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2004

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News release 21/12/04

Cinema Extreme: Call for Applications -
Management Company

The Cinema Extreme short film initiative was created in 2002 by the UK Film Council's New Cinema Fund and FilmFour to encourage and develop filmmakers with a distinctive directorial voice and cinematic flair. For 2005 Cinema Extreme takes the form of a rolling development and commissioning process that will operate throughout the year.

Before Cinema Extreme 2005 goes live we are selecting a company or organisation with experience in the development and production of short films to help us design the development programme and to oversee the selection, development and production processes.

To apply, interested organisations/companies will need to submit an initial outline proposal in accordance with the specific criteria set out in the guidelines. These guidelines together with full details of Cinema Extreme and the application process can be obtained from the UK Film Council website: www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/shorts

Or by written request to:
Project Co-ordinator
New Cinema Fund
UK Film Council
10 Little Portland Street
London
W1W 7JG

Please note that this is not a call for film production funding applications.

Closing date for applications: 18.00 Friday 21st January 2005

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NEWS RELEASE: 20/12/04

January 29th and 30th
Lighthouse Media Centre

The Producer’s Clout
Managing Stories, Talents, Markets

Tutor: Carl Schoenfeld

Call 01273 384222 or email info@lighthouse.org.uk to arrange to book your place!

£160 Full / £110 Concessions

This seminar prepares emerging producers and filmmakers with an organisational map through the various stages of the feature film production process and discusses how to meet film industry requirements beyond the magic words ‘We’re in!’.

During the course, participants will work on approaches to clarify their projects’ strengths to a variety of potential funding sources. Confidence gained by a clear understanding and further systematic negotiating of creative, financial, legal and management issues improves the chances of turning a script into a viable investment opportunity.

Carl has been managing production companies for ten years, producing award winning documentary and drama for TV as well as theatrical release, working with industry financiers completion bond and sales agents, and has been invited to talks, panels, master classes and international film festivals around the world. His experience has been condensed into this workshop to provide a short cut around some of those costly and long winded learning curves faced by all who want to get their first movie made.

Carl is a fine teacher because he conveys a real enthusiasm for learning. There is a freshness about what he teaches because one feels he ha recently learned it himselffrom personal experience and with a good deal of pleasure.
Simon Perry, President, ACE
…I learned more in one afternoon than I did in three years at film school and because he had made all the mistakes himself - and he was not coy about admitting them we all felt safe to make a few ****ups of our own along the way too because that was the only way we were ever going to know as much as Carl clearly did.
Darren Bender, Head of Production, Screen East
‘My Brother Tom’ was a classic independent producer triumph of hope and determination against the adversity of a difficult market for challenging work.
Robin Gutch, Head of FilmFour Lab
From the feedback we received on the course of the evening I believe everyone greatly appreciated the pitching event to the extent of asking for when it will be run again!
Jo-Ashton Jones, Road Movies (Wim Wenders Production Company)


Workshop Outline

Saturday am: Feature Film Development Foundations
Introduction & overview
• The various roles and responsibilities of a Producer
• Where you can fit in
• Clarifying aims & ambitions
• The UK production environment What works?
• Identifying stories that find an audience
• Script analysis: dramatic, economic, marketing
considerations
• Structure and needs of the development industry
• Identifying potential partners: writers, producers,
directors, financiers
• Successful delegation: strategies to ensure a productive relationship
• Copyright & chain of title

Saturday pm: The Rough Guide Through Development Hell
• Your first production company
• Growing a business plan organically
• The slate
• Development finance, budget & schedule
• Corporate structure, mentors and executive producers
• Pitching & Negotiation
• Production finance partners put to the test
• Finance structure: license, minimum guarantee, equity and co-production
• Packaging the project
• Promotional short (pilot)
• Pitching & Negotiation - getting the money

Sunday am: After the Green Light - Preproduction
• Standard conditions precedent to funding: completion
bond, approvals, recouping positions and corridors
• Progress and cost reports
• Production team, heads of department, crew: what do
they do? How can they help?
• Contracts
• Rights Clearance continued
• Insurances
• Budget & Schedule
• Health & Safety
• Running production meetings

Sunday pm: Shoot & Deliver
• Supervise the shoot & schedule
• Control cashflow
• Manage creative talent
• Publicity
• Postproduction route
• Credits
• Rough cut screenings
• Delivery lists
• Using press, TV and film festivalto find your audience
• The work of sales agents and distributors
• Q&A

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News release 20/12/04

FINAL CUT

As there will be no December event, the next Final Cut screening takes place in January 2005:

Date: Thursday, January 27th
Venue: Hanbury Arms, Kemptown, Brighton
Doors Open: 8pm
Admission: £3

The programme of ten films plus their new Trailer Trash section has already been finalised and full details, including synopses and production stills, are available from www.finalcut.gb.com.

