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

WELCOME TO METRO SCREEN'S WEEKLY eNews – 20 March, 2008

Application deadline to apply to pitch for your share of $15,000 in in-kind subsidy is next week March 28, see below >>

Metro Screen’s Mobile Unit film OUR TOWN has been selected by the Australian Film Commission [AFC] to screen in its annual Big Screen Festival.

The screening will take place in Yamba at the Yamba Cinema at 5.15pm, April 6th.

OUR TOWN made in 2007 is a spirited film by young Grafton locals about the importance of the Clarence River to their lives and to their Indigenous culture.

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:
GEORGIA CLARK (Pitching Subsidy recipient)
How did Metro Screen impact on your confidence as a filmmaker?
Metro Screen is a fantastic place to skill up, socialize and start getting your stuff out there. There’s so many ways to get involved, whether it’s on someone else’s film, or applying for production subsidies and making your own. Get out there and do it!

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
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. Three films are already in production from the first pitching session in February this year.

For the pitching submission form and terms & conditions please contact the Network Coordinator, Michael Chrisoulakis on network@metroscreen.org.au

To book your place in the audience contact metro@metroscreen.org.au

Event: Tuesday, April 1st, 6.30pm – 8pm.
Location: 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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INTRODUCTION TO SCREENWRITING [BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE]
Starts April 3
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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PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT [BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE]
Starts May 3
This accredited, in-depth course will demystify the role of a Production Manager, providing you with the confidence and skills to run any scale of production. Learn how to manage all aspects of a shoot including budgets and expenses, call sheets, schedules, contracts and awards. Participants receive comprehensive course notes and production templates.

Tutor: Heather Oxenham. With over twenty years of experience on both commercial and independent productions, Heather’s credits include Erskineville Kings, Kiss or Kill, Floating Life and Sebastian and the Sparrow. Sexy Thing, produced by Heather, was in the official selection for competition at Cannes Film Festival 2006.

Accredited training 6 x Sat [Day] | 36hrs | 03/05 – 07/06 | $570 / $670 non-members | 15 places

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SOUND RECORDING [BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE]
Starts May 3
Learn how to operate sound recording equipment to ensure quality sound on set or location and eliminate errors during the shoot. Using broadcast quality sound equipment, you will participate in practical exercises, recording sound in a variety of environments. Discuss the sound problems encountered by filmmakers and sound recordists and the best ways to tackle them.

Accredited training 2 x Sat [Day] 12hrs | 03/05 – 10/05 | $395 / $465 non-members | 12 places

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FINAL CUT PRO FUNDAMENTALS [BEGINNER]
Starts May 3
Taught by an Apple Certified trainer and following Apple’s ‘Pro’ training syllabus, this course is designed for beginners looking to edit professional quality video using Final Cut Pro 6. Learn to perform basic editing functions while familiarising yourself with the user interface. Topics include basic setup, adjusting and customising preferences and settings, capturing video and audio, various editing and trimming techniques, audio editing, finishing and final output, as well as more advanced functions such as filters and motion tools.

Special Feature: Fees include an Apple FCP 6 course manual valued at $74.95.
Non-accredited training 3 x Sat [Day] 18hrs | 03/05 – 17/05 | $590 / $695 non-members | 15 places

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YOUNG FILMMAKERS APRIL WORKSHOPS
Starts April 16

Metro Screen Young Filmmakers
April workshops run from the 16th to the 18th.

We’ve revamped our school holiday program to focus more on core filmmaking. This means Metro Screen Young Filmmakers will be tutored by highly qualified young industry professionals in a fun, yet skills directed environment. AND receive a Certificate of Competency outlining the skills they’ve attained in the Young Filmmakers Workshops.

Workshop A: focusing on production and directing skills.
Workshop B: focusing on screenwriting and postproduction skills.

Wed, Thur + Fri |10am – 4pm | 16/04 – 18/04 | $295
For full course details and to enrol please contact Metro Screen.

