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Screenworks Xmas Networking Night
Please join the Screenworks board and staff on Thursday 15 December from 6 to 8pm at the Bangalow Hotel to help celebrate the festive season and the end of a huge year. Drinks at bar prices.

Heart2Heart
Calling young screenwriters – the quest to find our region’s best stories begins!

Heart2heart is set to commence and all young filmmakers, whether aspiring or accomplished, are invited to join in one of four information evenings to discover how they can become part of this opportunity.

Heart2heart will train five young people in the craft of screenwriting, by celebrating the lives and experiences of our community elders and producing five powerful, distinctive stories from the social, spiritual and cultural history of the Northern Rivers region.

The successful applicants will be closely mentored through the script development process, each of them receiving extensive tutoring and support from some of Australia’s best screenwriters.

The four community information evenings will inspire people with stories from our elders and outline the project guidelines for participation.

The sessions will be held at the following locations:

Lismore Monday 28 November 5.30-7pm
Richmond River Historical Museum Molesworth St Lismore

Grafton Friday 2 December 5.30-7pm
The Emporium, 31 Skinner St, South Grafton

Bangalow Tuesday 6 December 5.30-7pm
Heritage House, Deacon Street, Bangalow

Murwillumbah Thursday 8 December 5.30-7pm
Tweed Shire City Of The Arts Space, Tumbulgum Rd, Murwillumbah

Interested individuals will then be given several weeks to research story ideas.

Story submissions will be due by 5pm on Monday 30 January 2006. The successful applicants must be available for training and mentoring between February and the end of May 2006. Come along to the info evenings and find out what is possible. Call project co-ordinator Mark Purser on 0422 771 046 for more information.

Producer Clinic – 16 December
Producer Anne Chesher will once again be holding a project clinic for practitioners….particularly those seeking to apply to the AFC’s January funding rounds. Treatment, budget, supporting materials queries – speak with Anne and ask the questions before confronting the problem in your funding application. To make an appointment call 6680 9220 or email kate@screenworks.com.au

AFC Clinic -12 December
Jackie McKimmie will be co-presenting the first day of MediaWorks pitching session. She will however, be available for clinic appointments Monday afternoon, 12 December. With major funding deadlines for a large number of AFC funding strands falling in January – this is a great chance to talk about your project prior to submitting. Email kate@screenworks.com.au to indicate your interest in an appointment, briefly outlining the project you wish to discuss with Jackie.

ScriptWorks
Congratulations to Darius Devas, Gerry Hilton, John Campbell, Terry Bleakley, Mark Purser, Dominick Reyntiens, John Bell, James White, Anne Shepperson, Mariaa Randall, Lisa Sharpe, Craig Hearps, Angela Barnes, Keith Fryer and Margie Farrell who will all be spending an intensive 3 days workshop in early December with workshop presenter Charlie de Salis and guests Tristan Bancks, Deb Cox and Roger Monk. At the conclusion four projects will be selected for mentor attachments.

MediaWorks
MediaWorks 3 submissions have been received. The workshop will be held 12-14 December and will be presented by Cathy Henkel and Kerry Sunderland who between them have acquired extensive experience in the cross-platform production. Guests include Nick McMahan, who is CEO of Crawford Productions and Jackie McKimmie, AFC Project Officer. This is an intensive project-focused workshop which will be held at SAE.

MTV
Screenworks supported the employment of 25 locals in the television series which has been shooting in the region over the past six weeks.

Sedition Legislation
Lyn McCarthy leads the Screenworks' campaign against the proposed sedition laws. The following link is to a copy of the joint submission by representatives of the Arts and Creative Industries of Australia to the Australian Senate, Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee. Northern Rivers Screenworks Ltd, and its board members, are signatories to this submission. www.screenworks.com.au/pdfs/Submission_Sedition.pdf

Screenworks Directory Update
We are about to go through and eliminate Screenworks directory listings which have incorrect contact details, category duplication and inadequate descriptors. Check yours out and update, otherwise you may lose out. All the people who attracted the jobs for the television series were listed on our directory and if we couldn’t contact you because your details were incorrect, which happened on a number of occasions, you may well have missed out! Go to www.screenworks.com.au/members

Location Report
Over October and November, Dallas Nock, our Locations Liaison, has been busy supporting the MTV reality television series, providing location images for a US feature, locations support for Granada television, 2 corporate videos, a television commercial and animation job referrals. We also not recent adoption of location filming protocol by Byron, Clarence Valley and Ballina Shire Councils. 

