ScreenACT Newsletter

Monday, October 15, 2007

Patricia Lovell to deliver NFSA 2007 Longford Lyell Lecture

Tuesday 23 Oct 2007, 6:15pm.

The National Film and Sound Archive has announced that Australian producer Patricia Lovell will deliver this year's Longford Lyell Lecture in Canberra on Tuesday 23 October 2007.

The annual lecture offers a national or international screen personality the opportunity to discuss cultural issues of major relevance to the art, industry and scholarship of the moving image.

Patricia Lovell's producing credits include Picnic at Hanging Rock, Gallipoli, and Monkey Grip. Her lecture, The Long Road to Picnic - the Hazards of Being a Film Producer, will explore what lured her into the challenging world of film production at a time when it was viewed as a risky business in Australia.

The 2007 Longford Lyell Lecture will be presented in Arc Cinema at the NFSA; followed by a reception.

Entry to the Lecture and reception is free but bookings are essential.

For reservations call Gail Sauer on 02 6248 2162.

Or see the NFSA website: http://www.nfsa.afc.gov.au/whats_on/2007_longford_lyell_lecture.html

Canberra Short Film Festival, this weekend!

18 Oct 2007 to 20 Oct 2007
The Canberra Short Film Festival is a national short film competition open to all short filmmakers in Australia.
The Twelfth Canberra Short Film Festival will run from October 18th - 20^th, this weekend!

The program is now available and can be found at: http://www.eormedia.com.au/csff/home

Canberra Short Film Festival Workshops & Forums

Saturday 20th October, National Museum of Australia

The twelfth CSFF has a program of workshops and forums with topics to suit most interests in filmmaking:
Workshops are hands-on, intensive, full day workshops designed to give, increase and hone skills

THE PROCESS OF DIRECTING Presenter: Cate Shortland
GET THE SCRIPT RIGHT Presenter: Matthew Marshall
HDV WITH 35MM LENSES Presenter: Brook Rushton

Workshops are $99 per person incl GST and include a ticket to the Finals Screening (worth $15) and entry to the Awards Drinks Function (invite only).

Workshops should be booked in advance via email: canberrashort@iinet.net.au

Places are strictly limited and will be given to those who book and pay first.

FORUMS. These are relatively informal discussions on the topic lead by the presenter, are free and 1.5 hours long. They are free and open to anyone. No need to book, just turn up on the day.

UTILISING THE WEB FOR YOUR SHORT FILM Presenter: Marisa Martin
2K RESOLUTION CAMERA Presenter: Rohan Dadswell
CRACKING TROPFEST Presenter: Simon Weaving
For more information, check out: www.canberra.edu.au/filmfest

Canberra International Film Festival - Begins next week and runs from October 25 to November 4th.

The festival includes numerous Q&A sessions with film makers; and a workshop with Director Bill Bennett and cinematographer Geoff Burton.
The full program, film synopses, booking information, and details of events and workshops can be found on the website:

http://www.canberrafilmfestival.com.au/

ACT Filmmakers Network Workshops:

Workshop No. 1
Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk, The Hollywood Way
Date: Sat. 27 October 2007

If you are even thinking of pitching, liaising, or communicating with people in the film, television or other related creative industries in the US, then this workshop is a must!

Application form and information available on website: http://www.actfilmnet.org.au/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=410&Itemid=30

Note: Limited places available - First in, best dressed!

Workshop No. 2
Team Filmmakers Workshop - Perfecting your Film & Television Proposal
Date: Sat. 3 and Sun. 4 November 2007

Convenor - Hunter Cordaiy

The workshop is open to teams comprising of new, emerging and experienced writers & producers, writers & directors, or similar groupings. This opportunity will provide you with a strong understanding and skill set to get a film or television program made. Great for either learners or experienced people.

Application form and details available on website: http://www.actfilmnet.org.au/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=35&Itemid=30

Note: Limited places available - First in, best dressed!

