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

WELCOME TO METRO SCREEN'S WEEKLY eNews – 28 August, 2008

Dean Francis fresh from the set of his first feature has just been announced for Digital Micro Movie.

Play Now Act Now, Party Smart, free Showcase & Award Presentation including all finalists, guest performances, screening of the films from the regional workshops & special guest hosts ‘Jugs & Legs’. September 4, 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:
Pauline Findlay [Certificate IV in Screen Graduate]
What was your highlight at Metro Screen?
Realising I could really tell stories that engaged an audience. Becoming confident with the camera and seeing my films come to life in the edit suite was truly amazing. It also teaches you to just get on with the doing, making films. You learn from every film you make so if they don't quite hit the mark get out there and do it again and again. Filmmaking is all about what is going to go wrong and how you will deal with it. The minute you get your head around that you can jump with faith.

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

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METRO SCREEN PRODUCTION
100+ Films Produced Annually
Eligibility for access to a pool of $60,000 worth of in-kind support offered through the Jump Start subsidy fund and Metro Screen Network pitching subsidies. Members are encouraged to apply for the two annual rounds of Jump Start and/or to apply to pitch in front of a live audience in our Metro Screen Network monthly meetings.

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METRO SCREEN CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Groups, One to One?s and Mentors
Metro Screen Network hold monthly events to pitch projects for equipment use, screen works for feedback, share skills and resources and collaborate on projects. The group also runs speed networking and career advice round table events. So if you’re looking to meet like-minded people, help on productions or find crew for your project; come along and meet the group.

Project development services provide one hour face to face meetings with professional Script Editors and Producer Consultants to advise, discuss and help develop your next screen project from short to feature.

Mentorship programs run annually for emerging filmmakers through Raw Nerve, Indigenous filmmakers through Lester Bostock Indigenous program and through the Multicultural Mentorship program. These mentorship programs provide filmmakers with equipment, post-production facilities a $2,000 budget and an industry mentor.

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METRO SCREEN DISCOUNTS
15% off plus Freebies around Town
15% DISCOUNT on Metro Screens range of HD and DV equipment and facilities including a variety of cameras, lighting gear and sound equipment, chroma key and casting studios and edit suites including the Edit Café and our 24hr self contained private HD edit suite.

15% DISCOUNT on our screen industry short courses covering screenwriting, directing, producing, camera, sound, editing CGI and a range of speciality courses. In total Metro Screen offers 30 different short courses and is a Registered Training Organisation offering nationally recognised accredited training, and non-accredited training based in production.

Discounted tickets to film festivals and film events around town with partners Chauvel Cinema, Popcorn Taxi, the Darlinghurst Theatre, The Film & Television Specialist Bookshop Newtown and others throughout the year. Plus Members’ only, giveaways for movie, festival and theatre passes.

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SPEED NETWORKING
The Metro Screen Network September Event
Tuesday, Sept 2nd 6.30pm-8.30pm.
Register by August 19th. FREE for members, $10 for non-members.

Meet a new contact every 5 minutes!

Placed within focused groups, attendees will be given five minutes to meet and greet other a cross section of the industry. Following this will be a networking session where you can discuss your projects further or continue to meet new contacts.

Metro Screen is dedicated to assisting people to create a strong network base to develop and produce projects.

Registration forms can be obtained by contacting metro@metroscreen.org.au or call 02 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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SONY ONE DAY CAMERA COURSE
Starts August 30
Learn key camera operations and functions, including framing, exposure, white balance and focus as well as camera handling techniques, lighting techniques and an overview of the High Definition format. An excellent introduction to camera operation, this course is the first stepping stone to becoming a skilled cinematographer or shooting your own short films.

1 x Sat [Day] 6hrs ] | 30/08 or 04/10 | $220 / $260 non-members | 12 places

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DIGITAL MICRO MOVIE
Starts September 05
Kick start your filmmaking career with this intensive, hands-on introduction to all elements of production. Make a short drama in 15 hours from initial idea to final film. In groups, you will script and storyboard your ideas, shoot using our broadcast-quality digital cameras, then edit your work in our Final Cut Pro 6 edit suites. All participants will rotate through key crew roles while learning basic screen language, lighting and sound techniques.

Special Feature: Participants will receive a DVD of all productions made.

Tutor: Dean Francis
Fri [Eve] + Sat & Sun [Day] 15hrs | 05/09 – 07/09 | $495 / $575 non-members | 12 places

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DVD PRODUCTION
Starts September 05
An introduction to DVD Studio Pro, a powerful tool for all aspects of DVD production. Be guided through the DVD production process from authoring through to burning. Gain the knowledge and skills to construct your own DVD with multiple menus and functions. This weekend course will teach you how to produce creative DVDs for your next short film, documentary, show reel or funding application.

