1. Jan 24th 2012
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    The Producers' Forum broadly welcomes the Film Policy Review from the DCMS. Please let us know your thoughts in advance of our official response - the article and report can be found at this link: http://www.culture.gov.uk/news/news_stories/8778.aspx

  2. Jan 18th 2012
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    From Equity: "There is a rally on Thurs 19th Jan, 2pm at Victoria Square, Birmingham City Centre to protest against the BBC cuts in Birmingham. The rally is organised by BECTU, and supported by Equity, and will coincide with a 24 hour BECTU strike at BBC Birmingham. The BBC's dispute with BECTU arises from plans to move large parts of production for TV and radio from Birmingham to Bristol in moves announced last October as part of Delivering Quality First. Union members are protesting at the plans and at the BBC's refusal to enter into negotiations. BECTU has warned that further strike dates will be called if the BBC fails to respond to the union's demand for talks. Equity members in the Midlands also oppose the move of programme-making away from Birmingham fearing that it will mean a loss of work in the area and the beginning of the end of Birmingham as a production hub. Members in the area have been working hard with the local politicians to build a coalition against the BBC cuts. Local MPs denouncing the BBC's decision to cut programming in Birmingham. Read the full story on the Birmingham Post's website. Under current BBC plans, 22% of local radio output will go, at a time when listening is up. Current affairs and investigative programming will be cut – with 40% reductions outside London. By the end of 2012, there will be almost no factual television or radio made for the national networks from Birmingham."

  3. Dec 13th 2011
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    Forum board member Natasha Carlish has been working closely with Stoke Your Fires Festival and Sheffield International Documentary Festival to bring Seize the Future to the West Midlands.

    "I attended this course earlier this year and it was probably the best 2 days professional development I have experienced in a long time. It was inspiring and informative and a great opportunity to get access to world class speakers with expertise in crowd funding, hybrid distribution and social media. I cannot recommend it highly enough and I would encourage all Forum members to apply.

    People should apply for D2D through the Sheffield website but what I really want to push is SEIZE THE FUTURE which is what I went on - it will form part of D2D which is over £200.

    The deadline for now is end of first week of Jan and any member interested should mail me asap. (The discount is £125 from £150.)"

    Thursday February 23rd and Friday February 24th, as part of Stoke your Fires


    We are delighted to be offering a limited number of places to the celebrated Seize The Future workshop to Stoke Your Fires attendees.

    This 2-day Master Workshop is designed for independent filmmakers and artists determined to get their work seen widely, create social impact, and earn a living in the digital age.

    The workshop will feature multi-media presentations, breakout groups, and interactive sessions. There will be networking opportunities during coffee breaks, lunch, and throughout the workshop. Everyone will have a chance to connect and lay the groundwork for future collaborations.

    The workshop will be taught by Sandi DuBowski,  Producer of A Jihad for Love and Outreach Director of The Good Pitch, and Peter Broderick, leading distribution strategist and President of Paradigm Consulting.

  4. Nov 30th 2011
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    Blue Hippo Media's feature film, “ The Insatiable Moon”, for which the company are the UK producers, has won two awards at the recent Aotearoa Film and Television Awards in New Zealand.  Rawiri Paratene won Best Actor for his role as Arthur and Greg Johnson won Best Supporting Actor for his role as Bob. The Awards are held annually and are New Zealand’s highest accolades for the Film industry. The awards come hot off the film winning the Best Foreign Film at the Moondance international film festival in the United States. Contact: Pip Piper, pip@bluehippomedia.com / 07525 780393 / http://www.theinsatiablemoon.com/. "The Insatiable Moon" was released on DVD in the UK on October 3rd 2011 and will be showing, due to popular demand on 15th December 8.10pm at  the Midland Arts Centre (0121 446 3232).

  5. Nov 30th 2011
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    We will continue to update this article as news of other events reaches us.