Getting Creative HDV Training Week Workshops - Canberra, 19 to 23 Nov

Getting Creative are excited to announce a new learning opportunity, "HDV Training Week". Starting on Monday November the 19th, it's an entire week filled with the best of Getting Creative's workshops, and presented by Cinematographer, Pieter de Vries ACS and Location Sound Recordist, James Nowiczewski.
Learn techniques picked up through a lifetime of diverse production experience, mix with likeminded professionals and radically improve your skills. With each course you receive a professionally printed course manual and certificate upon completion. Full catering is provided. Places are limited.

Cinematography Master Class, November 19 & 20 (Mon & Tues) - $799
Location Sound for Camera Operators, November 21 (Wed) - $399
Creative Lighting for DV/HDV, November 22 & 23 (Thurs & Fri) - $799

The Entire Week is available as a package for $1,797 ($200 off) or you can book any workshop. There will also be a one-day beginner's workshop available.
For more information see: https://www.gettingcreative.com.au/session_details.php?ecPath=7&events_id=18

SPAA Fringe 2007. Sydney.

26 - 27 October 2007 Paddington Town Hall & Chauvel Cinema, Sydney 2007

SPAA Fringe is a two day film, television and new media event presented by the Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA).
Attending SPAA Fringe will allow you to hear and meet speakers and peers who are at the top of their field in producing, writing, directing, editing, animation, gaming or other creative affiliated fields. If you are new to the screen industry or just need a good dose of inspiration, seeing these presentations will give your career invaluable insight and creative direction. For further inofrmaiton os SPAA Fringe see the SPAA website

SPECIAL OFFER: SPAA is offering Canberra filmmakers a discounted price of just $120 (normally $180) to attend SPAA Fringe in Sydney - bookings must be made through the ACT Filmmakers' Network and the discount will only apply if more than 10 bookings are received.
The application form is available at: http://www.actfilmnet.org.au/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=396&Itemid=30

Game Connect: Asia Pacific 2007 - Registrations now open

Melbourne, 15 Nov - 17 Nov

The premier conference, exhibition and networking event for the ASIA Pacific Game Industry, will be held in Melbourne, Australia between the 15 and 17 of November, 2007. Game Connect 2007 will include an Investors Forum and Skills Summit. GCAP is proudly hosted by the Game Developer's Association of Australia (GDAA) with support from the Victorian State Government. Game Connect: Asia Pacific will focus on best practice, learning, discussion, growth of game development, sharing of knowledge and will deliver a stimulating technical program featuring leaders in the field of game development.

Registrations are open and the early bird rate has been extended to October 19.
See http://www.gameconnectap.com/

DOCUmart - Call for submissions

AIDC MarketPlace, Fremantle, WA
Application Deadline: 3 Dec

DOCUmart will again be a major feature of the 2008 AIDC MarketPlace. Derived from the Forum and Hot Docs markets, the DOCUmart is a vital one-day marketplace for documentary content creators. Short-listed projects will be pitched by the respective production teams to a panel of leading international commissioning editors and distributors of documentary programs.

Pitching your project at DOCUmart will give you and your project valuable exposure to the national and international broadcasters, potential co-production partners, distributors, funding bodies and new media commissioners.

The intent of DOCUmart is to assist in securing the development, production and investment deals that pave the way to getting your program on television and computer screens around the world. The pitch teams will also receive training prior to the pitch.

A number of documentaries pitched at recent DOCUmarts raised finance and have now completed production including: Bruce and Me, Selling Sickness, Dances of Ecstacy, The Real Mary Poppins, and Jabe Babe - Story of a Tall Girl, A Perverts Guide to Cinema, Tasmanian Devil: The Fast and Furious Life of Errol Flynn, and Yoga Inc.

In 2007, seventy projects were entered for the DOCUmart. The selection committee selected 15 projects that were pitched during the DOCUmart held on February 24. Besides the projects chosen to pitch in DOCUmart, the committee also selected 10 projects that deserved the attention of the potential financiers in more private surroundings.

DOCUmart submissions close at 5pm, Monday 3 December, 2007. For more see http://www.aidc.com.au/market-place/documart

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Canberra International Film Festival - Program released

The Canberra International Film Festival yesterday released its 2007 Program.
The festival commences on October 24th with UK film Elizabeth: the Golden Age, the sequel to Elizabeth(1998), starring Cate Blanchett Geoffrey Rush, Clive Owen and Abbie Cornish.
This year the festival moves to its new home, The Dendy Cinema, with selected screenings also taking place at Arc Cinema at the National Film and Sound Archive.

