WELCOME TO METRO SCREEN'S WEEKLY eNews – 10 May, 2007

FEATURE: Full range of dubbing and new media services available, see below…

Your share in $45,000 worth of subsidy with Pitching and Jump Start, see below…

Notice is hereby given to the members of Metro Screen that the Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday May 30th at 6pm in Studio B at Metro Screen. Members can download further information from the Metro Screen website http://www.metroscreen.org.au

“I love Metro…The easiest and affordable place to learn and create my own career path…on the run to something great!” Gabriela Diaz, short course participant

CERTIFICATE IV IN SCREEN | 2ND SEMESTER
Now enrolling at Metro Screen

Film, TV and screen industry study. Five months full-time. Semester 2: STARTS Jul 16, 2007

Whether you want to write, direct, produce, shoot, record sound or edit, this course gives you hands on experience with broadcast quality equipment that will enable you to graduate and step into a professional role of your choosing.

PAST GRADUATES
Graduates have gone on to start their own successful production companies, be awarded at local and international film festivals, work professionally on TV series, short films and features. Some examples of last year’s graduate success include:

Steve Crombie has now signed with RGM Associates who represent: John Polson, Cate Blanchett and Anthony La Paglia. Steve will have a segment on the Lonely Planet BlueList series screening on SBS in June and has secured a book deal with Pan Macmillan.

Graciano Debeljah was offered one of only two places on the Directing strand of a Bachelor in Media Studies at the Western Australian Screen Academy [WASA].

“Hands-on film studies at Metro Screen has provided me with the skills and resources to pitch concepts to major TV networks with confidence.” Steve Crombie, Certificate IV in Screen 2006 graduate

QUICK COURSE OVERVIEW
• SUBJECTS | directing, screenwriting, cinematography, sound, editing, producing with storytelling a major focus
• hands-on education in film and documentary making
• produce drama and documentary films that YOU write
• work in major crew roles
• broadcast quality HD digital cameras, professional level production and post-production facilities, chroma key studio and Apple edit suites
• launch your career at the public graduation event
• receive valuable qualifications and a personalised DVD show reel

EXTRA BENEFITS WHILE STUDYING AT METRO SCREEN
Participants receive Metro Screen services at membership rates which includes access to monthly events. They also benefit from everyday interaction with professional crews working on-site. While studying participants receive 50% off all equipment and facilities hire for projects outside the scope of the course, [all equipment needs for course work are included]. Plus discounted membership and access to the resources and services of the Screen Directors Association ASDA, Australian Writers Guild AWG and Screen Producers of Australia Association SPAA.

TUTORS
Metro Screen tutors are celebrated in the Australian industry and include: Inside Film nominee for Best Editor Adrian Rostirolla Kokoda, AFI nominee in four categories Alec Morgan Hunt Angels and producer Heather Oxhenham whose short Sexy Thing premiered at Cannes.

COURSE DATES
Mon – Fri [Day] | Five months | 16/07 – 07/12 | $6,500 | 30% of the course fee will secure your place with the balance due one week prior to the course start date.
Early enrolment special of $6,100 for upfront payment before June 1st, 2007.

These courses are Austudy and Abstudy approved for eligible participants. Full details of Metro Screen policies and procedures for RPL are available on request from Metro Screen Reception.

Come in for a tour of our facilities and discuss the course in relation to your needs.
For detailed information on course structure, subjects taught, equipment, films produced or to arrange a meeting please contact Metro Screen training on 02 9361 5318 or training@metroscreen.org.au or http://www.metroscreen.org.au

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DOCUMENTARY MAKING INTENSIVE
@ Metro Screen
This hands-on course takes participants from the spark of an idea to post production in just a weekend. With expert tutor guidance, participants work in groups to develop an initial concept. They then create treatments or scripts for selected projects before shooting on digital equipment. Finally, students review the footage and assemble a paper edit. Participants rotate through key crew roles, learning skills such as working with non-actors, interviewing techniques, basic camera set-ups and sound recording.

Fri [Eve] and Sat + Sun [Day] 15hrs | 01/06 – 03/06 | $385 | $449 Non-Members | 11 Places |
LOCATION | Metro Screen, Paddington Town Hall, Cnr Oxford St + Oatley Rd Paddington, NSW
IF YOU ARE INDIGENOUS APPLY NOW FOR YOUR FREE PLACE!

