South West Screen E-Bulletin #106

23 November 2006

contents: news; opportunities; cluster groups; training; screenings/events/exhibitions;

news

UK Film Council Consults on Future Funding and Policy Priorities
The UK Film Council is seeking views on its policy and funding priorities over the next three years in a consultation document published this week - Film in the Digital Age. The document looks back on the work of the UK Film Council over the past six years and outlines a number of possible initiatives from April 2007-March 2010 if extra funding is secured.
To read more about the UK Film Council's proposals click here for the executive summary. Or to download a full copy of Film in the Digital Age click here. If you would prefer to go directly to the online questionnaire click here. The deadline for responses to the consultation is Monday 5 February 2007.

South West Screen will be holding a regional public consultation on the UK Film Council's plans in January - details to be announced.

Encounters Awards Ceremony Streamed Live Online
Combining the very best live action shorts with the cream of animation, the Encounters Short Film Festival runs until Sunday at Watershed, Bristol. If you can't make it to the festival, why not watch the Awards Ceremony live via the Encounters website. Visit Encounters website or D-Shed's website on 25 November at 19.15 (GMT) to access the stream for the announcement of fifteen prestigious awards at an evening of nail-biting suspense, special guests, glittering prizes and cinematic surprises! The full programme can be found online.

Electric December coming soon
Electric December, Watershed's online advent calendar will go live on 1 December - offering a unique digital present each day during the run up to the festive season. This year's contributors were asked to interpret the theme of 'wishing' and showcase what Bristolians wish for Christmas, the city and the future. The resulting multi-media distractions are a gift from Bristol and reflect the digital creativity and talent resident in the city. To view this year's selection of games, animations and films visit the website from 1 December.

EU State Aid Approval for film
The European Commission has given State Aid approval to the new film tax reliefs. A notice was posted on the European Commission website today. The new tax relief will mean:

• For films that cost up to £20 million, the Film Production Company (FPC) will be able to claim an enhanced deduction of 100% with a payable cash element of 25% of UK qualifying film production expenditure.
• For films that cost over £20 million, the FPC will be able to claim an enhanced deduction of 80% with a payable cash element of 20% of UK qualifying film production expenditure.

The minimum UK spend threshold for qualifying films will be set at 25%. More information can be found here.

Images of Empire now online
Images of Empire has launched a new website, providing online access for the first time to the unique archive of historical images held at the British Empire & Commonwealth Museum in Bristol. Visitors to the website can explore over 6,000 still images and film clips from the collection, currently the UK's largest dedicated resource of photography and film on the British colonial period. Images from the archive can be navigated and viewed using an advanced search facility and photographs from the collection are available to order online. Registration is free.

opportunities

Partner organisation required for Digital Shorts Plus
South West Screen is currently looking for expressions of interest from organisations to work with us as a partner on Digital Shorts Plus, the UK wide short film production scheme. If you have £10,000, we can match this with £10,000 to provide a total budget of £20,000 to support the production of one short film made in the South West. Digital Shorts Plus is a progression route for writers/directors who have previously made a Digital Short and have demonstrated particular merit. There are no restrictions on genre or theme but the focus is on narrative fiction, documentary or animation filmmaking rather than artists' film. If you are interested in partnering on the project, or for further information, please e-mail Sarah-Jane Meredith.

Touch Films announce innovative Writer Development Programme
Deadline: 1 March 2007
As part of the company's commitment to bringing on new and existing talent, Touch Films has established an innovative Writer Development Programme in partnership with South West Screen. The scheme aims to help writers in the region by supporting the growth of joint ventures. Through this scheme Touch Films is interested in receiving both single and series drama ideas with potential for both the UK and international market. Applicants should have a minimum of two years demonstrable experience working within the media industry and should be resident in the South West. Click here to download the Description and Criteria information and an Expression of Interest form.