The program and other information can be found at http://www.canberrafilmfestival.com.au/

Canberra BusinessPoint

Canberra BusinessPoint is a recent ACT Government Initiative, presented by Deloitte. It is a sophisticated business information mentoring and advisory service for business in the ACT region.
Canberra BusinessPoint is a free service for start-up businesses, young businesses, entrepreneurs, exporters and established enterprises.
The program aims to assist businesses from a diverse cross-section of industries within the ACT, with particular respect to: growth plans, commercialisation of ideas and concepts and mentoring owners and operators in the effective running of their business.
The program offers regular and one-off monthly courses on a variety of subjects. For more information go to http://www.canberrabusinesspoint.com.au

Producer Rebate - Legislation Passed

The legislation enacting the Australian Screen Production Incentive package has been passed through Federal Parliament.
The legislation provides for a 40 per cent rebate to producers of Australian films, a 20 per cent rebate for the production of television and documentaries; a 15% Location Offset rebate to attract large-budget overseas productions to Australia (this is an increase of 2.5% on the old foreign production incentive); and a 15 per cent rebate on post production work of over $5 million.
While the legislation does not preclude broadcasters from accessing the rebate the government does not intend to disadvantage independent television producers.
Announcing the new laws, Federal Arts Minister George Brandis said a review would be conducted in 12 months looking at the impact of the offsets on the balance between in-house productions by broadcasters and independent producers.
The legislation also covers the establishment of the new agency, Screen Australia (no longer The Australian Screen Authority), which will incorporate the FFC, Film Australia and the AFC into a single agency.
The incentives are part of the comprehensive package of measures announced earlier this year as part of 2007-08 Federal Budget to significantly boost support for the Australian Film and Television Industry.

For more information on the new legislation go to www.dcita.gov.au/arts_culture/film

Producer Rebate - Electronic Games Industry reaction

THE Australian electronic games industry has reacted angrily to the federal Government's failure to extend the 40 per cent rebate on local production costs to games production.
The Games Developers' Association of Australia has launched a petition on its website to demand the financial support of the rebate be extended to the games industry.

The Australian last week published comments by Greg Bondar of the GDAA: "A government rebate will enable our industry to grow, compete on a global scale, employ more Australian talent and make a bigger contribution to our economy," Bondar says. "We know that our local industry has the capacity to become the same sort of global 'centre' of game development as Canada -- we just need the leg-up to get there,"

The full article can be read at: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22441228-5010941,00.html

Australia / Singapore Co-Production Agreement

Following the August signing of a film co-production agreement between Australia and China;
The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator George Brandis, signed a film and television co-production agreement with Singapore.

The co-production agreement allows an approved film or television programme to be considered as a national production in each of the co-production countries so that producers can then apply for any benefits or programs of assistance available in either country, including investment and tax incentives. The production is also treated as 'local content' in each country for the purposes of audiovisual regulation. The agreement will be administered by the Australian Film Commission and the Media Development Authority of Singapore, on behalf of their respective countries.

This latest treaty is expected to come into force in the next few months. Australia's International Co-production Program is administered by the Australian Film Commission. See www.afc.gov.au/coproductions for more information.

2007 SPAA Fringe Programme Unveiled!

26 - 27 October 2007 Paddington Town Hall & Chauvel Cinema, Sydney

The programme for 2007 SPAA Fringe is now finalised and boasts an incredible line up of key note speakers, workshops, one-on-one sessions, roundtables, interactive activities and unique access to the industry's top Producers.

2007 also features the inaugural streaming of SPAA Fringe, via a multi-cam shoot and broadcast over the internet. The webcast will be facilitated by Viocorp in partnership with SPAA Fringe, Metro Screen, Screenhub and Firelight Productions.

