Producers Forum

Regional film director and Producers' Forum member Humaira Shah recently completed her promo for feature film, 'Fleeced' here in Birmingham. She'd love fellow filmmakers to take a look and the link is below:

www.vimeo.com/4420375

Film Synopsis:
Three rules for a successful bank job; never work with animal costumes, under-cover police officers or men smeared with copious amounts of Vaseline.

After two years of customer service, RAY (26) snaps, assaults a customer and gets fired. It’s time to get back to what he knows best: crime. Ray needs cash to resume his previous career as a conman. Unfortunately, his years of playing it straight have left him with a nasty case of morals. He bumps into the beautiful EMILIA and picks her pocket, but changes his mind and picks her up instead.

Ray tries a different approach. He seeks out BARNEY, a psychopathic old friend with absolutely no concept of morals or decency and a particular distaste for gerbils. Barney takes Ray to see THE PANTHER, a leading figure in the local underworld who needs a crew for a bank job.

So far, so good.

Unfortunately Barney neglected to mention that The Panther genuinely believes himself to be a large cat; that The Panther’s son, FREDDIE, never changes his underwear and has a body odour which can kill squirrels; and that Ray, Barney and the rest of the crew have to rob the bank dressed as giant furry animals.

If this isn’t bad enough Ray learns his old nemesis, the dogged INSPECTOR BRIGGS, is hot on his trail. Briggs has hated Ray for years and is determined to catch him whatever the cost.

At least Ray’s date with Emilia goes well. Too bad he doesn’t know she’s Briggs’ daughter.

Things go from bad to worse when Freddie tries to engage Ray in naked wrestling, the bank job turns into a massacre and Ray discovers none of his fellow bank robbers are actually bank robbers. As the film unfolds, they gradually reveal themselves to be: an undercover cop; a reporter; and a priest, hell bent on saving Barney’s soul.

Before long, Ray finds himself under siege from the police whilst falling in love and trying to keep himself out of the papers, prison - or worse.

Sam Groves is the co-ordinator for ArtsFest’s film programme 2009. If you have a film that you would like to get shown at ArtsFest in September, please send it to Sam (along with contact details and any relevant information about the film):

Sam Groves
129 Northfield Rd
Kings Norton
Birmingham
B30 1EA

Or e-mail:
sam.groves@hotmail.co.uk

There is no specification for content, so whether it is an old film that you want to get exhibited or something you’ve recently made, get it in the post (preferably on DVD) and your film could get shown at Birmingham’s biggest arts festival.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Sam who looks forward to seeing your film.

The deadline for submissions is Sunday 14th June 2009

Screen WM, the West Midlands regional screen agency, are seeking production trainees from the West Midlands to assist in a variety of departments working on the new series of the hit BBC show Hustle which will be shooting in locations in and around Birmingham from July to October. These positions are ideal for new entrants to the television industry or for crew who would like to try working in a different production department.

Screen WM’s Production Placement Scheme was launched in Autumn 2007 to assist people wanting to take the first steps into Film & TV Production, the scheme provides on-the-job work experience for those looking to get into the industry. Placements offer paid employment, usually for the duration of a shoot and are allocated to Screen WM invested projects which will be shot in the West Midlands. So far the scheme has supported over 30 trainees who have worked across a range of departments including camera, art and costume.

We are seeking trainees to work with the following departments:
Camera
Sound
Art
Script (specifically applicants who are interested in Script Editing)
Editing (cutting room trainees)

If you would like to apply for any of the positions please send a copy of your CV and a covering letter stating which positions you are interested in, your availability and any relevant experience to crew@screenwm.co.uk Due to the volume of applications only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Please send in applications by WEDNESDAY 17TH JUNE

Click here to download a document with more information.

RTS launch new-look awards scheme in partnership with Screen WM

The Royal Television Society (RTS) Midlands Centre has launched a new-look awards scheme for 2009, to celebrate the evolution of the media industry.