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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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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
This is a complimentary event

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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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METRO SCREEN’S SUBSIDY FUND JUMP START
Final Round for 2008
Applications close for this round June 6.
Offering $45,000 in subsidy to film and screen productions in NSW annually. Jump Start can provide you with subsidised access to reliable, sort after equipment, current technical facilities and production support.

Applying:
• Applicants must download documents from the Metro Screen website   http://www.metroscreen.com.au/jumpstart.html
• Must be current Metro Screen members $60 or $40 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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CREW CALL
Short Film Shack
Super 16mm drama short ‘Shack’ requires crew for three day location shoot near Port Macquarie. A one location four-hander set in the 1960s and 1940s. Crew are industry professionals working with fellow filmmakers. Due to budget constraints this may have to be a volunteer (unpaid) project. However the production undertakes to cover crew members out-pocket expenses including mobile and fuel. Production will arrange accomodation at, and transport to and from, the location.

Crew: Focus Puller (would suit Clapper Loader looking for 1AC credit, Key Makeup Artist, Wardrobe/Costume
Dates: 27 Mar 2008 to 29 Mar 2008

Contact: Josh Mawer
Mobile: 0412 394 345
Email: josh.mawer.films@gmail.com

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SNOG BALM
TVC Clip Required
‘Snog Balm’ is a new and exciting lip balm product being launched in to the Australian market place within the next six months. We require two 15-30 sec TVC’s which will be part of our viral marketing campaign strategy.

• 1st TVC – Bedroom scene, 1 male, 1 female in their early 20’s kissing (clothes on by the way).
• 2nd TVC – White backdrop scene, 2 female, 2 male in their early 20’s kissing.

Contact: Malcolm
Mobile: 0418 166 495
Email resumes to: malcolm@snogbalm.com.au

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I LOVE LITTLE ITALY SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
Call for Entries
This year’s judges include Documentary Filmmaker and cinematographer, Fabio Cavadini, Director Andrea Dal Bosco and Screenwriter Melina Marchetta (Looking for Alibrandi).
This year’s winner will walk away with the Norton Plaza Prize for Best Film, a cool $2000 cash plus other prizes to be announced on the night.

The festival will be held on the 8th of June, 8:30pm at the Palace Cinema in Norton St, Leichhardt.

Entries close 5pm Friday 9 May 2008. Films must be no longer than 8mins.
Please contact Nino Lo Giudice, the Co.As.It.Youth Worker, on 9564 0744.

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JOHN JAMESON PRODUCTIONS
Screenplays Wanted
‘John Jameson Productions’ is giving three budding screenplay writers the chance to have their ideas made. Three winning screenplays will be chosen by a panel of industry professionals and will be put into production with a $20,000 budget each.

Submit a two-hundred word summary of your idea with an “unexpected ending” online at: www.johnjamesonproductions.com.au

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SHOW ME SHORTS
Call for Submission
There is $20,000 in prizes up for grabs including the Bryan Brown Film Scholarship. Anyone can enter this national contest. Film can be no longer than 7 minutes and must include the Festival brief subject and at least one scene shot in either Bankstown or Broken Hill. Filmmakers have 3 months to complete their film. Judging is by the Festival committee headed by Bryan Brown, plus special celebrity guest judges.

Registrations and brief commence on Friday April 4, 2008 at www.reeldeal.com.au

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REEL DEAL REGISTRATIONS
$20,000 Cash and Scholarship Prizes
‘John Jameson Productions’ is giving three budding screenplay writers the chance to have their ideas made. Three winning screenplays will be chosen by a panel of industry professionals and will be put into production with a $20,000 budget each.