Feature shoot
A number of local crew are assisting on the low budget feature TAKES ON THE JUNGLE which is being shot on location at Mt Tambourine in Queensland and is scheduled for release in early 2006. The film is a psychological thriller about a lost patrol of Australian soldiers cut off from their supply line on the Kokoda Trail during the battle for Isurava in New Guinea in 1942.

Saturated Thought – 14 & 15 December 8pm, Byron Community Centre
Local filmmaker Darius Devas is premiering his latest bodyboarding film SATURATED THOUGHT. After an amazing season in Hawaii the film takes you deep inside the experience of big wave riding, shot in the water by Darius. The film also takes a look at what it's like to be part of this minority/underground sport and what goes on in the minds of its top riders.

Decide the Future of LINC TV - Station Or No Station?
The LINC TV Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Sunday 18 December at 5pm followed by a Christmas party. The venue is Mary Gilhooley's Front Room which is on the corner of Keen and Woodlark St, Lismore. To become a voting member pay $20 to Dave Hannaford in the NRG office, Suite 6/70 Molesworth Street, Lismore. 

Flickerfest 15th International Australian Short Film Festival
Australia’s premiere international shorts festival will screen in Sydney at Bondi Beach 6-15 January 2006 and in Byron Shire on 20-22 January. Contact Shane on 0414 779881 if you are interested in volunteering. See http://www.iq.org.au/ for program details.

Community Forum - Distribution of Digital Property - 11 December 2005
This free forum to be held at the Byron Community Centre between 2-4pm will look at legal issues relating to the distribution of digital property, particularly music and film and also into into cases which have changed the legal face of digital rights in Australia such as:
- copyright infringement of Internet users who submitted MP3s to a website and who downloaded MP3s via that website
- the KaZaa case.

Peter Coroneos, Head of the Australian Internet Industry Association, will be attending. He is from the co-regulatory group that promotes laws and provides policy input to government and advocacy on a range of Internet regulatory issues.

One of the greatest areas of commercial growth in the Northern Rivers is for businesses that utilise the Internet in the distribution of digital property. In short, they are concerned with legal issues relating to the distribution of bits and bytes, not atoms. They are more concerned with models that allow their markets to flourish in an area where goods are easily copied and distributed with virtually no opportunity cost. But how can we protect it - how are we going to get paid for the work we do with our minds? And, if we can't get paid, what will assure the continued creation and distribution of such work?

For more info, contact Graham Bassett at bassett@ozemail.com.au or 6622 1349

Intro to TV Drama - 11 January 8.30am to 5.30pm, Byron Community Centre, $175 concession
Presented by Mike Piper, award-winning TV director (BLUE HEELERS, ALL SAINTS, HOME AND AWAY, NEIGHBOURS). Seminar will cover getting an agent, set requirements, audition tips, on-set information. Showreel included. Enquiries 0417 035 274.

Film And TV Production - Certificate II in Media and Performance Lismore TAFE. Feb – June 06
Make a short film. Learn the art and craft of screen storytelling, screenwriting, video production, acting skills, film and TV career planning. This course is for 2 days a week over a period of 16 weeks. The course is taught by professionals with broad experience in TV drama, feature films and award-winning shorts. Apply as soon as possible. Interviews will be in late January. Late applications considered. Phone 66266400 or www.nci.tafensw.edu.au

2D & 3D Animation course 2006
EASTPOINT College of Visual and Communication Arts at Kingscliff Campus of the North Coast Institute. Contact Ian McArthur 02 6670 1223 or ian.mcarthur@tafensw.edu.au for more information.

