ScreenACT Newsletter

Once again, the gods of IT are on holiday and the links in the previous newsletter did not work. So here we go again...

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 10.00AM MONDAY, 29TH MARCH, 2010

ScreenACT has been receiving many calls with questions, so it may be worth you checking out the Project Pod FAQs that are posted on the ScreenACT website. These will be updated regularly over the next week.
http://www.screenact.com.au/content.php?id=181

Need an application? Check out more information and download the application form and guidelines.
http://www.screenact.com.au/category.php?id=76

Key dates for you to put in your diary.
http://www.screenact.com.au/content.php?id=183

And have a listen to the ABC666 radio interview re Project Pod for more information.
http://www.screenact.com.au/news.php?action=view&id=45 or http://www.screenact.com.au/res/File/Project%20Pod/Monica%20Penders%20ACTScreen.mp3

Don't forget, it you have any queries please don't hesitate to contact Monica Penders, Manager, ScreenACT on 0437 0457 06 or via email at monica.penders@screenact.com.au

Applications must be received by ScreenACT no later than 10.00am on Monday 29th March, 2010.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 10.00AM MONDAY, 29TH MARCH, 2010

ScreenACT has been receiving many calls with questions, so it may be worth you checking out the Project Pod FAQs that are posted on the ScreenACT website. These will be updated regularly over the next week.

Need an application? Check out more information and download the application form and guidelines

Key dates for you to put in your diary.

And have a listen to the ABC666 radio interview re Project Pod for more information.

Don't forget, it you have any queries please don't hesitate to contact Monica Penders, Manager, ScreenACT on 0437 0457 06 or via email.

Applications must be received by ScreenACT no later than 10.00am on Monday 29th March, 2010.

Following is the official press release sent out today in relation to the new ScreenACT and Screen Australia initiative, Project Pod.

This is a great opportunity for ACT/Capital region based screen practitioners to be involved in a six month long, international standard professional and project development program, the likes of which we have not seen in the region before.

You need to get in quick! The application process is relatively simple - but in a very short time frame. Applications are open today, but will close on Monday 29th March, 2010 at 10.00am . Participants who are successful will be notified within 4 days.

All of the dates for the program are outlined in the guidelines and on the website.

Click here for more information, and where to do download guidelines and application form.

Any questions, please do not hesitate to call Monica Penders, Manager, ScreenACT on 0437 0457 06 or via email.

And a big thanks to Screen Australia for their support on the pilot ScreenACT Project Pod.

Friday 19 March 2010: ScreenACT and Screen Australia today announced the launch of Project Pod, a six-month long professional and project development initiative for ACT/Capital region film, TV and digital media practitioners.

Project Pod will increase the capacity of screen project development in the ACT and support a group of targeted projects to reach market-ready stage.

Areas covered over the six-month period will include narrative and story, introduction to development practice, pitching and presentation skills and introduction to producing. The program will also offer networking opportunities with interstate industry professionals and Screen Australia representatives and one-on-one professional development.

In the first phase of Project Pod, 24 practitioners will attend workshops over a two-week period. Following this phase, 10 participants will receive one-on-one development with a professional script consultant and be invited to attend additional workshops. In phase three, participants will receive final feedback from industry professionals. In the next phase, up to four projects will receive additional funding for further development.

“Project Pod is a unique opportunity for ACT-based practitioners to develop their projects in a structured and supported environment. Screen Australia is proud to be partnering with ScreenACT to present the ACT’s first targeted development program. We hope to see a strong slate of market-ready projects developed through Project Pod in the coming months,” said Martha Coleman, Head of Development at Screen Australia.

“I am very excited about this initiative. The long-term nature of the program will build capacity and help local screen practitioners move their projects further along the development pathway. We are grateful for the support of Screen Australia, which has enabled us to deliver this program,” said Monica Penders, Manager, ScreenACT.

The Project Pod program will be delivered by international script consultant Stephen Cleary and ScreenACT with funding and support from Screen Australia.

ScreenACT, the ACT Office of Film, Television and Digital Media, is funded by the ACT Government and managed by Canberra Business Council. With a taskforce of local industry representatives, it is responsible for implementing industry development initiatives, providing location production support and working with other states on potential partnering projects.

For more information including application form and guidelines go to www.screenact.com.au

Places are competitive. Applications close 29 March 2010.

