Screenworks events
Screenworks news
Local news
National news
National what's on
Opportunities
Funding deadlines
Wanted - house in Dec/Jan

ScriptWorks - a three-day intensive workshop short filmmakers
Screenworks announces a call for entries to its latest initiative - ScriptWorks - a three-day intensive workshop for screenwriters and filmmakers with short film scripts in development.

Screenworks has received support from the NSW Film and Television Office to bring this exclusive training opportunity to emerging screenwriters and filmmakers in the Northern Rivers region.

"ScriptWorks is specifically targetted at emerging filmmakers with an existing concept for a short film. It will cover all aspects of the development path from concept to treatment to script and will look at essentials such as storytelling technique, character and structure. And of course we cover the practicalities of finding the right producer, copyright issues and where to find those elusive production dollars," says Cathy Henkel, Screenworks Chair.

ScriptWorks will be presented by Charlie de Salis, an experienced director, writer and producer. Charlie's directing credits include short films, television drama, documentary, commercials, and high-end corporate work. His short films have screened at more than 25 international film festivals including Venice and Cannes, and have won awards at Dresden and New York.

ScriptWorks will include sessions presented by leading industry professionals such as screenwriter Roger Monk (The Secret Life of Us, Walking On Water), producer and screenwriter Deb Cox (Seachange, Crash Burn, After The Deluge, Dead Letter Office), and award-winning local short filmmaker Tristan Banks (Soar, The New Boots).

Fifteen projects will be selected for the workshop, which will be held in the first week of December. Of these, four scripts will be selected for one-on-one mentoring though the script development process.

Application guidelines and forms are available on the Screenworks website at www.screenworks.com.au. The closing date for applications is 5pm Monday 24 October 2005.

More information will be available on the Screenworks blog at www.screenworks.com.au/blog/blog.htm later this week.

Documentary Producers Clinic - 21 October
Are you developing a documentary project? Do you have questions regarding your treatment, budget, how to approach funding bodies, international broadcasters etc? If so, a limited number of clinic appointments with Anne Chesher will be available on Friday 21 October at Screenworks.

After graduating from the London International Film School in the early nineties, Anne was based in Turkey facilitating current affairs and documentaries for Australian television companies such as Beyond 2000 and ABC Television. Returning to Australia ten years ago, Anne set up her own production company Quadrant Productions. With funding from the AFC, NSW FTO and major government bodies, Anne's company produced several films - one of which was awarded an International Industry Award in the USA. Currently, with emphasis on marketing and promotion, Anne is an education consultant and digital content producer for several PAY TV documentary channels - primarily National Geographic Channel, XYZ and Sky News

To be eligible for a clinic appointment, please email a 50 word (maximum) synopsis of your project to events@screenworks.com.au with 'Documentary Clinic Appointment' in the subject line. Don't forget to include your contact details!

Byron Film Club - 8.00pm, 10 October
The next screening from the Byron Film Club (BFC) will feature a selection of locally-made short films including music video clips, plus a live soundtrack performance. The complete program will be announced shortly. Tickets available at the Community Centre from 7.30pm, Monday 10h October.

New sponsors for local Film Artists Cooperative (FAC)
The Byron Bay Services Club and Internet portal, Channel Byron, have come on board with other local sponsors Northern Rivers Screenworks, the Beach Hotel and TP Health Ltd, to lend a hand to local film making group 'FAC'. FAC is a participant run group of film makers, actors, writers, composers, producers, etc, from the local community who are helping one another to 'connect and collaborate'. The Byron Bay Services Club is assisting by providing a venue on the 1st Thursday of each month from 7:30pm to 10pm for FAC member meetings. ScreenXchange is supplying a free forum space at www.channelbyron.com/forums/ in order to help members join and to communicate with one another online. FAC's next meeting will be held at the Byron Bay Services Club, Jonson St, on Thursday 6 October. FAC is a free program and new members are welcome

Screenworks welcomes international feature film to the region
Northern Rivers Screenworks is delighted to welcome the cast and crew from the feature film MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. The low-budget feature, a Universal Pictures and Working Title Films presentation in association with the Film Finance Corporation Australia and Studio Canal, is a Working Title production in association with WPB. The crew will be shooting scenes in Byron, Ballina and Tweed Shires in early October.

