Tell Your Story | Training, Equipment + Production Support for Filmmakers

WELCOME TO METRO SCREEN'S WEEKLY eNews – 28 February, 2007


Directing Sex scenes actually starts March 8, not March 3 as stated in the last eNews, see below >>

Indigenous film screening happening end of March, you’re invited, see below >>

Play Now Act Now announces its annual call for entries, see below >>

SCRIPT EDITOR/PRODUCER CONSULTANT
Meet with Professionals about your Project
Metro Screen offers 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 you 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 9356 1818 or email metro@metroscreen.org.au or http://www.metroscreen.org.au/projDevServ.html

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METRO SCREEN PEOPLE
Tutors, Mentors and Filmmakers
Metro Screen has added a few new pages to its website for your enjoyment. We have a Metro Screen People page and a Metro Screen tutor page both clickable from the right coloum on the home page.

These pages give an insight into the array of talented people who make up the Metro Screen filmmaking community.

Highlight from these pages:
BARABARA KAPINSKI drama and documentary maker
What has been your highlight so far at Metro Screen?
I did the courses in directing and editing and spent a lot of time with my editor, Rolmar Baldonado in the small edit suite. I suppose the highlight was when Rolmar and myself and my lawyer accidentally locked ourselves behind the gate in the small editing room on a Saturday night. My lawyer had a panic attack but I had Craig's home number so called him and with brute strength was able to lift the gate up. Me and the lawyer escaped but alas, poor Rolmar stayed the night to finish the film as little known to him I had spiked his bed time cuppa of milo with double strength coffee.

People http://www.metroscreen.org.au/profiles02.html
Tutors http://www.metroscreen.org.au/profiles.html

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METRO SCREEN NETWORK PITCHING SESSION
Apply to Pitch before March 28

Make your film with access to equipment and facilities at Metro Screen!
Pitch your way to $3,500, $2,500 or $1,500 worth of credit to Metro Screen’s equipment and resources. Make a five minute pitch to our Network members, persuading them to support your vision!

There are a maximum of FIVE pitching places, so get in quick.
For the pitching submission form and terms & conditions please contact the Network Coordinator, Michael Chrisoulakis on network@metroscreen.org.au

Event: Tuesday, April 1st, 6.30pm – 8pm.
Venue: Metro Screen, Paddington Town Hall, Cnr Oxford St + Oatley Rd, Paddington

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INDIGENOUS TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP
Apply for a short course today
The Indigenous Media Training Scholarship offers Indigenous people in NSW the opportunity to apply for a free place on a Metro Screen training course. The Scholarship is funded by the NSW Film and Television Office.

Before applying for the Scholarship, you will need to decide which course you wish to participate in. Metro Screen has a wide variety of short courses for everyone from beginners to working professionals.

If you would like advice on which course is best for you or more information contact our Training Department on 02 9361 5318 or email training@metroscreen.org.au or http://www.metroscreen.org.au/training.html and click Scholarships on the left side menu.

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DIGITAL MICRO MOVIE [BEGINNER]
Starts March 7
Kick start your filmmaking career with this intensive, hands-on introduction to all elements of production. Make a short drama in 15 hours from initial idea to final film. In groups, you will script and storyboard your ideas, shoot using our broadcast-quality digital cameras, then edit your work in our Final Cut Pro 6 edit suites. All participants will rotate through key crew roles while learning basic screen language, lighting and sound techniques.

Special Feature: Participants will receive a DVD of all productions made.
Non accredited training Fri [Eve] + Sat & Sun [Day] 15hrs | 07/03 – 09/03 | $495 / $575 non-members | 12 places

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DIRECTING SEX SCENES
Starts March 8
Extend your ability to rehearse and shoot intimate scenes. After analysing a variety of films to discuss how sexuality is represented, complete practical exercises with actors, focusing on script analysis, rehearsal techniques, camera coverage of intimate cinema, actor/director relationships and on set protocol. Participants should have some experience directing and must approach the course with maturity.

Special Feature: Participants will receive a DVD of all productions made.
Non accredited training Sat + Sun [Day] 12hrs | 08/03 – 09/03 | $256 / $300 non-members | 15 places

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SONY ONE DAY CAMERA COURSE [BEGINNER]
Starts March 15
Learn key camera operations and functions, including framing, exposure, white balance and focus as well as camera handling techniques, lighting techniques and an overview of the High Definition format. An excellent introduction to camera operation, this course is the first stepping stone to becoming a skilled cinematographer or shooting your own short films.

