GMG News
ArtMatrix and Grants for the Arts....
ArtsMatrix is delighted to announce it has received a Grants for the Arts award from Arts Council England (ACE), SW to deliver a programme of professional development and business development support to artists and creative businesses in the region.... but, what does this mean for GMGers? Well. ArtsMatrix helps artists make their dreams come true.... ArtsMatrix is the enterprise and skills development agency for the creative industries in the South West. They receive no core funding from any government body or funding organisation. Instead they deliver specific projects supported by organisations including ACE, Crafts Council, Esmee Fairbairne Foundation, and local authorities. This award from ACE will allow them to continue to deliver high quality, much sought-after services at a subsidised rate to all individual practitioners and creative businesses, regardless of size or creative discipline. What can they offer? “Excellent, well structured, brilliant advice.” Creative Development Workshops cost just £15 per person for a half-day, and will enable you to: Clarify your creative and business goals Identify your skills, strengths and expertise Design a plan to achieve your aims Network with other creative professionals These workshops take place across the South West region. Tailored advice sessions offer in-depth guidance on developing your career, starting a new enterprise or growing your business: an initial session lasts two hours and you can book as many follow-ups as you need. An initial session is £30 and follow ups are £20 Focusing on your specific needs, this session gives you a chance to discuss in detail your professional, creative and business goals and design a plan to achieve them. All advisors are SFEDI accredited - the national accreditation for business advisors.
Contact Details: www.artsmatrix.org.uk
Website: www.artsmatrix.org.uk
Date Published: 17th Jul 2008
Local winners meet world class line up at The 3rd Screenwriters' Festival
Script_1 Winners: 1. Marc Griffiths - "The Storm Watch" 2. Carol Sheppard - "Grey" 3. Steve Edwards - "Shopping Addict" Future Street Winner: 1. Raoul Dyevre - "Gold Man" Over 500 delegates, including a staggering line-up of film and television industry luminaries, attended the third Screenwriters’ Festival (1 to 3 July 2008) in Cheltenham sponsored by Cheltenham Council, South West Screen, UK Film Council and Sky among others(see list below). Extensive variety of photographs available. Among them were JULIAN FELLOWES (Gosford Park), CHRISTOPHER HAMPTON (Dangerous Liaisons/Atonement), MIKE LEIGH (Abigail’s Party, Naked, Vera Drake), RONALD HARWOOD (The Pianist/The Diving Bell and the Butterfly), STEPHEN WOOLLEY (Mona Lisa/The Crying Game); bestselling author TERRY PRATCHETT (Discworld); and actor, playwright and 'voice of Discworld' NIGEL PLANER. BARBARA MACHIN (Waking the Dead) described the festival as” the Glastonbury of literary festivals” though it was noted there were “better loos at SWF”! Veteran writer and director Mike Leigh met local budding young Gloucestershire screenwriters and presented them with their awards for their writing for the SWF workshop schemes Script_1 and Future Street and their associated competitions sponsored by LSC, South West Screen and Gloucestershire County Council. Recently graduated student Marc Griffiths of Cheltenham said: "The SWF was great! I was over the moon at coming first in the Script_1 competition. It makes me very happy knowing that somebody enjoyed reading the script, though it makes my landlord happier that thanks to the prize money I was able to pay my rent on time this month. All in all it was a wonderful evening!" Said Carol Shepherd, ” I think the Script 1 screenwriting competition was a fantastic opportunity for people living in Gloucestershire. Sometimes we feel that the film industry forgets us writers in "the sticks". It was great to attend the workshop and meet industry professionals and also likeminded screenwriters and it was certainly an honour to meet and receive my prize from Mike Leigh. I will be continuing my screenwriting - so here's to the next competition!” Steve Redwood added: I started screenwriting three years ago, and have learned a great deal from the Script 1 workshop, especially the importance of structure and keeping the lead character under pressure. I loved getting my award from Mike Leigh. He's a legend and a monolith of English cinema. I'm currently on a screenwriting course at the New Producers Alliance and am writing my first feature. Winning this award has given me a much needed nudge of encouragement after three years of learning the craft, and hard work. Festival Director David Pearson, of Stroud based Arturi Films comments: "The Screenwriters’ Festival is synonymous with Cheltenham and sits perfectly alongside the city’s literary and music festivals. We’re delighted at its growth and recognition in just three years, and honoured to present such a powerful line-up of guests. Seeing home grown talent come though is a really satisfying."
Contact Details: www.screenwritersfestival.com
Website: www.screenwritersfestival.com
Date Published: 17th Jul 2008
And the Winner of the prize draw is.....
David Reynolds from Flat Broke Films in Cheltenham. David (left) came to the GMG office at the Cheltenham Film Studios this Tuesday to collect his brand spanking new silver iPod Nano from GMG chair Lee Stephens (right). His name was drawn out of a hat of overall 95 survey submissions. A big THANKS to everyone that took part in the GMG membership survey. We're chuffed to bits that so many of you took the time to complete the survey whose results will help us immensely in shaping the GMG's future! Power to the GMGers, yeah!
Contact Details: Anna Krenkova on T 01242 542 713
Date Published: 17th Jul 2008
Flood Archive
GMG member Fiona is putting together a folk archive of images/video of last year's floods and the aftermath, specifically of Cheltenham. Any members with images or video is invited to bring along copies (preferably on CD or DVD) between 10.30am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, 19th and 20th July (or to post copies - see below for details)... The plan is for the Flood Archive to be displayed at Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum next year. Intended for a folk archive, Fiona will build up a display over the weekend (there will be facilities to print out images, and upload and project video footage), with a map for people to locate where their images were taken. People wanting to talk to camera about their experience can also be interviewed, recording alternative viewpoints outside of the media representation. The plan is for the Flood Archive to be displayed at Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum next year. If you are unable to attend in person you can post your images/video on disc directly to: Meantime, Oxford Passage, Cheltenham, GL50 4EF. A submission form is available from http://www.meantime.org.uk/flood/.
Contact Details: info@meantime.org.uk
Website: http://www.meantime.org.uk/flood/.
Date Published: 11th Jul 2008
Tick, Tick, Tick, Tick, Tickets: The Final Countdown...!
The last wodge of tickets to the Screenwriters' Festival 2008 is now up for grabs. If you take a look at the website you'll see that the countdown of 'tickets remaining' is there for all to see. If you haven't yet secured your hot ticket to this year's sensational festival then don't leave it any longer because when they're gone, they're... y'know.....
Contact Details: www.screenwritersfestival.com
Website: www.screenwritersfestival.com
Date Published: 27th Jun 2008
Creatives grow better in the South West!
A company has posted a film on YouTube aimed specifically at raising awareness of the excellent work that comes out of the Creative Industries in the South West, so far the film has had in excess of 50,000 views and is being linked to by a very large number of creative industry blogs from some of the top agencies in the South West, UK and the world.... The film is a look at a farm that grows and juices creatives. The idea behind the campaign is simple- some of the best creative work comes out of the South West. Why? Take you pick from- nice surroundings, great cultural provision, better working conditions, nicer pace of life, rain, good transport, good infrastructure... There was even a study a couple of years back that showed that the South West is the happiest region in the UK for these very reasons:
Contact Details: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgYwTELj-fs
Website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgYwTELj-fs
Date Published: 19th Jun 2008
Screenwriters Festival announcements...
We're delighted to announce yet another of our fantastic speakers for this year's Festival (we aim to please!) and this addition to the line-up comes in the shape of Producer Stephen Woolley. Stephen is of course known for his work alongside Producer Director Neil Jordan and is responsible for producing such films as The Company of Wolves, Mona Lisa, The Crying Game (nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture) Interview with The Vampire, Backbeat, Michael Collins, The End of the Affair, Stoned, The Actors, Breakfast on Pluto and When Did you Last See Your Father? Stephen's recent projects include How to lose Friends and Alienate People and the currently in development Perrier's Bounty.
Contact Details: www.screenwritersfestival.com
Website: www.screenwritersfestival.com
Date Published: 19th Jun 2008
The Pervasive Media Studio
The Pervasive Media Studio opened in January 2008 as a place where people can find out more about media of the future, a space for collaborative projects that build, test and develop ideas for projects that take computers and their content off desktops and out in to the real world. The Pervasive Media Studio locates world-class research in the heart of the city, and will be offering a wide variety of public events and seminars. On the last Wednesday of every month the Pervasive Media Studio doors are open to anyone who wants to know more about what we do, and the projects that are happening. Come along and check out what is going on in the world of pervasiveness. Their first open session is on Wednesday June 25th from 2-7pm. It is free to come along, and is part of our aim to showcase our space as the place to test/play/try/meet and discuss pervasive media projects. Bring your own ideas, chat to people about the projects, maybe even test some of them out....
Contact Details: http://www.ished.net/2008/06/13/pervasive-media-studio-opens-its-doors
Website: http://www.ished.net/2008/06/13/pervasive-media-studio-opens-its-doors
Date Published: 19th Jun 2008
http://www.jeremyhumphries.com
Jeremy Humphries, one of the UK’s most experienced cameramen, has developed a workshop programme to provide camera craft skills training to those needing to hone their competencies in camera operation. These workshops provide a fully rounded learning experience with hands-on and interactive learning from foundation level to intermediate and advanced. For more information see http://www.jeremyhumphries.com
Contact Details: http://www.jeremyhumphries.com
Website: http://www.jeremyhumphries.com
Date Published: 19th Jun 2008
GMG LAUNCH NEW TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT SCHEME
£300 000 CREATIVE TRAINING BONANZA IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE The Gloucestershire Media Group launches it’s brand new EVOLVE training scheme today which will see an investment of £300 000 from the European Social Fund channelled into the county specifically aimed at up-skilling young adults as well as professionals within the Creative industry over the next three years. The scheme will provide a variety of training opportunities and development programmes specifically designed by industry professionals to ensure that all activity is purely demand-led. To ensure the scheme is a success, detailed research of industry skill needs will be undertaken locally that will help in putting together a diverse and unique offer for the next three years. The scheme covers a mix of internship schemes for new entrants and Master classes with top industry speakers for the experienced local media workers. For business owners there are IT, leadership and management training and well as mentoring schemes for hi-growth businesses in the sector. Some of the training will lead NVQ qualifications while some will be purely skill based. It will be delivered by a wide range of training providers that will be sourced in partnership with the Government’s Train to Gain scheme. New programmes will be designed by the GMG where current provision is not able to meet the needs of the sector. New GMG Chair Lee Stephens who also is the Managing Director of Action Image Productions commented: “The research will be crucial in determining the delivery of GMG EVOLVE over the next three years. Working within the industry myself, I am aware of the severe lack of a training culture in the sector which is due to a poor offer locally as well as the cost and time commitment most training involves. The hub of high-class Media training is London and it is our aim to bring some of high-spec offer to Gloucestershire and ensure local companies are on top of their game.” He further commented: “Media is one of the toughest industries to get into and we are looking to design internship schemes that will equip new entrants with the ever so valuable working experience as well as qualifications that will give them a head start. We are working closely with Skillset to ensure that the qualifications we chose are recognised by industry. We are hoping to conclude the research by the end of July and roll-out GMG EVOLVE in late autumn this year. Keep your eyes peeled on the GMG website www.thegmg.org.”