MIDDLE OF NOWHERE is the first feature film for director Ringan Ledwidge, an award-winning commercials and music video director from the UK. The original screenplay is by James Watkins and Andrew Upton. Described as "a contemporary and atmospheric psychological thriller", the film starts shooting in Sydney before heading to the Northern Rivers, followed by a shoot in Winton and Longreach in Queensland.

"It is great to have an international production company with the reputation of Working Title (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Fargo, Elizabeth, etc) shooting in the region. A number of local filmmakers have already been hired on the Northern Rivers shoot, and they've also cast plenty of locals as extras," says Screenworks Chair Cathy Henkel. "Screenworks hosted the company late last year and it is great to see that our initial legwork has resulted in the production shooting in the region. We are working hard to develop the screen industries as a sustainable and green industry," adds Cathy.

The MIDDLE OF NOWHERE production team will be working from the Screenworks offices for the two weeks they are in the region. Screenworks will be working from the back office on site. There will be no public access to the office from 26 September- 14 October. Screenworks can be contacted by phone (6680 9220) or email during this period.

ScreenXchange
Thanks to those that participated in our focus groups - we appreciate your input. The functional and content specs are nearing completion and a call for Expressions of Interest for developers will be issued in the coming weeks.

Heart2Heart
Calling all young people in the Northern Rivers region. Can you help bring the history of your region to life? Can you tap into the rich tapestry of stories in your region and bring your own distinctive story-telling style to help create a powerful and moving short film?

Screenworks is pleased to announce it has attracted $23,000 from the Area Assistance Scheme towards a youth training and professional development project for 15 ­ 25 year olds. Called Heart2Heart - Young Voices, Old Stories­ this project aims to uncover the story gems of the Northern Rivers.

Project Patron, Deb Cox (writer SEACHANGE, AFTER THE DELUGE) says "this project will source five powerful, distinctive stories from the social, cultural and spiritual history of life in the Northern Rivers of NSW. So many of the original industries of the region ­ dairying, whaling, timber felling ­ have almost all disappeared and the way of life in the earlier part of the twentieth century has dramatically changed, but those who remember are still alive to tell their tales. This project aims to connect these stories with the present through the eyes of our young people. We hope to uncover some great yarns and new insights with Heart2Heart."

The project will be communicated to young people through the region¹s youth arts network and the media and involves a selection/pitching process, script and production workshops and professional mentor program.

"We aim to have five powerful scripts at the completion of the project ­ scripts ready to go into production," says Screenwork's Chair, Cathy Henkel. "A major rationale for the project is to attach young people with industry professionals from the region and provide them with a solid industry entry level experience," says Henkel.

Screenworks will shortly undertake a call for story submissions.

Screenworks has also issued a call for expressions of interest for the Project Coordinator position for Heart2Heart. Click here for duty statement and conditions.

If you are not 15-25 years old but have ideas you think could be of interest, see the Heart2Heart forum to submit those ideas.

Screenworks office access
Please note that Screenworks is moving in to the back room at 95 Jonson Street on 21 September (this week). The front room is being taken over for the MIDDLE OF NOWHERE production (see article above), so there will be no public access to the building from 26 September until 14 October. If you need to see/speak to Screenworks staff, please call 6680 9220 or email to make an appointment. Thanks for your understanding.

New Screenworks web banner
Noticed anything different on the Screenworks website? Thanks to Tim Adlide, the Screenworks website now has a funky new banner. Check it out at www.screenworks.com.au - well done Tim!