     

    All levels improvisation weekend in Birmingham, imprology, West Midlands - in this improvisation for all levels workshop, you will re-claim the sense of play and spontaneity you had as a child, using shared impulse to play games and build daring collaborative pieces of improvisational theatre. - http://www.artsjobs.org.uk/?RDCT=bc55045a4d9525dbb661

    5 week stand up comedy course - Birmingham 2012 - CURRENTLY BOOKING FOR THE NEXT 5 WEEK COURSE STARTING JANUARY 2012, BIRMINGHAM Plus ONE DAY WORKSHOP IN GUILDFORD, SURREY 5 week course please contact for course dates. *Contact now to reserve your place. - http://www.artsjobs.org.uk/?RDCT=ec562bf86d9236fd8625

    Crowdfunding for Emerging Writers, Nottingham Writers' Studio - Nottingham Writers' Bursaries Nottingham Writers' Studio plans to provide six bursaries next year for emerging writers in the Nottingham area. The bursaries are aimed at talented young writers (18-35) and writers from BME backgrounds. - http://www.artsjobs.org.uk/?RDCT=b4cc2b5849c52755fdda

    Media Archive for Central England (MACE) seeks your home videos! Event with Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum, Friday 2 December, 1pm, Admission Free - www.warwickdc.gov.uk/events

    Wolverhampton, Light House & Europe Fri 2 Dec, 2pm - showcases 3 projects in which Light House has been involved with 14 countries across Europe. There will also be a report on the creative industries in Wolverhampton, short films made by beneficiaries of the Leonardo da Vinci exchange with media companies in Germany and Ireland, and introductions by Councillor Roger Lawrence, Leader of Wolverhampton City Council. Admission free.

    Triple award winning film, produced by our member Pip Piper, "The Insatiable Moon" was released on DVD in the UK on October 3rd 2011 and will be showing, due to popular demand on 15th December 8.10pm at  the Midland Arts Centre (0121 446 3232).

    Identity Drama School Annual Showcase - Birmingham. A powerful collection of hard-hitting, yet often humorous monologues, duologues and original plays drawing inspiration from a wide portfolio of contemporary playwrights, performed by Identity Drama School actors at The Drum Theatre in Birmingham. See what the leading Black Drama School in Europe has to offer, with 3 nights of exceptional performances! Tickets are £6.00 per show, or there is a bumper 3 ticket offer of £15.00 for all 3 nights. The Drum Box Office: 0121 333 2444 -http://www.artsjobs.org.uk/?RDCT=b84291fbbdaaf42a76c2

    The Production Show (TPS) is an important annual meeting place for everyone involved with the creation of film, commercials, music videos, documentaries and theatre, co-located with Broadcast Video Expo - the UK's only event for those working in production, post and delivery - with over 15,900 unique visitors. February 2012 - www.theproductionshow.co.uk 

  6. Nov 30th 2011
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    In the wake of the recent cuts announced in the region by the BBC, a multi-agency campaign on behalf of taxpayers to 'Save BBC Birmingham' is gaining momentum. Join the campaign at www.savebbcbirmingham.co.uk. All political parties in Birmingham City Council are urging the BBC not to turn its back on the region - http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2011/11/25/birmingham-city-council-says-bbc-should-back-the-city-97319-29838259/. And, Equity have set up a 'postcard campaign' to help people back the campaign - http://www.equity.org.uk/branches/central-england-general-branch/news/fight-for-our-bbc-postcard-campaign/.