Contact Details: Anna Krenkova on T 01242 542 713
Date Published: 18th Jun 2008
Mike Leigh joins the Speakers for SWF 2008
The Screenwriters’ Festival is delighted to announce that Mike Leigh OBE will be among the guest speakers for the Third International Screenwriters’ Festival in July. Mike, a film and theatre director, screenwriter and playwright, began his career directing plays in the 1960s and made the transition to television in the 1970s. His prodigious and award-winning body of work includes Abigail’s Party (1977) Life is Sweet (1990), Naked (1993), Secrets & Lies (1996), Topsy Turvy (1999), All or Nothing (2002), Vera Drake (2004) and Happy-Go-Lucky (2008). Mike’s work is typically characterised as being of the gritty ‘kitchen sink’ variety but this is to overlook the astutely observed humour and heart that he invests into his stories. It’s also fair to say that Mike has a reputation for a somewhat unconventional approach to scripting and story development. Mike will offer us a fascinating insight into his writing and directorial style when he joins us in July!....
Contact Details: www.screenwritersfestival.com
Website: www.screenwritersfestival.com
Date Published: 4th Jun 2008
Warning of spate of burgularies to media companies in the South West
GMG has been informed of a spate of recent robberies which have taken place at media companies in the South West.... Bristol Magazine and Graphics Co - Out of Hand based in Bristlington were robbed two weeks ago and cleaned out of their Mac’s and graphics suites. Twofour Digital in Plymouth was broken into also and Macs were taken again and also West Country TV got broken into last week. There is obviously a gang operating in the region so please can you all warn as many media Companies as you can....
Contact Details: Emma Heathcote-James
Website: www.thegmg.org
Date Published: 4th Jun 2008
The Media Innovation Awards
Some very exciting news! Due to the Media Innovation Awards great success this year down in Plymouth and to reinforce its regional nature PMP have been invited to hold the 2009 awards in Bristol. The event will return to Plymouth again in 2010 and we hope that in 2011 it will take place in Cornwall.... and here's hoping GMG will then host the year after that! Will keep you all posted and let's get GMG on the map in terms of nominations and winning awards...! The Media Innovation Awards are a fantastic way to promote the excellent and create work produced in the region, so we hope you are all busy doing fantastic thing this year ready to enter and compete for a coveted trophy when entries open in December.
Contact Details: .
Date Published: 29th May 2008
The 2008 Citizen and Gloucestershire Echo Business Awards
The 2008 Citizen and Gloucestershire Echo Business Awards are seeking local GMG companies to enter... every year the awards help to showcase the very best in enterprise and endeavour in this county. This year they have no fewer than 13 awards covering all aspects of business life in the county. Over the next few weeks they will be profiling many of the contenders in the Citizen and Echo’s Business supplement and online at WestBusiness.co.uk It all culminates in a grand awards dinner at The Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse on October 9. So why not give your company and/or your workforce the recognition they deserve and enter the 2008 Citizen and Gloucestershire Echo Business Awards...?
Contact Details: email info@bbss.co.uk
Website: www.westbusiness.co.uk/Business-Awards
Date Published: 29th May 2008
Animation Unlimited 2008
Wessex Media Group are working closely with Animation Unlimited, the Society for Animation Studies International Conference, and wanted to bring it to the attention of GMGers. The conference will include discussion, debates, idea development and film screenings from key academic and industry figures (Disney, Pixar, Aardman) and is the first time it has come to the South Coast of the UK. Please see the link for further information http://www.aibep.co.uk/au2008
Contact Details: Joe Barnes - 01202 853673
Website: http://www.aibep.co.uk/au2008
Date Published: 23rd May 2008
London’s BAFTA buzzes with talk of the Screenwriters in The Cotswolds
BAFTA’s London HQ buzzed with conversation about the Cotswold based Screenwriters’ Festival this week at a festival launch attended by Rory Bremner, actresses Paula Wilcox and Fenella Fielding and leading members of the British film and TV scene. The third Cheltenham International Screenwriters’ Festival takes place at the beautiful Manor by the Lake at Cheltenham Film Studios on 1-3rd July 2008 and promises another great line up from the world of film and TV. Last year some 600 screenwriters, producers, agents, directors and financiers came to the festival from 15 countries including Australia, Spain, USA, Canada, France and Italy. At the launch, sponsored by leading wine house Château De Sours and BAFTA, Festival Director and Stroud based David Pearson introduced guest speakers who included leading screenwriter and novelist William Nicholson (Gladiator, Shadowlands, Golden Age) and Oscar winner writer, director and actor Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park and Young Victoria) who held the audience with their inspired and entertaining accounts of the role and life of a screenwriter. Also present at the launch were some of the emerging writers who have seen their careers take off after pitching their ideas at the festival. Speaking about these up-an-coming writers David said: “I’m really glad these writers can be here today because they are examples of all the good things that come out of the festival. I was a producer and director in television for a very long time and when I left the BBC, I was very fortunate to be mentored by Jimmy McGovan, along with a number of other would-be writers. The thing that I discovered very quickly was that there weren’t very many among the writers who knew how the business of film worked and I thought at the time, ‘These writers are going to have a really tough time if they do not understand how things work.’ So within that was born the idea for The Screenwriters’ Festival.” Many local writers have received training in workshops run each year by the Screenwriters’ Festival. In some cases this connection to the Gloucestershire based festival has led to great career opportunities. Announced speakers for 2008 1-3 July include renowned fantasy writer and creator of the Discworld novels, Terry Pratchett, Guillermo Del Toro ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ and ‘Hellboy II’, Oscar winners Julian Fellowes Young Victoria & Gosford Park, Jane Tranter, Controller of BBC Fiction, who runs the BBC Drama group including BBC Films, together with Deborah Moggach ‘Pride and Prejudice , Peter Kosminsky ‘The Government Inspector’ and ‘Britz’ , Laura Mackie Director Of Drama ITV and a return of leading psychiatrist Dr Raj Persaud who will explore how writers overcome the mental challenges facing them.
Contact Details: www.screenwritersfestival.com
Website: www.screenwritersfestival.com
Date Published: 13th May 2008
THE UK AND CANADA: PRAGMATIC CO-PROS FROM THE SCRIPT UP
Cannes: 15.30 Sunday 18th May UK FILM PAVILION - In an international market where financial incentives to win production are now the name of the game, how can UK co-productions still work? A case study of The Hum, a supernatural thriller, based on Arturi Films’ strategy of building viable English speaking co-productions in French Canada, Spain and the USA from the script upwards and with a pragmatic approach to legal and financing structures. The Hum’s writer-led approach started with French Canadian screenwriter, Isabelle Raynauld, was joined by UK writer/producer David Pearson (also Director of the Screenwriters Festival which will discuss co-pros in July). They specifically wrote The Hum as a UK/ Canada co-production with Isabelle working with leading Quebec producer Pierre Even of Cirrus (C.R.A.Z.Y and Nitro) and David with UK Producer Elizabeth Morgan Hemlock of Arturi Films (Mugabe and The White African). The writers and producers explain the benefits and joys of this approach to Screen International Editor, Michael Gubbins....
Contact Details: www.screenwritersfestival.com
Website: www.screenwritersfestival.com
Date Published: 13th May 2008
Small Businesses Get Free Access to Public Sector Contracts
A free trial starts today to provide small and medium-sized businesses with access to thousands of public sector contract opportunities. From 1 May until 31 July 2008, the 'supply2' website will allow new registrants to gain free access to public sector contracts valued under £100,000 for the UK and Northern Ireland. The free trial is part of DBERR's (the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform) Enterprise Strategy, released in March, which outlined new measures to increase the amount of government business that is won by small firms. The trial is available to businesses registering for the first time, and will provide access to contracts throughout the UK rather than in a nominated local area. Once the free trial is over, the registrant will revert to the free local area access as specified at registration, unless they select to maintain access at the national level or upgrade to an alternative level. New registrants after 31 July 2008 will only benefit from the free local location. More than 3,000 new contracts are available on the website each month. DBERR's Enterprise Strategy featured a range of measures to boost small firms competing for public procurement. An advisory committee will look at ways to reduce barriers that small businesses face when competing for public sector contracts and the practicality of setting a goal for them to win 30% of public sector business within five years. The Strategy also included an announcement that the rules for government procurement will be changed to allow companies, particularly small firms, to use invoice financing to compete for public contracts. Further information about the Enterprise Strategy is available online...