Highlights include:

BACK TO EARTH – Intriguing Sci-Fi thriller from Jon Seal about a 10 year-old boy’s discovery of strange crop circles and alien abductions.

MOMUS - New York director, Nicolas Jenkins' film about Scottish born electronic-folk singer, ‘Momus’ (aka Nick Currie), well-known in America for his eclectic musical styles and an acclaimed first album, Folktronic. To pay for a successful legal action following the release of his next album, he offered to write a song for anyone who donated $1,000 towards his legal costs. Thirty of these donor-songs were included on his next album, Stars Forever, which also includes karaoke renditions of Momus songs by his fans.

FOUR CORNERS - Pat Bristow’s new drama is based on an award-winning script and tells the story of Tom’s meeting with a confrontational biker, a nervy youth and a record company executive in a bar. He knows this is his last chance to help them right a major wrong from their collective past. (Voted ‘Best Short Script’ on Francis Coppola's Zoetrope website)


FINAL CUT IS SUPPORTED BY SCREEN SOUTH, THE FILM COUNCIL, LIGHTHOUSE MEDIA CENTRE & AWARDS FOR ALL

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Capture4

Arts Council England is pleased to announce the launch of Capture4, the fourth round of its screen-based dance production fund. It is also pleased to confirm three prestigious new co-commissioning partners for this round, ICA London, The New Art Gallery Walsall, and SCAN/ArtSway. Awards and co-commissions range from £5,000 - £20,000 and proposals are welcomed from emerging and established artists. The deadline for submission of proposals is 30 November 2004 at 5pm. For more information and to find how to apply, click here

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Good Foundations
Producer Training Scheme
Approaching the film finance marketplace

Screen South is pleased to announce the launch of a new foundation-training programme for emerging producers. The scheme will be delivered in association with experienced film executives, Carl Clifton and Tom Strudwick supported by key representatives from the international film industry.

It is hoped that successful participants will have a pathway to establishing a viable and sustainable career in the film industry as well as develop their current project and new partnerships, which will assist with future projects.

The scheme is intended to be a vital reality check and awareness programme for media professionals in the Screen South region who are looking to get their first feature film off the ground.

The cost of the programme is £3,500 per participant for the year. The majority of the cost will be met by Screen South RIFE Lottery programme; however, each participant will be asked to pay £500 towards costs. In exceptional circumstances full bursaries may be available.

The deadline for submissions is January 7th 2004.

The selection will be three rounds:
1st selection
Based on written application
2nd selection
Based on verbal presentation on 23rd January 2004
Final selection
Based on full script/treatment which will be requested for round two

The start date for the programme is 18th & 19th February 2004

APPLICATION PROCESS

This is an open access programme and Screen South welcomes applications from all those who live or work in the Screen South region regardless of ethnicity background or ability

To apply for a place on the scheme you must you must submit the following
• Completed Good Foundations application form
• A letter of motivation outlining the reasons why you want to take part in the scheme
• A 3 page outline of your project telling the story in detail from beginning to end
• 5 page script sample
• Key personnel Biogs/CVs
• Supporting visual material
• Database & diversity form

Selection will be based on normal Screen South priorities and guidelines including
• The quality of the project’s ideas and script as well as its market potential.
• The ability of the applicant to deliver and manage the proposed project
• The ability of the participants to deliver a coherent written and verbal presentation.
• Financial viability
• Value for money

Full guidelines are available upon request from Screen South info@screensouth.org

Downloads
Application Form download pdf Word
Diversity Statement download pdf Word
Data Protection Form download pdf Word

PROGRAMME OUTLINE
An intensive and practical foundation course designed to equip inexperienced producers with the key skills and knowledge to survive the world of film production from development through financing to exploitation.

Who it’s for
Participants will have at least one feature film project in development. They will have either produced one or more short films or gained experience in another sector of film production. Writers or writer/directors may also apply as long as they are acting as producers in their current stage of development.

How it works
Successful applicants will be invited to take part in a six-month or one-year programme of development, marketing and financing workshops working towards attending one or more film markets.

One Year Development Programme for Producers
Most participants will be expected to go through two cycles of the programme - over a one-year period and should be working towards attending at least one market. Cannes and AFM (though other markets such as Berlin and CineMart will also be considered). Those whose projects are at an advanced stage of development will be eligible for a “Fast Track” programme, going through one six month cycle with a view to being ready to attend at least market in May. This Fast Track programme will also accommodate writers without producers. As Fast Track participants may graduate after six months, there may be a second intake selected later in the year.
Both Fast Track and One Year participants will attend the same workshops. All workshops will be tailored to participants specific abilities and needs and split into two groups where appropriate. The training cycle will consist of:

Development Workshop Participants will be given a detailed script assessment including preliminary story notes. A one-day workshop will cover the script assessment process and story editing skills in detail. This will be followed by a day of one-to-one sessions with the executives giving participants detailed feedback and advice on their specific project. Participants may be required to deliver a new draft of their screenplay or treatment before the next workshop.

