Screen West Midlands News

Screenwriting workshop on The Biopic in Birmingham

news@screenwm.co.uk — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:34:44 GMT

There are still places available on this Saturday’s screenwriting workshop on The Biopic in Birmingham. Please could you circulate info to your networks? Details below and I’ve attached a schedule for the day for further info. Email catherine.edwards@scriptonline.net for booking enquiries

GENRE: THE BIO-PIC WORKSHOP

Saturday 13th March 2010

BVSC, Digbeth

10am - 5pm

£50 (£40 concessions)

Biopics are crowd pleasers and regular Oscar winners – with bankable actors often attracted to the challenge of playing a real and notable figure. But while the facts of someone’s life might offer elements of plot, how can writers prevent biopics becoming episodic documentaries – and how far can or should a screenwriter ‘stretch the truth’?

This 1 day course will examine how to find the best story in a ‘life’, how to develop gripping character stories and how to approach those legal and copyright issues that might arise. It will also examine the conventions that define the genre and look at some of the ways that filmmakers are stretching and challenging the ‘rules’ to push the genre forward.

By the end of the course you should have acquired a deeper knowledge of the biopic, along with specific tips and techniques to progress your own scripts and ideas.

The following films will be referred to in discussions; it is recommended that participants view them prior to the workshop:

The Damned United
Hilary and Jackie
The Nowhere Boy

Claire Ingham is a producer and film and television script developer. She works on projects at all stages of development - currently ranging from the adaptation treatment of Eoin Colfer’s bestselling novel The Wishlist to the final draft of Helen Cross’ original feature Stratford Road. Claire has previously worked for a number of film and television companies in development roles. She was Head of Drama Development at Impossible Pictures for four years where she headed a small team, commissioning and developing a range of TV and film projects for all the major broadcasters, including Jed Mercurio’s contemporary retelling of Frankenstein and Michael Chaplin’s family film Pickles.

Hassle-Free Funding Launches for Young Film Makers

news@screenwm.co.uk — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:21:33 GMT

IdeasTap launches Ideas Fund Shorts, £40,000-worth of funding to help young people realise short film projects.

Recognising the wealth of talented young filmmakers in the UK, IdeasTap is offering eight awards of £5,000 each for the most original, engaging ideas. Entries must be for films no longer than five minutes and can include documentaries, conceptual pieces, trailers for features, music videos, fashion films and animated shorts.

Aiming to make the funding process easier for young people, the Ideas Fund is dedicated to providing opportunities for up-and-coming talent.

Opens: 15th February 2010
Closes: 29th March 2010

Ideas Fund Shorts is part of IdeasTap’s annual £150,000 Ideas Fund that first launched in June 2009. The awards are open to 16-25-year-old UK filmmakers.

The latest round of Ideas Fund Innovators also launches today: ten awards of £1,000 each for ideas from any creative discipline. This fund is now open year-round, with four deadlines for submissions. Innovators is open to 16-25s and aims to help those at the beginning of their creative careers to take their projects to the next stage.

Opens: 15th February 2010
Closes: 29th March 2010 (at which point the next round of Innovators will open)

About IdeasTap

IdeasTap is a creative network and funding body for emerging arts talent. A not-for-profit organisation, IdeasTap brings creative people together and offers cash funding, exclusive opportunities and a platform to showcase new work.

The website first launched in December 2008, but a new, improved version of the site will launch later this year. The membership currently stands at more than 19,000 young practitioners from a diverse range of creative disciplines. IdeasTap is the brainchild of philanthropist Peter De Haan.

For details and to apply please visit www.ideastap.com.

For more information, logos, images and any other IdeasTap press materials please contact Sam Parsons on 020 7232 5474 or at sam@ideastap.com.

Young people from Mediacove were presented with their First Light Award

news@screenwm.co.uk — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:30:48 GMT

Wolverhampton based Mediacove Productions received recognition for their interactive media project ‘Our Wall’ at the First Light Awards last week. Young people from the project were at the prestigious ceremony at Odeon Leicester Square to receive the Mediabox Innovation Award. The project had received a £30,000 grant from Mix Mediabox in 2008.

Our Wall is an interactive media project giving over 50 young people from Wolverhampton a chance to have their say on their city. Working with Mediacove Productions, local schools and youth groups created video, photography and audio projects based on the theme 'breaking down barriers'. The work was exhibited on their interactive ‘Our Wall’ website (link to http://www.ourwall.co.uk/). Media uploaded to the site ‘breaks down barriers’ by exploring the themes disability, gang violence, stereotypes and responsibility.

The website quickly evolved as a place for young people from across the city to showcase their creativity by uploading films, audio and photography, and express their opinions through online forums, comments and blogs.

The project culminated in a live event in Wolverhampton city centre, when the group custom-built a ‘media wall’ in Wolverhampton city centre. The wall showcased films and content in special screens (in place of ‘bricks’). The event attracted over 300 visitors. This exciting project enabled young people to come together and make a positive change to their communities.