Contact Details: http://www.berr.gov.uk/bbf/enterprise-smes/enterprise-framework/index.html
Website: http://www.berr.gov.uk/bbf/enterprise-smes/enterprise-framework/index.html
Date Published: 9th May 2008
GMG Event last Wednesday
Wednesday evening's workshop was full at freelancers, small creative businesses, artists, designers, music bods, writers and others engaged in creative work. Led by Richard Povall from SW based Aune Head Arts many issues were discussed and many new networking ideas were tapped into..... Rather than reinvent the wheel - links and contact details are within the following pages:- Helen Owen's ARTIST PROVIDERS DIRECTORY http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=5915 http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=80 for info on Glos County Council - Helen Owen's role/funding etc http://www.bigartweb.plus.com/gaf/ http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=4597 Artists and Craftspeople in the area
Contact Details: http://www.thegmg.org/event_reports.php?setting=010
Website: http://www.thegmg.org/event_reports.php?setting=010
Date Published: 1st May 2008
Access all areas
Five online storyboards have been produced by Skillset as information resources for people who want to better understand various sectors. There are ones on Iteractive Media, Film makng, Understanding TV, Inside Post ad computer games.... Each takes the shape of a fictional concept to creation illustrated and scripted workflow with named job roles and job profiles...Please help to spread the word and share these with the right people * students and tutors (including those in schools and FE/HE) * new entrants * those with little experience in the industry * career changers seeking some basic information about industry jobs * Careers Advisors in schools/FE/HE Employers (as a tool to induct their staff and better understand national occupational standards)
Contact Details: http://dotm1.net/cr.aspx?hval=0sIp7loKztMcwWXJMOhAqoi6xiE%3d%40%3a%40361743%40%3a%40264108444
Website: http://dotm1.net/cr.aspx?hval=0sIp7loKztMcwWXJMOhAqoi6xiE%3d%40%3a%40361743%40%3a%40264108444
Date Published: 1st May 2008
Ch 4s Fourdocs & Media Box launch search for young filmmaking talent
Channel 4’s FourDocs and Mediabox have joined forces for the second year running to offer an exclusive competition for disadvantaged 13-19 year olds to write, direct and produce their own short documentaries. Ten films will be made of which at least one will get a broadcast slot on Channel 4. The competition launches on Tuesday, 6 May 2008 and aspiring filmmakers should visit www.channel4.com/mediabox to submit a 200-word proposal. The judging panel is looking for unique ideas that will translate well into a 3-5 minute film. There are no restrictions on ideas – applicants are encouraged to be creative and think about the issues that matter to them. The closing date for entries is Monday, 16 June 2008. Ten finalists will receive £500 to create their film and will be assigned a film industry mentor who will guide them through the film making process. Mediabox is a £8 million Department for Children, Schools and Families fund for disadvantaged young people to make creative media projects about issues that are important to them. FourDocs is Channel 4’s broadband documentary channel offering both practical support and a high profile platform for people to make and display their own personal documentaries. The Mediabox partnership with FourDocs is therefore a perfect fit to showcase the talent of young people’s work on a mainstream platform. Mediabox and Channel 4 will also host a practical workshop for the mentors and young people involved in this scheme to help them work up their ideas and give advice on all aspects of film production. The mentors will be provided by Media Trust’s Youth Mentoring scheme which links disadvantaged young people to media industry professionals and Channel 4.
Contact Details: www.channel4.com/mediabox
Website: www.channel4.com/mediabox
Date Published: 1st May 2008
Made in the South West
MPs including Andy Burnham - Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Ben Bradshaw - Minister for the South West and Jim Knight - Minister of State for Schools and Learners, as well as more than twenty MPs with constituencies in the South West joined creative people and companies from across the region on Tuesday at a reception at the House of Commons. Over 150 people came together at ‘Made in the South West,’ an event celebrating the strength of the South West’s creative and media industries hosted by South West Screen. Special guests included Mike Bailey star of Bristol-based hit Channel 4 / E4 drama Skins, Bath-based creator and writer of the BBC’s Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes Ashley Pharoah plus key figures from some of the South West’s most successful creative companies: Wallace and Gromit creators Aardman, the BBC’s Natural History Unit and Plymouth-based Twofour – the UK’s largest production company based outside London. Festivals including Wildscreen, the world’s largest wildlife film festival, The International Screenwriters’ Festival in Cheltenham and Encounters – the UK’s leading short film festival were also represented, as were the five media ‘cluster’ groups in the region: Bristol Media, Plymouth Media Partnership, Gloucestershire Media Group, Wessex Media Group and Cornwall Media Focus. The region’s strength in digital media was also in evidence with award-winning innovative companies such as HMC interactive and Mobile Pie in attendance. Both are currently working on groundbreaking projects at the Pervasive Media Studio in Bristol. Joining the MPs and creative industry representatives were senior figures from the South West Regional Development Agency (RDA), the UK Film Council, and other government departments and bodies including the department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) and the department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS). South West Screen presented a showreel of work produced in the South West including excerpts from Endemol’s Deal or No Deal, Channel 4 / E4 hit series Skins, Aardman Animations’ Shaun the Sheep and Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg’s cult comedy Hot Fuzz. In addition, Mike Bailey– one of the Bristol-based stars of Skins – and Aysha Rafaele (one of the directors) talked about the huge opportunity the series had given them, and how important it was for them to be able to start their careers in their home city. Caroline Norbury – Chief Executive of South West Screen - spoke about the importance of creativity, talent and ideas in today’s global knowledge economy. She stressed the huge impact of the creative industries in the region – both economically and culturally - and lobbied MPs to champion the industries – particularly to protect drama production in the region - to ensure that the South West is acknowledged as a world centre for creativity. Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Andy Burnham also spoke at the event, paying tribute to the South West’s creative industries and reiterating the government’s commitment to making its ‘Creative Britain’ strategy a reality in the South West.
Contact Details: www.swscreen.co.uk
Website: www.swscreen.co.uk
Date Published: 1st May 2008
Detour Complete!
Made in with support from the UK Film Council, South West Screen and Calling The Shots, GMG member K. Akeseh Tsakpo's next short film, ‘Detour’, is now complete - check out the trailer at www.myspace.com/cage75. Detour, about a motorist struggling to lay his past to rest after picking up a hitchhiker who claims to know the future, is currently being submitted to festivals at home and abroad so watch this space….
Contact Details: cage75@hotmail.com
Website: www.myspace.com/cage75
Date Published: 25th Apr 2008
New e-Commerce Website
GMGer PinkNoise Systems have created a website to re-sell Professional location audio kit and some video kit as well. They will be offering GMGer's extra discount if they mention the GMG and live in the area. Although not up and populated with product yet, it will be very soon, the web address is www.pinknoise-systems.co.uk so watch this space...!
Contact Details: www.pinknoise-systems.co.uk
Website: www.pinknoise-systems.co.uk
Date Published: 25th Apr 2008
Media Box
South West Screen has won the tender to become the regional partner for Mediabox in 2008/09, and applications are now being welcomed from youth media projects around the South West. The Department for Children, Schools and Families has invested £2 million in Mediabox for 2008. Mediabox is run by First Light Movies, Media Trust, Skillset and the UK Film Council. It offers disadvantaged 13-19 year olds the opportunity to develop and produce creative media projects, using film, television, print, radio or online platforms. Mediabox is for young people to: express their own opinions, ideas and views, gain new skills, encourage creativity, boost personal development and get their voices heard. Three different types of grants to make and distribute youth-led media projects are offered, ranging from £100 to £40,000. Young individuals can apply for My Mediabox, while organizations can apply for Mid and Big Mediabox. Mediabox is continuing the Mid and Big Mediabox grants to make and distribute youth-led media projects that express young people's ideas and views in a creative way, using their preferred media platform: Mid Mediabox (for charitable trusts and unincorporated associations) - grants of up to £20,000 Big Mediabox (for legally constituted organisations) - grants of up to £40,000 Both Mid and Big Mediabox are open to youth and/or media focused organisations. Mediabox can only award grants to organisations and young people in England. There will be a two-stage application process for groups wishing to apply to either Mid or Big Mediabox (see application deadlines below). Sas Bonser is the Mediabox Co-ordinator in the South West, based at South West Screen. If you are thinking of applying or would like further information Sas can be contacted on a Wednesday or Thursday at South West Screen by phone on 0117 952 9977 or email: sas.bonser@swscreen.co.uk Regional priorities for Mediabox projects: Media type high priority – Digital and Interactive Media, print, photography, graphic novels and radio. low priority – film & TV Sub-regions high priority – Gloucestershire and Sommerset medium priority – Wiltshire, Devon and Dorset low priority – Bristol and Cornwall We welcome strong partnerships, building on the work already done by Mediabox. Based on last year’s analysis of young people taking part in projects, Mediabox would welcome applications working with: - Young parents - Young carers - Young people with disabilities - Looked after young people People who received Mediabox funding last year are not eligible for support in 2008/9, unless it is in partnership with another organisation who did not receive funding. HOW TO APPLY Application forms and guidance notes on applications are available at www.media-box.co.uk. Round 1 applications Stage 1 application deadline: 2pm, Tuesday 29th April 2008 Stage 2 full submission deadline: 2pm, Tuesday 10th June 2008 Round 2 applications (Not yet open for applications) Stage 1 application deadline: 2pm, Tuesday 19th August 2008 Stage 2 full submission deadline: 2pm, Tuesday 30th September
Contact Details: www.media-box.co.uk
Website: www.media-box.co.uk
Date Published: 25th Apr 2008
Media Sandbox Competition
Win £1,000 development grant and a residency at the Pervasive Media Studios, Bristol. At the Media Sandbox Showcase on 6 May, three lucky people will be given the chance to pitch a pervasive media idea they would like to explore and win a £1,000 development grant and a month long residency at the Pervasive Media Studio. You can enter if you are a creative or digital company, organisation or individual based in the South West with less than 50 employees. You can submit as many ideas as you would like around content, a service or pervasive media application. Ideas must fit the original Media Sandbox criteria and if you win, you must spend time at the Pervasive Media Studio, developing your idea. To enter: • Submit your idea online before 29 April • The Media Sandbox team will choose the three best ideas. You will be notified by 1 May if your idea has been successful • At the Showcase, each of the successful applicants will given five minutes to pitch. These will be judged by the 2008 Media Sandbox participants (with help from the audience), and the winning idea will be announced live on the night. Media Sandbox has supported six projects to develop new applications in pervasive media. The scheme kicked off in January 2008, and the showcase is your chance to your chance to play with the prototypes, discuss the challenges and watch the final project pitches as the Sandbox participants present their work to a team of industry judges. Media Sandbox Showcase | 6 May | Watershed | 2-6 pm The event is free, you must book here to attend
Contact Details: http://www.mediasandbox.co.uk/2008/04/13/showcase/
Website: http://www.mediasandbox.co.uk/2008/04/13/showcase/
Date Published: 18th Apr 2008
Digital Innovation Fund
The NESTA/UK Film Council Digital Innovation in Film project plans to team-up film businesses with specialist partners to help them digitise, market and distribute their films to audiences around the world in new ways. Over the next 18 months up to 10 film businesses will be selected from across the UK, to take part in a project that is designed to focus on business growth. A unique combination of workshops and one-to-one support from “innovation partners” will encourage the film businesses to explore emerging opportunities for new revenue streams. You will be expected to work closely with the selected Innovation partner(s) to explore new ways of exploiting technology for profit. It is expected that a successful pilot will result in your business being better placed to attract investment. Application forms and more information can be found at http://www.nesta.org.uk/programmes/creative_pioneers/partnerships.aspx. South West Screen will be holding a drop-in session with NESTA/UK Film Council on April 22nd (Time TBC). If you are interested in attending, please RSVP asap to Hannah Green
Contact Details: Hannah Green - hannah.green@swscreen.co.uk
Website: http://www.nesta.org.uk/programmes/creative_pioneers/partnerships.aspx
Date Published: 18th Apr 2008
AHRC Funding Announcement...