Developed in partnership with regional screen agency, Screen WM, the RTS Midlands Awards have been re-vamped to include new categories including Best Digital Innovation and Best On Screen Game, alongside categories for entertainment, news, craft skills, new talent and on-screen personalities..

The entry fee has also been reduced to encourage more individuals and independent media companies to apply.

Closing date for entries is 12 June 2009, and the RTS Midlands Awards Dinner will be held at Birmingham Town Hall on Thursday 29 October.

Screen WM secures deal to locate major BBC drama series Hustle to Birmingham

Screen WM is proud to announce our investment in the next series of Kudos Film and Television’s major international TV drama, Hustle, through the agency’s Advantage Media Production Fund, supported by Advantage West Midlands.

The investment means that Hustle will relocate to Birmingham, with the city’s many and varied locations providing a new backdrop for the popular drama which is broadcast across the world. This is a major coup for the city and forms part of a wider strategy by Screen WM to secure and create a more sustainable screen media sector in the West Midlands.

Producer’s Forum member, Claire Ingham, has recently left Impossible Pictures. This gives her more time to focus on her own company, Red Room Films, and as part of this she is available for script consultancy work.

Claire Ingham is a producer and film and television script developer. She works on projects at all stages of development, currently ranging from the treatment of Eoin Colfer’s bestselling novel THE WISHLIST for Producer Sharon Howells and Exec Producer Julia Pistor (The Spiderwick Chronicles, Charlotte’s Web) to the final draft of Martyn Hesford’s factually based period drama, CHURCHILL’S WITCH, which she commissioned for Impossible Pictures. Claire has also worked on projects from writers at all levels of experience - from Oscar winner Colin Welland’s feature Tower to first time short film writers through the UKFC ‘Digishorts’ scheme.

Please feel free to contact her at claire@redroomfilms.co.uk

Click here to download a document with more information.

Pact first to launch legal contracts for digital industry

Pact, the trade body for independent content producers, has become the first to offer legal contracts and templates specifically tailored for digital media specialists.

The new contracts are aimed at those who produce or distribute digital content and services and will assist them in the production of cross platform projects, e-learning content, website builds and interactive dramas.

Nick Underhill, senior policy executive at Pact said that the digital media industry is evolving so rapidly, that these contracts and templates* are needed to help facilitate the efficient and effective production of all kinds of content.

“These new contract templates are the place to start when you are going into digital production. Through working with our Interactive Media Industry Group and legal experts we’ve crafted our first batch of templates which are downloadable and now ready to use”.

Anna Higgs from Quark Films said the new digital contracts are essential for producers working on new media projects.

“These contracts are increasingly vital for a growing business like ours, saving us significant time, money and effort as we enter into some complex, yet exciting multiplatform projects”.

Pact contracts are available free of charge to all Pact members and are aimed at digital media members who produce or distribute digital content or services. Membership starts from £500 per year and further information can be viewed at www.pact.co.uk

INDEPENDENT TV PRODUCERS DOMINATE BAFTA TV AWARDS

The independent television production sector were the clear winners at the BAFTA Television Awards last night, winning nearly three quarters of all the awards.

‘Indies’ won 16 of the total 22 awards (73%) for highly acclaimed shows that include Harry Hill’s TV Burp (Avalon TV Ltd), Peep Show (Objective Productions), The Bill (Talkback THAMES) Amazon with Bruce Parry (Indus Films and Endeavour Productions) and Skins (Company Pictures).

John McVay, head of trade body for the independent content sector Pact, said Indies create nearly half of all UK programmes, and are leaders in creativity and quality, both in the UK and worldwide.

“No-one should be in any doubt that, during these difficult times, UK creativity and quality is more important than ever”, he said. “We have the unique opportunity to build on a highly successful broadcasting ecology which can, and should, do more internationally.”

For a full list of the nominees and winners see www.bafta.org/awards/television/

You don't have to wait until 2012 to be part of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Registration for the London 2012 Open Weekend 2009 has opened.

They want the public to take this opportunity to join in and try something new. Whether it's trying out a new sport or learning to be a DJ; exploring unseen parts of the community or learning a new language, London 2012 is opening up new possibilities and bringing people together.