How has Screenworks helped you?
Thanks to those people who sent in testimonials, but we'd still like to gather a few more! If Screenworks has helped you or your organisation in some way, please email a paragraph to kaye@screenworks.com.au - much appreciated!

Are your details on the Screenworks Directory up-to-date?
Production companies are often asking us for referrals for crew. We rely on the information you have registered on our practitioner directory. If your details aren't up to date, you could be missing out on work! Please make sure your profile is up-to-date. Go to http://www.screenworks.com.au/members/user.php, login with your password, then select 'edit profile' from the top menu and proceed to update your details. You can also add details of your productions and events when you login.

Want our help to spread the word?
If you have a screen-related news item or event coming up and you'd like Screenworks to help spread the word, then here's how you can help us to help you! Please write a 50 word summary (maximum), in plain text, with relevant details including venue, time, date and contact details. Email it to info@screenworks.com.au with 'NEWSLETTER' in the subject line. This saves us a lot of time and helps ensure we include your item in our newsletter! Thanks!

Tweed Shire City of the Arts Homegrown Filmworks - an update by Project Manager Anne Chesher
The City of the Arts Homegrown Filmworks Project is pleased to have completed its objective. Many months ago, six film concepts were selected from over 70 submitted stories about life in the Tweed region. The six Finalists brought their stories to the screen over 15 months following a series of professional workshops and close association with their own industry mentors.

A showcase screening of the films was held on the banks of the river at the City Of The Arts Space. With lanterns from Lismore's Light'n Up, fire twirling by Tess Wood and music by Craig and Sarah Chambers, the evening celebrated the success of the films - not only for their technical achievements but also for their insightful, culturally diverse and beautiful stories. The event was a phenomenal success with standing ovations for the filmmakers.

The six films produced as part of the City of the Arts program are WAITING FOR 106 by Alison Flynn, OUR BOAT by Maureen Logan, REAL GOLD by Blake Osborn, HOOKED by Cheryl McMaster, US DEADLY MOB by Samia Goudie, BROWN EYED GIRLS by May O'Connell.

It is anticipated that the films will now be entered in local and national short film competitions, and that the six filmmakers will build upon the opportunity Tweed Shire City of the Arts 2003-2005 has provided to further their careers.

A behind-the-scenes documentary was also produced as part of the project, depicting the experience of the filmmakers - from their motivations and aspirations to their frustrations and achievements.

Seventeen-year-old Robert Johnson gained first-hand film production experience working with project coordinator, Anne Chesher, to produce a community roll film which listed every one of the 280 educational institutions, local businesses and individuals who have generously supported our six filmmakers.

The Regent Cinema in Murwillumbah screened the Homegrown Filmworks Films on Thursday 11 August. The films were also screened at the Kingscliff Art Food and All that Jazz festival on Saturday 13 August in the Amenities Hall.

Homegrown Filmworks Project Partners: NSW Ministry for the Arts; Tweed Shire Council: Griffith University; North Coast Institute of TAFE; Screenworks; Tweed Valley Arts Council; Pandion Pictures and the Regent Cinema, Murwillumbah.

Richmond Valley Council launches FILMFEST 05
Richmond Valley residents have been in for a ‘big screen' treat with the Richmond Valley FILMFEST. A first for the Richmond Valley, this Council initiative will bring a total of four short film festivals and two educational workshops to the towns of Evans Head, Casino and Coraki over August, September and October.

Casino will host the Nostalgia Film Festival (some of Australia's best-loved films) on 1 October.

The beautiful Coraki riverbank will play host to the Homegrown Film Festival (locally produced, award-winning short films, including those from Casino's indigenous film maker John Bell) on 29 October. Local film maker Tristan Bancks - whose short film SOAR has screened at some of the world's top film festivals - will facilitate a community film making workshop in Coraki on the same day, in conjunction with the Coraki Artsfest.

Richmond Valley Council's General Manager Brian Wilkinson said the event was an exciting new cultural initiative for the Richmond Valley communities, one he hopes will directly encourage wider short film production throughout the Richmond Valley and build an awareness of the short film industry throughout our communities.