The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) is providing co-funding for the Technology Strategy Board's (TSB) Collaborative R&D support for Creative Industries. The AHRC will co-fund with the TSB successful, high quality proposals that include a partnership with a Higher Education Institution (HEI) and that evidence a significant component of engagement with arts and humanities research. There are three distinct funding programmes: (1) Feasibility Studies Available to SME industry partners only Grants of up to £15k for projects typically between 3-6 months duration Applications are peer reviewed monthly Grant provides 75% of the project costs Aims to encourage small creative companies to explore initial ideas that may be used to leverage further development investment Open for applications from 3/3/08 - 18/08/08 (2) Fast Track Available to SME industry partners only Grant of up to £50k for projects typically between 2-18 months duration Applications are peer reviewed monthly Grant provides 50% of the project costs A "lite" version of the larger Collaborative R&D scheme, to support smaller, shorter projects Open for applications from 2/6/08 - 17/11/08 Collaborative R&D Projects invited under the theme of Exploitation of Digital Technologies Grants over of over £50k for projects typically between 2-3 years duration Expression of Interest applications due by 3/5/08. Successful Expressions of Interest will then be invited to submit a full proposal by 12/6/08 In line with the TSB's remit all applications require an industry partner and it is expected that in the majority of cases the lead applicant will be the industry partner. The application process and timetable is different for each of the three schemes. Applicants should visit the Technology Programme website http://www.technologyprogramme.org.uk/ http://www.technologyprogramme.org.uk/> for further information and to download the relevant guidance documents and application forms. At present the documentation is available for the Feasibility Studies and Collaborative R&D strands of the funding call. The documentation for the Fast Track scheme is expected to be made available on the Technology Programme site nearer to the opening date for receipt of applications. All queries regarding the application process should be directed to the TSB's helpline Tel: 01355 272155 or info@technologyprogramme.org.uk
Contact Details: info@technologyprogramme.org.uk
Website: info@technologyprogramme.org.uk
Date Published: 10th Apr 2008
The Queen & Other Boleyn Girl Screenwriter joins high profile SWF lineup...
Leading UK screenwriter Peter Morgan, whose body of work includes scripts for Stephen Frears’ ‘The Queen’, Kevin MacDonald’s ‘The Last King of Scotland’ and the west end play ‘FrostNixon’ which is currently getting a big screen makeover, will give a masterclass at the Cheltenham International Screenwriters’ Festival held 1-3 July 2008 in the UK and sponsors include: South West Screen, Cheltenham Council, Sky, BBC Films, UK Film Council, C4, LSC, Ealing Film Studios, BAFTA, Face Group, Arturi Films, Skillset and Chateau De Sours . The Festival is attended by producers, directors, developers and writers. Peter Morgan has adapted the forthcoming feature based on Philipa Gregory novel ‘The Other Boleyn Girl’ and is currently working on another big screen adaptation of his work, the 2002 TV series ‘The Jury’. The Festival attracts writers, producers, developers, financiers and executives, each July for keynote speeches, screenings, debates, case studies, seminars and workshops. 600+ from 15 countries attended in 2007 which is devoted to the art, craft, education, and business of writing for the screen, exploring writing for feature films, television and new media; the Festival programme includes all genres, including comedy. All Early Bird Discount Delegate Passes have already been sold. Previously announced speakers include renowned fantasy writer and creator of the Discworld novels, Terry Pratchett, together with director, Vadim Jean, Leon the Pig Farmer, Jane Tranter, Controller of BBC Fiction, who runs the BBC Drama group including BBC Films, together with Oscar winners Julian Fellowes Young Victoria & Gosford Park, Guillermo Del Toro ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ and ‘Hellboy II’, along with Lucy Prebble ‘Secret Diary Of A Call Girl’, Deborah Moggach ‘Pride and Prejudice , Peter Kosminsky ‘The Government Inspector’ and ‘Britz’ , and Laura Mackie Director Of Drama ITV. Kay Mellor ‘The Chase’, ‘Fat Friends’ and ‘Band Of Gold’ and a return of leading psychiatrist Dr Raj Persaud who will explore how writers overcome the mental challenges facing them. The initial SWF 2008 programme and tickets are available on line on the Festival. Sign up for regular emailed news bulletins to be reminded of speaker and programme additions, how to book delegate passes, where to stay etc at www.screenwritersfestival.com
Contact Details:
Website:
Date Published: 10th Apr 2008
Skillset Survey
Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for Creative Media, is currently conducting a survey of the creative media workforce. OFVM fully supports this piece of research, which was developed by people from industry. The information collected will give everyone an invaluable insight into how the industry is shaping up in terms of training, qualifications and skills. This is your chance to have your say on the future needs of the industry and ensure that your needs are met. Those interested in participating in this important piece of research can access the survey online via the following link: http://www.qualasys.com/skillset_workforce_survey_2008.htm If you would like an electronic copy (PDF), please visit Skillset’s website at www.skillset.org/research . If you require a paper version or any other format, please contact Karen Muir on 0113 244 6795 or karenm@skillset.org. The closing date for completed questionnaires is Friday 30th May 2008. Every response will be invaluable in ensuring that future resources can meet the needs of all.
Contact Details: karenm@skillset.org.
Website: www.skillset.org/research
Date Published: 10th Apr 2008
HSBC Start-Up Stars
Since launching in 2000, HSBC Start-Up Stars has rapidly become one of the UK's most prestigious annual small business awards, backed by Sky News and the Daily Express. As well as offering cash prizes for the top few there are rewards for all who take up the challenge. Provided your business is less than three years old, regardless of its size, you can enter the HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards. We welcome entrants from every business sector. And, you don't have to bank with HSBC to be able to enter. HSBC Start-Up Stars 2008 We're looking for start-ups with determination and dedication, that have the creativity and business acumen to succeed. We want to know how you started your own business, how you got it off the ground, who helped you, and what you've got planned for the future. If you win HSBC Start-Up Stars 2008, you'll receive our top prize of £50,000. There are also rewards for runners-up and regional winners. And we're offering the special Green Award, with a £5,000 prize, for young businesses that show they're dedicated to addressing environment issues. As a carbon-neutral organisation, HSBC is pleased to encourage businesses to be greener - with the HSBC Start-Up Stars Green Award. This award recognises companies that are committed to preserving our environment and protecting our future. The winner will gain national recognition for ethical practice plus a £5,000 cash prize. To find out more about the Awards and to enter go to www.startupstars.hsbc.co.uk
Contact Details: www.startupstars.hsbc.co.uk
Website: www.startupstars.hsbc.co.uk
Date Published: 10th Apr 2008
Get Creative! Saturday day schools...
The University of Gloucestershire is offering you the chance to Get Creative! Aimed at learners of all abilities, their range of Saturday day schools are based at Pittville Studios in Cheltenham and are run from early May onwards. Courses cater for all interests from art with Landscape Drawing, Portraiture and Contemporary Still Life classes to Film with Introduction to Screenwriting, Camera Techniques and Production Practice and Editing with Final Cut Express. They also have a Professional Writing class and we are offering students a Day in the a Photography Studio.... www.glos.ac.uk/subjectsandcourses/allagelearning or email: pittvillestudios@glos.ac.uk
Contact Details: pittvillestudios@glos.ac.uk
Website: www.glos.ac.uk/subjectsandcourses/allagelearning
Date Published: 4th Apr 2008
Next weeks Viewfinder Film Festival...
Feature in today's Citizen and online describes last Thursdays hubbub of excitement when hundreds of youngsters converged at Cineworld to see their very own films shown on the big screen.... Children, teachers and parents from across the county turned out for the Viewfinder Film Festival's very first dedicated Under 16s screening. A mixture of comedy, drama, documentary and animation, some were collaborative works submitted by primary schools or community groups, while others were independent films made by individual children aged seven to 16. Films available on the website and winning films from next weeks festival (Mon-Thur) will be streamed on the main festival website www.viewfinderfilm.info
Contact Details: www.viewfinderfilm.info
Website: http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=232356&command=displayContent&sourceNode=232356&contentPK=20311361&folderPk=108181&pNodeId=231882
Date Published: 4th Apr 2008
Business Support for Photo Imaging in the South West web page is now live!
Please find attached a link: At the moment it appears on Skillset’s South West Regional pages but it will also be added to the Photo Imaging section of Skillset’s website too. I would like to thank you once again for your assistance and time in creating this page and I would be most grateful if you could possibly provide links to it from your own web pages.
Contact Details: http://www.skillset.org/uk/southwest/article_6571_1.asp
Website: http://www.skillset.org/uk/southwest/article_6571_1.asp
Date Published: 27th Mar 2008
Channel 4 unveils Digi Media Fund....
Channel 4 is setting up a £50m fund to support public service digital media content over the next two years and has promised to show more new programmes in peak time than any other public service broadcaster. Andy Duncan, the Channel 4 chief executive, has just announced the creation of the 4 Innovation for the Public fund as he unveiled the Next on 4 statement of promises. Designed to "kick start a wave of new investment in public service digital media for audiences around Britain" the £50m 4IP fund will launch in July as a collaboration between Channel 4 and a series of development and media agencies from around the UK. Channel 4 also pledged to broadcast the equivalent of at least one new documentary in peak time each weekday - a minimum of 260 hours across the year. The Next on 4 "blueprint" is the culmination of an internal review that included consultation with staff, creative and commercial partners and the government, as well as extensive audience research including a YouGov survey of 11,000 members of the public. The broadcaster will also introduce a New Talent Month in 2008 and has promised to commit £10m annually to support a range of schemes through 4Talent.
Contact Details: http://www.channel4.com/about4/next_on4.html
Website: http://www.channel4.com/about4/next_on4.html
Date Published: 27th Mar 2008
Answers to the most common problems...
There are many questions that need to be answered when growing a business. Here, answered are the top 5 with links to further help and advice. For answers to many more click here
Contact Details: http://www.thinkbusinesslink.com/questions/growing
Website: http://www.thinkbusinesslink.com/questions/growing
Date Published: 27th Mar 2008
Business Link can provide practical help for your media business
Business Link have produced a practical new guide to help you to grow your business. If you would like to see how you can easily manage the following key areas and turn your ambitions into reality, read more of the book download 1. Building a strategy for growth 2. Assessing the current situation 3. Considering growth strategies 4. Resources for your growth plan 5. Measuring and communicating growth External changes provide opportunities that well managed businesses can turn to their advantage. Use the Business Link guidebook to learn more about your growth strategy....