Signature key note speakers include Amy Hobby, producer of Secretary, Severed Ways; The Norse Discovery of America and currently Steven Soderbergh's new documentary film Spalding Gray: The Last Monolog about the life of monologist Spalding Gray; Ben Batstone-Cunningham, co-author of Second Life: The Official Guide, and a former Linden Lab programmer and scripting expert; and Andrea Buck (Producer) and Dee McLachlan (Director) of The Jammed, the acclaimed digitally shot feature film recently theatrically distributed nationally by TITAN VIEW, in association with The Picture Tank, with box office in excess of $270,000 on only 10 screens.

Cutting edge cross-platform initiatives showcased include Nathan Mayfield and Tracey Robertson of Hoodlum Active, a digital entertainment company renowned for consistently breaking new ground with multiplatform drama such as Fat Cow Motel and PS Trixi and some of Australia's most dynamic cross media concepts bought to you from LAMP (Laboratory of Advanced Media Production). LAMP explores environments spanning alternate reality games, virtual worlds, social networks and mobile platforms. This session guarantees to activate your lateral thinking, challenge and engage.

Also on offer is a fantastic array of workshops which focus on essential legal skills, raising money and budgeting for both television and feature films, pitching and presentation skills, marketing your films through festivals, the digital pipe - from acquisition to delivery, sustainable career paths through affiliate production e.g. TVC, animation, music videos and working inside and outside the system in Australia.

Of course no conference would be complete without the obligatory networking festivities including Opening Night Cocktails compliments of The Fringe Bar and Closing Night "Booze and Schmooze" brought to you by NSW FTO and SBS at Fringe Bar.

SPAA FRINGE, now in Sydney thanks to the support of the NSW FTO, Avid Australia and local partners, is a forum for emerging Producers to gain knowledge, be inspired and evoke innovation within the film industry.

For more go to www.spaa.org.au/fringe

AIDC Conference 2008 - Submit a Session

The Australian International Documentary Conference is an event for the industry by the industry. And here is your chance to have some input to the program content of AIDC 2008.
'Submit a Session' will open from 1 September 2007 with the deadline October 15.
The Conference Director and Local Management Committee will discuss the session ideas and program contributions, along with the suggested moderators and speakers.
The AIDC office will contact you by November 1 2007 if your submission is selected for the program.
If successful you get to produce the session! For more information see here.

OHS in film and television starter kit and training course. Canberra 2 places left

2 PLACES STILL AVAILABLE!

Peter Wasson of OHS Media Services Pty Ltd has been working with SPAA and WorkCover NSW putting together The OHS Starter Kit and Training course, designed to assist film & television production companies develop their OHS management system and safe work procedures for productions. The resource contains instructions, sample policies, forms and safe work procedures to get you started. Peter is an OHS Practitioner and trainer for the film & television industry, and is well versed on current ACT legislation. He is also a qualified and experienced producer with some 20 years experience in the film & television industry.

Peter Wasson will be coming to Canberra on Friday October 5th to run a half day session of The OHS Starter Kit and Training course for ACT and Capital Region Screen Practitioners at The Canberra Business Council offices. The cost is normally $275 plus GST; but ScreenACT is offering it for $175 plus GST. You can also get an optional VETA accredited "Statement of Attainment" in partial completion of the Diploma of Screen through the ABC's Registered Training Organisation for an additional $100. For more information please see our website here.

Places are strictly limited to 15, and there are still two places available. If you would like to attend please telephone ScreenACT on 6247 4199.

Maya - Fast 'n' Furious! 5 day course at AIE,

8-12 October 2007

A COUPLE OF PLACES STILL AVAILABLE!

Academy of Interactive Entertainment, AIE, is pleased to offer this short course to build foundation skills in using with Autodesk Maya, the 3D modelling and animation package predominantly used in creating animation & visual effects for movies.

Ideally it is suited to industry professionals, experienced 3D artists or graduates/current students in the Certificate IV in 3D Animation for Games and Film or similar course.

Course Costs: $495.00 ($350 for full time students or $250 for AIE full time students)
Dates: Oct 8 - 12
Location: AIE Canberra

For more information see www.aie.edu.au

NIDA on tour this spring - Canberra

8-14 October 2007

The National Institute of Dramatic Art is visiting Canberra this spring from 8-14 October offering short acting courses for young people and adults.