2010 sees a major government policy review into the effectiveness of Federal Government support measures for the independent screen production industry, including the Producer Offset. Screen Australia values your input and is keen to learn what issues you believe are important for the future of our industry.

CEO Ruth Harley invites you to a series of industry forums to discuss the issues which may be canvassed in the Federal Government's upcoming review. We're also keen to talk about co-productions as part of Screen Australia’s review of the Official Co-production Program.

Ruth will be joined at the events by members of her senior management team.
Dates and details below: RSVP directly to Screen Australia is essential.
Thursday 18 March
11.00am – 12.00pm
CSIRO Discovery Theatre
Black Mountain Laboratories
Clunies Ross Street
Acton ACT 2601

RSVP via email by by Tuesday 16 March 2010

Bearcage Productions, in conjunction with Mandala Films, has established a fund for cash-flowing the Producers Offset for approved projects that are also using the post production facilities of Bearcage Productions in the ACT. The facility is being offered initially to documentary projects with the expectation that, in the future, it will be expanded to include film production in the low to mid budget range. For more information check out the Bearcage website.

The National Film and Sound Archive’s Arc Theatre has an exciting program for movie lovers. From American Movie Treasures which include “The Mask of Zorro” to highlights of Australian Cinema – Oz Horror long weekend and an early Kurosawa retrospective. Check out the full schedule at www.nfsa.gov.au

The Centenary of Canberra is holding a competition for visual artists including film makers to celebrate the centenary of the territory. A visual artist will be commissioned to create a “mash up” artwork which will feature entries submitted to the Show Us Your Limits competition.
More details here

Ten items to include, ten days to make it and seven minutes to tell the story. With a record breaking 42 entries, Lights! Canberra! Action! continues to grow in popularity.

Congratulations to best film winner Christian Doran for his film "Broken". Check out the top twelve films that were shown at Garema Place under the stars on Friday 12th March.

There is an encore screening on Friday 23rd April at 7pm, National Museum of Australia, Visions Theatre. Entry is free, Under 15s must be accompanied by an adult

Win a double pass to Flickerfest!
Flickerfest Tour to Canberra this Weekend– Win a Double Pass!

When: Sat 20 March – Sun 21 March
Where: Dendy Cinema, Canberra Centre
What: International 2, Best of Australian Shorts Programmes
Info & Bookings: www.dendy.com.au

The short film fever hits Canberra for the tenth year, opening Saturday 20 – Sun 21 March with the best International and Australian short films on offer presenting the capital’s audiences with the most creative, innovative and award winning shorts films on the festival circuit today.

Flickerfest is also pleased to be screening Canberra film Shockwaves (Directed by Serge Ou & produced by Michael Tear) on opening night. Shockwaves was a highlight of Flickerfest’s 2010 Australian Competition, and the only Australian film selected for prestigious Tampere Film Festival in 2009.

The screening will be followed by a glamorous catered after-party in the Dendy foyer, featuring complimentary beverages from our beverage partner’s Rosnay Organic Wine, Coopers beer and Jameson Whiskey, as well as organic Phoenix Juices.

To win a double pass to the Best of Australian Shorts Session on Sunday Night email info@flickerfest.com.au with your name and SCREENACT in the body of the mail. Only the winner will be notified via a return email.

Don’t miss the best short films the world has to offer, click here for programme details

Working the X-Factor
Positioning films in a challenging marketplace
Sydney - Monday 29 March
Melbourne - Wednesday 31 March

In a marketplace crowded with projects vying for finance, completed films and declining dollars everywhere you look, getting the attention of buyers and investors is harder than ever. "Working the X-Factor is an opportunity for the production community to come together to consider these challenges - but beyond that, the Forum aims to give Australian filmmakers both hands-on practical information and ideas on how to best promote themselves and their projects in the marketplace," says Screen Australia Head of Marketing, Kathleen Drumm.

The seminar will include high-level input and is designed for both senior and emerging producers. Directors may also find it of significant benefit to their ongoing activities.

The Forum will cover:

• an update on the complex and changing US market - from both the studio and independent distributor perspectives
• a look at market landscapes in the UK and Australia
• a checklist of dos (and dont's) for producers taking their projects to the marketplace
• a buyers POV of the world and the latest on what they're looking for
• a mini crash course on demystifying deals
• the exhibition environment, including market segmentation and social media
• festival strategies for independent films.

With a strong focus on the world-view of both international festival and acquisitions executives and leading local industry players, guest speakers are:

Jane Schoettle, Senior Programmer at the Toronto International Film Festival, which selected 17 Australian features in 2009.