South West Screen Media Innovation Lab
Deadline: 21 December 2006
South West Screen is delighted to launch Media Innovation Labs ('MIL') an initiative which will fund innovation workshops for SMEs in the creative media sector. The MIL will consist of an intensive one to three day workshop run by an experienced facilitator, and will allow a small team of experts to explore innovation ideas surrounding creativity and technology. For more information click here.

60 Seconds of Fame - workshops in the South West
Deadline: 4 January 2006
Workshops on 25 November and 4 December 2006
BAFTA has teamed up with Orange to launch 60 Seconds of Fame, a new short film competition. Filmmakers are invited to submit a 60 second short based on the theme 'Celebrate', to reflect BAFTA's 60th birthday. Shortlisted films will be shown by each of the 15 BBC Nations and Regions and, following a public vote, one winner from each area will win two tickets to The Orange British Academy Film Awards in 2007. The overall winner will be announced and have their film featured as part of the BBC One broadcast of the ceremony. Find out more here.

As part of this initiative, BAFTA has organised short film masterclasses across the country. There are two masterclasses taking place in the South West. The first, hosted by Lisa Gunning, focuses on editing and takes place at the Lighthouse in Poole on 25 November 2006. The second is a directing masterclass, hosted by Stephen Woolley, at BBC Bristol on 4 December 2006. The workshops are free but tickets are limited and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis by e-mailing BAFTA.

Intern placement opportunity
Deadline: 1 December 2006
Suited and Booted Studios in Bath are offering an intern placement of 14 hrs a week from mid December 2006 to 31 March 2007. The internship is an unpaid position (expenses only) and will involve assisting in the running of the new seasons events and running of Club Flix and working as the Suited and Booted festival distribution co.-coordinator. During the Internship you will also work as a trainee member of Suited and Booted Studios alongside the core team.

This placement is best suited to someone with an interest in media education projects. It would also be ideal for a graduate hoping for a career within media. Applicants must have good IT and communication skills and work well as part of a team. To request more information or an application form please contact Sara Strickland or Gemma Price on 01225 338294 or e-mail with "Intern Dec 06" as the subject. Interviews will take place on the 6 December 2006

Apply now to Digital Markets
Deadline for expression of interest: 27 November 2006
Digital Markets offers a fantastic opportunity for Cornish businesses in any sector to access funding to move their marketing into the digital age. Cornwall Film can provide up to 40% of the total project cost of developing a new marketing tool that will help your business to reach new markets. Don't miss this opportunity to showcase what you and your business can do.

Projects submitted to the scheme can also apply for the Innovative Digital Marketing Awards if they involve a particularly innovative use of moving image. Up to two projects will receive these awards for the remaining 60% of the costs - meaning that their new marketing tool is effectively fully funded. For more information, click here.

Producer required
Macro Creative House and Divine Lady Productions are looking for a producer for their feature film project, 'Survive or Die'. This is a paid position, along with a percentage depending on your performance. The feature will be shot in Gloucestershire, and although the producer need not be from this area, we would like to use the rest of the cast and crew from this locality. 'Survive or Die' is written by Jill Divine - script available on request. If you are interested in being considered for this position, please e-mail your details, and any past credits to Jill Divine or call 01684 297690.

Researcher vacancy
Seven Stones Media is looking for an experienced researcher to work on a funded Channel Four development project. The post requires an immediate start and will run for the next six weeks with an option to extend in the new year. The successful applicant will work out of the Cornwall office at Menheniot near Liskeard. If you are interested in applying please e-mail Julia at Seven Stones Media.

Blank Slate comes to Bristol
Deadline: 27 November 2006
B3 are now looking for the next generation of black and ethnic minority filmmakers to take part in the fourth round of Blank Slate, the award winning digital short film initiative. Eight chosen short film projects will get £9K each to make their vision on a digital reality. Filmmakers will also get to learn from experienced industry professionals as they develop their script for the big screen. Blank Slate are touring the UK so aspiring writers and filmmakers can attend screenings, workshops and events featuring films and filmmakers from past Blank Slate Programmes. The Blank Slate tour will be visiting Bristol on 25 November 2006 between 11am and 1pm as part of the Encounters Short Film Festival. To find out more see B3's website.