Marketing Workshop Participants will be given a detailed market assessment including an outline-marketing plan. A one-day workshop will cover preparation of a comprehensive marketing pack including written materials and visuals. This will be followed by a day of one-to-one sessions with the executives giving each participant detailed feedback and advice on the marketing of their project, as well as a brief examination of financing options. Participants will be required to deliver a draft marketing pack before the next workshop.

Meet The Industry Day Based on Screen South’s successful 2003 session, participants who are ‘Ready to go’ will have the opportunity to meet with industry executives.

Market Preparation Workshop A one-day workshop will cover financing: drawing up a finance plan, who to meet – and preparation: mail shots and cold calling; scheduling and handling meetings; and pitching. Followed by a day of one-to-ones reviewing the participants’ marketing packs, fine tuning their pitches and drawing up a realistic finance plan.

Market Attendance (Cannes and AFM) Participants who have satisfactorily completed the workshops will be recommended for a bursary to assist with attendance to the markets. Support and guidance will be available during the markets

Post Market Debrief A half-day group discussion exploring the participants’ experiences of the market, identifying lessons to be learnt and opportunities which have arisen. Followed by a half day of one-to-ones helping the participants plan a strategy for their immediate future, whether they are staying in the programme for another cycle or graduating at this point.

Downloads
Application Form download pdf Word
Diversity Statement download pdf Word
Data Protection Form download pdf Word


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NEWS RELEASE: 21/12/04

EXPLOITING THE FUTURE:
DIGITAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIVERSITY AND DIFFERENCE

27 JANUARY 2005 (10.30 – 17.30)
TUC CONGRESS CENTRE, LONDON W1

We would like to invite you to a one day workshop exploring how you can take advantage of the new and upcoming technologies in digital filmmaking.

This practical skills development event will be of special interest to those filmmakers who are looking for new forms and outlets for their work and will propose ways to build and develop new networks and markets for film work.

In particular, we want to encourage filmmakers from culturally diverse backgrounds – those telling stories rooted in other cultures, in the nations and regions, in lesbian and gay lifestyles, in areas of disability - anyone who feels the mainstream does not tell their story!

The workshop will kick off with Jonathan Caouette, director of Tarnation, talking about the making of his film. The award-winning feature was edited using iMovies software and will be released by Optimum Releasing next spring. Workshop participants will also be invited to a preview screening of the film at 20.10hrs at the National Film Theatre, when Jonathan will participate in an audience debate.

There will also be opportunities to get one-on-one time with industry practitioners including Caroline Cooper Charles, who oversees the UK Film Council’s short film funding programme; Geoff Lowe, Managing Director of interactive cinema specialist, Filmserve; Alasdair Scott, Creative Partner for Filter UK – Content for Mobiles; Abigail Dankwa, Head of Acquisitions at the Community Channel and others. Judy Counihan, Oscar® winning producer and Skillset’s Director of Film will share her business-building expertise.

David Dunkley-Gyimah, journalist and filmmaker will host the day.

The day will include opportunities to:
• attend workshops on exploiting digital and Internet TV;
• learn how to film content for mobile phones;
• discover ways of building niche markets; and
• selling films digitally.


Please let us have your expressions of interest for attending this event - email: rsvp@ukfilmcouncil.org.uk

If you are interested in having one of these one-on-one sessions you will be asked at a later stage to submit your pitch, project or idea on ONE side of A4, (including a brief description of yourself and your work).


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NEWS RELEASE: 21/12/04

Real Time celebrates the Digital Moving Image

Celebrating digital moving image work by local and regional filmmakers, artists and participatory projects.

A day of workshops, master classes and exhibition in video, film and multi media followed by an evening screening of films exploring the themes of change and transition in contemporary culture.

A great opportunity to find out more about how new technology in the arts is defining the way we view the world.

Advisory Workshops start from 1.00pm with the screening at 8.00pm.

For more information visit www.real-time.org.uk or
call Real Time on 0118 9015205

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News release: 20/12/04

'Does God Play Football?' wins Best Short at the Cinemagic Film Festival

Does God Play Football?, has just won 'Best Short' for a Teenage Audience' at the Cinemagic Film Festival in Ireland.
Continuing from it's success of winning the Gold Award, Best of festival in Virginia; The Special Jury Award at Houston; nominated Best Short at the Celtic Film Festival and playing in competition at both the academy recognised Palm Springs and AFI Film Fest in Los Angeles; we hope it will continue to do well in the coming year with the added contribution from the British Council, who have also recently come on board to help distribute the film.