Non accredited training 1 x Sat [Day] 6hrs ] | 15/03 or 28/06 | $220 / $260 non-members | 12 places

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PRODUCING FOR FILM AND TELEVISION [BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE]
Starts Marchs 31
Learn how to produce a film, short video or TV show, from recognising a good concept right through to marketing and distribution. This accredited course covers the basics of setting up your own production company as well as funding, pitching, copyright, legal responsibilities, and approaching broadcasters. Participants receive comprehensive course notes and production templates.

Tutor: Carolyn Johnson. An AFTRS graduate, Carolyn moved into film production in 1993. With a TV drama and documentary in development and numerous shorts under her belt, Carolyn’s first feature film Son of a Lion premiered at the 2007 Pusan International Film Festival.

Accredited training 9 x Mon [Eve] 27hrs | 31/03 – 26/05 | $450 / $530 non-members | 15 places

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INTRODUCTION TO SCREENWRITING [BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE]
Starts Marchs 15
Learn the essential skills required for screenwriting. Develop an understanding of effective storytelling, dialogue and industry standard formatting. Learn how to hone your story concept into work that is compelling and unique. Develop solid techniques to help with characterisation and discuss genre and plot types to help improve your work. Throughout the course participants are encouraged to present their story ideas, which are discussed and developed in class.

Non accredited training 6 x Thu [Eve] 18hrs | 03/04 – 08/05 | $341 / $400 non-members | 15 places

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DOCUMENTARY PRODUCTION PATHWAYS [OPEN TO ALL]
Starts April 8
Do you have a good idea for a doco but don’t know where to start? Develop your understanding of documentary production pathways; from the initial research and development phase right through to marketing and distribution. This course will help you hone your documentary ideas, focusing on both creative and practical aspects of documentary filmmaking, including storytelling techniques as well as preproduction planning.

Non accredited training 5 x Tue [Eve] 15hrs | 08/04 – 06/05 | $325 / $385 non-members | 15 places

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SONY HVR Z1P HDV CAMERA
This camera records HDV, DVCAM and DV in both PAL and NTSC. Footage shot in HDV can also be directly down converted to SD from the camera, allowing backwards compatibility to the standard definition DV environment. With 3x 1/3inch 1080iSuper HAD CCDs [16:9], a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar “T” lens and 2 XLR inputs which can be independently operated at mic or line level.

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STUDIO SPACES
Sound stage dimensions: 8.5 x 10mW x 4mH, chroma key green cyclorama, three phase power [30A] black curtains, air conditioning. 6 x 4K soft lights on lighting grid, risers, sandbags, c-stands, flats also available, blondie lights available for studio $20 each per day, green room, kitchen and make-up facilities available.

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G5 FINAL CUT PRO EDITING
Quad 2.5Ghz Power PC G5 offering terabyte storage options and choice of HDV/10bit SDI or component input and output. This suite can be hired with a HVR 10U HDV edit deck to facilitate HDV editing or talk to facilities staff about arranging other formats such as Sp Beta, DVCam, DVC Pro or Digi Beta. Available 24hrs a day, equipped with kitchen and bathroom facilities.

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METRO SCREEN EDIT CAFÉ
Metro Screen offers an economic editing solution with our “Edit Café”. Catering for competent editors, with their own storage and cameras who just need a G5 iMac station equipped with Final Cut Pro Studio to continue their project.

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NEW MEDIA SERVICES
Metro Screen’s experienced facilities staff offer a range of specialist new media services such as digitising to external hard disc, digital file transfer to tape, DVD authoring, video file compression and stills captured from video. Metro Screen can also encode your media for delivery on multiple platforms including web streaming, PowerPoint, mobile phones, iPod, DVD, CD, tape, MPEG or QuickTime in PAL or NTSC. This will allow you to post your media on your own website or on one of the many free sites such as YouTube or MySpace, or send your media via email, mobile phone or iPod, author a DVD or simply archive to tape.

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COMPLETE SERVICE
From concept through to completion, including scripting, shooting, post production and delivery of your promotional media or re-style and diversify your existing footage by updating the content of existing footage with new graphics, stills, voice-overs and music or convert your existing footage to new formats. Provide services for DIY through professional gear and postproduction facilities to produce your own promotional media.

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INDIGENOUS FILM MENTORSHIP
Application Deadline extended to Friday 25th February at 5.00pm
From experimental, to documentary and drama, Metro Screen will look at all indigenous applications based on a story idea that can be told in a 5-minute short film.

It really is a great learning experience for people with ideas, vision and commitment! Successful applicants will have their equipment, facilities hire, stock and post-production costs covered, and will be provided with a $2,000 budget to cover crew and cast fees and design and catering. In addition, each filmmaker will be matched up with an industry mentor to help guide them through the process.