Submit a two-hundred word summary of your idea with an “unexpected ending” online at: www.johnjamesonproductions.com.au

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ARTIST RESIDENCY
Bundanon
Accessible Arts in partnership with the Bundanon Trust are providing an artist in residency opportunity for a NSW artist with a disability. Artists practising in the visual arts, design, digital technologies, film, literature, dance and theatre are eligible to apply. The successful applicant will undertake the residency in November 2008 and will receive a $3000 stipend to undertake the residency. As a gift to the Australian people. Applications close Friday April 18

For application form visit: http://www.aarts.net.au/mod.php?mod=userpage&menu=2103&page_id=175

Contact: Josie Cavallaro
Telephone: 9251 6499 ext 4
Email: jcavallaro@aarts.net.au
For further information on Bundanon visit www.bundanon.com.au

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MEN, LOVE AND THE MONKEYBOY
By Caleb Lewis
Directed by Christopher Hurrell
Darlinghurst Theatre

Winner of the 2007 Mitch Matthews Award and short listed for the Griffin Award Phillip spends his days studying primate behavior. His specialist subject? The Gorilla.

He need not look far for inspiration. His father, Robbo, is 55 going on 16 and will forever be ‘one of the boys’, his brother-in-law Dave has lost his sex drive since his wife’s promotion; and his best mate Rex seems determined to prove his virility by pursuing anything that moves.

As always Metro Screen members gain discounts on ticket prices, paying only $20 for all Tuesday performances and $25 for all other performances.

We’ve also got a few double passes for the performance on Tuesday 1 April at 8pm, simply email Katrina at k.beck@metroscreen.org.au with MEN in the subject and be sure to include your full name and member number.

Previews Wed 26 March at 8pm
Plays Thurs 27 March – Sat 19 April
Tuesday – Saturday 8pm
Sundays 5pm
Bookings: www.darlinghursttheatre.com / 02 8356 9987

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ENOUGH ROPE
Audience Required
‘Enough Rope’ is soon to return to your screens and we would like to invite you to become part our studio audience for a special ‘Enough Rope’ studio record.

This record will be on Tuesday 25 March 2008. To book seats please email your full booking name, the number of seats you require and a contact phone number to audiencebookingsER@zapruder.com.au

Alternatively, you can call the ‘Enough Rope’ audience booking line with your details: 9459 4288
Please note this ‘Enough Rope’ record will take place in the mid afternoon at the ABC studios in Ultimo. You will need to be available from around 2pm.

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INVESTMENT MASTER CLASS
SPAA
SPAA and Holding Redlich are commencing the new year with a master class to assist producers in dealing with investors in the current environment, using the Producer Offset.

Topics that will be covered in this master class include:
Who are the investors in the current environment?
What are they looking for in your productions?
What do they expect, including by way of recoupment corridors, approvals and security?
How might the producer offset affect your deals with investors?
How can you make the producer offset work?
Cash flowing the producer offset – who and how?

Contact: Emma Beaumont
Email: emma@spaa.org.au

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ARTSLAW WEEK SYDNEY
Free Seminars and Workshops
The Arts Law Centre of Australia with the support of the City of Sydney is presenting a series of free seminars and workshops for Sydney based artists, arts organisations and other creative people.

Featured seminars include:
• Running Your Arts Business: copyright and protecting your name
• Legal issues for filmmakers
• Arts and technology: what you can and can’t do!
• Freedom of expression
• Intellectual property for community and not for profit organisations.

Most sessions will be held at the Rex Centre (Kings Cross) and are free.
When: 31 March to 5 April
Website: www.artslaw.com.au
Email: artslaw@artslaw.com.au
Phone: 9356 2566

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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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METRO SCREEN FILMMAKERS
Lots of Screenings
‘Don't Panic’ made through Metro Screen’s Raw Nerve Mentorship made it into the St Kilda Film Festival and also screened last Saturday at Rock Elliot Mudfest in Mudgee. 14 films were selected out of 500 entries from over 30 countries.

‘White Sound’ made through Metro Screen Documentary Scholarship course has also been accepted into the St Kilda Film Festival and Shepparton Shorts and the recent Byron Bay film festival.

‘Aunty Betelnut’ made through Metro Screen’s Multicultural Mentorship program also made it into the Shepparton Shorts film festival.

Congratulates to these films and their makers.

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