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FLASH FUNDAMENTALS
Two day course
Taught in Metro Screen’s G5 Apple computer lab, this course is for people who would like to learn to make original, animated web graphics using Macromedia Flash software. Participants will develop an understanding of the design and production of Flash movies, acquire basic animation and design skills using Macromedia Flash and develop an understanding of the environment, interface, tools, language possibilities and limitations of the software.

Sat 9.30am – 4.30pm [12hrs] | 09/06 – 23/06 | $349 non-members | 15 places
LOCATION | Metro Screen, Paddington Town Hall, Cnr Oxford St + Oatley Rd Paddington, NSW
IF YOU ARE INDIGENOUS APPLY NOW FOR YOUR FREE PLACE!

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INDIGENOUS SCHOLARSHIP
On all short courses
This Scholarship offers Indigenous people in NSW the opportunity to enrol in Metro Screen training courses to the value of $1000. Whether you are just starting out, or need to up skill, Metro Screen has a comprehensive training program that can support your professional development.

The Indigenous Filmmaker’s Scholarship is funded through the NSW Film and Television Office. To apply contact Metro Screen’s Training Department on 02 9361 5318 or check the website.

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GROUP TRAINING/BOOKING
Customised training
Need training for your staff? Metro Screen can do group bookings for any of our courses, including Apple-accredited Final Cut Pro 5. We can also mix and match to create a program that suits the needs of your organisation. The training is scheduled at your convenience and can take place here at Metro or at your place of work.

For more information, please contact Maeve Marsden (Training Coordinator) at training@metroscreen.org.au

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DUBBING + NEW MEDIA SERVICES
Metro Screen offers:
Comprehensive transfer services, standards conversion, bulk DVD duplication, Disc printing, digitising to hard disc, digital file transfer to tape, video file compression, video stills capture, DVD authoring and more.

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GENERAL OVERVIEW
Summary
Based centrally in Sydney Metro Screen offers hi definition digital video production equipment and post production facilities, a chroma key studio, experienced crew, extensive duplication and printing services and we can even produce your media for you.

24hour HD editing facilities – completely self contained

Range of HD and SD cameras to suit all productions and budgets

Operators on call for editing or camera projects

Casting And Chroma Key Studio as well as rehearsal or audition spaces

Digitising to external hard disc, Digital file transfer to tape, DVD authoring

Video file compression, Stills capture from video.

Full range of stock

Metro Screen offers convenient, tailored production and postproduction solutions for the emerging filmmaker and industry professional.

Contact our friendly facilities staff for a prompt quote on 02 9361 5318 or facilities@metroscreen.org.au, http://www.metroscreen.org.au

Check the web for a full list of equipment, services and spaces to rent or download our current rate card here http://www.metroscreen.org.au/pdf/rate_card.pdf

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SYDNEY SONGLINES
Brought to you by Metro Screen and the City of Sydney

10day workshop | Free | 15 places available | Application deadline May 25| All ages welcome

What makes a city is its people. What gives a city life are the people who’s daily adventures, horrors, love’s and history are played out amongst its architecture and natural features.

Metro Screen together with the City of Sydney are offering all those that share this beautiful city of villages the chance to capture the people, objects and places that give Sydney its character.

Map your personal experiences and relationships in and with the city.

This workshop will teach you a range of valuable multimedia skills. You will learn to write, capture, edit and record your personal audio/visual Sydney Songline. By the end of the workshop you will have learnt to create your own mobile phone movie, a website and a DVD.

Only a basic working knowledge of computer literacy is needed to attend, learn from and enjoy this workshop. This is for everyone.

HOW TO APPLY | Metro Screen especially encourages applications from people of all ages and cultural backgrounds.

CHECK LIST FOR APPLICANTS
• A 150 word description of the two to three minute personal story about events, phenomena, people, places, that are your Songline
• Any photographs relevant to your Songline
• A digital camera if you have one and a 3g cell phone [both not essential]
• Basic computer literacy [compulsory]

APPLICATION DEADLINE | May 25, 2007
Please send full applications to David Opitz, Metro Screen, PO Box 299, Paddington 2021.

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PROJECT DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Script Editor/Producer Consultant

Meet with professionals about your project

Feedback is always productive especially when it comes from those who are working successfully in the film and screen industries.

Metro Screen’s Project Development Services offer you the opportunity to have your scripts and treatments assessed by industry professionals. Choose between a script editor and producer for a one hour or longer face-to-face meeting about your next project.

