and Screen Education magazine are looking for writers for a number of different articles and also wishing to hear from anyone who has an idea/s for articles for either magazine. Both magazines are always looking for contributors.
Deadlines for the first two issues of each magazine for 2008 are:
Metro 157: 15 April 2008
Screen Education 50: 1 April 2008
For a list of the articles, pay rates and the style guide for both magazines:
Email: assistanteditor@atom.org.au Web: http://www.metromagazine.com.au

AFTRS HEADLANDS
CHALLENGING DOCUMENTARY
The Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) is inviting outstanding ideas from documentary makers to be selected to participate in Headlands 2008 – an intensive 10-week program of research, writing, conversation and collaboration. Headlands is the only national documentary development initiative in Australia. It includes a residential week followed by 9 weeks supported research and writing time, and culminates in a two day workshop to refine pitching and the positioning of the project in the national and/or international marketplace. Headlands encourages partnerships between documentary filmmakers and academic researchers to develop substantial projects from relevant, cutting edge research.

AFTRS is currently seeking applications for the project, which will be run in three stages between April and June 2008. For further information, contact AFTRS Documentary Department on (02) 9805 6485, download the guidelines and application form from www.aftrs.edu.au or email louise.said@aftrs.edu.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


EXECUTIVE PRODUCER WANTED
Well established production company looking to appoint Executive Producer. This role will represent our Directors, build the company profile nationally and head up our office in Sydney. Generous remuneration for the right person with strategic vision, great relationship marketing skills and agency contacts.
Ring 0411683703 anytime in commercial confidence for a full PD and to discuss the role further or email productiongroup@hotmail.com




 FUNDING DEADLINES
NSW FTO
DIGITAL VISUAL FX SCHEME ROUND 13
DEADLINE MAY 12

The DFX Scheme was established in 1998 to provide on-the-job skills development opportunities in the digital fx industry. Through the Scheme, the FTO provides subsidies to leading NSW digital effects companies to employee digital artists for six-month traineeships. There is one application deadline per year, with up to 5 trainees placed annually.

For more information about the FTO's Digital Visual FX Scheme program: Contact: Valerie Allerton, Coordinator YFF & Digital FX
PH: 02-9264-6400 Email: allertonv@fto.nsw.gov.au Guidelines and application forms are available: Web: http://www.fto.nsw.gov.au/fund.asp?id=54

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 Email  Website www.fto.nsw.gov.au
 

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

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

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
Animation applicants should note that they are eligible to apply under any of Film Development's Feature Drama development strands as well.
The Film Development ANIMATION Funding Guidelines 2008 contain details of the following strands:

Animation Development and Pilot Production (formerly Strands S and T2)
Deadline: 28 March 2008

Short Animation Production (Professional Development Strand) (formerly Strand T1)
Deadline: 28 March 2008

Cross-Platform Digital Media Development
Deadline: TBA

Cross-Platform Digital Media Production (Professional Development Strand)
Deadline: 14 March 2008


Documentary Development (formerly Strands J and K)
Deadlines:
18 April 2008

Shooting Time-critical Material
Deadlines:
4 April 2008
16 May 2008

Documentary Production (Professional Development Strand)
Deadline: TBA

The Film Development DRAMA Funding Guidelines 2008 contain details of the following strands:

DEVELOPMENT:
New Screenwriters Program (NSP)
Deadline: TBA

Seed Feature Funding (formerly Strand B)
Deadline: 7 March 2008

Feature Drama Development
Deadline: TBA

IndiVision Single-draft Script Development
Deadline: TBA for 2008/09

Second Time+ Feature Development Funding
Deadline: N/A (applications accepted at any time)

International Script Workshops
Deadline: N/A (applications accepted at any time)

IndiVision Project Lab and Script Development
Deadline: TBA for 2008/09

SP*RK Script Lab - Script Development Program
Deadline: 22 February 2008

PRODUCTION (Professional Development Strands)
Short Drama Production (formerly Strand H)
Deadline: TBA

IndiVision Low-budget Feature Production
Deadline: 14 March 2008

The Film Development PRACTITIONER SUPPORT Funding Guidelines 2008 contain details of the following strands:

Experimental Production (Professional Development Strand) (formerly Strand X)
Deadline: TBA

Short-term Development Investment Facility
Deadline: N/A (applications accepted at any time up to 30 May 2008)

Production Cashflow Facility
Deadline: N/A (applications accepted at any time up to 28 March 2008)

Internships
Deadlines:
16 May 2008

Fellowships
Deadline: N/A (applications accepted at any time)

INDIGENOUS BRANCH
Indigenous Branch - Drama Development  Feature, Short Feature
Deadline: 07 Mar 2008  
Indigenous Branch - Documentary Development  Documentaries
Deadline: 04 Apr 2008   

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


ANAT
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAVEL GRANT
This grant is a quick response fund managed by the Australian Network for Art and Technology offering grants of up to $3,000 - The fund supports professional development opportunities for Australian media arts practitioners to attend and participate in national and international residencies, exhibitions, workshops and conferences.