Media awards scheme launched in Devon and Cornwall
Deadline: 31 December 2006
Creative industries and practitioners throughout Devon and Cornwall are being invited to enter a new prestigious annual competition to find the star innovators in the region. The Media Innovation Awards 2007 have been established by the region's two major creative industries organisations, Plymouth Media-Partnership and Cornwall Media Focus, and were officially launched on Tuesday 31 October at a ceremony at the Tamar Science Park in Plymouth. The awards open for entries on 1 December from all creative industries and practitioners who are members of the two organisations in Devon and Cornwall. Entries are via the website.

cluster groups

Show and Tell - Pecha Kucha
29 November 2006 - 7pm at the Beehive Pub, Cheltenham
How many of you come along to events and know a few familiar faces but are not really sure exactly 'what' they do? Here is your chance to find out and mingle with fellow media professionals at this special Gloucestershire Media Group event. Pecha Kucha was conceived in 2003 as a place for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public. Each presenter is allowed up to 5 minutes on the stage with the use of AV if you need it, giving 300 seconds of fame before the next presenter is up. Whether you want to present to the group about who you and what you do, or whether you just want to come along and listen - this is the event to surpass all speed networking events. If you'd like to present or would just like to come along e-mail Emma Heathcote James.

Making Production Convergence Work in the Screen Based Industries
29 November 2006 - Bournemouth Media School
Charles Wace, Chief Executive of the Twofour Group, talks about making a success of producing material for Broadcast and Interactive Digital Platforms at this Wessex Media Group event. Charles Wace started his career as a journalist before moving to BBC radio and television where he worked as a senior producer. At Twofour he is the executive producer for several series including 'The Hotel Inspector' for five and 'Cruise with Stelios' for Sky. To reserve a place contact Lena Samuels or call 01590 671 446.

Plymouth Media Partnership Christmas Party
9 December 2006 - 7.30pm at The Hub, Plymouth
All Plymouth Media Partnership members are invited to this Christmas Party - come along to have fun and network in a festive atmosphere. The party starts at 7.30pm in the Cocktail Bar at The Hub and will feature a performance by Celtic folk rock band Mad Dog Mcrea. E-mail PMP to reserve your place.

training

Radio Writing Workshop
Starting 7 February - University of Exeter
A good radio play gets inside your head - if you want your audience to visualise your characters and settings, you need to understand the craft of creating scripts that work on radio. Over eight sessions, this radio writing group will cover character development, dialogue, story structure and the technicalities of creating pictures in sound.

The course costs £70 / £35 concessions. For a place on the workshop, please send a cheque made payable to The University of Exeter to: The Creative Writing & Arts Secretary Department of English Queen's Building Queen's Drive University of Exeter Devon EX4 4QH

Film Surgery
6 December 2006 - 7pm - 8.30pm at Rondo Theatre, Bath
Want to make a film, but don't know how? Need help with your script? Film Surgery is a new Club Flix event where young people can get film related help and advice from experienced filmmakers. The event aims to help you overcome problems you might be having with your film. Targeted at young people who are new to filmmaking and those who are more experienced, questions will be answered and advice will be given. Attendance is free so put the date in your diary and move one step closer to making your masterpiece! For more information call 07875 207897 or e-mail Club Flix.