This is an excellent opportunity for filmmakers and screen practitioners to be given sound advice on what does and doesn’t work. Gain tips, insider knowledge and give your next project the best chance of achieving success whether it’s a short documentary or a feature film.

For costs and eligibility contact us on 02 9361 5318 or metro@metroscreen.org.au or http://www.metroscreen.org.au/projDevServ.html

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JUMP START
Closes June 4

Offering $40,000 in subsidy to film and screen productions in NSW.

Applications for the first of four rounds in 2007 is June 4.

Jump Start can provide you with subsidised access to reliable, sort after equipment, current technical facilities and production support.

PREVIOUS SUCCESSFUL JUMP START APPLICANTS HAVE INCLUDED
• Peter Humble’s MIZU was selected for screening at the Liquid Lens Festival in Brisbane at the Dendy Cinemas Brisbane.
• Khoa Do’s critically acclaimed The Finished People nominated for two AFI awards.
• Stuart Vauvert’s Hitch Cock screened in over fifteen international festivals.

APPLYING
• Applicants must download documents from the Metro Screen website http://www.metroscreen.com.au/jumpstart.html
• Must be current Metro Screen members $55 or $35 concession for 12 mths.

For more information please contact Metro Screen’s Project Manager David Opitz on 02 9361 5318 or d.opitz@metroscreen.org.au or check out the Metro Screen website at http://www.metroscreen.org.au

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PITCHING SESSION
Metro Screen Network

Second last chance this year to pitch for $15,000 worth of subsidy for your next project.

Whether it’s a film, documentary, TV show or new media project this is you chance.

Warm up your powers of persuasion and pitch for production support OR be an audience member and decide who wins.

WHAT | Metro Screen members have the opportunity to access filmmaking equipment or facilities through the $15,000 MPG annual subsidy fund.

All you need to do is pitch your filmmaking project to the group and persuade them to support your vision! Pitchers must have attended at least one MPG meeting and be a current financial Metro Screen member.

HOW | Potential pitchers must submit pitching documents by Friday 30th March at 5pm. The sessions are limited to four pitchers.

CRITERIA | Pitches will be assessed on the quality of the story and feasibility of the project. We’ll also have a panel on hand to give feedback and offer advice to those pitching.

AUDIENCE | Will also be given an opportunity to ask questions of the pitchers, meet the industry guest and vote on how much each pitch will receive through a secret ballot. If you are thinking of pitching in the coming year, this is a great chance to witness the process first hand and get an idea of what’s required.

As always at Metro Screen Network meetings, there will be opportunities to network and meet other members or announce calls for crew and cast for your next production.

CONTACT | Michael, the Metro Screen Network Coordinator on network@metroscreen.org.au for pitching documents and terms and conditions.
WHEN | Tues June 5, 6.30pm – 8pm
WHERE | Metro Screen, Paddington Town Hall, Cnr Oxford St + Oatley Rd, Paddington.
COST | Free for Metro Screen members | $10 non-members
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL | contact metro@metroscreen.org.au or 9361 5318 to request a booking form and secure your place as an audience member. Members please quote your membership number. Members please quote your membership number.

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METRO SCREEN MYSPACE
Become Our Friend
Metro Screen now has a myspace site, to check us out and become our friend go to
http://www.myspace.com/metroscreen

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SAMANTHA LANG
Live in conversation

Metro Screen’s Filmmakers’ Studio is back.

DATE | Thursday June 7th
TIME | 7pm – 9pm
TICKETS | $15 for Metro Screen members and $20 for non-members
VENUE | Metro Screen, Paddington Town Hall. Cnr Oxford and Oatley Rd, Paddington
Bookings are only confirmed upon full payment and doors open at 6.30pm.

To make a booking please contact Metro Screen 02 9361 5318 or metro@metroscreen.org.au | http://www.metroscreen.org.au

Full details to come.

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PRODUCTION ASSISTANT REQUIRED
Paid
Busy television production company, based in Petersham, is seeking a full time production assistant/intern commencing May 21st 2007 for four weeks and one day. Applicants should be hardworking, organised, detailed oriented, and can work well both within a team and independently. Applicants must be computer literate in Microsoft Office. General duties will consist of assisting the director of the company, answering telephone calls, responding to emails, trouble-shooting technology problems, running errands and providing general assistance on a documentary that is currently in production. Ideally, the PA should have a driver’s license and laptop. This is a great opportunity for someone who is looking to gain experience in the film and television industry.

