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

WELCOME TO METRO SCREEN'S WEEKLY eNews – 01 May, 2008

Our next Industry Panel - THE FUNDING APPLICATION - happens next Tuesday May 6.

This panel of industry professionals and funding body representatives will aim to shed light on the often daunting task of completing a funding.application.

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, 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:
Rene Hernandez
How did Metro Screen impact on your confidence as a filmmaker?
Filmmaking is so much about learning and it all adds up. And that includes all the Metro Screen courses I've done, receiving MPG subsidy on a short film, those early MPG meetings. And how can I forget....a prize at the Metro Screen Kaleidoscope film festival!

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

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THE FUNDING APPLICATION
Writing Successful Submissions
Topics to be covered will include:
1. Do’s and don’ts
2. Common mistakes
3. The budget
4. What makes a strong director’s statement
5. Should the producer’s statement comment on the script or just the logistics of the film
6. How many references are too many
7. Should you have cast and crew contracts signed
8. What support documents will assist your application
9. Does having private funding assist
10. What can make your application stand out from the crowd

Speakers Include:
1. NSW Film and Television Office
2. Australian Film Commission
3. Marcus Gillezeau – Producer/Director Firelight Productions
4. Kristina Ceyton – Producer

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

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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 4 x Sat and 2 x Sun [Day] | 36hrs | 03/05 – 08/06 | $570 / $670 non-members | 15 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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FLASH FUNDAMENTALS
Starts June 21
Learn to make original, animated web graphics using Macromedia Flash software. Participants will develop an understanding of the design and production of Flash movies, acquire basic animation and design skills and develop an understanding of the environment, interface, tools, language possibilities and limitations of the software.

2 x Sat [Day] 12hrs | 21/06 – 28/06 | $370 / $435 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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LINE IN THE SAND
Crew Required
‘Line in the Sand’ is an independent action/horror feature film and we are looking for experienced and enthusiastic crew members for a 15 day film shoot between May 17 to June 16th. We are shooting 5 consecutive weekends and Mondays. Main location Stockton Dunes (nr Newcastle). This is a deferred fee production. Catering and accommodation provided. Contracts will be in place to ensure crew are remunerated once feature has been sold.

Crew required:
Sound Recordist (w/ own gear/access to gear)
Boom Operator
Focus Puller/Camera Assistant (camera is XDCAM EX w/Letus Extreme + Nikon lenses)

Contact: Anthony Dempsey
Phone: 0411 442 695
Email: anthony@stylefactory.com.au
Website: http://www.lineinthesandmovie.com

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EDITORS REQUIRED
Freelance Work
Freelance FCP editors are required for corporate/TVC/sport/conference/live event/concert work.
Possible interstate/overseas travel and you must have a minimum of 2 years experience working with FCP. Having knowledge of Media100 would also be an advantage, though not essential as is a strong knowledge of Photoshop, After Effects, video/audio patching and understanding of Mac OSX systems. All applicants must be able to supply a current showreel, either via the web, email or by post, to be considered. Applicants must either be Australian citizens or have relevant Australian work visa's. No phone calls or drop in's.

Contact: Gavin Walters
Email: gavin@blacksheep.com.au
Website: http:// www.blacksheep.com.au

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THE BACKPACKER
Cast and Crew Required
Embassy Pictures is looking for cast and crew for its upcoming low budget feature film, ‘The Backpacker’. Filming is in rural NSW for 4 weeks, starting mid August. Accommodation and food provided. All positions are paid. We’re looking for people who are motivated and good collaborators, willing to take on the challenge of low budget and working in extreme climate (think winter, snow), and determined and able to help create an amazing film. Crew required: DOP, Lighting, Assistant Producer and Production Manager.

Cast: male and female leads - 20-25
Contact: Tara Simmonds
Phone: 0439 925 700
Email: producers@embassypictures.com
Website: http://www.embassypictures.com
Post showreel to: Embassy Pictures, PO Box 581, Woollahra, NSW, 2025

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BENEATH BLACK SKIES
Extras Required
Drama Re-enactments for documentary “Beneath Black Skies” require extras to be part of the shoot. The scenes being filmed are of particular historical significance as they are Australia’s first large scale disaster and Australia’s first recorded feminist action. The documentary is about the history of coal mining in Australia with particular emphasis on the south coast. Extras would be miners and miner’s wives.