Contact Details: ttp://www.blsw.co.uk/BLDevCorLZ//lz.aspx?p1=0575853S624&w=http://www.blsw.co.uk/BLDevCorLZ//documents/growing_your_business.pdf
Website: ttp://www.blsw.co.uk/BLDevCorLZ//lz.aspx?p1=0575853S624&w=http://www.blsw.co.uk/BLDevCorLZ//documents/growing_your_business.pdf
Date Published: 27th Mar 2008
Meet Pivotal Games: the South West's Largest Games Studio
Tuesday 1 April, 6 - 8pm, Pervasive Media Studio, Bristol - To keep pace with their continued growth and the development of their highly successful series of computer games, Pivotal Games are in urgent need of talented individuals to join their team. Attend this event and meet the team, find out more about computer games development, and see if there's an opportunity for you. To sign up and to find out more about Creative Technology Network events see the SWScreen website
Contact Details: www.swscreen.co.uk
Website: www.swscreen.co.uk
Date Published: 20th Mar 2008
GMG Event on Wednesday Start time...
next Wednesday GMG is thrilled to play host to Hugh Mason who will be coming to the Film Studios to speak to members.... we thought we would try out a new start time for this event so some of you can come straight from work, and thus making the event finish earlier.... because of this we will provide sandwiches and crisps to keep you going! Arrivals from 6.15pm for the event to start prompt at 7pm.
Contact Details: Emma Heathcote-James
Website: emma@thegmg.org
Date Published: 20th Mar 2008
Basic & Advanced Pension Seminars
The highly successful Pensions for Artists seminar programme has already provided free advice to over 600 people working across the arts. ArtsMatrix and Business Link South West are teaming up to bring the seminar back to the South West, for two dates in April. Each seminar event is made up of a Basic session (10:30 till 12:30), providing a general introduction to pensions and savings, and an Advanced session (14:00 till 16:00), for those wanting to know about things like how to use a "SIPP" to purchase their workspace as a pension. Attendees can choose to attend one session or the other, or both. With 70% percent of people currently working in the UK's creative sector having no pension it is time for each and all of us to worry - particularly when this figure compares to 44% of the UK's working population as a whole! And when the reasons offered for no pension are most usually given as "I am too young to need to have one" ... "pensions are too difficult to understand" ... "I'm never in employment long enough" ... and ... "I can't afford to save" - then there is real cause for concern. Government changes to the pension system are underway - but existing arrangements still make saving for a pension one of the most tax efficient opportunities for anyone in work - and for some who are not. So why then, aren't more people in creative occupations saving for theirs? With these questions in mind Arts Council England, through their Artists Insights programme, are supporting a series of FREE seminars at venues across England. This short but intensive seminar will examine your likely retirement needs and the various options for your pension provision - providing the people who attend with simple, basic and useful information to help you understand your pension opportunities - and the consequences for you if you choose not to have a pension as well. Can you really afford not to be there???? 24 April 2008 at The B Bar, Barbican Theatre, Plymouth 30 April 2008 at the Watershed, Bristol To register for one of these events, visit: www.pensionsforartists.org.uk/seminar/html If you have any queries please contact Simon Zimmerman at Pensions for Artists: Simon.zimmerman@pensionsforartists.org.uk
Contact Details: zimmerman@pensionsforartists.org.uk
Website: http://www.pensionsforartists.org.uk/seminar/html
Date Published: 20th Mar 2008
Skillset
Skillset have just announced that Organisations can now apply for funding from Skillset’s TV Freelance Fund and Film Skills Fund. You can find 2008/9 Funding Programmes on our website using the links below: For the Film Skills Fund: http://www.skillset.org/film/funding/organisations/article_2867_1.asp For the TV Freelance Fund: http://www.skillset.org/tv/funding/article_3792_1.asp
Contact Details: See links above
Date Published: 20th Mar 2008
Adult Skills Forum
The below is a link to the form that funding for Adult skills will take after the end of the LSC http://www.dius.gov.uk/press/17-03-08.html
Contact Details: http://www.dius.gov.uk/press/17-03-08.html
Website: http://www.dius.gov.uk/press/17-03-08.html
Date Published: 20th Mar 2008
Media Innovation Awards
Businesses & individuals across the South West were recognised for their talent and flair in the screen-based media industry at the glittering Media Innovation Awards Ceremony on 14th March. The glitzy celebrations were held at the Holiday Inn, Plymouth. The overall winner and recipient of the prestigious 2008 MIA trophy was Snap Happy, based in Bristol for Mobile Pie in association with Hands On Mobile and Luke Bennett, for producing an original, fun and user friendly mobile application. Nominnees from Exeter, Modbury, Croyde, Newton Abbot and Kingsbridge won categories in Television, DVD/CD Rom, Corporate website and Audio/music for screen. While Plymouth companies won the awards in the Community Website, Multi Platform, Print Graphics, Photographic, Installation/Exhibition, Newcomer and the outstanding contribution award. Phoenix Media based in Exeter - in association with Jerri Hart and Ben Sherriff received the award for best independent film/video for their piece Revenge of the Jazz Hoodie. The judges awarded the first prize in the category for producing a clever piece of fiction accompanied by a smart use of music, and for producing an original story on a low budget. Televisionary based in Modbury, won the top award in the television category for their Fat Face Night Series. The judges awarded the first prize for using an innovative way of commercially exploiting an event. They also described it as a well crafted and imaginative video package. Maniac Films based in Croyde, in association with Jon Croose, Means of Production Community Arts, Iona Dowling, Julian Vayne for the Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon in partnership with the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter, scooped the top award in the DVD/CD Rom category for Think Tank. The judges awarded first prize for finding an inventive way of tackling its subject, they also described it as an imaginative piece that engaged its audience well. Integralvision based in Newton Abbot won the corporate website category for Virtually Dartmoor, a website produced for the Dartmoor National Park Authority. The judges awarded first prize for delivering a site that reached an audience beyond the web. They described it as an excellent example of how creative thinking can deliver historical and factual information and how a website can be developed for more than one platform. Paul Roberts Sound based in Kingsbridge won the audio/music for screen category for his piece Mama Mirabelle, produced for the BBC and King Rollo Films for National Geographic. The judges awarded first prize for the incredibly complex and well executed sound mix which brought the programme to life and beautifully complemented the imagery. Silverstream TV won the community website category for Great South West Walk, produced for the Western Morning News. The judges awarded the top prize for showing how an excellent community website could be created with a very limited budget. Inside Out South West won the multi-platform category for Rhinocam, produced for BBC South West with the cooperation of Paignton Zoo and BT. Judges described it as a fantastic collaboration between broadband providers, regional newspapers and terrestrial TV, and gave top prize for creating a global event from a simple idea. Out of Hand Ltd won the print graphics for 247 Magazine for producing a distinctive and commercially successful product in a very competitive market. The judges also described the magazine as carefully targeted product that was able to entertain and inform its audience. The Herald scooped top prize in the photographic category for The Herald Naratives, which judges described as a really accessible way of presenting school nativity photographs to the public and an innovative approach to engaging its community and sharing photographs across platforms. Soundcube in association with Plymouth College of Art & Design with funding from the Arts Council England and Creative Partnerships won first prize in the installation/exhibition category for Darwins Walk. Described as an unusual and engaging experience that was both fun and informative, it won top prize for using a sound installation to tell the story of evolution and for making it fun. Luke Angell from HMC Interactive won the newcomer category for showing an ability to work on a wide range of projects at the cutting edge of interactive exhibition development. The judges also commented that he has dealt with a wide range of clients and projects with creativity and verve. Not content with one award, HMC Interactive also scooped the outstanding contribution award for creating dazzling interactive experiences that are enjoyed all over the world and for leading the field in multimedia installation projects across the globe. Another triumph for Bristol was in the screen graphics category with Seven Ages of Rock produced by John Durrant, Orla Handley, Steve Bell & Jon Doe from BDH for BBC Television and BBC On Line. The judges awarded them the prize for transforming archive pictures into dynamic images that could tell a story. Judges also described it as a complex multi layered use of graphics, which clearly branded the entire programme experience. Poole-based White Lantern Film in association with MV-v and Fire FM with funding from Media Box and Awards for All, won the collaboration between business and young people category for Pier Pressure. The judges awarded them the prize for producing a well-made and well-executed piece which tackled subjects of direct concern to young people through their own experiences and stories. The evening was introduced by Mark Hawkins, chair of Plymouth Media-Partnership, and Jemma Woodman from ITV Westcountry was the host for the evening. The awards were presented by representatives from each of the award sponsors and were revealed as follows:- TELEVISION Sponsored by Silverstream TV Television category winner: Fat Face Night Series Produced by Televisionary for Fat Face Ltd DVD/CD ROM Sponsored by Disc Manufacturing Services DVD/CD Rom category winner: Think Tank Produced by Maniac Films in association with Jon Croose, Means of Production Community Arts, Iona Dowling, Julian Vayne for the Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon in partnership with the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter. COMMUNITY WEBSITE Sponsored by Plymouth City Council Community website category winner: Great South West Walk Produced by Silverstream TV for the Western Morning News CORPORATE WEBSITE Sponsored by Business Link Peninsula Corporate website category winner: Virtually Dartmoor Produced by Integralvision for Dartmoor National Park Authority MOBILE Sponsored by Tamar Science Park Mobile category winner: Snap Happy Produced by Mobile Pie in association with Hands On Mobile and Luke Bennett MULTI-PLATFORM Presented by Plymouth Media-Partnership Multi-platform category winner: Inside Out South West Rhinocam Produced by BBC South West with the cooperation of Paignton Zoo and BT INDEPENDENT FILM/VIDEO Sponsored by Blackfriars Independent film/video category winner: Revenge of the Jazz Hoodie Produced by Phoenix Media in association with Jerri Hart and Ben Sherriff SCREEN GRAPHICS Sponsored by Goto Online Screen graphics category winner: Seven Ages of Rock Produced by John Durrant, Orla Handley, Steve Bell & Jon Doe from BDH for BBC Television and BBC On Line PRINT GRAPHICS Sponsored by South West Media Group Print graphics category winner: 247 Magazine Produced and published by Out of Hand Ltd PHOTOGRAPHIC Sponsored by HMC Interactive Photographic category winner: The Herald Nativities Produced by The Herald INSTALLATION/EXHIBITION Sponsored by Pyramid Presentations Installation/exhibition category winner: Darwins Walk Produced by Soundcube in association with Plymouth College of Art & Design with funding from the Arts Council England and Creative Partnerships. AUDIO/MUSIC FOR SCREEN Sponsored by Audio Network Audio/music for screen category winner: Mama Mirabelle Sound by Paul Roberts Sound for the BBC and King Rollo Films for National Geographic COLLABORATION BETWEEN BUSINESS AND YOUNG PEOPLE Sponsored by RiO Collaboration between business and young people category winner: Pier Pressure Produced by White Lantern Film in association with MV-v and Fire FM with funding from Media Box and Awards for All NEWCOMER Sponsored by Formation Zone Newcomer category winner: Luke Angell from HMC Interactive OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION Sponsored by Twofour Outstanding contribution category winner: HMC Interactive 2008 MIA TROPHY WINNER Sponsored by Plymouth City Council 2008 MIA trophy winner category winner: Snap Happy Produced by Mobile Pie in association with Hands On Mobile and Luke Bennett
Contact Details: To see the highlights from the Awards Ceremony visit: www.silverstream.tv
Website: To see the highlights from the Awards Ceremony visit: www.silverstream.tv
Date Published: 20th Mar 2008
Media Innovation Awards
Lee Stephens (our Chair) and I both whizzed down to Plymouth last Friday evening and got all glammed up for the Media Innovation Awards.... sadly this year there were no nominations from Gloucestershire (this is *so* going to change in 2009 chaps!!!) but nonetheless it was a terrific night - super spritzy and uber tecchie.... will let you know when the call for entries is next year and I want us all to make a concerted effort to get GMGers on the awards map and for us to have a whole GMG table (or three!)