Screen South recently invited writer director Michael Walker a bursary to join a trade mission to Los Angeles where ‘Does God Play Football’ was featured in November’s AFI festival.

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News release 03/12/04

DGGB wants your film! No, really!

As the awards season gears up a notch ahead of the holiday season, the Directors Guild of Great Britain is seeking submissions for its second annual Awards, to be held at the Curzon Mayfair in London on the 6th of February 2005.

The Awards will honour outstanding direction in 9 categories including International Film and British Film, and are the only awards to acclaim the craft of Television Direction.

The submissions form (which also details eligibility and requirements) can be downloaded here

For further enquiries, please contact us:
e-mail: awards@dggb.org
telephone: 020 7836 3602

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NEWS RELEASE 03/12/04

Screen South First Cut Screenings on ITV 1
Screen South and ITV 1 teamed up on First Cut, a scheme to seek out a future generation of passionate factual programme makers with original, regional stories to tell.

The winners of First Cut 2004 were three first time directors whose short documentaries will be screened on ITV1 in December


FRIDAY 10th December at 11.30pm on ITV1

GONE TO THE DOGS 5 mins
Graham Page - Directo
Joe Withers - Producer
A short documentary depicting the habits and pressures of a professional gambler set against the electric atmosphere of the Oxford Greyhound Stadium.


FRIDAY 17th December at 11.30pm on ITV1

BOUNCING BACK 10 minute
Justin Temple - Director
Anna Fox - Producer
Documentary about a young Oxford footballer’s hopes and fears as he prepares to play professionally again 2 years after contracting a debilitating disease.

A COMMON PLACE 5 minutes
John Twycross - Director
Claire Cox Producer
Features Oxford' s Port Meadow, a timeless place, prone to floods and littered with cowpats - more like a rough field than a scheduled ancient monument. The film provides a wealth of information about the rural life that existed where a city now stands

FOR FURTHER DEATILS PLEASE CONTACT:
Jo Nolan at Screen South
jo.nolan@screensouth.org

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News release 20/12/04

The Boy who Plays on the Buddhas of Bamiyan
Five, Boxing Day, 1:05pm
Filmed and directed by Phil Grabsky



“Phil Grabsky’s poignant documentary…extraordinary ´´´´ ”
Empire
“The most memorable film that Five has broadcast”
The Times
“…stunning landscape photography … haunting.”
Sight and Sound
“Phil Grabsky’s groundbreaking documentary…poignant and moving…Must see TV.”
Sunday Express

Boxing Day sees a welcome repeat for one of the top cinematic documentaries of the year, THE BOY WHO PLAYS ON THE BUDDHAS OF BAMIYAN, on Five.

In March 2001, the ruling Taliban destroyed the tallest stone statues in the world, the 'Buddhas of Bamiyan'. This film, shot over the course of a year, follows the story of one of the refugees who now lives among the ruins...an 8-year-old boy called Mir.

Phil Grabsky’s award-winning film was part of a wave of breakthrough theatrical documentary success stories in 2004, playing in cinemas throughout the UK and Australia.

THE BOY has played to festival audiences around the world, winning a Documentary Award at Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the Special Grand Jury Award at the Washington DC Independent Film Festival, an Honorary Mention in the Emerging Artist category at Full Frame Festival, and being selected for competition at IDFA, Cinequest, San Francisco, Prague, Docaviv, Galway, Melbourne, Sydney and Vancouver Film Festivals.

The film won Best Original Score at the RTS Awards, and recently picked up first prize in the documentary category at the Valladolid International Film Festival. It was also shortlisted for a Grierson Award, and was runner-up in the UK One World Media Awards

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News release 08/12/04

PAMELA WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD AND MEETS THE QUEEN

Pamela Roberts has scooped another award for her work on developing Breaking the Illusions, the southeast first black media festival.
She received the award in the media category at the prestigious 9th Annual European Federation of Black Women Business Owners, which took place at the Governor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.

Hosted by Rhoneke Philips from London News Network and Kwame Kwei-Armah from BBC’s Casualty programme; the ceremony was a glittering affair attended by the crème of national and European black women business owners, government ministers and celebrities.
Pamela said that ‘I am delighted that my work and the festival has been recognised both at a national and European level’.
Pamela’s work has not only been recognised by the European Federation of Black Women Business Owners but by the Queen of England. Pamela has been commanded by the Master of the Household to attend a Christmas reception, hosted by the Queen, on 7th December at Buckingham Palace.

The reception is for those who have made a recent significant contribution to national life. Pamela said that ‘I am on cloud nine and will be for a long time. I am absolutely thrilled that I have been invited to a Christmas reception at Buckingham Palace and the significance of the invitation; this will be a memory that I will treasure for a long time.'