    The future of film and creative industries in the region will be the subject of Creative Networks on January 26th at TIC in Millennium Point, including guests from Creative England. Our member John West is among those pushing for the reopening of the ATV Studios for TV and small productions, as a first step to renewal, among other things. You can help preserve what's already here and being lost at the BBC here:  http://www.savebbcbirmingham.co.uk/forum/discussion/8/what-you-can-do-to-help-save-bbc-birmingham#Item_1

    Also check out: http://www.equity.org.uk/branches/central-england-general-branch/news/television-drama-studio-campaign/

    Here is a letter from the regional Writer's Guild:

    "Dear All,

    A reminder that you have until 21st December to respond to the BBC consultation 'Delivering Quality First' and their proposal on p18:

    Factual programming for BBC television and Radio 4 would be moved out of Birmingham and consolidated largely to Bristol and Cardiff, though television production investment with independent producers in the Midlands would increase. Substantial network television drama (e.g., Doctors, Land Girls) and radio drama (The Archers) would continue in Birmingham alongside the BBC’s local and regional services

    You can access the full document by clicking on this link:

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/assets/files/pdf/review_report_research/dqf/dqf.pdf 

    The final 3 pages of the 55 page document allow for your response. You can also do this by writing to:

    BBC Trust

    180 Great Portland Street

    London W1W 5QZ

     

    Or by e-mail to dqf.consultation@bbc.co.uk

     

    If you want to do a detailed response to the whole consultation, you can go to:

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/consult/delivering_quality_first.shtml

    and negotiate through the links.

     

    We would also encourage you to sign the petition, which you can access via the petition tab at:

    http://www.savebbcbirmingham.co.uk/

     

    And write to your MP. There is a template letter you can use from:

    http://www.equity.org.uk/branches/coventry-leicester-variety-branch/save-bbc-birmingham-campaign/

     

    If this seems rather a lot, I would prioritise directly responding to the BBC Trust consultation, even if just by email.

     

    Yours,

    Writers' Guild West Midlands Branch Committee"

  7. Nov 28th 2011
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    We received an enquiry recently via our contact form, from someone called Mark Barnett requesting a contact with regard to animation. But Mark, you didn't leave us an email address to contact you on! Please do get in touch again and we'll do what we can to help you. Thanks!

  8. Nov 23rd 2011
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    IdeasTap have teamed up with Sky Arts to give three emerging artists from any creative discipline £30,000 each. "We’re keen to make this opportunity accessible to as many young creative people aged 18-30 as possible, so please do pass this information on to anyone you feel might be interested. - http://www.ideastap.com/ideasmag/all-articles/Sky-Arts-Ignition-Futures-Fund-Seminars. If you’d like to find out more about IdeasTap and what we do, please visit us at www.ideastap.com."

    Are you an emerging Scottish or Scottish based Filmmaker? Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky, in partnership with EIFF and Arts & Business, is offering three emerging Scottish filmmakers the opportunity to attend a film festival of their choice. http://www.edfilmfest.org.uk/talentdevelopment/cutty-sark-scholarship 

    The Electric Cinema in Birmingham, the UK's oldest working cinema, has made the final switch from 35mm to digital. 35mm will remain available there for special screenings. Owner Tom Lawes is making a documentary film called The Last Projectionist. www.theelectric.com

    Film Division's recommended hire partner Panny Hire ( www.pannyhire.co.uk ) are now offering new camera and Final Cut training courses in Birmingham or at client's premises UK-wide, including Final Cut Training Courses, Apple Final Cut Studio Training, Apple Color 1.5 Colourist Training, Apple Final Cut Pro X Training, Camera, Cinematography and Lighting Training Courses. http://sticklebackproductions.blogspot.com/2011/11/panny-hire-to-offer-new-camera-and.html

    Kurt Shead is young Leamington Spa-based writer who recently attended a Second Light LAB that the Producers Forum also delivered. Thanks to a very positive response to his work from Charlotte Knight of The Knight Hall Agency, Kurt is now seeking to network with professionals based in the region who might be able to offer some script reading support to help develop his story. Email kurt.shead@gmail.com.