Contact Details: www.mediainnovationawards.com
Website: www.mediainnovationawards.com
Date Published: 17th Mar 2008
Viewfinder Film Festival update
Thanks to all GMGers who have submitted their films to this years Viewfinder Festival scheduled to be held Mon 7th-Thur 10th April every eve at 7.30pm.... the films have been selected and chosen contributors will be contacted over the coming weeks to let you know when your film will be on the big screen... thanks to members for their continued support of our local festival!
Contact Details: www.viewfinderfilm.info
Website: www.viewfinderfilm.info
Date Published: 13th Mar 2008
GMG Research update...
Know some of you have been telephoned and taken part in our independent questionnairre - just a note to say a bug thank you for your time and thoughts and help... we'll let you know the results as soon as all the data has been processed and analysed!
Contact Details: www.thegmg.org
Website: www.thegmg.org
Date Published: 6th Mar 2008
Terry Pratchett is coming to the Screenwriters' Festival in Cheltenham!
Renowned fantasy writer and creator of the Discworld novels, Terry Pratchett, together with director, Vadim Jean, Leon the Pig Farmer, will be joining the Screenwriters’ Festival in July to talk about their recent collaboration on ‘The Colour of Magic’ for Sky, having both worked together on last year’s Sky production of ‘The Hogfather’. They have been added to the high profile line up of speakers at this year’s International Screenwriters’ Festival to be held in Cheltenham, UK during 1-3rd July 2008. The Festival’s sponsors include South West Screen, Cheltenham Council, Sky, UK Film Council, Skillset and C4. With close to 1000 entries for the SWF‘s popular pitch scheme ‘A Pitch in Time’ in association with 4Talent has now closed for entries and the successful short list will be made public on 17th march. David Pearson. Producer at Arturi Films, and the festival’s Director and founder said that, “ Once again we are impressed at the high standard of entries and we look forward to a lively pitch session as the Festival. Interest in screenwriting and its role in the value chain of film and TV making continue to be in the ascendency”. The festival’s delegate tickets are on sale this week and the first 50 sold will have a discounted price of £300 for the packed three days of events (normal price for three day pass £330). Previously announced speakers include Jane Tranter Controller of BBC Fiction, who runs the BBC Drama group including BBC Films, together with Oscar winners Julian Fellowes Young Victoria & Gosford Park, Guillermo Del Toro ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ and ‘Hellboy II’, along with Lucy Prebble ‘Secret Diary Of A Call Girl’, Deborah Moggach ‘Pride and Prejudice’ ,Peter Kosminsky ‘The Government Inspector’ and ‘Britz’ , Laura Mackie Director Of Drama ITV. Kay Mellor ‘The Chase’, ‘Fat Friends’ and ‘Band Of Gold’ and a return of leading psychiatrist Dr Raj Persaud who will explore at how writers overcome the mental challenges facing them to make great films. The initial SWF 2008 programme will be available on line on the Festival website on Friday 14th March 2008. Sign up for regular emailed news bulletins to be reminded of speaker and programme additions, how to book delegate passes, where to stay etc at www.screenwritersfestival.com The Festival attracts writers, producers, developers, financiers and executives, and film students each July for keynote speeches, screenings, debates, case studies, seminars and workshops. 600+ from 14 countries attended in 2007. The Screenwriters’ Festival is devoted to the art, craft, education, and business of writing for the screen, exploring writing for feature films, television and new media; the Festival programme includes all genres, including comedy.
Contact Details: www.screenwritersfestival.com
Website: www.screenwritersfestival.com
Date Published: 6th Mar 2008
Short-list of nominations for NEXT WEEKS Media Innovation Awards announced
The shortlist of nominations for the 2008 Media Innovation Awards has been announced. A record 96 entries were received from across the region – up 50 per cent on last year – and the judges have shortlisted 40 entries. Entries were invited from new media companies across the whole of the South West, and were supported by media cluster groups from across the region including; South West Screen , Plymouth Media-Partnership, Cornwall Media Focus , Wessex Media Group , Bristol Media and the Gloucestershire Media Group. Karen Stockdale of the award organisers, Plymouth Media-Partnership, says she’s delighted at the quality and diversity of entries this year, “The judges really had their work cut out deciding which entries to shortlist. “The quality of entries was very high and shows the high standard of media companies in the region.” The awards recognise the innovative use of screen-based media in the region, and members of the cluster groups from Cornwall through to Dorset and Gloucestershire were invited to enter the 15 categories. The companies nominated are: Television; • Colour Design Limited (Ivybridge) - UKBW Advertising campaign for UKBW • Televisionary (Modbury) - Fat Face Night Series for Fat Face Ltd • Available Light (Bristol) - Building Wonders for ITV West DVD/CD Rom; • Coleridge Productions (Plymouth) - Who Are You Looking At? for Devon & Cornwall Constabulary • Twofour Communications (Plymouth) - My Daddy: Safe Driving for Life for the Driving Standards Agency • Maniac Films (Exeter) in association with Jon Croose, Means of Production Community Arts, Iona Dowling, Julian Vayne - Think Tank for the Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon in partnership with the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter. Community website; • Silverstream TV (Plymouth) - Great South West Walk for the Western Morning News • Twofour Digital (Plymouth)- EuroparlTV for the European Parliament • Twofour Communications (Plymouth) in association with Twofour Learning, Professor Gilly Salmon and the University of Leicester - The Media Zoo in Second Life Corporate website; • Denham Productions (Plymouth) in association with McCann Erikson - HiQtv for Goodyear Dunlop Tyres • Integralvision (Ashburton) - Toad Hall Cottages for Toad Hall Cottages • Integralvision (Ashburton) – Virtually Dartmoor for Dartmoor National Park Authority Mobile; • Maniac Films in association with 3C Research, University of Bristol, Provision Communications, U4EA, Util4, ISC, BT, Inmarsat and the Technology Strategy Board - Visualise (North Devon) • Mobile Pie (Bristol) in association with Hands On Mobile and Luke Bennett – Snap Happy • Junction YK (Bristol) – The Interactory for the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust Multiplatform; • BBC South West - Inside Out South West – Rhinocam with the cooperation of Paignton Zoo and BT • Licorice Film (Bristol) in association with HP Labs, Watershed, University of the West of England, and Jonathan Williams and funded by Arts Council England and South West Screen - Meigeist • Available Light (Bristol)- Brunel’s Britain for Teachers TV and Grid Learning Independent film/video • Pea Soup (Exeter) and funded by Exeter Phoenix Media Scarman Trust - Small Change • Phoenix Media (Exeter) in association with Jerri Hart and Ben Sherriff - The Revenge of the Jazz Hoodie Screen graphics; • HMC Interactive (Plymouth) in association with Pyramid Presentations - Grow Your Own Flower • Matt Boulton and Jo Kidby (Plymouth) - ITV Westcountry Graphics for ITV Westcountry • BDH (Bristol) – Seven Ages of Rock for BBC Television and BBC On line Print graphics; • Out of Hand (Plymouth) - 247 Magazine • Company of Designers (Plymouth) - University of Plymouth Service Finder for the University of Plymouth Photographic; • The Herald (Plymouth) - The Herald Nativities • John Miles Photography (Plymouth) - High Dynamic Range Installation/Exhibition; • HMC Interactive (Plymouth) and New Angle in association with Thomas Matthews and Sysco AV - The Weller Astronomy Galleries for the National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory, Greenwich. • Soundcube (Plymouth) in association with Plymouth College of Art & Design with funding from the Arts Council England and Creative Partnerships - Darwin’s Walk • Awen Productions (Penzance) in association with the Arts Council England, Carnegie UK Trust, Penwith District Council, and Cornwall County Council - Farming Families Audio/Music for screen; • Twofour Digital (Plymouth)- RAF Presentation DVD for Twofour Communications commissioned by the RAF • Paul Roberts Sound (Kingsbridge) - Mama Mirabelle for BBC/King Rollo Films for National Geographic Collaboration between business and young people; • Exeter Phoenix (Exeter) with funding from Phoenix Media - Café Loop • Pangaea TV (Exeter) in association with Exeter University and Devon and Cornwall Police and funded by Exeter University Drama Department - Runaway? • White Lantern Film (Poole) - Pier Pressure Newcomer; • Luke Angell - HMC Interactive (Plymouth) • Simon Hammett - Pangaea TV (Exeter) • Sam Lanyon - Concept Shed (Falmouth) Outstanding contribution; • HMC Interactive (Plymouth) • Pippa Best - Cornwall Film (Truro) The winners will be announced at a gala award ceremony in Plymouth on 14 March. Tickets for the ceremony and dinner can now be booked online, for more information see www.mediainnovationawards.com
Contact Details: www.mediainnovationawards.com
Website: www.mediainnovationawards.com
Date Published: 6th Mar 2008
Unique Opportunity for Storyboard Artists
Are you a storyboard artist looking to up-skill? Have you previously worked in the animation industry and are now looking to retrain as a storyboard artist? South West Screen and Aardman Animations are offering unique opportunity for up to ten people to become experts in storyboarding through a highly specialised training course at Aardman’s film studio in Bristol. ANIMATION BRIDGE: STORYBOARDING FROM START TO FINISH 21 April 2008 – 13 June 2008 (8 weeks full time training) Cost: £500 per trainee Animation Bridge is a model piloted by Aardman Animations and South West Screen in 2006 with stop motion key animators transferring to CG production. The principles have now been applied to storyboard training and a new two-part programme has been developed. Animation Bridge: Storyboarding from start to finish an intensive 8 week course tutored by Frank Gladstone, ex-Head of Training and Artistic Development at Disney and Dreamworks Animation, Aardman Animations and top UK trainers, aimed at helping professionals hone their skills, develop their craft, artistic interpretation and cine literacy. To apply you must: • be a resident in the UK for at least 3 years • have at least 2 years experience of working as an animator, illustrator, fine artist or storyboard artist • have basic computer literacy • have experience preferable in graphics/ animation software packages • have an interest in working across platforms e.g. commercials, features, broadcast • high level of motivation and be able to demonstrate a commitment to the 8-week Story Intensive Training Programme • a positive attitude to work and high standards for others to follow For more information and to download an application pack please go to www.aardman.com/jobs. The deadline for all applications is 12 noon on Friday 14 March 2008. Animation Bridge: Storyboarding from Start to Finish is funded by the Skillset Film Skills Fund, Aardman Animations, the South West Regional Development Agency and South West Screen.