Please send your CVs to jerushabhindie@chapmanpictures.com.au

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STUDENT CALL
East Coast Theatre Company and ACTT

‘AN ITALIAN STRAW HAT’
Written by Eugene Labiche & Marc Michel.
A new adaptation by May-Brit Akerholt.

We are looking for 14 students who are interested in being involved as Wedding Guests and some smaller roles. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a co-operative along side a cast of actors and team of creatives in the first season of plays at ACTT’s new Cleveland Street Theatre.

YOUR COMMITMENT
Rehearsals to begin from May 13 – May 30
NB: You will not be required all the time. The rehearsal call will be 2-4 hours.
And average weekly rehearsal hours will be approx 12 hours
These will be held mainly at weekends/evenings where possible.

The roles on offer will not be paid but you will gain great experience & the opportunity to network with industry professionals.

PERFORMANCES | June 1 – 24
(with a possible extension till Thursday 28th June).
- Tuesday to Saturday 8pm performances
- Sunday, 5pm performances

To register your interest by May 11: Contact Saskia Vromans on 0432 069 952 and/or svromans@hotmail.com

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YOUTH DIGITAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Metro Screen Job Vacancy
Metro Screen is a community screen organization delivering training, production support and facility hire to emerging filmmakers and digital media artists. We’re looking for an organised, flexible and motivated person to co-ordinate our screen media activities for young people aged 11-16 yrs.

Working with the Projects and Productions Manager the Youth Digital Media Coordinator is responsible for organising and delivering a range of youth focused screen media activities including video access workshops at Metro Screen and selected youth and community organizations.

Responsibilities primarily include liaison with local youth agencies to establish partnerships and workshop arrangements and regular communication with young people and their families. The Coordinator manages equipment and resource needs for workshops, supervises tutors and is required to teach from time to time. The Coordinator prepares grant submissions, progress reports and acquittals, including budget reports, and advises Metro Screen on best youth policies and practices. Activities include the coordination of screenings, development of film festival exhibition opportunities, and attending and speaking at youth sector conferences and events. The Coordinator will also provide support for additional activities within the Project and Productions Unit.

This position requires a demonstrated ability to work with young people, especially those identified as being ‘at-risk’. Screen skills will include digital video camera operation and sound recording, non-linear video editing, including knowledge of Photoshop and DVD production. This is an ideal opportunity to use and develop your skills across the project management, youth and screen sectors.

This is a part-time position, 3 days a week, with a salary of $21,000 ($35,000 pro rata) plus superannuation and leave loading. Metro Screen is located in the Paddington Town Hall, Paddington.

Applicants should provide a cover letter, resume and address the selection criteria. For a copy of the criteria please contact David Opitz, Projects and Productions Manager, on 02 9361 5318 or download it from the website.

Please submit applications to Amanda Kenley on email a.kenley@metroscreen.org.au
The deadline for applications is 5pm Friday 25th May 2007.

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ADMINISTRATOR
Metro Screen Job Vacancy
Metro Screen is a community screen organization delivering training, production support and facility hire to filmmakers and digital media artists. We’re looking for an organised, flexible and motivated Administrator to join our team.

Working with the General Manager the Administrator is responsible for office operations, human resource management, co-ordination of board meetings, safety procedures, insurance and assistance with financial administration. Financial responsibilities include daily banking, fortnightly payables, reconciliation of various accounts and occasional payroll processing.

This ‘hands on’ position requires a high level of initiative, organisational and administrative ability and a capacity to remain calm under pressure. As the staff member who engages with all aspects of Metro Screen’s activities, diplomacy and the ability to relate to people at all levels is essential.

Your ability to accept challenges and maintain an enthusiastic and reliable work ethic will be rewarded in this creative and supportive work environment. If you are looking to develop your arts administration skills and would like to work in a creative and busy environment then we want to hear from you.

The salary for this full-time position is $36,000 pa plus superannuation and leave loading. Metro Screen is located in the Paddington Town Hall, Paddington.

Applicants should provide a cover letter, resume and address the selection criteria. For a copy of the criteria please contact Christina Alvarez, General Manager, on 02 9361 5318 or download it from the website.