The London 2012 Open Weekend is open to organisations and venues from the world of culture, sport, learning and sustainability. They are inviting organisations and individuals to 'Open up', do something 'like never before' and strive for personal best.

How to register your event - Registering your event is easy - simply visit www.london2012.com/openweekend and complete the online registration form.

SECTION2 Films are looking for a Producer for their up and coming feature “The Haunting of House 49”. Previous experience is essential with particular knowledge in legal and finance as you will be working with the creative producer to help raise the budget and oversee the production.

The film is based on a real haunting; a fact that SECTION2 Films are very excited about. In essence it’s a good old fashioned ghost story with strong character roles exploring the themes of isolation and self punishment.

This will be a collaboration at first to raise the budget, once finance is secured, payment will be negotiable depending on contribution.

SECTION2 is a Midlands based UK Film Company. For more information about them and the project visit www.section2films.com / www.section2films.com/HOUSE49.html

If interested please email SECTION2 with details about yourself including a current CV and previous projects etc to: house49@section2films.com

British Film Institute (BFI) have recently confirmed that the new Birmingham Library 'build' will definitely be hosting a 'Mediatheque'.

The Mediatheque will be a specific area within the new library complex where members of the public will have FREE access the BFI's national moving images archive collection

For more info about Mediatheques check out the BFI website: www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/bfi_southbank/mediatheque

Steven Spencer’s ‘Momster’, produced under the digishorts strand in 2008, has picked up its first award at the Performance Short Film Competition held at BAFTA in London. The film came second overall from hundred of entries, and the win netted £4,500 worth of post-production from Rocket Post for the filmmakers involved. First prize went to Chris Jones’ ‘Gone Fishing’.

‘Momster’ is a dark fairytale about a young girl trapped by her father in a bleak, foreboding skyscraper. Her only escape comes from her larger-than-life imaginary friend, brought to life through a stunning combination of live action and CGI by writer/director Steven Spencer. The film was produced by Forum member Rachel Carter and had a budget of £10,500.

The Story ..... The long hot summer of 1990 is in full effect, three bored kids with time on their hands look for something to do or break, preferably both. Index is thirteen, the big cheese of the crew, Lingo, also thirteen is his best friend, though he often wonders why, finally there is Jin, the frail nine year old, younger brother of Index, the stray who always end up tagging along.

They embark on a pre Asbo adventure, a walk on the wild side through the canals of the industrial heartland leading to a chain of events that will leave you shaken...

The proposed project was short listed by Screen West Midlands in their recent Digi Shorts contest. Dan Lawson at the organisation can be called to verify this. Raj Bains is looking for a producer to come on board the project to support him and guide him through the production process as it will be the first time he uses a crew. Any help will be sincerely appreciated as Raj feels the project has great potential that can be realised with the help of a professional producer who can hire crew and equipment, negotiate red tape and organise the shoot. The project will be self financed with an estimated budget of £7500.

To speak to Raj further about this opportunity contact him on his mobile: 0792 191 5287

Endboard Productions has been developing a feature film called 'The Bounty Hunter' with funding from Screen West Midlands. The script is now ready and is attracting interest from various financiers. It is a tough, contemporary thriller set within the Asian underworld in the UK.

The UK Film Council has asked Endboard to make a ‘pilot’ for this film. This will involve shooting 2 - 3 scenes which demonstrate the ambition of the final film.

This is an important and rare opportunity for regionally based talent to show what they can do to important and influential financiers in London.

The pilot will take 4 days to shoot (a combination of days and nights) and will take place entirely in Birmingham. No schedule has yet been set but it looks like being sometime in May.

To make this pilot Endboard have started putting together a crew. If you would like to work on the pilot please register your interest by sending in a CV to yugesh@endboard.com

If you work on the pilot and all goes well then you will be considered for the final film. Endboard are committed to engaging as many crew members as possible from the West Midlands.