Contact Details: www.aardman.com/jobs.
Website: www.aardman.com/jobs.
Date Published: 29th Feb 2008
Conference tomorrow....
A major conference takes place tomorrow (Saturday) which is hosted by University of Glos at Pittville campus to bring together communities across the county and the South West to debate, celebrate and plan for the future of community media. The conference is focussed around the issues arising from a series of new broadcast projects run in the last 3 years in different parts of Gloucestershire. In the report \'A Thousand Voices New!\' there is the background to 5 community broadcasts which gave over a thousand people of all ages a chance to make their own radio. The project was commissioned by The Glos Arts Advisory Group and run through a partnership between Soundwork Community Arts and Forest Community Media. With nearly 100 Community radio stations now on air in the UK, many communities have access to a different kind of media, radio that listens to local views by handing over the microphone. Community TV, online and on air is also claiming its place at the conference on saturday Phil Sheppard Chair of the Community Media Association will out line the opportunities and the challenges now that government has recognised this new Third Sector of broadcast. for more details on the conference contact FODRADIO 01594-820722 for other information contact SOUNDWORK on 07766182667
Contact Details: FODRADIO 01594-820722 for other information contact SOUNDWORK on 07766182667
Date Published: 29th Feb 2008
Screenwriters Festival announcements...
Christopher Hampton, Oscar nominated screenwriter of Atonement has been added to the high profile line up of speakers at this year’s International Screenwriters’ Festival to be held in Cheltenham, UK during 1-3rd July 2008. The festival’s delegate tickets go on sale this week and the first 50 sold will have a discounted price of £300 for the packed three days of events (normal price for three day pass £330). Other additional speakers include TV writer and producer Kay Mellor ‘The Chase’, ‘Fat Friends’ and ‘Band Of Gold’ and a return of leading psychiatrist Dr Raj Persaud who was a hit at last year’s Festival when he explored ‘Screenwriters- A Suitable Case For Treatment’. This year he will explore at how writers overcome the mental challenges facing them to make great films. Previously announced speakers include Jane Tranter Controller of BBC Fiction, who runs the BBC Drama group including BBC Films, together with Oscar winners Julian Fellowes Young Victoria & Gosford Park, Guillermo Del Toro ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ and ‘Hellboy II’, along with Lucy Prebble ‘Secret Diary Of A Call Girl’, Deborah Moggach ‘Pride and Prejudice’ ,Peter Kosminsky ‘The Government Inspector’ and ‘Britz’ and Laura Mackie Director Of Drama ITV. The Festival’s sponsors include South West Screen, Cheltenham Council, Sky, UK Film Council, Skillset and C4. David Pearson of Arturi Films, the founder and Director of the Festival, said . “ We have a programme that offers established writers and producers new opportunities, reveals industry trends and case studies of the best work around. I expect more projects to be picked up at the Festival this year and for yet more new partnerships to be formed”. Sign up for regular emailed news bulletins to be reminded of speaker and programme additions, how to book delegate passes, where to stay etc at www.screenwritersfestival.com The Festival attracts writers, producers, developers, financiers and executives, and film students each July for keynote speeches, screenings, debates, case studies, seminars and workshops. 600+ from 14 countries attended in 2007. The Screenwriters’ Festival is devoted to the art, craft, education, and business of writing for the screen, exploring writing for feature films, television and new media; the Festival programme includes all genres, including comedy.
Contact Details: www.screenwritersfestival.com
Website: www.screenwritersfestival.com
Date Published: 21st Feb 2008
Our local Viewfinder Festival: Last call for entries...
With the deadline looming next week it's Viewfinder's last call for South West shorts to be entered for the festival housed at Cheltneham's Cineworld this coming April.... films lasting less than 15 minutes are being sought in various genres including animation, drama, documentary, experimentation and music video.
Contact Details: http://www.viewfinderfilm.info
Website: http://www.viewfinderfilm.info
Date Published: 21st Feb 2008
Creative Industries - £10m Call for Research - West Midlands Workshop
On 30th January details about the £10m call for collaborative research projects, targeted specifically at the creative industries, will be announced and the competition formally launched. Full details about the call and how to apply will be posted on the technology programme website www.technologyprogramme.org.uk . Objectives In recognition of the importance of technology to the sector, as both an enabler and potential disrupter, the aim of the call is to stimulate technology based or inspired innovation. The call is looking for projects that will lead to the development of new products, processes, capabilities and services or improve the competitive advantages of existing ones. Target Audience The call is open to collaborative projects between UK based companies; and companies and universities/ other research organisations. The overall theme will centre on the exploitation of digital technologies and has been designed to appeal broadly across the creative industry sub sectors, and includes specific mechanisms to encourage participation of small companies. Call Launch - 30th January This event at the Law Society, London is open to all and will provide information about the call and application process. Project Development Workshops The Technology Strategy Board will host two all day workshops to help stimulate and develop project ideas and build project teams: 20th February - West Midlands Attached for your information are further details about the call. More information about the application process and details on how to register for the workshop can be found on the technology programme website www.technologyprogramme.org.uk. These workshops are very much targeted at the practitioners who are likely to have a hands on role in delivering aspects of any successfully funded projects, rather than intermediaries, or individuals with a broad business development or business support role. The workshop has been developed to be highly interactive with speed networking, small group brainstorming and one to one discussions. This workshop is free to creative industry companies and organisations that are considering participating or leading a project. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis and managed to ensure a good balance between large and small companies and research organisations.
Contact Details: www.technologyprogramme.org.uk.
Website: www.technologyprogramme.org.uk.
Date Published: 15th Feb 2008
Access to Digital Media Finance
Where digital media entrepreneurs and investors come together: Thursday 6 March 2008, Watershed, Bristol, UK A one day conference presented by South West Screen - Booking +44 (0)117 927 5100 We all know today’s digital media success stories: Facebook, YouTube, and MySpace are amongst the most recognisable brands in the world. So how do you transform your brilliant digital idea into a phenomenal commercial success? Bringing together digital media entrepreneurs and investors, this event will present an expert view of the investment landscape and get behind some of the success stories. If you’re a digital media entrepreneur the event will give you an invaluable insight into how to make your idea investment ready. If you’re an investor, this is a chance to meet the people whose ideas could be the next big thing and assess the shape of the market and its opportunities. Featuring keynote speakers, panel sessions and workshops looking at all the key issues, this is an unmissable event for digital media producers and investors alike. For further information visit www.swscreen.co.uk Booking Places cost £50 including lunch and are on sale from Watershed Box Office, Tel: +44 (0)117 927 5100 / www.watershed.co.uk Thanks to our supporters and sponsors for making this event possible
Contact Details: www.watershed.co.uk
Date Published: 15th Feb 2008
Enterprising Britain Award
Enterprising Britain is an award open to all places (in the UK) that can demonstrate how they have transformed the community through enterprise in the last two years. All entrants must represent an identifiable geographic area, such as a town, a city, a parish or neighbourhood and be able to demonstrate that enterprise is central to the economic and social transformation of the place. The national competition will be launched on the 18th February in North Staffordshire and will have two distinct stages: A regional competition managed by SWRDA A national competition run by the Make Your Mark campaign, on behalf of BERR In order to drive nominations we want to engage local networks and potential nominators such as local authorities, sub-regional strategic partnerships etc. The deadline for entrants in the South West is Friday 18 April 2008, this allows a month and a half to conduct the regional judging process and submit the regional entry to the national competition. Projects will be short listed and they will present to an independent panel of RDA representatives, business people and previous winners. A prize package of £10,000 is offered to the regional winners in the form of a grant (subject to SWRDA approval of how it is used). In addition, all regional winners should receive publicity at both a national and regional level, through the competitions dedicated media relations campaign. The UK competition will culminate with an awards ceremony in September 2008 when the overall national winner will be announced. All regional winners will be invited to the ceremony and receive a winner's trophy. National prize The overall winner of Enterprising Britain 2008 will receive a winner's prize package consisting of: · Nomination to the European Enterprise Awards; Extensive media relations package of support to profile the winner’s success and involvement in the competition; Logo of accreditation, which can act as a stamp on their merchandise and publicity; materials Winner’s trophy, to be presented at the Awards ceremony; Recognition and profile with Government, business and policy makers; Opportunities to attend Enterprising Britain networking events as well as access to the Enterprising Britain online network A permanent physical reminder (such as a plaque, or dedicated statue) to celebrate the win; and, Local, regional, national and international recognition of its achievements. Entry Criteria All potential candidates will need to complete an application form, in order to qualify. The application must include a description of the project that tells the story of what has been achieved within this period and brings to life the transformation that has occurred. Applications will need to provide an account of how the place has: Responded to the challenges of promoting enterprise; Formed partnerships and policies to tackle those challenges: and, Ensured that its actions have had a positive impact as a result. Emphasis should be given to those candidates who can demonstrate innovative thinking in their overall approach. To aid judging we would advise entrants to provide quantitative evidence such as impact figures, number of jobs created, new businesses started and any other relevant statistics to highlight the positive change.