Michele Wolfkoff, Director of Development & International Productions, Focus Features (Universal) Los Angeles.

James Brown, Head of Acquisitions for UK distribution & production company, Metrodome.

Sara Rose, LA-based Vice President of Acquisitions for US distributor, Apparition.

Andrew Mackie, Joint Managing Director of Transmission Films, a Sydney-based acquisitions and distribution company.

Joel Pearlman, Managing Director of Roadshow Film Distributors, based in Melbourne.

Matt Liebmann, Commercial and New Business Director at Hoyts Exhibition in Sydney.

Kathleen Drumm, Screen Australia Head of Marketing, will moderate the sessions.

WORKING THE X-FACTOR will combine individual presentations followed by a Q & A.
Cost: $55 (incl. GST) per delegate.

More information about the Forum and how to register can be found on the Screen Australia website

Dates: 30 April, 2010

The competition gives young Aussie adults the chance to cast the spotlight on drug dangers and win a cool $10k.

• Supporting the Australian Government’s 2010 National Drugs Campaign, the Face Facts Short Film Competition invites budding and first time film makers to get creative, and produce a 60 second short film highlighting the dangers associated with taking the drug ecstasy.
• Launched by mcm media, this new national short film competition asks young Aussies to think about how they would warn their own mates about the risks of ecstasy.
• Entries opened this morning at 10am, and close on April 30 when six final films will be chosen and uploaded onto the competition’s microsite www.facefactsfilms.com.au.
• Then it’s over to Australia to decide on a winner who will walk away with $10k! Five runner-ups will also pocket $1k each. Plus, just by voting for their favourite short film, the general public will also be in with a chance of winning $5k!
• For more information, and everything needed to enter the competition, click here.

Entry for Shorts and Features extended to Friday 2 April 5pm.

• 37 South Market - call for submissions

Dates: 6 April, 2010

Call for: feature film, premiere fund, accelerator, book publishers, literary agents.

Organised by the industry programs unit of the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), which is Australia’s largest and oldest film festival, MIFF 37ºSouth Market brings the global film financing marketplace to Melbourne’s Forum Theatre and Australian Centre of the Moving Image (ACMI) in the opening days of MIFF. Australia’s only film co-financing market in a film festival environment, MIFF 37ºSouth Market enables Australian producers with market-ready feature-length projects to meet with key international film co-financiers in Melbourne. The emphasis is on producers pitching projects to financiers with the aim of deepening marketplace relationships and generating financier interest in their slates.

http://www.melbournefilmfestival.com.au/call_for_submissions_

Get your entry in now!

The AWGIE Awards are the Australian Writers' Guild’s annual awards for excellence in film, television, stage, radio and new media writing. The AWGIEs are the only peer assessed awards for performance writers with judging based on the written script - the writer's intention - rather than the finished production.

Over $100,000 in special prizes and fellowships will be presented at the awards including the $25,000 Kit Denton Fellowship which rewards courage and excellence in performance writing, the $25,000 FOXTEL Fellowship recognising an outstanding body of work and the $15,000 John Hinde Award for Science Fiction. The recipient of the Major AWGIE, for Outstanding Australian Script of the Year, will receive the $10,000 Copyright Agency Limited Peer Recognition Prize.

The 43rd AWGIE Awards will be presented in Melbourne on Friday 20 August 2009. Entry to the 43rd Annual AWGIE Awards is open to financial members of the AWG.

For entry forms and more information, including special prizes and fellowships, go to www.awg.com.au
email admin@awg.com.au or call 1300 552 228.

Screen Australia on the road

2010 sees a major government policy review into the effectiveness of Federal Government support measures for the independent screen production industry, including the Producer Offset. Screen Australia values your input and is keen to learn what issues you believe are important for the future of our industry.

CEO Ruth Harley invites you to a series of industry forums to discuss the issues which may be canvassed in the Federal Government's upcoming review. We're also keen to talk about co-productions as part of Screen Australia’s review of the Official Co-production Program.

Ruth will be joined at the events by members of her senior management team.

Dates and details below. RSVP is essential.

Canberra
Thursday 18 March
11.00am – 12.00pm
CSIRO Discovery Theatre
Black Mountain Laboratories
Clunies Ross Street
Acton ACT 2601
RSVP to Canberra_rsvp(a)screenaustralia.gov.au by Tuesday 16 March 2010