"One of its goals will be to maximise the contribution events make to the social and cultural development of residents and visitors to the Richmond Valley. The FILMFEST will provide a fantastic local kickstart to this strategy, while supporting the wider regional strategies unearthed at the Creative Industries and Screenworks workshops in the Northern Rivers recently. This event is a real outcome at the local level," said Mr Wilkinson. "It will provide our residents with a unique and entertaining perspective on Australian film makers and culture, the likes of which are not normally available within the Richmond Valley. It is our aim that FILMFEST becomes an annual fixture on the Richmond Valley events calendar," he said.

Community members interested in participating in the workshops should call Nyree Epplett on (02) 6660 0203.
1 October - Casino - Old El Gronda Cinema site
29 October - Coraki - Riverbank

SCU film screening - 7.30pm, 23 September
SCU showcases local Indigenous films from the region including WOW prize winner WOMEN OF THE REEDS and JUST A TEASE about a local Indigenous hairdresser. Campus Central main building, right hand dirt car park, building straight ahead - go around to the front and you will find us.

NORPA presents independent movie screenings at the Star Court Theatre Lismore
4pm, 18 September - TURTLES CAN FLY (Rated M) - A special fundraising screening for ZONTA. Cost: $15
7pm, Friday 23 September & 2pm, Saturday 24 September. Cost $10 adult, $8 concession/NORPA subscriber/junior.
This is the first feature film to come from Iraq since the fall of Saddam's downfall. TURTLES CAN CRY is a masterpiece of profound tragedy, intense joy and breathtaking cinematography. Bahman Ghobadi follows his acclaimed film A TIME FOR DRUNKEN HORSES with a multi-award winning feature that celebrates the extraordinary survival of the human spirit.

8pm, 27 September - ON CREDIT... the movie - DVD launch. Cost: $7.
ON CREDIT is the story of an aspiring pro-surfer, who, in pursuit of a lifelong dream to compete in the world qualifying series, has clocked up a $21,000 debt spread over four credit cards. Following on from five successful screenings of the film in Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, this will be the final installment in this credit-card fuelled adventure since filmmaker Johnny Abegg had the initial thought of buying a handycam back in May 2004. The DVD launch features guest musicians and DJs such as Franky, Slinky and Tone Broker at The Backroom, Hotel Great Northern. For more information visit www.jcainternational.com, or contact Johnny Abegg on 0421870884.

Welcome
We welcome former Film and Television Office Industry and Audience Development Manager Brendan Smith to the region - Brendan has taken up the position of Clarence Valley's New Cultural Development Coordinator.

Stellar line-up of local Indigenous and international film identities
As part of its Long Black Indigenous Feature initiative, the first stage - the Long Black Writers Lab - was held in Byron Bay over the week of 28 August to 3 September 2005. Modelled on the Sundance Screenwriters Lab, the residential hothouse gave seven Australian Indigenous filmmakers the opportunity to thrash out their script ideas with a group of exceptional international and national feature writers in one-on-one meetings, screenings and discussions. The filmmakers in attendance were Warwick Thornton, Beck Cole, Wayne Blair, Romaine Moreton, Darlene Johnson and Richard Frankland. Leading Indigenous filmmaker Rachel Perkins also brought her next feature project to the Lab.

Four feature producers to take their projects to New York's No Borders
The NSW Film and Television Office (FTO), Film Victoria and the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) have announced the four independent feature projects selected to attend the No Borders Co-production Market in the USA. See http://www.fto.nsw.gov.au/content.asp?content=3

New appointments at AFC
Carole Sklan is leaving the AFC for SBSI, where she will be the Commissioning Editor for drama. Says the press release: "her new position will once again allow her to work at the script coal-face, which is her first love, and furthermore she will be working with the AFC's major production partner and will continue to have a close relationship with many AFC projects."

