ScreenACT Newsletter

Come and join the Project Pod finalists on Monday 25th October at the National Gallery for a day of presentations, industry briefings and Q&As.

The day will start off with the presentations of the top ten projects. Industry panelists will pick the top four projects for further funding.

A select group of panelists will be making a presentation on their projects and offerings. Panelists will include broadcasters, distributors and successful producers.

The day will round off with Geoff Brown, Executive Director of Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA) launching the ACT Chapter and this will be followed by drinks and the opportunity to network with industry experts from interstate.

There is no cost for the event but RSVPs are essential and spaces are limited at 100 attendees.

10.00am for presentation kick off
5.30pm for SPAA launch
Click here to send your RSVP.

The annual SPAA Conference will run from the 16th - 19th November in Sydney. The Conference comprises key note speeches from leading national and international figures, seminars and workshops covering all aspects of screen production, and is the premier business and networking event for the Australian film industry.

ScreenACT is offering free registration to two practitioners wishing to attend SPAA.

To apply, please send in a statement of intent (detailing a meeting list, professional development opportunities and what you hope to achieve from attending the conference), a list of projects you intend to market, and a current CV and bio.

Note: Participants who receive a registration will then pay for their own accommodation and travel as well as any other associated costs. Those who are accepted into the SPAA Emerging Producer scheme will be given preference.Those who have received support from ScreenACT to attend SPAA in the past are not eligible. If the participant is not a SPAA member, ScreenACT will only cover the cost of a SPAA member registration, meaning the participant will cover the difference in registration costs.

Application to be sent to Monica Penders by Wednesday 6th October.

ScreenACT has a new website (see here), and we would like to expand our production directory. This is a free service and lists crew, facilities and services in the ACT region. To submit your details or update existing details, click here to fill out a form, or email your details to ScreenACT.

The 2010 Canberra Short Film Festival is the meeting place for Australia's hottest short filmmakers. Recognised as one of the nation's premier film competitions, it attracts makers and lovers of film from all over the country.

One of 2009's Official Selection, Miracle Fish, by Canberra filmmaker Luke Doolan and Drew Bailey, went on to receive an Academy Award nomination and a string of international awards. In fact, many of our filmmakers go on to national and international success following screening at the Canberra Short Film Festival.
It's your chance to see the next big filmmakers - up close and personal.

This year's Festival will run at Dendy Cinemas over three glittering nights during Floriade, from Thursday 30th September through to Finals Night on Saturday 2nd October.

Tickets are available from 1st September through Dendy Cinemas. Visit www.silversunpictures.com.au/csff for details.

The Canberra Short Film Festival has a series of workshops taking place this long weekend.

Covering script writing, editing, producing, pitching, even stunt work and a host of other practical and important topics, this is a great way to get some one on one time with industry experts. For a full listing and to book your place click here

DVAustralia Final Cut Studio Series Weekend Bootcamp

In 2011, for the first time, AFTRS is offering a combined Graduate Diploma in Producing and Screen Business.

We're looking for people from a variety of backgrounds -- producers, media executives, arts administrators, web developers, entrepreneurs and business owners -- exceptionally talented individuals wanting to expand their knowledge, skills and contacts.

The course offers high level instruction in the art and business of storytelling, production process, marketing and distribution, as well as creative leadership, financial management, business planning and media strategy.

The course is led by JOHN MAYNARD, Head of Producing and DAVID COURT, Head of Screen Business, with expert lecturers and mentors drawn from across the screen sector.

Come and talk to David and find out how this course will benefit your career.
When: 12.30pm on Monday 11th OCTOBER.
Where: National Film & Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton - meet in the foyer.
Please RSVP:csb@aftrs.edu.au

Location: Sydney
Duration: 2 years part-time/1 year full-time
Pre-requisites: Relevant undergraduate degree and/or industry experience
Course Fee: $17,500 FEE-HELP eligible, and AUSTUDY eligible for full-time

If you'd like to find out more, please call
David Court: 0407 411 092
John Maynard: 0419 303 899
Lori Flekser: 0418 276 602

OR email csb@aftrs.edu.au OR visit

SPAA Fringe, hosted by SPAA is a two day event that educates, connects and inspires filmmakers. Here, you will have the opportunity to pitch your project to SBS, ABC, Foxtel, distributors and established producers.