Contact Details: http://www.enterprising%20Britain.org
Website: http://www.berr.gov.uk/bbf/enterprise-smes/info-business-owners/enterprising-britain/page37874.html
Date Published: 15th Feb 2008
Filmmaking Skills
The University of Gloucestershire is offering you the chance to develop your filmmaking skills. Aimed at learners of all abilities, the Saturday day schools are based at the Pittville Studios campus in Cheltenham and run from April onwards. Courses include Screenwriting, Camera Techniques and Cinema Editing and are designed to give students the skills and abilities that can then be taken to their own filmmaking projects. For more information on these courses and other available please visit www.glos.ac.uk/subjectsandcourses/allagelearning or email pittvillestudios@glos.ac.uk
Contact Details: pittvillestudios@glos.ac.uk
Website: www.glos.ac.uk/subjectsandcourses/allagelearning
Date Published: 15th Feb 2008
The Third International Screenwriters’ Festival
The Third International Screenwriters' Festival is well underway and due to high demand we have brought forward the start date of ticket sales from Monday 19th March to Monday 18th February. In addition, there will be a capped amount of 50 discounted tickets at the price of £300.00 (inc vat and paypal fees). There will be a count down on the homepage as the tickets are sold, once all 50 are gone the price will go up to £330.00 (inc vat and paypal fees). Sale starts at 17.00pm Monday 18th February 2008
Contact Details: www.screenwritersfestival.com
Website: www.screenwritersfestival.com
Date Published: 15th Feb 2008
Open Return
Post production is finally finished on the short film Open Return, directed and produced by (Stroud based) David Roland Warwick. There will be a small screening in Stroud this Sunday (10th Feb). Anybody interested in the film is welcome to come along. Please contact David on davidrwarwick@openreturn.co.uk for an invitation. More details about the film, including stills and a trailer, are online at www.openreturn.co.uk
Contact Details: http://www.openreturn.co.uk
Website: http://www.openreturn.co.uk
Date Published: 8th Feb 2008
Martin's Film score gets rave reviews!
GMG favourite Martin Kiszko's score for the movie "The Killing of John Lennon" has won rave reviews... the MP3: Killing of John Lennon (2006) has had excellent reviews since its release on January 8th 2008. We quote: " For a composer whose written some of the most lyrical music for documentaries about bugs (Alien Empire), it's a bit jarring how few feature film scores Martin Kiszko has written over the past 10 years. Skilled in orchestral writing and known for crafting evocative themes for human, animal, and insect characters, The Killing of John Lennon adds a period crime docu-drama to the composer's résumé, written in a very impressionistic style using orchestra and electronica, and some straightforward classical and jazz modes. The most overtly tragic cues are the operatic lament “Headaches,” which features a soprano backed by small string orchestra, and “Hotel Room,” with fuses a small chamber string orchestra with celli. Like Alien Empire, there's a powerful emotional structure to the tragic theme in the latter, and the orchestrations really pull at our fears, and our knowledge of what's imminent in the story – John Lennon's inevitable assassination. “New York Streets” is equally gorgeous for long, elegiac string passages that rise and hover for extra beats before a slight reconfiguration and repeat of some emotionally strained passages. A total contrast is “Gun Store,” which features a gentle folk piece on solo acoustic guitar, and “Skyscrapers,” with a short sax solo that's part blues and part east coast jazz. Some of the more contemporary-styled cues are heavily atmospheric, and feature acoustic percussion, fat, droning analogue synth chords on shape-shifting keyboards, and lyrical jazzy bridges on piano or guitar. “Library” is a fine example of mood transitions, and of a shift in focus using instrumental subtleties that infer a kind of hypnotic fixation that rapidly accelerates towards an emotional rush. (Because the film hasn't been widely released in North America at this stage, it's tough to tell from track titles alone as to whether specific cues relate directly to Lennon's killer, or wholly different aspects or characters.) “Street Girls” is slightly retro-eighties, with electronics mimicking vintage eighties percussion and keyboards without the rawness and sometimes unrefined timbre typical of early synthesizers. Basically the same set of repeated bars, it's another example of the diverse styles within Kiszko's score that are unified by a peculiar combination of lightness (certainly in his rhythmic textures), dark tonal shades (mostly via electronica), and mounting tragedy (as with instrumental and lovely vocal solos). The only drawback to the album is the brevity of most cues; it's a classic dilemma where great music runs too brief to create a solid listening experience, and a problem that plagued some of Tyler Bates' early scores (Rated X, and Get Carter). That said, there's much to admire in Kiszko's score, and his infectious mix of diverse styles and deliberate decision to avoid evoking the period and traces of Lennon's music, giving the score and album a strong coherent emotional drive that begins with a dark statement, and subsequently takes us on a deeply tragic journey that ultimately affection millions of Lennon's fans. The nearly hour-long album from Film Music Downloads is very well mastered, and features a balanced mix, flattering the intricate nuances of Kiszko's fine score, and offering a warm range of frequencies appropriate to the composer's impressionistic use of electronica". are a couple of great reviews we’ve had of the album – take the links or open the word doc attachment. Andrew Piddington, the director, has also been nominated for a BAFTA.
Contact Details: Martin Kiszko
Website: http://www.buysoundtrax.com/larsons_soundtrax.html
Date Published: 31st Jan 2008
Skillswap Launch last night....
Flash, Ming, Swish, Gif, Javascript, Silverlight, SVG and lots of other tecchie words fllled the air of the Beehive on Wednesday night as GMG launched the quarterly meets of the all new Gloucestershire Skill Swap... for more see Event Reports on the GMG website.
Contact Details: Emma Heathcote-James
Website: www.thegmg.org
Date Published: 31st Jan 2008
GMG members success...
GMG resident Jon Nicholls has just finished scoring - 'Dispatches: Why Kids Kill' is on Channel 4 which is due to screen on Monday 28th Jan 8pm - it's a very hard-hitting and serious look at teenage violence which should attract a lot of media attention... Also coming up later in the month - he was responsible for 'Faust' on Radio 4 (new serial), and Tennessee Williams' great play 'Cat On A Hot Tin Roof', starring Alison Steadman, Joss Ackland and Gemma Jones (Drama on 3, Radio 3, early March)... and as if that hasn't been keeping him busy, catch the fantastic new play at the Birmingham Rep - 'The Mother Ship' which is opening on 15th Feb and contains Jon's tones!
Contact Details: http://www.myspace.com/nichollsjon
Website: http://www.myspace.com/nichollsjon
Date Published: 25th Jan 2008
Get your entries in now for the 2008 Media Innovation Awards
Deadline: Thursday 31st January 2008 Only a week left to send in your entries and nominations for the Media Innovation Awards. If you're based in the South West of England and have created innovative pieces of work during 2007, this is your opportunity to win a prestigious award and receive widespread recognition. The competition is open to members of the South West of England cluster groups based in Bournemouth, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Plymouth and Truro. The winners will be announced at a special gala event to be held on Friday 14th March 2008 (myself and Lee will be going, so if you'd like to come along give us a shout and we'll make up a table!). In addition the winner of the Most Innovative Newcomer will receive a cash prize of five hundred pounds, and from the category winners the judges will select the recipient of the coveted MIA 2008 trophy. Full guidelines, rules and award entry information can be found on the MIA website...
Contact Details: http://www.mediainnovationawards.com/
Website: http://www.mediainnovationawards.com/
Date Published: 25th Jan 2008
Speakers Confirmed for Screenwriters Festival 2008
ane Tranter Controller of BBC Fiction, who runs the BBC Drama group including BBC Films, together with Oscar winner Julian Fellowes Young Victoria and Gosford Park and Laura Mackie Director Of Drama ITV have been added to the high profile line up of speakers at this year's International Screenwriters' Festival to be held in Cheltenham, from 1-3rd July 2008. Other names already announced for the summer already include Guillermo Del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth and Hellboy II), and Lucy Prebble (Secret Diary of A Call Girl), Deborah Moggach (Pride and Prejudice) and Peter Kosminsky (The Government Inspector) and (Britz). The Festival attracts writers, producers, developers, financiers and executives, and film students each July for keynote speeches, screenings, debates, case studies, seminars and workshops. Tickets go on sale next month....
Contact Details: www.screenwritersfestival.com
Website: www.screenwritersfestival.com
Date Published: 25th Jan 2008
GMG Membership Log in..
Just a reminder to you all that members can add job opportunities etc manually to wwe.thegmg.org!
Contact Details: www.thegmg.org
Website: www.thegmg.org
Date Published: 21st Jan 2008
Screenwriters Pitch Competition...
This years Festival is just over 6 months away and they've put out a reminder that they are looking for the bestest pitch idea for their competition 'A Pitch in Time' which is in association with 4Talent. So hop on over to the competition page to get all the information you need to enter…
Contact Details: info@screenwritersfestival.com
Website: www.screenwritersfestival.com
Date Published: 18th Jan 2008
Interviewers needed!
CHELTENHAM BOURNSIDE SCHOOL is seeking some kind GMGers who are looking to something back and spare a few hours on Wed 13th and Thur 14th February to assist with practice interviews for year 11 students, aged 14 and 15. The interviews last approximately 20 minutes, including brief feedback to students. Full briefing given between 9.30-10am interviews take place from 10am to 1.25 pm followed by a sandwich lunch. These are designed to help students prepare for part-time work or college interviews, mock Interviews are a valuable developmental opportunity outside your usual workplace for personnel who would like to practise their interviewing skills or general communication skills in an alternative environment. For more information, or to book a place: athena.joy@glosebp.co.uk office@glosebp.co.uk or 01242 676 908
Contact Details: athena.joy@glosebp.co.uk
Website: athena.joy@glosebp.co.uk
Date Published: 18th Jan 2008
360Commissioning/Creating Multi-platform Ideas
A new Skillset supported training course: 360Commissioning/Creating Multi-platform Ideas is being launched by Top TV this month... This is a brand new and exciting course designed to address the urgent need for researchers, APs, Producers and PDs to engage creatively with developing ideas and gain skills for television, web, pod, mobile, gaming etc. Broadcasters are keen on introducing multiplatform thinking when pitching ideas and this course aims to equip the participants with the knowledge, skills and experience to enable them to deliver 360 content in a practical way. The 4- day course takes place from Friday 25 – Mon 28 January in London. The speakers, trainers and tutors are key leading-edge television and new media executives. If you’d like to be part of the new media landscape, need further information or would like an application form please see the website or contact Marie on the email address below. Please note that participants do not need to be technically skilled. (Freelance Fee: £250 - Company/Staff Fee: £550)
Contact Details: Marie Elias marie@toptvacademy.co.uk
Website: www.toptvacademy.co.uk
Date Published: 17th Jan 2008