Accredited training
Fri [Eve] and Sat + Sun [Day] 17hrs | 05/09 – 07/09 | $395 / $465 non-members | 15 places

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DIGITAL VISUAL EFFECTS SCHOLARSHIP
Metro Screen
Apply before September 5 for this fully funded course

Complete Metro Screen’s newest Scholarship course and join the fastest growing part of the Australian media industry.

After Effects 6, Final Cut Pro 6, Photoshop CS3, Motion 3
Compositing
Green screen
Rotoscoping
Colour correction and retouching
2D/3D integration
Creative storytelling through VFX
Concept development & working to a brief
Masking, motion tracking, and image stabilization

Course starts details: 25/09 – 21/11 | Thursdays + Fridays

Contact Liz Cooper, Training Coordinator 02 9356 1818 | l.cooper@metroscreen.org.au

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PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
Starts Sep 25
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
12 x Thu [Eve] 36hrs | 25/09 – 11/12 | 570 / $670 non-members | 15 places

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DOCUMENTARY PRODUCTION PATHWAYS
Starts Oct 15
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.

5 x Wed [Eve] 15hrs | 15/10 – 12/11 | $325 / $385 non-members | 15 places.
Location: Metro Screen Paddington Town Hall, Cnr Oxford St & Oatley Rd, Paddington.

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SONY Z7P
Camera
Kit includes: Camera | 2 x large batteries | Sony ECM-MX1 on board mic | CF card - price on application

Features: Recording and Playback – HDV1080i/DVCAM/DV, plus ability to record onto Compact Flash card. The supplied Carl Zeiss lens features professional operation with a new manual focus ring and zoom and iris rings. Features include stop motion recording, time lapse recording, slow motion recording.

$235 + 10% insurance for non-members. Members 15% off
7 days 4 x day rate
Single day rate over weekend call for details

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SONY PMW EX1 XD CAM
Camera
Kit includes: Camera | 2xlarge batteries | 2x 8gig cards (25min each @35mps) | USB Card reader

Multiple-format Recording –1080/720 and Interlace/Progressive Switchable Operation. The PMW-EX1 camcorder offers a wide array of recording formats for multiple content creation applications. Scanning mode is switchable between 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720, and 1440 x 1080 resolutions.

The PMWEX1 delivers images in full HD resolution and comes equipped with a Fujinon custom designed 14x zoom HD lens to offer maximum picture performance.

The PMWEX1 offers a revolutionary approach for capturing and editing content using the new SxS ProMemory cards.

$270 + 10% insurance for non-members. Members 15% off
7 days 4 x day rate
Single day rate over weekend call for details

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BENQ DATA PROJECTOR
MP620c
Portable data and video projector, 2000lumens, analogue and HDMI Connectivity.
24 hrs: $99/$84.15 members per day including GST
7 days: $396/$336.60 member rates including GST

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DIDO LIGHTING KIT 150W
Very compact flexible 3 light, with dimmers and colour temperature control.
24 hrs: $94.05/$79.90 members per day including GST
7 days: $376.20/$319.60 members rates including GST

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TASCAM SOLID STATE AUDIO RECORDER HDP2
Portable field audio recorder, XLR inputs, records 16bit 48Khz onto CF cards, video syn in and 1394 FW out.
24 hrs: $125/$106.25 members per day including GST
7 days: $500/$425 members rates including GST

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FLUORO 4 TUBE LIGHT
Light with stand/bag
Tungsten/daylight (specify when ordering)
24 hrs: $66/$56.10 members per day including GST
7 days: $264/$224.40 members per day including GST

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OTHER SERVICES
Stock, Dubbing, Conversion
Metro Screen provides a comprehensive dubbing and transfer service supporting the following formats:
HDV, Mini DV, DVCPRO 25/50, DVCAM, Betacam SP, DVD, SVHS, VHS and low band U-matic.

Plus
• Tape stock sales [formats as listed above]
• Standards conversion [HDV PAL/NTSC > VHS NTSC/PAL]
• Aspect ratio conversion
• Bulk DVD duplication
• Disc printing and cases

Standards Conversion, HDV PAL/NTSC > VHS NTSC/PAL
Aspect Ratio Conversion, Bulk DVD Duplication and Disc Printing and Cases

Digitising to external hard disc, digital file transfer to tape, DVD authoring, video file compression, stills captured from video.

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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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INDIGENOUS DOCUMENTARY SCHOLARSHIP
Western Sydney
• Four local documentaries to be made
• Local Indigenous people can become documentary filmmakers
• Industry accredited tutors will provide training.
• Skills for employment in the industry will be gained at Certificate IV level.
• Free course to be held in Campbelltown.

Become a documentary filmmaker part time over eight weeks from August 25 – October 17 2008
Apply today!