Free 3-day Film making course

With less than 2 months to go, the deadline is fast approaching for aspiring filmmakers to enter their films into the prestigious DigiSPAA digital filmmaking competition. The winner will take away a cash prize of $15,000 and $20,000 worth of post-production, a guaranteed screening of their film on the Movie Extra channel, plus a return airfare and free registration to the prestigious CineMart International Film Festival Rotterdam.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 17 September 2010. Eligible films are feature length, with a running time of at least 70mins, digitally produced and completed to advanced post-production stage no earlier than 31 August 2009, and independently funded.
For full details, application form and guidelines click here.

Movie Extra is running a webisode competition with a $50k production budget on offer. Winner will produce a seven-part series. Called WebFest, the comp will be judged by members of their Facebook page and an industry panel.

WebFest could be seen as the Web version of Movie Extra's Project Greenlight, which was a feature competition with a $1m budget. The money is put up by the Movie Network, as part of its required Australian content spend. More info at WebFest

Ever said this? "I'm an emerging screenwriter, if I could just meet the right producers, I know I could change my career!"

Well now you can win yourself the chance to meet 20 Hollywood producers!The meetings are up-close-and-personal. The Grand Prize-winning writer will get flown to Los Angeles to introduce themselves to producers and discuss how each producer works with writers. It is a unique forum where the writer gets to quiz the producers!

GRAND PRIZE WINNER(OVER $4,500 in VALUE!)
* Meet 20 Hollywood Producers
* The TOP classes in the industry
* $1,000 CASH
* Screenplay Studio
* MovieStorm Pack
* Professional Screenplay Coverage by Victoria Wu
* Airfare and Hotel- 2 night stay in Los Angeles
And Many More!
Plus: TOP 100 Loglines go to producers Click here for more info.

Screen Australia travel grants for World Congress of Science and Factual Producers.
Screen Australia is offering travel grants for producers travelling to the upcoming World Congress of Science and Factual Producers (WCSFP), 30 November - 3 December 2010. The deadline for travel grant applications is Tuesday 26 October 2010. Applicants can apply for up to $5,000 towards their travel expenses.
The guidelines and travel grant application form for international markets can be downloaded here.
For more information about the WCSFP, visit their website.

Applicants should contact Tresa Ponnor, Marketing Assistant - Industry Support, Marketing Department, on 02 8113 5835 or via email tresa.ponnor@screenaustralia.gov.au to discuss their application and eligibility.

The High Resolution Plant Phenomics Centre at CSIRO's Black Mountain campus focuses on "deep phenotyping" (delving into metabolism and physiological processes within the plant) and Reverse Phenomics (dissecting traits to discover their mechanistic basis). The work of the Centre includes microscopy, next generation computer research tools, robotics and imaging.

The Centre is offering a four week artist-in-residence opportunity this October, including workspace, training and access to our imaging equipment, and a bursary for wages and materials. We aim to work with an artist to produce digital artworks for both a solo exhibition, and to be incorporated into an interactive display on the work of the centre.

Please find the information pack attached, and with any further queries, please contact:
Cris Kennedy Cris.Kennedy@csiro.au Ph 02 6246 4602

F4 SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING
With just a month to go to get your submissions in for F4 2011 - it's time to knock us out with your talent.

The Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) and the 2011 BigPond Adelaide Film Festival (BAFF) are calling for emerging documentary filmmaking talent from around the country to submit their films to the 2011 First Factual Films Festival (F4).

F4 is an unrivalled professional development opportunity - selected F4 First Filmmakers are invited to screen as part of the BigPond Adelaide Film Festival, and gain high profile international exposure through AIDC.