Mike Cowap, former producer with digital media production company Moneystack and development executive for Picture Palace North, will join the Australian Film Commission's Film Development Division this month as a Project Manager, based in the Melbourne office. Mike brings extensive international experience to his new role, having worked as a Project Officer for the New Cinema Fund at the UK Film Council and as Script Consultant for the Danish Film Institute for the North by North West script program. Mike was manager of Industry Development at the South Australian Film Corporation and has produced online games and mobile phone content for the ABC and mNet.

Screenrights
If you are a content creator - don't forget Screenrights. Screenrights is a non-profit organisation that links rightsholders in film and television to the people who use their work. They represent over 2000 copyright owners from around the world, offering a number of rights management services to these members. They also offer free resources to the people who are using our member's material. See www.enhancetv.com.au which lets educators know about upcoming programs relevant to their teaching areas. It also contains free downloadable resources such as study guides and feature articles to help educators get the most out of their Screenrights licence. Checkout www.screen.org

Australian video art crosses broadcast platforms at Boo Hooray
A selection of video art created by established and emerging artists, is now available on ABC Broadband (www.abc.net.au/boohooray) and on digital free to air ABC2.

New research report shows consumer desire to be upwardly mobile
The first inaugural mobile content research has been launched to provide insight into the profile, behaviour and preferences of the Australian mobile phone user. The Australian Mobile Phone Lifestyle Index, sponsored by m.Net Corporation, is the first Australia-wide study into mobile phone users and will be published twice a year to highlight changing trends. See http://www.aimia.com.au/i-cms?page=1486

ASDA: Creating Freedom Conference - 16-18 September
Why does a director of Joel Schumacher's calibre and Hollywood cred keep returning to low budget film? In STORIES FROM THE PHONE BOOTH, Joel Schumacher talks about his enduring passion for low budget filmmaking, the creative freedom that he finds in the form, and shares his techniques for creating exciting, enduring films that rise above their budgets. Absolutely un-missable for working directors. See http://www.asdafilm.org.au/

QPIX training - Brisbane
Alternative scriptwriting - anti-structure: beyond the three acts 
9am to 5pm, 24 September
Presented by feature film writer Robert Taylor.
Cost: $100 QPIX members / $140 non-members.
Sound Design with John Willsteed 
9am to 5pm, Saturday 29 October
Cost: $75 QPIX Members / $105 Non members.
Certificate IV in Screen
The Certificate IV in Screen will commence in Feb 2006. In six months students will compete four productions including a music video clip for a working band and a television commercial for an actual client. Applications are now open. Contact the Training Co-ordinator for more information.
Advanced Diploma of Screen
The QPIX Training intensive Advanced Diploma of Screen will begin February 2006. The course is divided into three parts: The writer's cluster; The director's cluster; and the producer's cluster. Pre-requisites are Cert. IV in Screen and/or other industry experience (conditions apply).
For details on any of the above courses, contact the Training Coordinator at QPIX Training on 07 3392 2633 or visit www.qpix.org.au for more information.

23 September closing date - AFRTRS QLD presents Actorphobia - The 6 Day Cure
A masterclass with George Whaley. For directors, no amount of technical expertise, or taking refuge in the technology, will compensate for a lack of knowledge of story and character Course held on 8th - 10th and 14th - 16th October. $550. Visit the AFTRS web site.

18 September - World Wide Web contest: Youth for Youth WSYA
Are you under 27 with an interesting site on the web? Are you a young designer, web developer, social entrepreneur, music producer or artist interested in international issues? Are you passionate about using Internet for young people? Do you care about social change? See www.youthaward.org and showcase your site and project to the world! Sponsored by the Internet Society, the World Summit Youth Award (WSYA) is an international contest for youth-led projects that bridge the content gap in the emerging Information Society.