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OPTIC: CITY EYE NETWORKING EVENTS

City Eye will be hosting networking events over the next coming months. These will range from informal get togethers, industry specialist talks on various subjects and screenings of local filmmakers work. We are making the programme of activity as varied as we can and always welcome input from individuals on what they would like to see or attend in the future.

Dates for your diary:
23 November
Venue and Time to be decided and topic to be arranged

2 December
Screening Event held in the vaults under Southampton is association with the organiser Chris Trim and ASpace.

For more information go to: www.city-eye.co.uk

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NEWS RELEASE 03/12/04

SCREEN SOUTH APPOINTS NEW DIRECTORS

Graham Benson, Chairman of Screen South, the regional screen agency for the south of England, has announced that five new board members have joined the organisation. They include highly experienced film industry and broadcasting professionals, including successful producers and writers from the region.

The new Screen South Board members are: Lindsay Charlton, Managing Director of Meridian Broadcasting; Zoë Taylor, Senior Vice President of DDA Productions and Executive Producer of the European Film Awards; Alex Marshall, Head of Business Affairs with Spice Factory Films; Anthony Alleyne, writer/director and co-director of Rebel State Films; Nigel Hartnell non-executive chairman of the Media, Technology and Telecoms Sector Group for SEEDA.

They replace Martin Jackson, Scott Meek, Roger de Haan, Jean Young and John Rees Evans who retired recently.

“I am delighted to welcome all of the new directors who attended their first board meeting last month.” said Screen South Chair, Graham Benson “They all bring to Screen South particular skills and experience which will strengthen and enrich the excellent team we already have. I also want to thank those who have left after a long stint of very hard work and dedication to film and media in the south of England”

For further information on the new members click on link below

Lindsay Charlton
Zoë Taylor
Alex Marshall
Anthony Alleyne
Nigel Hartnell

Press contact for interviews: Heyworth-PR on 01273 608021
email: sarah@heyworth-pr.com

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News release 03/12/04

MOONSTONE INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES DEADLINE FOR NEXT SCREENWRITERS’ LAB

Moonstone International will be holding its first Screenwriters’ Lab of 2005 between 18 and 24 April 2005. The deadline for the Screenwriters’ Lab applications is 10 January 2005.

Moonstone International Screen Labs is an advanced development programme for experienced European screenwriters and directors, who are working on feature film projects for an international audience.

The Screenwriters’ Lab is a week-long programme and offers participant screenwriters the opportunity to work on their projects in a series of one-to-one meetings with established screenwriter Advisors.

The Filmmakers’ Lab runs over 15 days, during which time participant directors rehearse, shoot, edit and screen key scenes from their projects, whilst working with professional crews and actors, under the guidance of established filmmaker Advisors.

Advisors on previous Labs include screenwriters Ronan Bennett The Hamburg Cell, Jeffrey Caine Inside I’m Dancing, Srdjan Dragojevic Pretty Village, Pretty Flame, Troy Kennedy Martin The Italian Job, Radu Mihaileanu Train de vie, Matthew Robbins Sugarland Express, as well as Academy Award winner Callie Khouri Thelma & Louise, Oscar nominees Walter Bernstein The Front, Jeremy Pikser Bulworth and Tom Rickman Coal Miner’s Daughter.

Moonstone International runs three Labs per year: two for screenwriters and one for directors.

Recent Moonstone participants, and their projects, include Terry Loane’s film Mickybo & Me and Kenny Glenaan’s film Yasmin, both of which premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival this year; Liz Gill (Goldfish Memory), David Gleeson (Cowboys and Angels), Shimmy Marcus (Headrush), Veit Helmer (Gate To Heaven), Hilde Van Mieghem (The Kiss). Anthony Byrne’s project Short Order is currently in post-production.

Moonstone International was founded in 1997 in consultation with the Sundance Institute, the organisation created by Robert Redford in North America. The Chair of Moonstone’s Artistic Advisory Panel is Michael Caine.

Moonstone’s founding Artistic Director was writer-producer John McGrath. Through his unique energy and creativity, he inspired hundreds of emerging filmmakers from all over Europe. Moonstone is committed to continuing his work in developing independent screenwriters and filmmakers of talent and vision.

Moonstone’s work is funded with the support of the MEDIA Programme of the European Union, FAS Screen Training Ireland, Scottish Screen and SGRIN the Media Agency for Wales.

Moonstone’s Screenwriters’ Lab sponsors include Final Draft Inc, the Northern Ireland Film & Television Commission, in Slovenia the Slovenian Film Fund, and in France APCVL.