Screen 2006 – Certificate 3 & 4 at Grafton Campus
This course cover aspects involved from script to screen covering music clips, documentary and drama. Interviews will be required. Contact Bruce Vickery on 6641 1700 or email bruce.vickery@det.nsw.edu.au/

Play Now Act Now – Grafton Screening 2 December 7pm.
South Grafton Emporium – 31 Skinner St. Screening of 11 finalists of the 2005 video/film competition tour. For your copy of the DVD see www.playnowactnow.net.au/ For info contact Annie Dodd at emporium31@yahoo.com.au

Sydney's sixth free TV station fires up
Just when local LINC TV is contemplating its future – the UHF 31 free channel in Sydney has started transmitting. Television Sydney, or 'TVS' is headed up by former FTO Deputy Chair Laurie Patton. TVS aims to provide a unique offering of locally produced programs made by and about Sydneysiders. If you would like to produce a program for TVS you can find information on how to submit a proposal or a pilot on their website www.tvs.org.au

AIDC/ABC Arts Documentary Pitching Competition 2006
The Arts and Entertainment Dept of ABC TV will finance the development of a documentary project to the value of $10 000 in its annual pitching competitions during the Australian International Documentary Conference 2006. They want to hear about your proposal for this initiative. See http://www.abc.net.au/arts/aidc.

Seditious Intent – Call for Film Submissions – 27 January
Films inspired by Australia’s Anti-Terror Bill…. Create a short film (between 20 seconds and 5 minutes) that responds in some way to the draconian anti-terrorism laws. Ideally, the short film should include an interpretation of an image (or images) from the Government's 'Help protect Australia from terrorism' campaign, or a word or phrase from the anti-terrorism legislation although it is not essential. For more info see http://culture2.org/si/

SPAA 06 submission call - 15 February 2006
SPAA 06 Conference seeks Session Producers who are interested in producing dynamic, informative and inspiring sessions for 2006. Session Producers are credited with the session concept on the conference program and are entitled to one full day registration. See http://www.spaa.org.au/call_papers.cfm

Sydney Film Festival submission call – 17 February 2006
SFF is seeking features, documentaries, short films and animation for the 53rd annual festival. Films over 30 minutes in length must be NSW premieres and films under 30 minutes in length must be Sydney metropolitan premieres. Entry forms, rules and regulations are available from the website, see www.sydneyfilmfestival.org. The festival runs from 9 to 25 June 2006. The deadline for entries is 17 February 2006. Details of the SFF Australian short films competition will be circulated in the coming weeks.

Podlove submission call - 10 March 2006
SBS Independent and the Australian Film Commission have announced an innovative cross-media initiative entitled Podlove, and are calling for proposals from writer/director teams to develop documentary projects exploring the effect of modern technology on our relationships.

Podlove will integrate five x 5-minute experimental documentary films with an advanced interactive website. From the intimate to the platonic to the perfunctory, Podlove will explore the impact of digital communications on our relationships with friends, family, lovers and strangers.

Creative individuals and writer/director teams with digital media skills are invited to submit proposals for funding of up to $26,000 for each film. The website component of Podlove will be developed and produced in collaboration with the series producer, SBS Digital Services and the AFC.

Complete guidelines and application forms can be obtained from: www.afc.gov.au/podlove and www.sbs.com.au/podlove

SOYA 2006 now open 
If you were inspired by SOYA 2005 and want to get in on the action then SOYA 2006 is now open for entries. To win $5000 cash, $5000 in Qantas flights and a mentorship submit your new creative works to NOISE in the seven SOYA categories. See www.noise.net.au

SBS TV Music Show - Content Request
Noise TV, which airs nationally on SBS TV, is calling for more national content. For more information contact Rad Young at radbrocolli@msn.com or see www.noisetv.tv

Aurora Script Workshop – deadline 9 December
See http://www.fto.nsw.gov.au/fund.asp?id=219

Call for Entries - Sony Tropfest 2006 - 19 January
Sony Tropfest is excited to announce that the TROPFEST SIGNATURE ITEM (TSI) for 2006 is BUBBLE! See http://www.tropfest.com

Movie Network And Tropfest Launch Oz Low Budget Film Push - 19 January
The giant outdoor short film competition Tropfest and pay TV channel the Movie Network will fund a $1million feature for each of the next three years. See http://www.tropfest.com/

Hot Docs 2006 - 12 December & 13 January
Film submissions now open, see http://www.hotdocs.ca/entry_form.cfm

Digital Media Practitioners Get The E-Ticket
AFC Travel Grant program - support for Australian interactive digital screen content practitioners to attend key international workshops, forums, conferences, festivals, events and financing markets. See www.afc.gov.au.