We send our exceptional NIDA tutors around Australia throughout the year in order to give people in capital cities and regional centres the chance to experience NIDA's world-class expertise.

NIDA on Tour visits Daramalan College, Dickson with weeklong courses from 8-12 October for young people and adults including: NIDA Acting Techniques, Screen Acting and Drama School.

We also offer weekend courses on 13 & 14 October including: Directing Intensive, Audition Intensive and Acting to Camera.

For further information or bookings see http://www.nida.edu.au/NidaCustomisation/CourseList.aspx?TYP=224

Canberra Short Film Festival

18 Oct 2007 to 20 Oct 2007

The Canberra Short Film Festival is a national short film competition open to all short filmmakers in Australia.
The Twelfth Canberra Short Film Festival will run from October 18th - 20th.

Shortlists have just been announced in the National, Canberra Region, Youth Competitions. The Schools Shortlist will be announced shortly.

The program is in the final stages of being finalised and will include screenings and workshops.

For further details see: http://www.eormedia.com.au/csff/home

ACT Filmmakers Network Workshop: Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk, the Hollywood Way - Canberra

27 Oct 2007

If you are even thinking of pitching, liaising, or communicating with people in the film, television or other related creative industries in the US, then this workshop is a must!

Application form and information available on the ACT Filmmakers Network website

Note: Limited places available - First in, best dressed!

ACT Filmmakers Network: Team Filmmakers Workshop - Perfecting your Film & Television Proposal. Canberra

03 Nov 2007 to 04 Nov 2007

Convenor - Hunter Cordaiy

Details: Story is everything, but how do you know if your story is 'right' and how should you pitch it?

The workshop is open to teams comprising of new, emerging and experienced writers & producers, writers & directors, or similar groupings. This opportunity will provide you with a strong understanding and skill set to get a film or television program made. Great for either learners or experienced people.

Application form and details available on ACT Filmmakers Network website.

Note: Limited places available - First in, best dressed!

2007 Japanese Film Festival in Canberra - FREE Screenings

October 18. Tickets available now.

Dendy Canberra ACT/ Japanese Foundation present this three night event during the month of October. Canberra residents are invited to a taste of Japanese film culture at Dendy Canberra; and thanks to the sponsors this is a free public event.

For more information see: http://www.dendy.com.au/event_detail.asp?Event_ID=216

India in Focus

22nd & 23rd of October 2007

The India in Focus event is a business event for businesses and organisations interested in furthering relations between India and Australia, with Canberra as the hub and focus.
India in Focus will include a business-to-business program organised by the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), and a number of business building and investment events such as: an ICT and Education seminar; an Australian Government procurement session; an innovation showcase; and a Major Projects symposium.
There will also be less formal networking activities such as a VIP cocktail party and a gala dinner to launch Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights. The guest speaker at the gala dinner will be Canberran Australian cricket legend, Michael Bevan.

Who Should Participate?
Indian companies with trade, partnering or investment interests in Canberra's key sectors.
Australian subsidiaries of Indian companies and organisations.
Consultants and business service providers with an interest in India/Canberra/Australia trade relations.

For further information see: http://www.business.act.gov.au/servicestobusiness/eventsandseminars/2007_india_in_focus_event

SPAA Fringe. AVID Australia Fast Flicks in association with Getty Images, Lemac and JVC

26-27 Oct, 2007. Sydney

DEADLINE: 5th October 2007

SPAA Fringe, in conjunction with Avid Australia and in association with Getty Images, Lemac and JVC, are pleased to announce a brand new scheme that allows small teams to produce and edit 3 - 5 minute short films on site, with industry professionals on hand to give advice.

Applications are to be submitted prior to the conference and five will be selected to participate in the competition. Writers, writer/producer or full compliment teams can apply with a 3 - 5 minute script and all nominated crewmembers must be registered Fringe delegates.

For more information see: http://www.spaa.org.au/fringe_2007/index.cfm?dx=blank&contentid=523

SPAA Conference Emerging Producers Scheme

Nov 2007, Gold Coast.