PLEASE NOTE: All prospective applicants must contact ANAT staff prior to submitting their application. phone: 08 8231 9037 EMAIL: ANAT@ANAT.ORG.AU or visit the website for more information http://www.anat.org.au/pages/ConfWork_Guidelines.php



 NATIONAL NEWS
AFC LAUNCHES NEW PRODUCER SUPPORT PROGRAM
The Australian Film Commission announced the launch of a new support program for producers and production companies  – the Screen Business Venture Program. David Noakes has been appointed to the newly created position of Business Innovation Manager in the AFC’s Film Development Division to manage the program.

The new program comprises two funding strands.
The Business Support Strand offers successful applicants up to $70,000 to consolidate their business, maintain or increase their current level of production activities and/or grow their business through an increased slate or additional enterprises. Forty per cent will be provided in the form of a recoupable interest-free loan, with regular repayments over a number of years. The remaining 60 per cent will be provided as a grant.

The Business Growth Strand will provide up to $180,000 to experienced producers who have identified quantifiable commercial opportunities to significantly grow their business. It is aimed at producers seeking to develop and expand their company in terms of turnover, range and number of projects and the range of business activities undertaken. Fifty per cent will be provided in the form of a recoupable interest-free loan, with regular repayments over a number of years. The remaining 50 per cent will be provided as a grant.

The AFC’s Acting Director of Film Development, Lori Flekser, said the aim of the program was to encourage and support the development of a creative, innovative and commercially sustainable screen production industry.

Expressions of Interest for the Business Growth Strand must be received by 14 March 2008. Applications for the Business Support Strand close on 11 April 2008.
Guidelines and forms are available on the AFC website; see www.afc.gov.au/sbvp

DOCUMENTARY PRODUCTION IN AUSTRALIA

The AFC has also released Documentary Production in Australia, 2008. For the fifth year this special report provides a summary of GTP's statistics on documentary production and release. Published online, it can also be downloaded as a PDF.

Production: An average of 195 hours, totalling $50 million, have been produced annually by production companies in the ten years from 1996/97 to 2005/06, compared to 101 hours, totalling $12 million, by broadcasters.

Release: Between 1988 and 2007, an average of seven Australian documentaries were released annually in Australian cinemas. A total of 300 hours of first-release Australian documentaries were broadcast on Australian free-to-air TV in 2006, including 127 hours by the ABC and 71 hours by SBS.

Box office: Bra Boys is now the most successful (non-IMAX) Australian documentary of all time at the Australian box office, grossing $1,698,976 in 2007.

Retail video sales: Of the top 500 documentaries sold on video during 2007, 19.2 per cent were Australian titles, with a sales value of $6.5 million.

ABC TV & AFC OFFER MORE FUNDING FOR YOUNG DOCO MAKERS
ABC
Director of Television, Kim Dalton, has announced a further $300,000 will be provided for young documentary makers, under the jtv docs initiative. The announcement was made in Brisbane at a special public screening of two jtv docs. Program makers aged 35 and under can apply in a competitive round, until 10 March 2008. Guidelines detailing eligibility and deadline will be available at: Web: http://www.afc.gov.au/jtvdocs

DigiSPAA 2008
Entries now open
DigiSPAA is an exciting and bold initiative designed to encourage and foster 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 recipient of the SPAArtan award, sponsored by Movie Network, receives a cash prize of $15,000 as well as $20,000 worth of post-production sponsored by the Movie Network Channels, a 12 month subscription to Movie Network, and return airfares and free registration to the prestigious Rotterdam Cinemart International Feature Film Market. The winning entry will also be screened on the Movie Extra channel.

Digi SPAA is a creative project of the Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA) an industry body that represents Australian independent film and television producers on all issues affecting the business and creative aspects of screen production.
For further information go to: www.spaa.org.au.

NSW FTO CONGRATULATES
The FTO congratulates nominees and winners at the 2007 Film Critics Circle of Australia (FCCA) Awards, held Feb 1, at Cinema Paris, Moore Park in Sydney.
FTO supported projects that received awards were:
Best Actor, Supporting Role:
Marton Csokas - ROMULUS, MY FATHER

Best Actress, Supporting Role:
Emma Booth - CLUBLAND

Best Feature Documentary:
FORBIDDEN LIE$ - Director: Anna Broinowski, Producer: Sally Regan

Special Acknowledgment:
Kodi Smit McPhee (for his contribution to ROMULUS, MY FATHER)

Full details of winners, here:
http://www.fcca.com.au/


 
 

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