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

WELCOME TO METRO SCREEN'S WEEKLY eNews – 03 April, 2008

If you’re a young person, or know a young person who wants to gain skills in filmmaking over the school holidays then enrol in our re-vamped three day holiday workshop for young filmmakers, see below >>

For others there is our flagship Certificate IV in Screen course starting July 21, enrol now to receive the early bird discount, see below >>

Also don’t forget to RSVP for our INDUSTRY DRINKS on April 8 k.beck@metroscreen.org.au

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:
Cate Shortland (Tutor)
Why did you get involved with Metro Screen?
I love being part of the community of film makers that Metro is involved with, and has assisted from its inception. It is a rare, inspiring and egalitarian atmosphere to be in. I have been lucky to have had great teachers in my life, and I enjoy sharing what these people have given me with others.

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
Be in the Audience
Following on from a successful first pitching session in February, where three films are now in production, the Metro Screen Network is again offering support to filmmakers via access to equipment and facilities at Metro Screen.

Pitchers will vie for a slice of the $15,000 annual subsidy pool by making a five minute pitch. They need to persuade you to support their vision! You’ll also get a chance to ask them questions and then choose the winning pitchers.

There will also be opportunities to network, meet other members and announce calls for crew and cast for your next production.

When: Tuesday, April 1st, 6.30pm – 8pm.
Where: Metro Screen, Paddington Town Hall, Cnr Oxford St + Oatley Rd, Paddington
Cost: FREE for Metro Screen members, $10 for non-members
Booking Form: Contact metro@metroscreen.org.au or call 9356 1818

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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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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.

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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CERTIFICATE IV IN SCREEN SEMESTER 2
Starts July 21
A minimum of six films are produced, at least two documentaries, two studio dramas and two location dramas. Participants develop their own scripts, pitch their ideas and secure a key crew role on at least three productions, while fulfilling supporting roles on others.

Participants learn on broadcast quality HD cameras, work in professional level production and post-production facilities, including our Mac Computer Lab. Industry professionals teach technical and practical aspects of production including camera and lighting, editing, producing and directing.

If you’re thinking of enrolling please contact us to arrange an interview and a tour.
Mon – Fri [Day] | 5 mths | 21/07 – 12/12 | $6,825 [upfront payment] | $7,250 [periodic payment plan].

Early enrolment special of $6,400 for upfront payment before May 30th, 2008.

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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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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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ARCHIVE PROJECT COORDINATOR
Part Time
Metro Screen has an extensive video archive that spans three decades and offers a unique insight into a broad spectrum of social and cultural issues and events.

We are looking for a highly organised person to undertake the significant administrative task of transferring information about these works into a soft copy database.

This is a part-time position, 3 days a week for a period of 6 months, with a salary of $10,500 ($35,000 pro rata) plus superannuation and leave loading.

Applicants should provide a one page cover letter addressing the selection criteria that a be found on the home page of the Metro Screen website.

Closing Date: COB Tuesday 22nd April 2008

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EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Executive Officer
‘The Settlement’ requires an experienced leader to enact change which ensures strategic sustainability and visioning. You will need lots of flexibility and creativity with high level skills in community engagement, communication, staff development and management, program delivery, liaising with funding bodies and administration. Understanding of Aboriginal cultural issues is essential. A Degree in Social Work or its equivalent is preferred. This is an Above SACS 6 Award position which includes generous salary sacrificing.

Contact: Michael Gravener
Mobile: 0400 990 301
Email: msg2000@bigblue.net.au for job pack
Applications close:11th April

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CREW REQUIRED
FTO Funded Short Film
Volunteer crew is required for a shoot within Sydney metro (Berala, eastern suburbs) Mostly afternoon and night shoots for 6 days from 13 April to 18th April 2008.

Crew required:
Art Department Assistants
2nd AD
Unit Assistant
LX / Grip Assistants

Experience working with groups of extras and young people preferred. The film, ‘Midsummer Magic’ is a 15 minute adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ set now with a cast primarily of teenagers. The key crew have worked together before and it’s a fun and friendly, but experienced team.

Contact: Iain Crossing
Email: iain@kittyhawk.com.au
Mobile: 0418 635 424

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NEWTOWN FLICKS FESTIVAL
Call for Entry
‘Newtown Flicks’ invites aspiring film makers and audiences to be part of the 2008 ‘Newtown Flicks Short Film Festival’. Across three days, we will be screening short films, documentaries, mockumentaries, music clips, phone flicks and everything in between. Embracing new and emerging artists, this is your opportunity to see and be seen at the ‘Newtown Flicks Short Film Festival’

When: 30, 31 May & 1 June 2008
Where: PACT, 107 Railway Parade, Erskineville, NSW, 2043
Entries Close: 24 April 2008

For festival details about how to enter and program details, check out www.newtownflicks.com.au

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YOUNG FILMMAKERS FUND
Deadline 14 April
Do you live in Regional NSW or Western Sydney? Are you aged 18-35?
Do you have a story to tell either on screen or online? The NSW Film and Television Office (FTO) is calling for applicants exclusively from Western Sydney and Regional NSW for the next round of its highly successful Young Filmmakers Fund which fosters the talent of emerging filmmakers from the State.