Contact David Opitz on 02 9356 1818 or email d.opitz@metroscreen.org.au or http://www.metroscreen.org.au/lbs.html

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SCREENING OF NEW INDIGENOUS FILMS
Lester Bostock Indigenous Mentorship
For the last year four filmmakers have worked with industry mentors to produce new films.
Metro Screen is hosting a complimentary screening of these works.

Each filmmaker is provided with equipment, post-production facilities a $2,000 budget and an industry mentor.

Films screening include:
"Blind Date" by Rowena Lawrie. Mentor: Samantha Saunders
"Kick it to Me" by Melodie-Jane Gibson. Mentor: Catriona McKenzie
"Flowerboy" by Daniel Randal. Mentor: Dean Francis
"Who are You?" by Mark Macmillian. Mentor: Alec Morgan

When: March 25, 5pm – 6pm
Where: Chauvel Cinema, Paddington Town Hall

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VIEW SHORT WORKS FOR YOUR MOBILE
Sydney Songlines Workshop
Metro Screen and the City of Sydney

Participants were asked:
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.

Participants mapped their personal experiences and relationships in and with the city.
Download their films, put them onto your mobile or watch them online http://www.metroscreen.org.au/digiContent.html

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CAMERA CREW REQUIRED
TVS Show
We are looking for a camera person who can help us create a show for “TVS”. Would suit those needing to add to their production experience. We are a non-profit spiritual group looking to create a dynamic and interesting show for TVS. It would be a weekly show (when approved), and we need you to help us create a fantastic demo.

Contact: Eden Bates
Mobile: 0425 235 556
Email: eden@rael.org

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CAMERA PERSON/EDITOR REQUIRED
Freelance Paid Work
Wanted experienced Final Cut Pro Editor/Cameraman for high quality production work. Must be experienced in both areas. Work will be on an on going basis. Receiving showreel & resume by post only.

Contact: Suzy Devery
Address: Film Unit, Faculty Economics & Business, University of Sydney
144 Burren St, Newtown, NSW, 2042
Email: s.devery@econ.usyd.edu.au

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MUSIC FOR FILMS
Unpaid Work
Original Music and Sound Engineers, who would be interested in doing the final sound mix for short films are required. A recent film graduate from SAE Byron Bay would like to submit some short films into film festivals nationally and internationally but needs to redo some of the music for copyright reasons.

This would be a great experience to build up your portfolio and get exposure for your music and talent. The work is unpaid but you will get a copy of the film and your name in the credits.

Contact: Sarah Tosone
Mobile: 0412 734 208
Email: sarah_tosone@hotmail.com

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PLAY NOW ACT NOW
2008 Competition
Focussing on alcohol and other drugs this year’s theme is party smART.

Categories to enter include:
Film/Video | Creative Writing | Graphic Design

Deadline for entries 25th July 2008
Entry is free and open to all residents of NSW aged 16 to 25.

Check out http://www.playnowactnow.net.au for more information on the competition or 02 9361 5318 or k.douglas@metroscreen.org.au

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POCKET FILMS FESTIVAL
Entries Open till March 1st

Two main sections this year:
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVE SECTIONS: CINEMA SCREEN and MOBILE SCREEN
Main Jury Prize for each section: 1,500 euros

Cinema Screen, open to all films shot with mobile phones and / or digital cameras.

Mobile Screen open to all video projects viewable on portable devices, from phone to I-Pod.

The 4th edition of the Pocket Films Festival, organised by the Forum des Images, will take place at the Pompidou Center, Paris, France, on June, 13-14-15th 2008.

For registration and information, visit the Pocket Films Festival www.festivalpocketfilms.fr
For more infos: pocketfilms@forumdesimages.fr

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FILMINK AWARDS DISCOUNTS
Metro Screen Members Rates for Filmink Awards
Celebrates International and Australian film releases for 2007, are people’s choice, is televised on the MOVIE EXTRA channel, featured national and international stars across film, theatre and television including Russell Crowe, Rose Byrne, Greg McLean, Tara Moss, Isabel Lucas, Brendan Cowell, Clayton Jacobson, Merrick & Rosso, Peter Hellier, John Jarratt and Mario Van Peebles.

Takes place at The State Theatre, 12 March 2008
After Party: The Argyle in The Rocks

Purchase tickets and receive mates rates: 33% saving off every ticket purchased, best seats in the house reserved for you, a limited time, offer ends 29 February, 2008. Must quote your membership number.

