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

WELCOME TO METRO SCREEN'S WEEKLY eNews – 17 April, 2008

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. We can encode your media for delivery on multiple platforms: web streaming, PowerPoint, mobile phones, iPod, DVD, CD, tape, MPEG or QuickTime in PAL or NTSC. Allowing you to post 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.

Plus Directing Sex Scenes is back, 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:
Tresa Ponnor
How did Metro Screen impact on your confidence as a filmmaker?
Metro Screen was instrumental. Just being chosen to be one of the five to make the film was encouragement enough. It was refreshing to know an institution that is committed to give first-time filmmakers a go.

If it weren’t for Raw Nerve, I never would have thought I was capable of making a film. The lessons I learnt in making "Brown Trash", gave me the confidence to submit my University thesis as a documentary (The video ethnography has screened Internationally in Milan and Texas in competition for Consumer Research Film Festivals).

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

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THE FUNDING APPLICATION PANEL
Writing Successful Submissions
With in-depth advice on the various application requirements, discover the essential do’s and don’ts, and learn how to give your project the best chance of securing funding.

Filmmakers will discuss their personal application experiences and funding body representatives will give you the inside word followed by an audience Q & A.

Speakers
Marcus Gillezeau – Producer/Director Firelight Productions
Kristina Ceyton – Producer
Megan Simpson Huberman – AFC Project Officer Manager
Nerida Moore – NSW FTO Project Officer

When: Tuesday May 6th, 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 Essential: Contact metro@metroscreen.org.au or call 9356 1818 to request a booking form and secure your place.

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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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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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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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DOCUMENTARY MAKING INTENSIVE
Starts May 23
This hands-on course takes participants from the spark of a doco idea to post production in just a weekend. With expert tutor guidance, participants work in groups to develop an initial concept before shooting on digital equipment. Finally, students review the footage and discuss the post-production phase. 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 | 23/05 – 25/05 | $385 / $453 non-members | 12 places

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STRUCTURE YOUR SCREENPLAY TO SELL
Starts June 21
Learn how to turn your screenplay or movie idea into a story that sells. Assess your work with the eyes of a professional, using the much touted but rarely mastered ‘three act structure’. Focus on the rewriting process and the preparation of a strong submission document for producers and funding agencies.

Tutor: Karel Segers was the Head of Production and Programming at the Digital Broadcasting Company in London (Sky, UK), before which he was a buyer and on-screen TV host for Europe’s Canal Plus. Karel is a story analyst, consulting to writers, directors and producers on films in development as well as postproduction. His views are published in The Story Dept. (story.ozzywood.com). Both of the nominees for the AWG Monte Miller Award 2007 are Karel’s clients.

2 x Sat [Day] | 12hrs | 21/06 – 28/06 | $193 / $227 non-members | 15 places

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DIRECTING SEX SCENES
Script says ‘they have sex’ – so how do you direct that?
This course is designed to expand the directors tool kit in order to prepare students for directing assignments as well as broaden their imaginative scope when interpreting scripts or generating their own projects. The course will be approached on the basis of script extracts that present opportunities for (or necessitate) intimacy. Examples will be drawn from a wide variety of sources. Together, the group will break down these scripts, examining various possibilities for their realization and then embark on dramatizing and shooting the texts in groups.

Tutor – Dean Francis
Sat + Sun [Day] 12hrs | 12/07 & 13/07 | $256 / $300 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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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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MULTICULTURAL MENTORSHIP FILMS SCREENING
Chauvel Cinema 5.00pm [sharp] – 6.00pm May 13
For the last year four filmmakers have worked with industry mentors to produce new films.
Each year Metro Screen runs the Multicultural Mentorship program giving four diverse filmmakers the opportunity to produce their short film. Each filmmaker is provided with equipment, post-production facilities a $2,000 budget and an industry mentor

Olga’s Granddaughters by Mila Gisbert.
Mentor: Alec Morgan

Pigeon Men by Marryanne Christodoulou.
Mentor: Melissa Anastasi

A Little Dream by Maria Tran.
Mentor: Khoa Do

Aunty Betelnut by Natasha Henry.
Mentor: Liz Watts

Please join us for this screening of new work.