Contact Mobile Unit Coordinator Bethany Bruce on b.bruce@metroscreen.org.au | 02 9356 1818

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PLAY NOW ACT NOW
Party Smart
Metro Screen & NSW Health invites you & your guests to the Play Now Act Now 2008 Showcase & Award Presentation

Play Now Act Now is a film, graphic design and writing competition for young people aged 16 to 25 living in NSW. The Showcase & Award Presentation will include the presentation of all finalists, guest performances, screening of the films from the regional workshops & special guest hosts ‘Jugs & Legs’.

Time: 6.30pm to 9.30pm
When: Thursday 4th September 200
Where: Tom Mann Theatre, 136 Chalmers Street Surry Hills

Please RSVP to Katrina Douglas
Phone: 02 9356 1818
Email: k.douglas@metroscreen.org.au
www.playnowactnow.net.au

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ANIMATORS WANTED
The Snowman
Pony Films seeks 10 animators to produce 30/60 sec sequences as part of the hot new feature documentary ‘The Snowman’, a story about lost Father, a 30-year-old conspiracy and a Daughter’s journey to uncover the Truth. Each animator gets $500 (it’s all we’ve got!) a big credit, exposure & copies of the final film.

Send samples of previous work on DVD (plus CV) to Metro Screen ‘THE SNOWMAN’, PO Box 299, Paddington 2021 by 4th September 2008. Those selected will be notified on 12th September 2008 and given a short narrative to animate. Animations must be delivered by 17th October 2008.

Metro Screen’s tutor Rachel Landers is Pony Films Producer/Director.
For more information contact: rachel@ponyfilms.com.au

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AVID EDITOR
For Hire
Professional editor available for short and long form projects within any budget. I have access to my own broadcast quality editing facilities including digibeta and HDV decks for ingest and finishing. I am particularly interested in drama and comedy, however am willing to consider any projects which are at at least final draft status including music videos and documentaries. If you are in need of an editor or will be in the future, please contact me early so that we can plan the post production pipeline that best suits your project.

Contact: Daren Nair
Phone: 0414 691 730
Email: darennair@gmail.com

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MUSICIAN REQUIRED
Low Budget Feature
Looking for an experienced musician who will compose and perform back ground music for our low budget feature film. He or she has to reside and has a music studio in Sydney, Australia. The film will be shot in Sydney in April 2009. The music should be excellent, beautiful, emotional and touching. If interested, please send your CV and sample music pieces (or the website address that I can listen to the sample music) to the following email: paulwonlee@gmail.com

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COMPOSER REQUIRED
Paid Work
We are seeking a composer for our feature documentary. The film is about a violent incident that occurred on Oxford Street, and reveals the impact on the lives of a gay couple. The mood of the music would be reminiscent of Philip Glass’s music for ‘The Thin Blue Line’ and ‘The Hours’. Our films have screened at over 90 film festivals worldwide and our most recent films received international distribution, so this documentary would provide wide exposure.

If you are interested in the project, please email us links to your work at: stickybeakfilms@yahoo.com.au A small fee will be negotiated.

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CREW NEEDED
Tropfest Film
I am a 35 year old Writer/Producer/Director and in October I will be submitting a short film budget to the New South Wales FTO Young Filmmakers Fund for funding. I am looking for the following positions: Production Designer, Hair and Make Up/Wardrobe, Grip and Gaffer. I have made several short films and won the Bright Spark award at Tropfest this year. This work is paid.

Contact: Karl Madderom
Email: karlandcass@iprimus.com.au

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CALL FOR ARTISTS
Art Moment Gallery
‘Art Moment’ Gallery invites artists of any media to participate in its exciting, limited capacity exhibition titled Landscape Moments from Tuesday 7 October to Friday 7 November, 2008. To register email the gallery as soon as possible at least 3 images you feel are fitting the exhibition’s theme together with each work’s title, size, medium used and price included as well as an artist statement, a paragraph describing the works and a paragraph about the artist and the artist’s email and phone number. Registration deadline for the exhibition is Friday 12 September 2008.

Phone: 9365 4999, 0411695 089 or 0411691 430.
Email: irinam@tpg.com.au & info@artmoment.com.au

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TROP JR 2009
Entries Now Open
‘Tropfest’ has once again joined forces with presenting partner The Australian Children’s Television Foundation and broadcast partners Cartoon Network and Boomerang to bring kids around Australia the second annual Trop Jr: a short film competition and festival for kids aged 15 years and younger. In Trop tradition, each film must also include a Trop Jr Signature Item (TSI) which for 2009 is ‘Squeeze’. This can be interpreted in any way the filmmaker chooses as long as it is referenced somewhere in the film.