The company is looking for experienced individuals in the following categories:

1st AD
2nd AD
3rd AD
Focus Puller
Sound Recordist
Boom Operator
Location Manager/Scout
Script Supervisor/Continuity
Grip
Spark/Electricians (qualified)
Make-Up Artist
Costume Assistant
Art Director
Props person / Set Dresser
Runners
Production Assistants

The FIRST AND ONLY accredited Production Co-ordinator course from a Skillset Media Academy and endorsed by the Production Manager’s Association

SPECIAL OFFER 3 modules for £500 – offer ends 6th of April ‘09

FDMX, in consultation with the Production Managers Association, have created a new qualification aimed at Runners and Production Secretaries in Film & Television Drama. The qualification will equip participants with all the necessary knowledge to move up to the next step in the career ladder – Production Co-ordinator.

Caroline Fleming, Manager of the PMA
“The PMA are pleased to endorse FDMX Production Co-ordinator’s Course after working closely with FDMX on the module development. We hope such vocational training will create clearer progression routes within the industry.”

Each module in the programme is taught as a short stand-alone module, allowing people to create a programme that is specific to their skills gaps. All individual modules will be assessed and awarded credit points, with the Production Co-ordinators Graduate Certificate from the University of Hertfordshire being awarded once 120 credit points have been achieved. All modules last between 1 and 3 days.

Click here to download a document with more information.

Birmingham’s Second Home Productions has developed an innovative new animation technique for its latest animated sequence “Into The Microworld”.

The film brings together the digital domain of computer generated image (CGI), stop-motion animation and technology developed for producing engineering prototypes, moving Second Home to the forefront of new animation production.

The 2 minute sequence was produced as part of preparatory work for a forthcoming film on the life and work of Wolverhampton born artist Willard Wigan – the world’s first ‘Micro-sculptor’, by BAFTA winning director Michael Baig-Clifford.

Second Home’s co-founder and director of the sequence, Chris Randall, said: “We’ve managed to use a new process to re-invigorate the method of using replacement puppets as a variant of stop-motion animation - the technique used for this particular project. By combining technology normally used in engineering with traditional model-making techniques, we’ve brought together old and new to create a new animation style and workflow.”

To read the full press release, please take a look at the attached document

Click here to download a document with more information.

GLIMMER The 7th Hull International Short Film Festival, which runs from 21st-26th April, is proud to announce that it has renamed two of its major awards the Anthony Minghella Award for Best International Short and the Anthony Minghella Award for best UK Short. Both awards have been sponsored by the University of Hull and carry cash prizes of £1000 (International Award) and £500 (UK Award).

Anthony Minghella, who sadly passed away in 2008, was one of the British film industry’s most talented directors and respected champions. Minghella studied at the University of Hull and, after a storied career in the theatre, TV and radio, it was Minghella's 1990 feature Truly, Madly, Deeply that cemented his reputation of a director of sensitivity and passion. Other hits included The Talented Mr Ripley, Cold Mountain and The English Patient, the film that netted him an Academy Award for Directing. His love for the industry also saw him serve as the Chairman of the Board of Governors at the British Film Institute between 2003 and 2007.

Glimmer Director Laurence Boyce said:
“We’re proud that we are able to team up the University of Hull and to honour the legacy of one of Britain’s most respected filmmakers. The Anthony Minghella Award for Best International & UK Short sponsored by the University of Hull will see some of the very best short films from around the world shown to an enthusiastic audience. In uncovering new talent and celebrating the art of cinema, we hope that GLIMMER will able to continue the work that Anthony Minghella did in being an advocate of the moving image and a tireless supporter of emerging filmmakers.”

For more information on GLIMMER, and to get on the mailing list, email office@hullfilm.co.uk or ring 01482 381512. You can also find Hull Film on My Space at www.myspace.com/hullfilm whilst Glimmer has a Facebook Group at www.tinyurl.com/co8u9h

Forum Member Kevin Da Costa is currently participating in a cultural leadership programme for Exhibitors of Black film, called 'The New Black' facilitated by Film London. He created a blog to capture the various panels, discussion and information that's coming out of the programme, which also serves as a way of networking the group of 15 producers, festival organisers and directors on the course.