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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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PROJECT OFFICER, NSW FTO
Available Now, 3 days per week
Process, assess and report on applications for Script Development, Regional Film Fund, and Production Investment funds and other FTO funding programs; provide advice and recommendations on the creative and economic viability of applications for funding, provides advice and information to applicants, assisting them with FTO guidelines, make sound judgements on cultural and technical aspects of the project, including on originality, creativity and freshness of the ideas, quality of script-writing, budgetary and financial aspects, and the team’s ability to realise their intentions. In practice: analysing proposals in a wide range of often complex applications & working with external assessors, lots of contact by phone email & in person with applicants and screen practitioners at all levels of experience; reporting to internal committees & FTO Board on applications.

Contact: Linda Tizard, Head of Development & Investment
Telephone: 9264 6400

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ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, NSW FTO
Full Time from 22 April
Provide administrative support services for the Development & Investment unit including answering all telephone inquiries, logging applications, preparing files, photocopying scripts and preparing correspondence. In practice: first point of contact for enquiries, lots of tracking applications, emails & scripts inside & out of the unit (to assessors, applicants etc) & other administration, doing minor research, organising meetings, appointments & travel. Essential qualities: a facilitator and problem solver, with a basic understanding of film/tv development & production processes, a great communicator with excellent oral and written skills and able to work autonomously, computer literacy, with a reasonable level of experience with databases (FileMaker Pro), Word, Excel.

Contact: Linda Tizard, Head of Development & Investment
Telephone: 9264 6400

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RUNNERS JOBS WANTED
Work Required
I am looking for any ‘runners’ positions that may be available on your projects.

Contact: Ryan Fraser Hill
Email: wyanhill@hotmail.com
Telephone: 0449 883 246

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CHILD ACTORS REQUIRED
Short Film
I am looking for:
Boy, age 8 or 9, height small to medium
Girl, age 11 or 12, tall, medium size and mean looking

The story is set in a primary school and is about how to deal with bullies. Shoot dates will be around May probably mid May, and would be shot on a weekend for a couple of hours possible over a two week block. We can negotiate about being paid, but we would not be able to pay a lot as we are not a production company.

Contact: Stephen Davies
Number: 9570 2818
Mobile 0401 747 830
Email: wallysteve@hotmail.com

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MUSIC AND SOUND COMPOSING
MSP Studios
Are you looking for Music or Sound Designs/Effects for your film, animation or interactive media? Richard Cohen and Zeljko Lazic (MSP Studios) can compose and produce music and sound designs for you in a friendly and professional manner. Absolutely every style covered from full classical orchestral scoring to rock/metal, ambience and soundscapes to sound effects and foley services.

With extensive experience in the creation and production of music and sound effects for a range of mediums, we are involved in end to end music and sound production including composition, performance, recording, production and post production.

Email: info@musicandsoundstudios.com
Telephone: 0425 326 508

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PRODUCER WANTED
Opportunity exists for an upcoming producer / line producer to work with an experienced team on a ground-breaking internet television concept with international broadcaster interest. The position is voluntary but we envision it leading to a long-term key role in a profitable venture.

We value motivation, passion, creative mindedness, leadership qualities and excellent interpersonal skills over experience. You will be a driving force in the development, financing, production and marketing of our series TV project.

More Info: www.dffilms.info
Please send a CV and an expression of interest to: glace@glacechase.com

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KIT DENTON FELLOWSHIP
Applications Open
Applications are now open for the annual $25,000 Kit Denton Fellowship. The ‘Kit Denton Fellowship’ is named in memory of Kit Denton, the late father of media personality, Andrew Denton. The $25,000 Fellowship is to reward courage and excellence in performance writing and allow a writer to develop a project over the coming year. Kit Denton was a lifetime member of the Australian Writers Guild, a scriptwriter, author, poet and lyricist. His most famous work was ‘’The Breaker’, an international best selling novel about the trial and execution of ‘Breaker Morant’.