Scripts Australia
Check out this on-line script service, serving writers and producers of Australian scripts for performance (plays, films, television & radio scripts). Scripts Australia is a service providing producers, agents and other industry professionals controlled and secure on line access to new, exciting Australian scripts. Their aim is to help get more Australian scripts onto the screens, stages and airwaves not only locally but around the globe. See http://www.scriptaustralia.com.au/

THE BARRY MCKENZIE MOVIES - a new release by Currency Press
By doco maker Tony Moore, directed by Bruce Beresford and starring Barry Crocker as ‘Bazza', the ADVENTURES OF BARRY McKENZIE and its sequel, BARRY McKENZIE HOLDS HIS OWN, sprang to life from the comic strip by Barry Humphries.

Australian Film Commission
www.afc.gov.au/funding
25 Nov 2005 Strand L - Shooting Time - Critical Material Documentary, Documentary Series
06 Jan 2006 Strand A1 - Feature, Feature Animation
06 Jan 2006 Strand A2 - Draft Drama Funding (no feature credits) - Short features or short TV series
06 Jan 2006 Strand J - Early Development Documentary, Documentary Series
06 Jan 2006 Strand K - Development- Documentary, Documentary Series
3 Jan 2006 General Development Investment (GDI) Feature, Documentary, TV Drama
13 Jan 2006 Strand L - Shooting Time-Critical Material Documentary, Documentary Series
3 February. Broadband Cross-Media Production Initiative.
NSW Film and Television Office
www.fto.nsw.gov.au
2 December - Production Investment Fund
Projects will need at least one confirmed marketplace commitment. See http://www.fto.nsw.gov.au/fund.asp?id=47&content=2

Film Vic increases new film funding
For those with Victorian connections - the Film Victoria Board has reacted to an increase in production applications over the past six months by allocating an additional $1 million to this year’s production investment program.

SPAA proposes export tax incentive to lure investment in Australian film & TV production
In a bid to encourage greater levels of private sector investment in digital film and television production and other digital screen content, SPAA has proposed an tax incentive on Australian production export earnings be introduced in the next Federal budget. For submission see http://www.spaa.org.au/content1.cfm?dx=blank

Proposed anti-terrorism standards for narrowcasting
The Australian Communications and Media Authority is proposing to determine new standards for subscription and open narrowcasting television services. The full media release can be viewed at http://www.acma.gov.au/ACMAINTER:STANDARD::pc=PC_100314

People moves
• Posie Graeme-Evans leaves Nine
• Sandra Gross joins FFC board
• Chris Fitchett appointed acting head of development at the AFC
• Sue Taylor, producer THE SHARK NET, joins Screenrights board
• Shaun Brown is the new managing director of SBS
• Glenys Rowe has stepped aside from the top job at SBS Independent to be with her partner Chris Noonan, who is in the UK directing the feature MISS POTTER.

Lock down and sign up talent and crew - Brisbane 6 December $50 non members
SPAA and Holding Redlich invite you to an opportunity to update or learn about the process of contracting talent for feature film and television production - from start to finish. Speakers include Simone North and Tony Kavanagh of Liberty Films, Susie Maizels, Stephen Marriott, Stephen Trew. To register see www.spaa.org.au and click on Events

SMPTE to talk branding - 16 November 2005
The Australian section of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) is staging an event on 26 November to help engineers and technologists keep abreast of changing employment models in the industry.

Academy Of Screen Performance
Course In TV presenting - 4 January to 25 February.
Star Retreat - 25 to 29 January. $850. North Stradbroke Island.

Diploma Of Screen Performance 2006
Secrets Revealed – 10 January for 8 weeks. 6.30-9.30pm. $365.
Meisner Exposed – 9 January for 6 weeks. 6.30-9.30pm. $275
Bookings essential, call 07 5573 6675.

AFTRS Courses
If you are interested in receiving information about AFTRS courses – register at: http://myregistration.aftrs.edu.au/wpmember.cfm?dx=m1619I&lg=0

Judy Carter comedy workshops
Judy Carter, author of "The Comedy Bible" is bringing her Los Angeles based workshop to Sydney and Melbourne for one weekend only. In Sydney 26-27 November and in Melbourne 3-4 December. To sign up see www.judycarter.com.au

If you have received a copy of Screenworks' e-news from a friend, and want to subscribe yourself, please go to http://www.screenworks.com.auNorthern Rivers Screenworks is supported by the Department of Transport and Regional Services, Sustainable Regions Program and the NSW Department of Regional Development, Developing Regional Resources Program.