Kevin is keen that people take a look and add any comments at: bdfn.blogspot.com/ Also, If there's anything you would like posted, email it to Kevin and he'll upload it.

A new fund set up by the UK Film Council to increase public access to regional screen heritage is open now for applications via Screen WM. Screen heritage encompasses moving image media, from traditional film and television to artist's film and video, animation and digital material distributed via the internet, to contextual material including scripts, designs, marketing and publicity material and documents relating to production, distribution and consumption. Screen WM has £138,000 of funding to award to projects per year for 2 years.

For more information on how to apply, please visit the Investment and Funding section of their website - www.screenwm.co.uk

Aspiring filmmakers across the UK will have more opportunities to develop their skills through a number of short film schemes thanks to National Lottery funding from the UK Film Council’s New Cinema Fund.

Disabled filmmakers will benefit from The Magic Hour, a new £40,000 shorts scheme being managed by 104 Films. In the first shorts programme dedicated to disabled filmmakers, ten people will receive intensive project and story development training over an eight week period and following an assessment, five projects will go into production, each with a budget of £8,800. The filmmakers will also take part in The Script Factory training programme supported by Skillset receiving a complete overview from script development to different exhibition strategies. Additional support from the UK Film Council’s Diversity team will support out-reach work to disabled filmmakers bringing UK Film Council funding to £97,000 for the programme.

4mations Digital Shorts, a partnership between Channel 4, Lupus Films, Aardman Animations and the UK Film Council, and the new online animation channel 4mations, is a national search for animated shorts from new and emerging talent across the UK. Working with 13 UK strategic partners to fund 13 animated short films, they will have an online premiere on 4mations and may also be broadcast on Channel 4 (www.4mations.tv).

B3 Media will deliver a shorts programme working with BME filmmakers from across the UK over the next two years with funding of £40,000. B3 Media also works with talent from a wide range of disciplines particularly from non-traditional routes into film, such as new media and moving image. Again, further funding from the UK Film Council’s Diversity team to support out-reach work increases total UK film Council support to £57,000 to B3 Media.

In addition, the UK Film Council continues to work with its national and regional partners to deliver digital shorts programmes across the UK for the next two years including Northern Ireland Screen, Screen Yorkshire, South West Screen, Screen South, Film London, Screen WM, EM Media, Northwest Vision and Media, Screen East, Northern Film + Media who will each receive £40,000 to partner other funding for supporting filmmakers in their areas.

The UK Film Council is also continuing its commitment to helping entrepreneurial short filmmakers finish their films through the Completion Fund, managed by Maya Vision International. Films that have been partly shot to a rough cut stage but require finance to complete can apply for all aspects of post-production help, from hiring an editor to scoring music, or from providing visual effects to enabling essential key processes such as grade, mix and online editing.

Lifesize Pictures Ltd manages the UK Film Council’s short film programmes including Cinema Extreme, the Completion Fund, Digital Shorts, Digital Nation, the Magic Hour and 4mations until 2010 delivering around 115 shorts per year, right the way through the process from development and production to marketing, exhibition and promotion.

Once you place your video online it could be easily copied from your site - possibly even uploaded to some of the many Video sites out there - like YouTube - without your permission. Or worse, it could be linked to from other web pages over which you have no control - but you still get landed with the bandwidth charges!

Welcome to FLVLOCK the easy to use and effective SPRAY-ON Copy Protection for Flash FLV Video. FLVLOCK allows you to encrypt your video without changing its content. Your video will play as normal from any player and/or domain you have approved.

But if it's removed from your site or linked to in an unauthorised manner it refuses to play your content and instead displays a copy protection screen. The pirates get the cold shoulder and your video stays safe - under your control.

Visit the product site and watch a demo video and also obtain a low-cost trial licence to test the product on your own server.

http://www.flvlock.com

If you're looking for accommodation for your cast and crew, then Premier Apartments are ideal for people who like that special feeling of being at home, when they are away from home.