Contact Robbie on metro@metroscreen.org.au for the special ticket booking form.

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HEY HEY IT'S ESTHER BLUEBURGER
Popcorn Taxi
Exclusive Q& A with Oscar nominee Keisha Castle-Hughes, Director Cathy Randall, producer Miriam Stein and the remarkable talent that is Danielle Catanzariti!
[Cathy studied at Metro Screen with Alec Morgan of “Hunt Angels”]

This is the story of a smart, rueful and dead-on portrait of life's unending quest to fit in...and the girl who solves it by completely breaking out thus introducing us to a feisty outsider hero unlike any other seen on screen.

7.00pm, Monday, March 10, 2008, Greater Union, Westfield, Bondi Junction
Entry: $18 / $15 conc. [Special rates for Metro Screen members]

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YOUNG AT HEART SENIORS FILM FESTIVAL
Call for Volunteers
We are looking for enthusiastic festival volunteers to assist with the daily running of the festival as well as the Vintage Fair, Short Film Awards Night and other functions and workshops. Duties may include guest list registration, manning the information desk, ushering, some food & beverage service. RSA preferable but not essential.

Contact: Karina Libbey
Telephone: 9281 5608
Email: karina@thefestivalists.com
When: 6th to 13th April 2008
Where: Ritz Cinema and Dendy Opera Quays
Website: www.youngatheart.net.au

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DVCPRO CAMERA
AJD 200 DVCPro Camera DVC Pro 25 Camcorder utilizing 3 FIT 1/3\\ chips to attain a 500 line resolution picture. Signal to noise is 60db or better. A choice of 8 shutter speeds and 6 gain selections permit the operator to work in a variety of lighting conditions. Comes with base plate and beaten metal hard case.
PRICE: $1000
Metro Screen | Call 02 9356 1818 and speak with Ian Andrews or Ingrid Rowell 9am – 5pm

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LENS
T14 x 5.5 Fujinon lens, to suit 1/3” CCD
PRICE: $1500
Metro Screen | Call 02 9356 1818 and speak with Ian Andrews or Ingrid Rowell 9am – 5pm

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DVCPRO DECK
AJD 650 DVCPro 25 Deck component i/o, TC i/o, 48Khz Balanced audio i/o, Supports DVC Pro 25 record/playback and DV/DVCam playback, RS422 control.
PRICE: $2000
Metro Screen | Call 02 9356 1818 and speak with Ian Andrews or Ingrid Rowell 9am – 5pm

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BEYER DYNAMIC MICROPHONE
The MCE 86 N(C)S Beyer dynamic "short" shotgun condenser microphone designed for the rigors of studio and on-location video and film production, The MCE 86 N(C)S has a balanced XLR-style connector (hypercardioid) pickup pattern, equipped with a XLR-style connector, which means that you can use long cable throws without fear of increasing the noise. Comes with cradle with 1/4” thread for attachment onto boom pole.
PRICE: $300
Metro Screen | Call 02 9356 1818 and speak with Ian Andrews or Ingrid Rowell 9am – 5pm

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POWER MACS
G3 400 various ram configurations $100 ono
Metro Screen | Call 02 9356 1818 and speak with Ian Andrews or Ingrid Rowell 9am – 5pm

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SONY A1PHDV CAMCORDER
For Sale
SONY A1PHDV Camcorder for sale. $2800 including professional light, monopod, batteries and charger and hard case.

Sony A1PHDV Camcorder with 3 batteries, charger, Manfrotto Monopod, HVL-20DMA dual Sony light and hard carry case. 1.5 years old. Total value $4500.00. Will sell for $2800.00

Features:
CMOS based
3-megapixel sensor
Wide-screen Hybrid LCD monitor
Balanced audio, XLR inputs x 2, SMPTE timecode
Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens
Format HDV, DVCAM and DV (4:3 or 16:9)
On-board down conversion to output SD or HD
Still image capture
On-screen histogram

Contact: Kristy Brown
Mobile: 0405 618 080
Email: redonbrown@hotmail.com

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TROPFEST/TROPJR
Filmmakers from Metro Screen
Metro Screen was a proud supporter of both Tropfest and TropJr this year. We’d like to congratulate all those who entered, became finalists and took home a prize.

Among these award winners were Guy Verge Wallace who won TropJr with his film “Poor Joshua”. Guy has been a regular on Metro Screen’s Young Filmmakers workshops. Jasmin-Johanna Mobbs with her film “Beasties” also home prize pack including place in our next Young Filmmakers workshop in April.

Metro Screen would like to congratulate these two filmmakers on their efforts and wish them every success in the future.

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