For more information go to www.awg.com.au or call 02 9281 1554

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EDNA UNCUT
Deadline 30 April
If you've got rushes, a trailer, a scene, or just a great interview, and are looking to advance your documentary project, we want to put your material on screen. At ‘UNCUT’, you'll receive feedback/ideas from your peers and one of Australia's most respected documentary filmmakers, Tom Zubrycki. Submit 5-7 minutes of material on DVD and a short outline (half a page) of your project to the ‘EDNA UNCUT’ Committee by the 30th of April.

Submit to: EDNA c/- 4/94 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, 2010
Website: www.emergingdoco.com.au

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PLAY NOW ACT NOW
2008 Competition
Focussing on alcohol and other drugs this year’s theme is party smART.
Do you want to have the chance to share in $12,000 in cash and prizes?
Do you live in NSW?
Are you aged 16 to 25?

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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COLDER
Griffin Theatre
Written by Lachlan Philpott and inspired by actual events, ‘Colder’ explores the infinite unknowns surrounding missing persons and the fog of purgatory that engulfs those left behind. Metro Screen members also receive a special $15 ticket deal. Offer valid 30th April to 14th May. Maximum 2 tickets per booking. Offer available on pre-booked tickets only. To secure this deal pre-book through MCA Ticketing 1300 306 776 and quote the password ‘$15 Stablemmates Deal’.

To win a double pass to the preview on the 30th April simply email Katrina on k.beck@metroscreen.org.au with ‘Colder’ in the subject line. Be sure to include your full name and membership number.

Where: Griffin Theatre, 13 Craigend Street, Kings Cross
Email info@griffintheatre.com.au
Telephone: 1300 306 776
When: 1st to 24th May
Website: http://www.griffintheatre.com.au/production.cfm?productionID=69

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TWO THOUSAND.COM.AU
Know Your City
‘TwoThousand.com.au’ is a designed email snapshot of Sydney’s subculture, covering shops, bars, galleries, parties and other monkey business. It arrives in your inbox each Wednesday and is updated daily on site. TwoThousand is put together by a group of writers, photographers and stylists, along with rotating guest editors.

Visit: www.twothousand.com.au

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FREE INFORMATION EVENING
All Welcome – Directors. Writers. Content producers. Entrepreneurs.
The mega program: find out how to apply your talents to the mobile industry
Be part of this huge growth industry.

Hear from Australia’s leading mobile industry experts about their success so far, their thoughts about future opportunities and specific details about what mega offers, how it is delivered, who’s involved and how you can be a part of it.

Tuesday April 22nd, 6-8pm, Privilege Bar, 70 King Street, Sydney.
mega - an industry-led, hands-on program where industry experts guide participants through the creation of new mobile products and services businesses. Applications welcome from individuals and teams.

To register, go to www.mega.org.au or justin@mega.org.au

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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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THE OZDOX ARCHIVE
On Sale Now
OzDox has been established as a joint initiative from documentary filmmakers, industry bodies and academics, to foster, promote and provide a monthly forum for documentary culture.

We have 30 programs now available on DVD - ranging from 60 mins to 120mins. These programs contain panel discussions and forums with leading Australian documentary filmmakers, plus some visiting overseas filmmakers at OZDOX events. The topics all deal with being a filmmaker and the skills you need to succeed today, with many examples and in- depth interviews.

Produced by Sensory Image – Michael Ney, ozdox@mac.com
See the catalogue and order online at: http://www.ozdox.org/archive_fr.html

Available at Metro Screen...
$25 each (incl GST) plus postage if needed.
Contact metro@metroscreen.org.au

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METRO SCREEN WINS ALL AWARDS
at Urban Shorts
James Hunter’s ‘Struggle’ made in the Certificate IV in Screen took out first prize,
Michael Kosmider’s short ‘Pulling The Ropes’ took out second prize and was also made through the Certificate IV in Screen course. Taking out third prize was Metro Screen’s latest Mobile Unit project ‘This is Lexo’ a documentary made by youth in the Maroubra area.

To find out how you could make an award winning film contact Metro Screen about our early bird enrolment special for Certificate IV in Screen OR if you a community member after an arts project to bring your people together contact us for all the details on our extensive Mobile Unit.

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