Dean House is a brand new development of 67 attractive bright and stylish contemporary apartments consisting of 1 or 2 bedrooms. They are ideal for short and long term stays. Bookings can be taken for one night, one week, one month, or longer.

Their summer rates are from £73.00 per one bedroom apartment and they are able to offer group discounts on 5 or more apartments booked. The apartments can also be used as filming locations - recently they have been used for the Gadget Show and Screen WM's Digital Shorts.

For more details contact Leanne Harkin, Sales Manager on 07970 702 716.

Have you had trouble finding a fully-equipped studio in Birmingham? If so, then look no further. Studio B15 is situated in the heart of the University of Birmingham and offers a one-stop shop for all of your shooting needs. The facilities on offer include a 756 sq.ft main studio, sound gallery, vision gallery, workshop, production office, multi-format transfer area, edit suite, viewing room and green room which can be hired at exceptionally competitive rates. The studio has recently been refurbished and kitted out with new equipment.

Please download the studio profile by clicking on the link below to find out about these fantastic facilities located right on your doorstep. Members of the Producers' Forum are entitled to a 10% discount on all services and facilities. To discuss hire, please call Mark Ray on 0121 414 2536 or email m.ray@bham.ac.uk.

Click here to download a document with more information.

Birmingham based AEFilms is pleased to announce the availability of one of the UK’s first RED ONE Digital Cinema Cameras. This revolutionary camera and workflow enables cretives to produce content that eclipses traditional Hi-Def formats whilst keeping costs down.

Our experience of both 35mm film and alternative digital cinema cameras makes AEFilms an ideal partner to help you get the most out of this exciting new technology. To find out more, please visit the AEFilms website.

Members of the Producers' Forum will be offered a discounted rate of £500 p/d or £2000 p/w which includes an on-site Red technician.

Blue Hippo Media now has a stand alone edit room at the BOND in central Birmingham with full HD broadcast kit. There is 24 hour access and security with on site free parking. The location is 10 minutes walk from New Street and Moor Street Stations. Cafe on site. Free wireless internet.

QUAD INTEL MAC DUAL SCREEN/ KONA 3 CARD / FCP STUDIO 2 / SHAKE / CREATIVE SUITE 2 / RAID STORAGE SYSTEM and SD / HD 1080P BROADCAST MONITOR. FREE GLOBAL FILE SHARE SYSTEM

Available for dry and wet hire with broadcast credited editor.

£250 a day dry / £1000 WEEK (5 days)

£500 a day wet / £2000 WEEK (5 days)

Be spoke longer terms available

We also have a dual 2 gig MAC WITH 23INCH SCREEN / FCP 2 available for £150 a day for dry hire / £600 PER WEEK (5 DAYS). Please call 0121 687 1404 for more information.

Blue Hippo Media, Unit B, First Floor, The Ice House, The Bond, 180-182 Fazeley Street, Birmingham B5 5SE

Tel: + 44 (0)121 687 1404
Mob: + 44 (0)7780 952579
Email: pip@bluehippomedia.com

The Music for Media Project provides assistance to SMEs from the screen media and new media industries by helping to improve the quality of music delivered.

Content
Based at UCE Birmingham Conservatoire, Music for Media can help you create unique music content for your production using some of Europe’s finest musical talent. If you need original music for film, websites, games or corporate video, we can help. We can put you in touch with composers, performing musicians and sound engineers working at every professional level.

Facilities
We have state of the art facilities for the development of audio and music content, some available at subsidised rates. From sound dubbing and mixing to recording, we have the expertise and personnel required to produce quality products. With recording studios, G5 (quad) edit stations, surround-capable edit suites and portable location facilities we can also provide post production services and personnel.

Training
As a centre of excellence, we aim to increase the level and quality of audio and musical skills for freelancers and companies. As well as facilitating access to advice and equipment we have a range of one-to-one and group training courses available.

For further information contact Simon Hall, Project Manager, on 0121 331 5929 or email him directly. Alternatively, you can contact Sarah Bell, Project Broker on 0121 331 5929 or email her directly.