Being selected into F4 made such a difference for us at AIDC 2010 as emerging filmmakers, compared to a daunting experience the year before. The generous support that was offered gave us the feel for how to approach these busy marketplaces in the future, strategically and confidently. Co-Director Telen Rodwell DRIVE (F4 2010 First Filmmaker)

Held between 2 - 6 March 2011, F4 concludes with the presentation of the F4 Award for Outstanding New Documentary Talent during the BigPond Adelaide Film Festival Gala Awards ceremony on Sunday 6 March.

Film entries can be of any documentary genre, style and length, made for any screen-based platform.

Submissions close on Friday 29 October 2010.

For further information click here or contact Ruth Cross - Manager First Factual Films Festival (F4) on 08 8271 1488 or ruth@aidc.com.au. Do you have news to share? Email info@screenact.com.au

Stephen Cleary, the international script consultant who is delivering the Low Budget workshop, will also be offering one on one feedback on your low budget feature film project. There are still spaces available but get in quick.

The two day workshop "Writing for a Low Budget Feature" is about actually writing low budget features as opposed to having a script that is high budget but you only have a low budget to make!

The workshop is scheduled for the weekend of 25^th and 26^th September and will be co-hosted by ScreenACT and the ACT Writers' Centre.

For application forms click here.

There is only one more screening for "The Secret of Moonacre" the $27million family fantasy feature produced by ScreenACT's Monica Penders. The film is based on the Carnegie Medal winning classic children's story "The Little White Horse" by Elizabeth Goudge and stars Dakota Blue Richards (The Golden Compass), Ioan Gruffudd (The Fantastic Four) and Tim Curry (The Rocky Horror Picture Show) and is directed by Gabor Csupo (The Bridge to Terabithia). Click here for the trailer.

22nd September, 2010 - 7.00pm at the National Film and Sound Archive. Tickets can be pre-purchased in person from the box office at the National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton, or over the phone by calling 6248 2000. Join us for a drink, raffles and give aways from 6.00pm onwards with a Q&A with the producer after the event.

The first screening that was held at the CSIRO Discovery Theatre was a great success with lots of new young fans who got the chance to see some of the props from the movie. All proceeds will go to local not-for-profit Shaw Possibilities who support and empower adults with disabilities. A big thank you to both the CSIRO and NFSA for their support of these special events.

Come and join the Project Pod finalists on Monday 25th October at the National Gallery for a day of presentations, industry briefings and Q&As. The day will start off with the presentations of the top ten projects. Industry panelists will pick the top four projects for further funding. A select group of panelists will be making a presentation on their projects and offerings. Panelists will include broadcasters, distributors and successful producers. The day will finish with drinks and give you the opportunity to network with industry experts from interstate. .

There is no cost for the event but RSVPs are essential and spaces are limited. More details soon. Click here to send your RSVP.

ScreenACT has a new website (see here), and we would like to expand our production directory. This is a free service and lists crew, facilities and services in the ACT region. To submit your details or update existing details, click here to fill out a form, or email your details to ScreenACT.

The 2010 Canberra Short Film Festival is the meeting place for Australia's hottest short filmmakers. Recognised as one of the nation's premier film competitions, it attracts makers and lovers of film from all over the country.

One of 2009's Official Selection, Miracle Fish, by Canberra filmmaker Luke Doolan and Drew Bailey, went on to receive an Academy Award nomination and a string of international awards. In fact, many of our filmmakers go on to national and international success following screening at the Canberra Short Film Festival.
It's your chance to see the next big filmmakers - up close and personal.

This year's Festival will run at Dendy Cinemas over three glittering nights during Floriade, from Thursday 30th September through to Finals Night on Saturday 2nd October.

Be part of the artistry, originality and infinite diversity that Australia has to offer at the 15th Canberra Short Film Festival.

Tickets are available from 1st September through Dendy Cinemas. Visit www.silversunpictures.com.au/csff for details.