For the full press release visit: http://www.fto.nsw.gov.au/content.asp?content=3&Id=500

Contact: Valerie Allerton, Coordinator YFF & Digital FX
Telephone: 9264 6400
Email: allertonv@fto.nsw.gov.au

Guidelines and application forms are available from: http://www.fto.nsw.gov.au/fund.asp?id=48

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MEET THE FILMMAKER
Bruce Petty in Conversation Following Screening of his Feature Film Global Haywire
Global Haywire was written, directed and animated by Academy Award winner Bruce Petty. This wholly original documentary threads live action and animation with stunning dynamism and originality to tell a tale of how East and West has reached the present crisis point. Weaving in the wisdom of the likes of Gore Vidal, Noam Chomsky, Tariq Ali and Robert Fisk, along with that of students from around the world, plus a wealth of archival footage, Petty examines issues such as globalisation, massive un-payable debts, the spread of nuclear weapons, diminishing oil reserves, terrorism and religious fundamentalism.

An exclusive Q&A event will be held on Monday 7th April, 6.30pm at Dendy Newtown Cinemas, 261 King St, Newtown.

All tickets $11/ $9 concession and on sale from the cinema now.

Dendy Newtown Cinemas
Telephone: (02) 9550 5699

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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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DISCOUNT SHOW TICKETS
Prequles and Sequels
‘Prequels and Sequels’ is Sydney’s top comic improvisers remaking films with the audience in control. See the prequel or sequel to your favourite film performed live! See ‘Oceans 10’ or ‘The Bourne Retirement’. It’s a hilarious night, just like TV shows such as ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’
Metro Screen members receive tickets for $20, normal price $26.

When: Sundays from 13th April to 18th May
Time: 8pm
Where: Newtown Theatre (cnr King and Bray Sts), Newtown

Click this link to book and quote codeword “HOLLYWOOD’
http://premier.ticketek.com.au/ppredirect.aspx?pp=QHOLL&sh=PREQUELS08

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SPLIF
3 April
‘SPLIF’ (Screening Perth’s Local Independent Films) returns to Sydney in 2008 screening at Caught Short on Thursday 3rd April. ‘SPLIF’s’ curator Ivan Borgnino will be in town to present another mixed bag of western Austrlalia produced animation, sci-fi, horror, music clips and docs that he has gathered from campuses, institutions and places unknown.

When: Thursday 3rd April
Time: Bar open 7.30pm, screening starts at 8pm
Where: Tap Gallery, 278 Palmer St (just off Oxford St ), Darlinghurst
Cost: $10
Website: www.filmcaughtshort.com

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EZRA COOPERSTEIN IN CONVERSATION
The Portable Symposium Series
The Portable Film Festival ® presents Current TV's chief evangelist, Ezra Cooperstein. Established by Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore in 2005, Current TV have pioneered the television industry's leading model of interactive viewer created content, and are the only 24/7 cable and satellite television network/internet site produced and programmed in collaboration with its audience.

http://portablefilmfestival.com/events.php for further information.

When: Tuesday April 8th
Time: 6pm
Where: Sydney Museum. Cnr Phillip and Bridge Streets. Sydney NSW, 2000
Telephone: 9251 5988
Contact: Kate Elton
Email: kate@portablecontent.com for RSVPs to the Sydney or any other event.
Website: www.portablefilmfestival.com

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LUKE DAVIES SPEAKS
Australian Literary Luncheon Series Launch
Luke Davies, the best-selling author of ‘Candy’, which starred friend Heath Ledger in the film, is to be the Special Guest Speaker at the first of The Australian Literary Review's 2008 luncheons, presented by Borders.
Davies new book ‘God of Speed’ is a giant and extraordinary leap into the mind of Howard Hughes, one of the strangest and most significant figures of the 20th century. Bookings essential

When: 11 April 2008
Time: 12.00-2.00pm
Where: Level 2, State Room, Hilton Sydney, 488 George Street
Enquiries and bookings: 9775 7000 or rsvp@marksonsparkspr.com
Cost: $75.00 per person, two-course meal, beer, wine and soft drinks

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FILM AND TV SPECIALIST BOOKSHOP
Member Discount
An independent bookshop dedicated to film and television. Including industry guides and manuals, books providing a comprehensive analysis of important films and TV programs and the most extensive range of film & TV biographies. If you are looking for a book that is still in print and has been difficult to find, just ask and we will attempt to locate this for you.

Metro Screen members gain a 10% discount on full price items (sale items are exempt)

Address: 1/502 King St Newtown
Opening hours: Wed-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Thur 11am-8pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Website: www.filmtvbookshop.com.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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PORTABLE WORK
Anita Bacic
For the second year running, our print and web designer, Anita Bacic, has had her collection ‘Roaming Sweets’ accepted into ANAT's Portable Worlds exhibition. Anita created Roaming Sweets in partnership with Natalie Woodlock and the films were also screened both at the exhibition last year and at the Pocket Film Festival in Paris.

The films are all stop motion animations captured with a mobile phone camera and designed for viewing on portable devices.

To view the work and learn more about it go to http://www.onesixty.net/sweets/

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