DEADLINE EXTENDED until October 5th

Designed to assist newer members of the industry attend the SPAA Conference at a subsidised rate. The scheme offers select emerging producers the opportunity to attend the SPAA Conference at half price and will provide the tools needed to best 'work' the conference and the opportunity to meet one-on-one with senior industry figures.
Essential Criteria
- Applicants must be a SPAA Member
- Applicants who have previously attended a SPAA Conference, either as a full registrant, an Emerging Producer or as a speaker are not eligible to apply
- Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career as a producer (ie work experience, studies in screen production or production credit)
Deadline extended to the 5th October, 2007
Download application form

SPAA Conference 7 BIG IDEAS

Nov 2007, Gold Coast.

DEADLINE: 5pm, 15 October 2007

Welcome to 7 BIG IDEAS an exciting initiative by the Seven Network to hear new television concepts from anyone attending the SPAA Conference.
The Seven Network is opening its doors to anyone who has ideas that fit the criteria. 7 Big Ideas will be selected to pitch their television concepts directly to Seven's programming team, lead by Director of Programming and Production, Tim Worner.

Applicants do not need to be a registered delegate for SPAA 07 in order to apply, however if you are selected you will be required to register for the conference.
The pitch - seven minutes long - will be in front of an audience of conference delegates. It will be discussed and debated by the Seven team with the winner to be awarded a $5,000 development contract with the Network.

Short listed producers will be notified on November 1.

Seven is looking for ideas for 7.30pm weeknight slots from Monday to Thursday. The lead in audience is Home and Away.

For more information see the SPAA Conference website.

SPAA Fringe - The Comedy Channel Digs for Australian Comedy Gold at SPAA 07.

26-27 Oct, 2007. Sydney

DEADLINE: Applications close : 5pm Monday 15 October 2007

The Comedy Channel is offering up to $25,000 towards the development of a TV comedy concept, with the winner of the funding announced at the conference.
The Comedy Channel is inviting Australian writers, performers and producers to submit programme ideas for a 13 part half-hour comedy series. The Comedy Channel's Manager and Programme Manager will look at all submissions and then decide the finalists.

The competition is open to anyone, but selected finalists will be required to register for the 2007 SPAA Conference in November where they will have the opportunity to pitch their comedy concept directly to a panel of judges which will include Foxtel's Head of Television Brian Walsh, Head of Entertainment Graham Burrells and a profile industry guest.

For more info see here.

SPAA Conference - Nickelodeon Australia's Land A Pilot!

Nov 2007, Gold Coast.

DEADLINE: Friday October 26th

Head to SPAA 07 (November 13-16) to see if your toon gets off the ground with Nickelodeons Land A Pilot! Nickelodeon is celebrating Australias animation talent by offering $20,000 towards the production of an animated pilot.. its judged and awarded at SPAA!

Keep in mind Nickelodeon programming is funny, bold, playful and non-violent. Its kid-centered, creator-driven and appeals to both boys & girls. Nick offers diverse, contemporary and aspirational content with attitude. We look for Heart + Fart + Smart. By this we mean an emotional connection with our target audience of 7-13 year olds; an irreverent sense of humour and a creatively original look & feel that is fresh and surprising.

Applicants do not need to be a registered delegate for SPAA 07 in order to apply, however if you are selected you will be required to register for the conference.

For more info see here.

Pacific International Documentary Film Festival of Tahiti

DEADLINE: Friday October 26th

The fifth Pacific International Documentary Film Festival of Tahiti (FIFO Tahiti) will take place in Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, from 29 January to 3 February 2008.
This event is open to all filmmakers who have produced a documentary on the Pacific within the last three years. The closing date for entries is 15 October 2007
An international Jury will award the Jury Grand Prize and three special prizes. There will also be an Audience Prize. All the awards include a cash prize.

For further information see http://www.filmfestivaloceanie.org/articles.php

REMINDER: ACT & Capital Region Production Directory

ScreenACT is seeking to update and expand our online production directory. We hope to expand the directory to be a valuable source of information both to local practitioners and productions coming from outside the region seeking local crew or facilities.

The directory will be adding some extra categories and will give you the opportunity to list a few more details than had been available before, such as previous credits. If you are a screen industry or screen industry support professional in the ACT or Capital Region and would like to take advantage of this free service, please visit the site here for further details and to download the update form.