Seminar turns spotlight on local private investor funding
60 financial advisors, investors, filmmakers and bureaucrats attended the Screenworks Investor’s Seminar on Friday 15 August. The presentation by Brian Rosen (CEO Film Finance Corp), Geoff Brown (CEO SPAA), David Whealy (Holding Redling), Brett Thornquest (MoneyPenny) and John Weiley (Helio Productions and Screenworks) comprehensively outlined the opportunities and pitfalls of film investment. It clarified where the FFC was heading in its investment decisions and announced the idea (still to be realised) of a Screenworks northern rivers development fund.

The SPAA masterclass, which also included Producer David Hannay and Arclight Films sales agent Ian Gibbins, was very well received. Those that missed it will be able to borrow the video from Screenworks (note all our masterclasses are available to be borrowed on vhs). David Bradbury and Ian Mason were both fortunate to have the opportunity to put their feature film projects up as case studies for the panel to discuss details of financing and how to get it.

Brian Rosen of the FFC made it quite clear that the days of an art driven industry are well and truly over and that producers had to step up to the mark in terms of understanding their market and financing the project accordingly. In terms of producer skills for the Northern Rivers, this weekend helped reinforce our case for needing (local private investor) development money in the region.

Deb Cox at the seminar	Cathy Henkel and Larry Anthony	Michael Murray and Lois Randall
Brett Thornquest, Kate Ingham, Sue Ryan	Brian Rosen and Catherine Marciniak	Ian Mason, Terry Maybury, Grant Cameron, Geoff Brown

MediaLab funding received
Screenworks has been notified that the Department of State and Regional Development will support its MediaLab project by $2500 (more details follow below) through their Visiting Experts Program.

Dogma Sundownder a success
Mathew Flannagan and Geoff Burton presented a Sundowner outlining the idea of local branding and low budget projects applying collectively for funding. There is a lot of interest in this idea for our region. If you want to find out more please contact the Screenworks office.

Location news
On the location front, Screenworks made a presentation to NOROC regarding the establishment of a film protocol for the region. NOROC represents all councils in the region. The meeting passed a resolution to nominate two positions from each council to be trained by Screenworks and to then work as location liaison for their council. Also, Screenworks will be meeting with all the other regional film offices at the FTO next month.

Pitch’n’Punt
Screenworks' pitching competition will occur all day Friday September 19 in the Screenworks' office. Phone us on 6680 9220 for an application form if you want to pitch a project – documentaries, television, features allowed. Cross-platform projects encouraged.

First round will be behind closed doors, presented to a local selection panel in individual appointments. The second round will be a public event at the Community Centre on Wednesday 15 October, with a high profile selection panel including representatives from the funding bodies, SPAA Executive Director and producers. Shortlisted candidates will receive intensive pitching coaching from the master, Sandy George, notorious industry journalist and MC for the SPAA pitching contests on Wednesday 1 October. Only available to Northern Rivers practitioners. The winner receives a registration to SPAA conference and entry to Holding Redlich pitching competition.

MediaLab
29, 30, 31 October - Screenworks is holding MediaLab, an intensive three-day workshop presented by Marcus Gillezeau focusing on how to deliver a project idea, with its many facets, on multiple platforms. The workshop will focus on how to deliver a project idea, how to plan and cost delivering interviews for television as well as 'the making of' DVD, and background research. It will explore how to deliver contextual material online. It will cover how to market your DVD and stock footage. Also how to negotiate with buyers - who pays for what, who maintains the rights.

This will be a hands-on workshop, utilising case studies, existing works, exploring how to deliver projects for a multi-platform environment, and the resource and cost differential.

The workshop will call on the expertise of FAT COW MOTEL and will incorporate a video conference with Picture Projects, a US-based company which has the international edge on multi-platform delivery and marketing outcomes.

This workshop will be available to 15 practitioners (four places available for non-Northern Rivers practitioners). Application forms available by calling 6680 9220. Applicants with a project in development will be prioritised.

Masterclass
18 October - Presales, Marketing and Distribution. Presented by Sue Murray (Fandango Films), Lyn McCarthy (Niche Pictures) and Tracey Mair (Tracey Mair Publicity).
17 October - Clinics with Sue Murray and Tracey Mair.
RSVP 6680 9220 or cidm@screenworks.com.au

Seminar
15 October 10-12 noon NSWFTO new Funding Opportunities and Aurora, presented by Sally Browning, manager, development and finance.
15 October - four clinic appointments to see Sally Browning to discuss your project more fully. Please apply to Screenworks.
RSVP essential 6680 9220 or cidm@screenworks.com.au

Sundowner
5.30pm Friday 12 September. Producers Lois Randall and Sophia Zachariou (ex SBS Eat Carpet). BYO.

National news
What’s on
Deadlines  (AFC, NSWFTO, Enterprise Australia, Lexus iF awards and Telstra Broadband)
Other

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.