DVAustralia Final Cut Studio Series Weekend Bootcamp

SPAA Fringe, hosted by SPAA is a two day event that educates, connects and inspires filmmakers. Here, you will have the opportunity to pitch your project to SBS, ABC, Foxtel, distributors and established producers.
This event is comprised of workshops, round tables, one-on-ones, panel discussions screenings and social networking events. This event will be held on 22nd and 23rd October at the Power House Museum, Sydney. For more information, and to register click

Free 3-day Film making course

Those of you who are interested in joining SPAA should think about doing so soon. Why? Two very important reasons...

Firstly the Emerging Producers Scheme applications close on 24 September.Successful Emerging Producers are:
- subsidised for approved discounted rate of $770 to the SPAA conference (normally $1650 for non-members)
- mentored by an established producer on how to get the most out of the conference
- encouraged to pitch a project

This year's conference is being held in Sydney 16-19 November and has a fantastic program
It also has a special focus on kids content

The SPAA conference is great If you are wanting to
- immerse yourself in what's going on in the industry right now
- network with other producers
- pitch your project(s)

Essential Criteria:
- Applicants must be a SPAA Associate Member (membership currently discounted to $175 for this financial year)
- Applicants who have previously attended a SPAA Conference, either as a full registrant, Emerging Producer or a speaker are NOT eligible (Applicants who have attended a SPAA Conference as a student or as a day delegate only may apply)
- Applicants must have at least one production credit
- Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career as a producer
The Emerging Producer application form is here.

Don't forget that ScreenACT offers assistance to ACT/Capital Region producers wishing to attend SPAA. Priority is given to those who are selected as Emerging Producers. (Those who have received support to attend SPAA in previous years are NOT eligible). For more information contact: Monica.Penders@screenact.com.au

The launch of the ACT SPAA Chapter is being held at the end of October. More details soon. This is a great opportunity to meet representatives from SPAA head office and network with other producers.

With less than 2 months to go, the deadline is fast approaching for aspiring filmmakers to enter their films into the prestigious DigiSPAA digital filmmaking competition. The winner will take away a cash prize of $15,000 and $20,000 worth of post-production, a guaranteed screening of their film on the Movie Extra channel, plus a return airfare and free registration to the prestigious CineMart International Film Festival Rotterdam.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 17 September 2010. Eligible films are feature length, with a running time of at least 70mins, digitally produced and completed to advanced post-production stage no earlier than 31 August 2009, and independently funded.
For full details, application form and guidelines click here.

Movie Extra is running a webisode competition with a $50k production budget on offer. Winner will produce a seven-part series. Called WebFest, the comp will be judged by members of their Facebook page and an industry panel.

WebFest could be seen as the Web version of Movie Extra's Project Greenlight, which was a feature competition with a $1m budget. The money is put up by the Movie Network, as part of its required Australian content spend. More info at WebFest

Ever said this? "I'm an emerging screenwriter, if I could just meet the right producers, I know I could change my career!"

Screen Australia travel grants for World Congress of Science and Factual Producers.
Screen Australia is offering travel grants for producers travelling to the upcoming World Congress of Science and Factual Producers (WCSFP), 30 November - 3 December 2010. The deadline for travel grant applications is Tuesday 26 October 2010. Applicants can apply for up to $5,000 towards their travel expenses.
The guidelines and travel grant application form for international markets can be downloaded here.
For more information about the WCSFP, visit their website.

Applicants should contact Tresa Ponnor, Marketing Assistant - Industry Support, Marketing Department, on 02 8113 5835 or via email tresa.ponnor@screenaustralia.gov.au to discuss their application and eligibility

The High Resolution Plant Phenomics Centre at CSIRO's Black Mountain campus focuses on "deep phenotyping" (delving into metabolism and physiological processes within the plant) and Reverse Phenomics (dissecting traits to discover their mechanistic basis). The work of the Centre includes microscopy, next generation computer research tools, robotics and imaging.
Do you have news to share? Email info@screenact.com.au

Registration forms for the Low Budget Workshop are due 3 September. There are still spaces available but get in quick.

Following on from the success of ScreenACT's Project Pod, international script consultant Stephen Cleary will be back in town to run the first phase of a Low Budget Feature initiative. The two day workshop "Writing for a Low Budget Feature" is about actually writing low budget features as opposed to having a script that is high budget but you only have a low budget to make!