    In 'The Art of Noise' Exhibition which has just opened at The Pubic Gallery, West Brom, called, there are a number of music docs screening directed and produced by Bham/West Mids film makers. For example, 'Motor City Music Years', dir by Johnnie Turpie, produced by Roger Shannon; and 'Made in Birmingham/Reggae Punk Bhangra', dir by Deborah Aston and exec produced by Roger Shannon. Have a look at http://www.thepublic.com/exhibitions/art-noise
    East Midlands Visual Arts Network announces its new website, East Midlands Visual Arts Network - the East Midlands Visual Arts Network (EMVAN) has developed a new website - now live - for the use and benefit of the region's visual arts sector. http://www.artsjobs.org.uk/?RDCT=cc066bf13cb87d750ea2

  9. Nov 15th 2011
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    EVENTS

    Screenings of Forum CEO Natasha Carlish's film TURBULENCE - 16.11.11  Birmingham FlixFixer  http://www.flixfixer.com/custard/; 24.11.11  Birmingham Departure Lounge  http://www.macarts.co.uk/ including Q&A; 30.11.11  Private celebrity screening in London; 2.12.11   Xmas and DVD launch party at Vivid in Birmingham featuring live performances from the film's bands http://www.vivid.org.uk/  (see 'The Garage Presents')

    In 'The Art of Noise' Exhibition which has just opened at The Pubic Gallery, West Brom, called, there are a number of music docs screening directed and produced by Bham/West Mids film makers. For example, 'Motor City Music Years', dir by Johnnie Turpie; produced by Roger Shannon; and 'Made in Birmingham/Reggae Punk Bhangra', dir by Deborah Aston and exec produced by Roger Shannon. Have a look at http://www.thepublic.com/exhibitions/art-noise

    3-26 NOVEMBER - SHOUT - Birmingham's Festival of Queer Culture.  For full listings visit www.shoutfestival.co.uk

    Cheltenham Film Festival, 4 – 6 November, www.cheltenhamfilmfestival.com

    SHOUT Festival are proud to be programming work in Wolverhampton for the first time, working with the Wolverhampton LGBT Network and The Light House we bring you films, a talk and community show - http://shoutfestival.co.uk/Talks/Out-at-the-Movies/74

    Ken Loach Between the Lines Filmmaking Challenge: 16-25 year olds have submitted 3 minute films that challenge the way we think, to win mentoring and career advice from an industry professional (and much more!). Their achievements will be celebrated at an event to promote the creative filmmakers of the future at the BFI on 11th November.

    There's a 7inch night coming up as part of Ikon Gallery's Autumn Almanac programme. 7 INCH CINEMA: 17.11, Thursday 17 November, 7-10pm, Ikon Gallery, Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2HS - http://www.7inch.org.uk/event/7-inch-cinema17-11/. An evening of short films and music, taking place on and inspired by the seventeenth of November. £3 on the door, or free if it's your birthday. (Please bring some proof!)

    LAUNCH - Future Gaming and Digital Conference - Wednesday 16th November 2011 - http://launchconference.co.uk/

    FLATPACK FESTIVAL WARMUP - Thursday 17 November, 7pm at Ikon Gallery

    'First step on the first rung' of filmmaking opportunities for new young filmmakers through First Light, at on 29th November from 10.30am to 6.30pm at Pinewood Studios (http://firstlight.createsend1.com/t/y/l/gkjiid/ojhdljkih/n/). Follow on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/firstlightonline) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/firstlightfund).

    Birmingham's Digital Week, 14-18 November - www.digitalbirmingham.co.uk

    Creative Networks special event - free reception and networking event at Fazeley Studios, 17 Nov, 6-9pm - www.creativenetworksonline.com

    The Writer's Toolkit, by Writing West Midlands, November 19. Including many talented speakers. And Forum Communications Coordinator Ian Kennedy. - http://www.writingwestmidlands.org/develop/the-writers-toolkit-2011/

    Saturday 19 November 3-10pm VIVID, Birmingham, B9 4AR Free Entry - The Garage presents... GLI.TC/H - a one dayfestival showcasing contemporary artists who misuse and abuse computer hardware and software to striking effect. http://www.artsjobs.org.uk/?RDCT=36d12f0a57233cb75d04