Moonstone’s Filmmakers’ Lab sponsors include Hubbard Casting, AVID Ireland, VFG Ireland, Tyrell Ireland, Digirent Ireland, Scottish Enterprise and BBC Scotland.

For further information about the Screen Labs please contact:
Joanna Shepherd, Programme Administrator, Moonstone International
info@moonstone.org.uk

For further press information please contact:
Karen Currie, Marketing and Information, Moonstone International
karen@moonstone.org.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 131 220 2080
Fax: +44 (0) 131 220 2081
www.moonstone.org.uk

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News release 03/12/04

Performing Arts Labs is pleased to announce:

PYGMALION 2005

Pygmalion is a European script development programme, part-funded by the MEDIA programme of the European Union and open to applicants from all member states. It is unique in specializing in development, within a single programme, of live –action and animation projects for CHILDREN for
• Feature film
• TV Series
• Interactive Media

Production companies are invited to nominate writers/creative teams for participation in the programme.
Writers can also apply directly to Pygmalion.

Pygmalion 2005 is open to 12 professional writers/creative teams who work with a mentoring team of writers, director, actors and other specialist support. Working language is English.

Further information and application forms on:
www.pygmalion-programme.org

or contact:
JennyThompson, Performing Arts Labs, 6 Flitcroft Street, London WC2H 8DJ. Tel 0207 240 8040

Application deadline March 11th, 2005

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NEWS RELEASE: 03/12/04

Deadline for Initialize Screenwriting Courses extended!

The deadline for applications for Initialize Films’ Oxford and London screenwriting courses has been extended to 17 December 2004. Both courses feature 8 evening sessions over a period of 10 weeks in which screenwriting analysis is tailored to each participant’s script. Other features include:

• A maximum of 4 participants per course.
• Mixed coaching method: peer-group review, script and film analysis led by an industry professional and a one-to-one feedback session.
• A follow-up session three months after the course ends.
• The chance to be represented at the Cannes Film Festival.

Initialize offers all this for £250!

Both courses will be led by course director Ian Davies. Ian trained at the prestigious Binger Film Institute screenwriting programme in Amsterdam, where he spent 6 months under the tutorship of US script advisor David Howard. He has worked as commissioning editor for OUP’s video arm and now works full-time as a consultant for a variety of clients including the European Community’s MEDIA+ programme and the Irish Film Board. He led the first Initialize course in Amsterdam in 2002.

Initialize will also be running courses at the 2005 Rotterdam and Berlin Film Festivals.

For further information, please refer to their website www.initialize-films.co.uk

"The Initialize screenwriting course was hugely inspirational. Not only did it help me develop an idea into a film-script which has since attracted interest from international producers, it also made me look at characterisation in a new light."
Miriam Lucia - producer/actor/dialogue coach whose credits include work for BBC, Channel 4 and who has coached Glenn Close, Kelly McDonald and Julie Christie.

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NEWS RELEASE 23/11/04

OFVM regular bags BIFA nom

Hearty congratulations are in order for Simon Hook, whose new film "6.6.04" has just been nominated for Best Short Film at the British Independent Film Awards. Simon teaches on OFVM's Shooting Drama course.

There is one place left on the next course Simon is teaching, which is particularly aimed at people who have made a short (or shorts) and want to improve their skills by learning from an expert (or had basic training at OFVM or elsewhere).

The course runs 6th December - 10th December.
For more details on this and other courses you can email office@ofvm.org or check out the website at www.ofvm.org

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NEWS RELEASE 23/11/04

Masters of their Medium

The Surrey Institute of Art & Design University College, with the help and support of Women in Film and TV, Cinesite (Europe) and Skillset and part funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), is organising a series of four Masterclasses in film and post production.


The Masterclasses will be free to attend and will be held in the London area. The venues and Masters are:

11th December
Cinesite (Europe) Ltd, 2 Sheraton Street, London W1F 8BH

Sue Rowe Visual Effects Supervisor
Alfie (2004)
Troy (2004)

12th December
Cinesite (Europe) Ltd, 2 Sheraton Street, London W1F 8BH

Nina Kelgren Cinematographer
Wondrous Oblivion (2003)

14th December
01zero-one, Peter Street Centre, Peter Street
London W1F 0HS

Shawn Slovo Writer
Captain Corelli's Mandolin (2001)

15th December
01zero-one, Peter Street Centre, Peter Street
London W1F 0HS

Penny Woolcock Director
Principles of Lust (2003)
Death of Klinghoffer (2003)


Places are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, to register for an event go to www.surrart.ac.uk/masters and click on the Registration form on the left hand-side.

For further information please e-mail us: citi@surrart.ac.uk

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News release 23/11/04

Palm Beach International Film Festival
Deadline 30th December

Attention Filmmakers:

Just 6-weeks remaining for early submission deadline!!!

Save $$$$
Submit your film now!