The workshop is scheduled for the weekend of 25^th and 26^th September and will be co-hosted by ScreenACT and the ACT Writers' Centre.

For application forms click here.

Come along to a special charity screening of "The Secret of Moonacre" the $27million family fantasy feature produced by ScreenACT's Monica Penders. The film is based on the Carnegie Medal winning classic children's story "The Little White Horse" by Elizabeth Goudge and stars Dakota Blue Richards (The Golden Compass), Ioan Gruffudd (The Fantastic Four) and Tim Curry (The Rocky Horror Picture Show) and is directed by Gabor Csupo (The Bridge to Terabithia). Click here for the trailer.

There will be two screenings only:
12th September, 2010 - 3.00pm at the CSIRO Discovery Theatre. Tickets for this screening and more information can be purchased on line here

22nd September, 2010 - 7.00pmat the National Film and Sound Archive. Tickets can be pre-purchased in person from the box office at the National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton, or over the phone by calling 6248 2000.

Join us for a drink, raffles and give aways from 6.00pm onwards with a Q&A with the producer after the event.

All proceeds will go to local not-for-profit Shaw Possibilities who support and empower adults with disabilities. A big thank you to both the CSIRO and NFSA for their support of these special events.

ScreenACT has a new website (see here), and we would like to expand our production directory. This is a free service and lists crew, facilities and services in the ACT region. To submit your details or update existing details, click here to fill out a form, or email your details to ScreenACT.

The ANU Film Group has been operating for over 40 years and the annual film trivia night is their main fundraising event. The proceeds from the night helps them to continue to provide film screenings for the Canberra community at fantastically low prices.

The trivia night will have a range of questions so there will be something in it for the film novice, the film buff and everyone in between.

What? ANU Film Group Trivia Night
Where? Canberra Club, 45 West Row Civic
When? Saturday 11 September, starting at 7.30pm (doors open from 7pm)
Who can come? Everyone is welcome!
Cost? $15 per person - tickets available on the night

For more info, we can be contacted on 6247 2425 or check out our website www.anufg.org.au/trivia

SPAA Fringe, hosted by SPAA is a two day event that educates, connects and inspires filmmakers. Here, you will have the opportunity to pitch your project to SBS, ABC, Foxtel, distributors and established producers.

Screen Australia is offering travel grants for producers travelling to the upcoming American Film Market (AFM), 3-10 November 2010. The deadline for travel grant applications is Wednesday 8 September 2010.

Applicants can apply for up to $5,000 towards their travel expenses. Producers must have a reasonable body of work completed, produced and released work, commensurate with their level of experience, to showcase their talent and ability. Producers must have at least two active projects in development. In the case of more experienced producers, a slate of projects is preferable, at least one of which has secured 25 per cent of its budget.

For more information, guidelines and application form click here

Screen Australia will be holding two Script Factories, held in Sydney during November.

With less than 2 months to go, the deadline is fast approaching for aspiring filmmakers to enter their films into the prestigious DigiSPAA digital filmmaking competition. The winner will take away a cash prize of $15,000 and $20,000 worth of post-production, a guaranteed screening of their film on the Movie Extra channel, plus a return airfare and free registration to the prestigious CineMart International Film Festival Rotterdam.

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 17 September 2010. Eligible films are feature length, with a running time of at least 70mins, digitally produced and completed to advanced post-production stage no earlier than 31 August 2009, and independently funded.
For full details, application form and guidelines click here.

Movie Extra is running a webisode competition with a $50k production budget on offer. Winner will produce a seven-part series. Called WebFest, the comp will be judged by members of their Facebook page and an industry panel.

WebFest could be seen as the Web version of Movie Extra's Project Greenlight, which was a feature competition with a $1m budget. The money is put up by the Movie Network, as part of its required Australian content spend. More info at WebFest

Ever said this? "I'm an emerging screenwriter, if I could just meet the right producers, I know I could change my career!"
Do you have news to share? Email info@screenact.com.au