Please submit applications to Amanda Kenley on email a.kenley@metroscreenorg.au.
The deadline for applications is 5pm Friday 25th May 2007

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FILM FESTIVALS
June 30, 2007
10th Auburn International Film Festival for children and young adults
September 17-21, 2007

The Fifth and the last Experimental International Film Festival (flexiff 2002-2022)
September 22-23, 2007

5th Short Soup International Short Film and Food Festival
January 2008

On-line submissions only
www.cinewest.org.au

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SHORTS AROUND SYDNEY
At the Greengate + Clock Hotel

Monthly festival

GREENGATE
Entry Deadline: 1st of every month
Event Dates: 29th May, 26th June, & 31st July with the Award presentation in November
Event Venue: Greengate Hotel, Cnr Pacific Highway & Greengate Road, Killara

CLOCK DATES
Entry Deadline: 1st of every month
Event Dates: 9th May, 20th June, 11th July, 8th August, 12th Sept & 10th Oct Award presentation in November
Event Venue: Clock Hotel 470 Crown Street, Surry Hills

BRIEF EVENT DESCRIPTION | Festival runs 6 months of the year the best short films progress to the Award presentation in November and has the opportunity to win thousands of dollars worth of prizes.

Web Address: www.shortsaroundsydney.com
Contact Telephone: 0410 171 500
Contact Email: shorts@shortsaroundsydney.com

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SYDNEY WRITERS’ FESTIVAL
Film related events
Sydney becomes a city transformed by words from 28 May to 3 June 2007 as over 300 international and Australian writers converge for the tenth Sydney Writers’ Festival. This year’s Festival celebrates not only the power of the written word but also explores its adaptation to the screen.

With Chauvel Cinema, Sydney Writers' Festival presents Great Adaptations, a series of great works of literature transformed for cinema, including Three Dollars, The Leopard and LA Confidential.

Also at Chauvel Cinema, Richard E. Grant presents a screening of the cult classic Withnail and I, Rolf de Heer discusses the consequences for David Gulpilil of becoming one of Australia's first leading Indigenous film actors, alongside a screening of de Heer's Ten Canoes, and Josef Haslinger introduces Opera Ball, the film of his seminal Austrian novel Opernball.

If you’re interested in taking your own film from page to screen, don’t miss the From Script to Screen Workshop. This intensive and 100 per cent hands-on workshop will explore all elements of the script development and pre-production process using the comprehensive Celtx software system for screen writing and script pre-production.

For more information on these and other Sydney Writers’ Festival events visit www.swf.org.au

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ASDA FREE SCREENING
Thursday
Gillian Armstrong will receive ASDA’s highest honour, the Outstanding Achievement Award.

6pm Thursday May 10, 2007-05-07 Chauvel Cinema Paddington

Gillian Armstrong will introduce her films with a Q&A with Margaret Pomernaz.

100 A Day Made during graduations at AFTRS and High Tide starring Judy Davis and Claudia Karvan will screen.

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PORTABLE CONTENT PARTICIPANT
Paris festival success
Jackie Everitt participated in ‘Mobilestories’ one our portable content workshops for mobile phones and portable players.

Her piece ‘Olive Branch’ has been accepted for screening in the Pocket Film Festival in Paris.

Our next Portable Content workshop is Songlines, apply now.

For information on the festival go to www.festivalpocketfilms.fr

Congratulations Jackie.

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Metro Screen vouchers to the value of your choice are also available as gift ideas and are redeemable on all courses, equipment hire, membership and events. http://www.metroscreen.org.au/pdf/Brochure2007.pdf

Items for the eNews must be received by Friday. The Metro Screen eNews receives more items than it can publish and no guarantees for inclusion are made, items are also subject to editing. Please be sure to submit no more than 200 words including the preferred title of your item and contact details to enews@metroscreen.org.au

Metro Screen does not advocate items on its enews but merely presents them for your negotiation.

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Metro Screen membership affords many benefits including discounted courses, equipment hire, entry into our competitions, subsidy funds, and access to our monthly film events, screenings and mentorship programs, not to mention the networking and career development opportunities go to http://www.metroscreen.org.au for all the information.

Metro Screen now sells Inside Film magazines at reception. Just come into Metro Screen and pick up your latest copy of this film industry magazine. Inside Film is a proud sponsor of Metro Screen.

If you know of anyone who may be interested in receiving this eNews please feel free to forward it on.

Metro Screen also provides a notice board located in our foyer, if you would like to use this notice board please forward your notices to metro@metroscreen.org.au and ask for them to be displayed..

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