Creating a Successful Touring Film Programme
10 January 2006 - 2 - 5pm at Script Factory, London
The Independent Cinema Office presents this essential half-day training course for exhibitors wishing to tour films including: independent cinemas, arts centres as well as established and emerging film festivals. The course is aimed at exhibitors who wish to expand the remit of existing or new programmes and raise their organisation's profile to a national level. Whether you have previous experience or not, the course will cover all you need to know to launch a successful tour. The cost will be £30 + VAT for ICO clients and £50 + VAT for all others. If you have any queries about the course contact Emma Sullivan on 020 7636 7120.

screenings/events/exhibitions

See Infamous for free in Bristol
4 December 2006 - 6pm at Watershed, Bristol
We have some free tickets available for this BAFTA and South West Screen screening of Infamous directed by Douglas McGrath followed by a Q&A with actor Toby Jones. The film follows the dangerous quest for artistic greatness chosen by Truman Capote (Toby Jones), accompanied by lifelong friend and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Nelle Harper Lee (Sandra Bullock) as he travels to Kansas to investigate the brutal murder of the Clutter family. To request tickets please e-mail us giving us your name and contact details with 'Infamous' in the subject line. Tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Animated Exeter Creative Digital Arts Careers & Information Day
15 February, 3pm - 7pm
Presented by Exeter College, Animated Exeter and Exeter Phoenix Media, this careers day is full of useful information to inspire students of film, television, animation, lens based media or digital video and provide useful tools to assist their decisions into higher education or which career path to follow. The day is aimed at students from Year 9 to college leavers but open to all. Alongside stands from universities and colleges, there will be information stands, demonstrations, screenings, presentations and workshops. To advertise your courses or businesses please contact Arilda Tymko.

Cinéformation Christmas Party
9 December 2006 - 8pm at Goldbrick House, Bristol
It's nearly Christmas - forget about filmmaking for one night and come out and party! Tickets are free and do not need to be booked in advance.

Cinéformation is a forum for independent film & video-makers offering an opportunity for writers, producers, directors, actors, crew & enthusiasts to meet, share ideas, screen films and foster an active, vibrant, creative frenzy of filmmaking in the South West.

Two Short Nights Film Festival
30 November - 1 December 2006, Exeter Phoenix
The Exeter Phoenix Media Centre's own annual short film festival is back, bringing the best of this year's local, national and international short films to Exeter. The festival will include a sneak preview of 'The Crinoline and The Rose' by Devon based fashion designer and filmmaker Emma Kempton, to be premiered in February next year at the London Fashion Show. Full details can be found here.

Meet the Brazilians!
28 November 2006 - 4pm - 8pm at Watershed, Bristol
UK Trade & Investment and South West RDA invite mobile phone content providers to explore new markets. Find out more about what Brazil has to offer you in the way of business opportunities, when a delegation of Brazilian companies visit Bristol to talk about technology advances and, hopefully, to develop new relationships in the South West.

The programme, which includes presentations from Aardman Animations, DTI Global Watch and South West Screen, will be followed by an informal drinks reception and opportunity to get to know our guests. For further details about the visiting Brazilian companies and to register your place online here.

futureshorts at the Picture House
27 November 2006 - 8.00pm at The Picture House, Clifton, Bristol
The short film showcase makes its Clifton debut at The Picture House, Whiteladies Road with a striking collection of short films. Kicking off the programme is Claude Lelouch's 1978 'C'était un Rendez-Vous', a spectacular high-speed car race through the streets of Paris championed for its no editing, no tricks, no roadblocks method. American underground animator Lev Yilmaz shares with us his hilariously depressed vision of the world in the ongoing series 'Tales of Mere Existence'. Tickets cost £5 - please e-mail Shannon to reserve tickets or call 0117 973 9302. More information available here.

Television from the Nations and Regions
11 January 2006 - Lowry Centre, Salford Quays
Some of the UK television industry's biggest names including Michael Grade, Simon Shaps, and David Liddiment head the line up for this year's Salford Conference on Television from the Nations and Regions. The conference will focus on the opportunities presented by the new digital world for the industry outside London. It will look at the effect on the rest of the country of the BBC's proposed move to Salford, and as the commercial TV industry changes at bewildering speed it will look at the future of ITV in the Nations and Regions. There will be discussions on the new platforms and interactive media and a chance to meet the experts. Please click here for further information.

Next e-bulletin: 7 December 2006
Deadline for submissions: 5 December 2006