Email: info@whydocumentaries.com.au
When: May 4
Where: Thirlmere Railway Station Museum.

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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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MEGA
Australia's Premier Mobile Industry Lab
Applications for individuals and teams to be involved in this innovative industry-led initiative close Monday 5th April. Work with Australia's leading industry experts through this exciting program and maximise your knowledge of the fastest growing business sector in the world today.

Develop your idea further, enhance your staff's professional development, obtain cutting-edge knowledge across all aspects of this burgeoning industry. mega culminates in a pitch day to investors ready help take your content or application idea to the world.

Application forms, timelines and further information can be found at: www.mega.org.au or email
justin@mega.org.au with any questions.

Be quick! Applications close beginning of next week.
Business professionals and students welcome.
Scholarships are available.

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UN SECRET
In Cinemas May 15
Adapted by Claude Miller from Philippe Grimbert's autobiographical novel, this is a splendid and moving saga of a Jewish family in post-war Paris, told through the eyes of a frail & intelligent young boy who senses something is amiss with his beautiful parents (Cécile De France & Patrick Bruel).

UN SECRET was a huge critical and box office success in France last year and was nominated for 11 Cesar Awards (French Oscars).

To win a double pass valid over the advanced screening weekend (Friday 9th May – Sunday 11th May) simply email Katrina at k.beck@metroscreen.org.au with UN SECRET in the subject, be sure to include your full name, membership number and postal details.

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LA LA LAND
Aussie Comedy
When Terry Swanton gains art-house kudos for his small Australian independent film, he gets summoned to Los Angeles by Jimmy Fleishberg, the Greatest Independent Movie Producer In Hollywood. Jimmy’s got Big Ideas for Terry’s new screenplay, and ‘La La Land’ is a crazy place. Nutty foreign directors, egotistical cult-ridden movie stars, drug dealers with three-picture development deals and abandoned Aussie TV actors are just part of Terry’s journey.

Phone Bookings: 9356 9987
Website: http://www.darlinghursttheatre.com
When: May 1 to May 24, Tuesday to Saturday at 8pm, Sundays at 5pm
Where: Darlinghurst Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Avenue, Potts Point, 2011
Cost: $30 Adult / $25 Concession / $20 Preview
Card carrying Metro Screen members also receive a discount on tickets prices.

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POPCORN TAXI
21
Popcorn Taxi presents ‘21’plus audience Q&A with Kevin Spacey live from Berlin.
Ben Campbell is a shy, brilliant M.I.T. student who needing to pay tuition fees finds the answers in the cards. He is recruited to join a group of M.I.T.’s most gifted students that heads to Vegas every weekend armed with fake IDs and the know-how to turn the odds at blackjack in their favour. With an unorthodox maths professor leading the way, they’ve cracked the code. By counting cards and employing an intricate system of signals, the team can beat the casinos big time.

Phone Bookings: 0403 091 508
Website: http://www.popcorntaxi.com.au
When: May 5, 7pm
Where: Greater Union Cinema, Bondi Junction
Cost: $15. Card carrying Metro Screen members also receive a discount on tickets prices.

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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
Giveaway
OzDox #09 – 17 June 2004
Forum on Personal Documentary
In documentary, the personal is always political, but it also needs to be courageous, engrossing, challenging. Today, the ease and relative low cost of production with digital cameras and desktop editing has brought a flood of personal films – non-linear, sometimes an essay, sometimes a diary, sometimes a journey – but not all succeed. This new style has brought with it new challenges for both filmmaker and audience. Sydney Film Festival panel discussion with Ross McElwee, Gillian Leahy, Helen Newman and Tahir Cambis, Dasha Ross and Mike Rubbo. Chaired by Martha Ansara.

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

To win a copy simply email Katrina at k.beck@metroscreen.org.au with Ozdox in the subject and be sure to include your name, member number and postal address

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

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SARAH TRACTON
‘White Sound’
'White Sound' is screening at Caught Shorts upcoming 'Accessible Shorts' program.

The program features a range of documentaries, with a filmmaker Q & A to follow the screening – http://www.filmcaughtshort.com/

Details:
Thurs 1st May, bar open 7.30pm, screening starts 8pm.
Tap Gallery, 278 Palmer St (just off Oxford St), Darlinghurst.
Tickets: $10/5

Congratulations on the continued success of ‘White Sound’ made in our Documentary scholarship course in 2007.

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