23 September - Flickerfest Entries
Call for entries are now open for the 15th International FLICKERFEST Short Film Festival at Bondi Beach Pavilion, 6-15 January 2005. An International jury will award Best Film International Competition, Best film Australian competition, Best Animation, Best Documentary, Best Cinematography, and a host of other industry prizes. All films must be under 30 minutes and must have been completed within 2 years of the closing date. See www.flickerfest.com.au

26 September - DOWNUNDER-GRADS Documentary Initiative - PFTC
DOWNUNDER-GRADS affords production opportunities for emerging Queensland writers, producers and directors by providing equity investment for a new four-part documentary series about students at Australian Universities to be screened on the Inside Australia program on SBS. See www.pftc.com.au

3 October - 7th Annual Lexus Inside Film Awards
Scoring closes on 3 October and nominees will be announced on 18 October. The Lexus Inside Film Awards will be held on Wednesday 23rd November at Luna Park in Sydney. The awards will also be broadcast live on SBS at 8.30pm on the night or watch the delayed telecasts on SHOWTIME and SHOWTIME 2 (check TV guide for details).

6 October - Play Now/Act Now
Create a film...This competition recognises that young people will and do drink alcohol and sets out to minimise the associated harms. Huge list of prizes to be won. See www.playnowactnow.net.au/

7 October - Raw Nerve Call for Entries
Want to hit a Raw Nerve? Are you an emerging filmmaker who has not previously had a writer or director film credit to your name? Are you wanting to make a high quality, low budget short film to showcase your storytelling and film-making talent? Want some tips on how to best realise your creative vision? Too poor to fund it yourself? Raw Nerve is for you. Call (02) 9361 5318 or via email
metro@metroscreen.org.au

10 October - Call for Accreditation 2005
If you would like to attend IDFA, the FORUM for International Co-financing of Documentaries and/or the documentary market Docs for Sale, fill out the accreditation form from their website: www.idfa.nl. Read the accreditation guidelines.

20 October - Brunswick Art, History & Film Expo 2005
Brunswick Mullumbimby Lions Club in conjunction with the Ocean Shores Community Association Art and Film competition. Prizes - Under 16 year 1st prize $500. Open - $500. See www.brunswickvalley.com.au/art-expo

23 September. Film Licensed Investment Company (FLIC) Scheme
The Australian Government confirmed an extension to the FLIC scheme. The FLIC Scheme 2005 will allocate a single licence to an Australian company to raise capital for investment in Australian film and television productions. The FLIC licensee will be able to raise up to $10 million in each of the years 2005-06 and 2006-07. See http://www.dcita.gov.au/arts/film_digital/film_-_licensed_investment_company_scheme_flics

Australian Film Commission - see www.afc.gov.au
16 Sep 2005 - Strand L - Shooting Time-Critical MaterialDocumentary, Documentary Series
16 Sep 2005- Strand N - Documentary Production -Documentary, Documentary Series
23 Sep 2005 - Strand B - Seed Feature Funding - Feature
23 Sep 2005 - Strand H - Short Shorts Production - Short (under 15 mins)
23 Sep 2005 - Strand X - Experimental Digital Production- Digital Media
14 Oct 2005 - Strand J - Documentary Early Development - Documentary, Documentary Series
14 Oct 2005 - Strand K - Documentary Development - Documentary, Documentary Series
21 Oct 2005 - Strand L - Shooting Time-Critical Material - Documentary, Documentary Series
28 Oct 2005 - Strand D - Draft Funding - Feature
28 Oct 2005 - Strand V - Interactive Digital Media - Early Development - Interactive Digital Media
07 Oct 2005 - Indigenous Unit - Drama Development - Feature, Short Feature
28 Oct 2005 - Indigenous Unit - Documentary Development - Documentaries

23 September. AFC's Travel Grants to American Film Market, World Congress of History Producers, World Congress of Science Producers

NSW Film and Television Office www.fto.nsw.gov.au
17 October - Young Filmmakers Fund

Film Finance Corporation - www.ffc.gov.au
1 October Special Documentary Fund.

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.au/e-news_archive.php

Northern 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.