Entry to ‘Trop Jr 2009’ is free and can be made online at: http://www.tropjr.com.au

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AUSTRALIAN DIRECTORS GUILD
Conference and Awards 2008
The ADG Conference is a three day event running from 25th to 28th September aimed at directors working across drama and documentary sectors. Conference delegates will also include producers, screenwriters, representatives from government funding agencies, film and television students and other industry professionals.

To register of for more information visit: http://www.adgconference.com

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HELP US HELP HUMPHREY
September 1
A fundraiser is being held for ‘Help Us Help Humphrey’, a night of relaxing entertainment, food, freebies, raffle and auction with the cream of Australian entertainment including film, TV, music theatre and comedy. Entertainment includes: Chris Horsey's Tap Works, DJ Simosa, David Collins, James Matheson, Zoe Ventura, Kate Bell and Indiana Evans.

Website: http://www.stickytickets.com.au/991
When: Monday September 1, 7.30pm to 12.30am
Where: Melt Bar, 12 Kellet Street, Kings Cross
Cost: $30

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KUNG FU COMEDY
"Maximum Choppage: Round 2"
This is Australia's first martial arts feature film shot on no budget. Created out in Western Sydney, and spawned out of Fairfield City Council Community & Cultural Development Project, this film is a showcase of cutting-edge martial arts fight sequences paired with dynamic contemporary cinematic unique techniques.

Website: http://www.rumblepictures.com.au/ and http://mc2movie.com
When: 26th to 28th September at 7pm
Where: Fairfield School of Arts, 19 Harris St, Fairfield, NSW
RSVP: ICE on 9897 5744

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SPAA FRINGE
24 to 25 October 2008
‘SPAA Fringe’ is an inspirational two-day film television and new media event presented by the Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA). Attending Fringe will allow you to hear and meet speakers and peers who are at the top of their field whether it be producing, writing, directing, editing, animation, gaming, design or other affiliated fields.

Website: http://www.spaa.org.au/fringe

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CAFÉ CONNECTIONS
Women In Post, Life in Colour
Join the members of WIFT NSW at Micky's Café in Paddington on Sunday 31st August from 4-6pm and connect with your industry colleagues. ‘Café Connections’ is pleased to welcome colourist Heather Hay from Frame Set & Match, the Sydney-based Post Production Company, as the guest speaker for the afternoon. Heather will talk about her experiences working internationally in post-production and there will be the opportunity to ask questions.

Website: http://www.nsw.wift.org
When: Sunday 31st August, 4pm to 6pm
Where: Mickey’s Café, 268 Oxford Street, Paddington, NSW, 2021
Cost: WIFT Members Free, $5 for Non Members. All Members
RSVP: info@nsw.wift.org or text/phone 0400 064 601no later than 29th August

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CAUGHT SHORT
4th Birthday
Featuring a selection of super-hot shorts including IF Awards winning animation The Goat That Ate Time, directed by UTS student Lucinda Schreiber, and the beautiful short drama Len’s Love Story directed by Sonia Whiteman. “Our aim was to create a non-competitive, inclusive platform to showcase the diversity of local shorts, with an emphasis on Q&A sessions” says caught short’s founder and director Sarah Lancaster. Australian short filmmaking followed by after-party featuring live music from Nimeo.

Website: http://www.filmcaughtshort.com
When: September 4. Drinks in bar at 7.30pm. Films from 8pm.
Where: Tap Gallery, 278 Palmer St (just off Oxford St), Darlinghurst.
Cost: $10

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IF.COM.AU
Sign Up Now!
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• View the latest film trailers and videos
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• Read featured content from our premier monthly print magazine – online!

Now, across your desktop, coffee table and smartphone, the Australian content industry is a mere click away.

Sign up now for free insider information at http://www.if.com.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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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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ITEMS FOR SALE
Various
Sony Desk recorder. Model HVR-M15 HighDefination, DVCam and Mini DV cam recorder. New and still in box. $2,700 will take $2,000. Takes large and small tapes.

3 Camera Hitachi pro Camera setup with CCU’s. Camera cables and Sony DFS300 Frame store mixer A complete 3 camera mixing setup, also other items for sale including lights.

Contact: Dick Collingridge
Phone: 9440 9933 or 0408 270 830

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THE VICIOUS AND THE DELICIOUS
Success
Director Tonnette Stanford’s film ‘The Vicious and The Delicious’ which received funding from the Metro Screen Network Pitching subsidy, has signed a distribution deal with Salzgeber and Co. Home Entertainment. The film will be distributed to German-speaking territories. The ‘Vicious and The Delicious’ is screening this month at the Palm Springs International Shortfest and has also been short-listed as one of only 30 films worldwide for the prestigious ‘Iris Prize’.

Metro Screen awards $60,000 in production grants annually through our Jump Start fund and Metro Screen Network Pitching sessions. Metro Screen assists over 140 screen projects to be produced each year.