    Creative Networks at TIC, 24 Nov - including both the Music Network and Birmingham Screen Image Network forums from 4pm before CN starting at 6pm for 7pm Lecture Theatre. - www.creativenetworksonline.com

     

    TRAINING

     

    Devise to Deliver - innovative film- and media-makers scheme, backed by Forum CEO Natasha Carlish - http://producersforum.org.uk/news/2011/10/05/devise-deliver-innovative-film-and-media-makers-tr/ - brand new digital/interactive media training scheme for professional filmmakers to broaden their understanding of the possibilities of digital media, including developing multiplatform business skills and embracing new ways to fund, distribute and market films through digital technology. By Sheffield Doc/Fest + @xolabs  - applications here - http://ow.ly/6M2iV

    Reel Access along with invited industry experts will provide some useful advice on how to make a leap into the film industry. Reel Access in Conversation - Transitions: From Studies to Careers, Tuesday 25 October, 7pm @ mac, Birmingham. Undergraduates and people at the start of their careers are invited to join community filmmaking organisation Reel Access, along with invited industry experts,  to  explore how  best  to make a leap from creative study to creative industry. The evening will include screenings of regional shorts, discussion and a Q&A session. For further information and to book, please contact mac box office: 0121 446 3232. Tickets £4 (£3). mac, Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston, Birmingham B12 9QH

    FROM CREATIVE EXCHANGE - This one day course introduces you to the primary feature set and basic interface of Final Cut Pro. You will learn to perform basic editing functions while familiarising yourself with the user interface. Click on the below link to find out more. £250, Oct 26 - http://www.creative-exchange.co.uk/courses/apple-courses/fcp-100-an-overview-of-final-cut-pro - There are also other short courses on FCP on the website.

    Add Coaching Tools and Techniques to your Toolbox and help young people out of unemployment into the bargain.....  "Striding Out is running an accredited Training Programme in Mentoring & Coaching Skills in Birmingham and London. To find out more visit http://www.stridingout.co.uk/services/networking-and-training-events.html or call 0203 303 0468. We have also produced a Mobile App which gives young people career guidance and coaching tools to take their next step independently. Find out more here http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/your-nxt-step/id463150264?mt=8. We can offer a discount for a group booking and could even deliver the course at a location of your choice."

    For artists and creatives who deliver participatory activities with people - Creative Alliance is running our highly successful PTLLLS qualification every Monday evening from October 31st - December 13th between 5:00 and 8:00pm - www.creativealliance.org.uk/offers/certified

    Creative Leadership training from Creative Alliance - up to 50% off - http://embltd.co.uk/lmas

    Introduction to TV drama scriptwriting - http://www.artsjobs.org.uk/?RDCT=51c664e6aba46faaa4bc

    Train to become an arts awards advisor, West Midlands, £140 - http://www.artsjobs.org.uk/index.php?id=25&ne_source=dailynews_plain&ne_post_id=68659

    Latest Adobe, Apple, Gamer Camp & Training for Teachers from NTI Birmingham - http://www.bcu.ac.uk/pme/nti/training

  10. Nov 15th 2011
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    Producers' Forum members have been given an exclusive opportunity to have their latest film screened at 2012's Stoke Your Fires festival in Stoke-On-Trent (UK). The opportunity is in thanks for the 'great help' that the Forum have provided to the festival during its early years. Members, see your latest newsletters or login into the members' forum to see the opportunity. The deadline is November 25th.

    Also, Stoke Your Fires is hosting the internationally acclaimed Seize the Future 2 Day Workshop during the festival which all members of the Producers Forum are entitled to a reduced fee of £125.  To book tickets at this reduced price please contact Natasha Carlish (c/o info@producersforum.org.uk) to find out more.

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