The 10th annual Palm Beach International Film Festival will be held April 15th - 22nd, 2005 in venues throughout world famous Palm Beach, Florida.

Join us in our tropical paradise for a week long celebration of the past, present and future of independent film and cinema.
Festival activities include;

• The screening of over 80 American and foreign
independent feature, shorts and documentaries of all genres.

• Stimulating Seminars and intensive film discussion groups.

• Parities and informal get togethers with filmmakers and
industry professionals from around the globe.

• Student Showcase of Films and awards

• Our world renowned, "Hollywood" style awards gala
featuring screens legends of yesterday, the hottest stars of today and some of the most prominent filmmakers of all time.

• And of course the opportunity to experience our tropical
locale, sample our world-class restaurants, visit our pristine beaches and experience South Florida's finest nightlife.
(All filmmakers in attendance receive Industry Passes good for all regular screenings, special events* and parties)
*some events may be based on availability

As PBIFF is competitive, filmmakers will also have an opportunity to receive awards. All films entered are eligible to be included in the competition for the Audience Favorite in the following categories: Feature, Short and Documentary. A select number of films will be chosen for competition in the following categories: Best Director, Best Performance by an Actor/Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Feature, Best Documentary, Best Short.

PBIFF receives worldwide press, recent festival coverage include:

Entry forms and eligibility guidelines are available on the festival's website at: www.pbifilmfest.org Discounted entry fees are provided by meeting our early deadline for submissions: December 30, 2004.

For any additional questions, here's how you and/or your filmmakers can reach us.
E-mail: info@pbifilmfest.org

Shipping Address:
289 Via Naranjas,
Royal Palm Plaza Suite 48,
Boca Raton,
Florida 33432

Tel: 001 - 561-362-0003
Fax: 001 - 561-362-0035

The Palm Beach International Film Festival is a not for profit 501(3)(c)charity dedicated to improving film and television educational programs in Palm Beach County high schools, community colleges and universities, providing the support and encouragement students need to succeed in such a competitive industry.

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News release 23/11/04

A Horribly Good Evening

The Screening and Awards for the
2 Days Later Horror Shorts Competition


Saturday 30th October saw filmmakers from around Kent and the South East descend on the Community Pharmacy Gallery, Market Place, Margate, for the screenings and awards for the horror shorts entered in the second 2 Days Later 48hr filmmaking competition.

Organised by Beeping Bush Productions in Margate, and Close-Up Film Magazine, the film publication for the South East, the event is designed to encourage new filmmakers, with low-budget horror being a traditional route into the profession.

The brief was simple – download, arm yourself with ketchup, and get the film made in 48hrs, making sure you include items from a given list to prove you had made it for the competition. Items included a candle, a musical instrument, and a power tool!

The standard of films was exceptionally high, ranging from the super scary, to the frightfully funny, with some wonderful storylines, until eventually just eight films were shortlisted, with the filmmakers coming from as close to home as Broadstairs and Hythe, to Surrey, to Milton Keynes. Some were production companies who had already made a feature, while some had never made a film before, and yet it proved very difficult to choose a winner.

This difficult decision-making process was left to a carefully selected panel of judges. These consisted of Louis Savy, the Festival Director of Sci-Fi London; Adam Mason, whose low-budget feature The 13th Sign is currently available in local video stores; Ramsgate-based Saxon Logan whose Sleepwalker is a cult horror classic, and Nicki Setterfield of Kent Hothouse.

The screenings and awards ceremony took place on 30th October at the Community Pharmacy Gallery, playing to a full house. The audience was also invited to choose their own personal favourite film.

The winner of the best film as chosen by the panel was Zombies in the Wood, written and directed by Jason Impey from Milton Keynes. In the words of the judges, what set it apart were the superb make-up and special effects, the imaginative use of music, the use of night-lighting, and the sheer enjoyment of watching the film. Jason, a new filmmaker wins two places on Raindance’s premier filmmaking course, the ‘lo-to-no budget’ filmmaking weekend masterclass, run by Raindance founder Elliot Grove. Raindance is the UK’s leading independent film organisation.

One of the big successes of the evening was Feast, directed by Sittingbourne’s Just, who also produced along with student Alice Charles. A dark comedy that features a cannibalistic dinner party, this was not only highly recommended in the panel vote, but also the audience choice and winner of best student film. Clutching a host of prizes that included filmmaking books and a box set of the Hallowe’en films, a clearly delighted Just said “I’ve been making films for years and this is the first time I’ve ever won anything”.

Keeping up the local front were David Morris and Alan White from Hythe with Baphomet, and Broadstairs-based Michael Stokes, with Percy.

As the formal part of the evening drew to a close, the only prize to be given out was a fun Spiderman goodie bag and balaclava and scarf set to the winner of the best costume – a ghostly Elvis Presley.

High spirits followed as everyone celebrated or commiserated their wins and losses with listening, and dancing to, local duo ‘Filthy Lucre’, consisting of Sean and Anton, who himself is a local filmmaker. Popular classics rocked the room and their set finally finished in the wee small hours, rounding off a most successful and enjoyable evening.

Beeping Bush and Close-Up Film are now putting together a DVD of the films and evening, and are already beginning to make plans for next year’s competition.

For more information go to www.2dayslater.co.uk,
www.beepingbush.co.uk, www.close-upfilm.com

Additional Information

Film Title: The Feast
Producers: Just and Alice Charles
Director: Just
Based: Sittingbourne

... Attained a High Commendation in the 2 Days Later Film Competition
... Was awarded Best student Film in the 2 Days Later Film Competition
... Was awarded Best Popular film in the 2 Days Later Film Competition

Film Title: Percy
Producer/Director: Michael Stokes
Based: St. Peters, Broadstairs

... Was awarded Runner up to Best Film in the 2 Days Later Film Competition

Film Title: Zombies in the Wood
Producer/Director: Jason Impey
Based: Milton Keynes

... Was awarded Best Film in the 2 Days Later Film Competition

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NEWS RELEASE: 23/11/04



20th Century
Roadshow
Presented by Alan Titchmarsh

The 20th Century Roadshow comes to Pinewood Studios, Iver Heath, Bucks.

The 20th Century Roadshow is a brand new series from BBC Bristol, the makers of the ever popular Antiques Roadshow. Revolving around a lively, fun and vibrant Valuation Day, each programme aims to uncover hidden gems of the last century and find some exciting future classics. The 20th Century Roadshow invites people with contemporary collectables from film, fashion and furniture to toys, travel and TV to come and have their items valued by our experts at:

Pinewood Studios, Iver Heath
7TH December 2004
9.30-5pm
Free admission and parking

Combining the in-depth knowledge and authority of the Antiques Roadshow with an energetic, passionate and fresh approach to the 20th Century, the programme looks at everything from film, fashion and furniture, to toys, travel and TV. This is a unique, new programme celebrating a century of enormous change and dynamism from the purely domestic, through serious collectables and entertaining trivia to classic cars and expensive objets d’art.

The 20th Century Roadshow offers an absorbing insight into the enthusiastic and sometimes fanatical world of the avid collector. Plus there’s a rare chance to peep into enthralling celebrity collections from expensive vintage cars and unusual works of art to aeroplane cutlery or comics. Doctor Who enthusiasts meet fans of Art Deco in the hunt for design classics of the last 100 years that will captivate and enthral viewers.

Our team of experts not only value objects, they also discover just what it is about these items that people love or loathe. How have different objects evolved in the past 100 years? From Star Wars toys to Sixties pop memorabilia, from Arts and Crafts to Art Nouveau – this absorbing series reawakens childhood memories and taps in to the eBay generation’s eclectic fascination with anything and everything collectable.

For more information email 20thcentury@bbc.co.uk or
phone Production office on 0117 9746665 or
Andrene Miller on 0117 9747631

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News release 23/11/04

Film London’s Widening Access Training Bursary Scheme for Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Screenwriters and Editors and Women Directors

Next Deadline is 26 November 04.


For an application form and guidelines go to
www.filmlondon.org.uk/trainingbursaries


For further information contact Megan Snyman in the Skills and Business Development Department - megan.snyman@filmlondon.org.uk
t: 020 7387 8787

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NEWS RELEASE: 23/11/04

tHE eND oF tHE pIER fILM fESTIVAL
Arun district's premier independent film event will be holding a screening of short films at the HUB COMMUNITY CENTRE, Canada Grove, Bognor Regis, on Monday 29th November 2004.

Doors open 7.pm

The evening will feature several new pieces of work from Bognor Film Productions as well as the award winning short film entitled: TEN MINUTES starring Craig Charles and Nick Moran. This film has participated in 17 international film festivals and has won awards for best screen play and best music score.

Copies will be on sale on the night.

Other offerings will be from BREAKTHROUGH FILMS who have won major prizes for their work in numerous international film festivals.

Don't miss this exciting evening of quality film performances-

Only £3 on the door.

More info call 07719 116758
bryantimmy@aol.com

Or, email Lawrence Mallinson on:
lawrence@lawrencem.com

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NEWS RELEASE: 23/11/04

Wired Ventures - Digital Film Evening

Date: Thursday 25 November 2004
Time: 6.30 - 9.30pm
Location: City College, Brighton
Cost: FREE
but registration at www.wiredsussex.com essential

Following the success of last year's Wired Ventures - Digital Film Evening, Wired Sussex is pleased to announce this year's event