“Walls are normally seen as something that divide people, but this project is all about a wall being used to break down barriers and bring people together”
Jenny Evans, Project Officer, Mediacove Productions.

"Creating the Our Wall project has given me a lot of confidence. Just being able to share the issues shows people that just because we are only young, it doesn’t mean we can’t have a say in things that happen."
Samantha Hughes, aged 16

This year Mediabox hosted two special awards at the annual First Light Awards at Odeon, Leicester Square, London. The awards showcased the creative talents of young people across the UK. Hosted by Dick and Dom, the ceremony was attended by a mix of film industry legends and celebrities including Ian McKellen, Bill Nighy, Nicholas Hoult, Bonnie Wright, James Corden, Jason Isaacs and Gemma Arterton.

Young people from across the country received nominations for a prestigious award for their short digital films and media projects. Mediabox awards included the 'Impact Award' - presented to the young winners by Damian Jones and Adam Deacon and the 'Innovation award', presented by Adil Ray and Antonia Campbell-Hughes.

Adam Deacon said: "I was so impressed with all of the young Mediabox people's work! Mediabox gives young people the chance to be creative and use the media to get their opinions heard - I wish I'd known about schemes like this when I was younger - I'm sure we'll be hearing more about the young nominees and winners in the future."

Mediabox offers grants of £1000 - £40,000 for participatory media projects. To find out more visit http://www.screenwm.co.uk/media_and_film_education/mediabox/ or contact Lou Llewellyn, Mediabox Coordinator – lou.llewellyn@screenwm.co.uk.

Motorhead Legend to Help Launch Online Celebration of Heavy Metal's West Midlands Roots

news@screenwm.co.uk — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:34:18 GMT

Screen WM are to support ‘Home of Metal’s’ international launch with a Q&A following the World Premiere of “Lemmy” the movie at South By South West (SXSW) in Texas.

Every year thousands of delegates from around the world converge on Austin for SXSW to meet, share ideas and make deals that will keep them at the forefront of new technology. This year there will be a strong West Midlands presence at the event supported through Screen WM, UKTI and regional development agency Advantage West Midlands.

Screen WM are supporting Capsule, which organises the annual Supersonic festival in Birmingham with the innovative and exciting music archive project “Home of Metal” through our Digital Film Archive Fund and will also be working closely with them in Texas to support the international launch of the project.

Home of Metal is a celebration of the music that was created in the West Midlands, its legacy and influence across the world. Bringing people together to share their passion for the music by creating a digital archive, heritage tours, exhibitions and ultimately a permanent collection dedicated to telling the story of Metal and its unique birthplace. Home of Metal is supported by Black Country Arts Partnerships and the Digital archive has been developed with support from Heritage Lottery Fund.

In the summer of 2011 Capsule will be producing and curating a series of ambitious exhibitions and associated programme under the banner of Home of Metal taking place throughout The Black Country and Birmingham UK.

Home of Metal's international launch will take place at South By South West in Austin Texas on 16th March at The British Music Embassy / Latitude 30 with a Q&A with Lemmy from Motorhead. Lemmy will be interviewed by Johnny Doom of Kerrang! radio and questions will be taken from the audience.

Home of Metal will also be launching their new website which has been developed with the user in mind. Clarity and a simplified user experience were paramount to the development of the archive. TAK! were hired to design both the user experience, interface and backend technologies powering the new Home of Metal website.

Home of Metal will also be sponsoring the World Premiere of “Lemmy” the movie which will be screened at Paramount Theatre the night before.

Lisa Meyer of Capsule said: “This will be the fourth time we’ve been to SXSW and, for us, it’s an opportunity to network, meet bands and record labels and discover new talent that we can bring over for our event later in the year. We’re able to meet people face-top-face that we’ve only ever contacted by phone and e-mail before.

“We are very excited to be unveiling ‘Home of Metal’, an online archive that will show the world that Birmingham and the West Midlands is the true birthplace of heavy metal. One of the highlights of that will be an interview we are doing with Lemmy from Motorhead, who hails from Stoke-on-Trent.”

Sara Clowes, Head of Education, Archive and Audience Development said: 'Home of Metal is fast gaining recognition as a highly innovative initiative which is profiling our regions incredible music heritage in ways that are engaging and entertaining. Screen WM are thrilled to be supporting Capsule through our Digital Film Archive Fund and look forward to seeing some of the regions most significant moving image treasures made accessible for all to experience and enjoy. The West Midlands IS the Home of Metal and what better way to celebrate that accolade'

Getting Noticed – The Art of Marketing

news@screenwm.co.uk — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:24:55 GMT

DATE: 22nd March 2010. 09:30-16:00

LOCATION: The Electric Cinema, 47 Station Street, Birmingham, B5 4DY

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Anyone who is currently working on a feature film or Producers who wish to expand their knowledge in the area of Marketing and Distribution.

THE EVENT: In today’s crowded market place, where producers are constantly trying to attract investors and talent, it is imperative to have a well-conceived and cost-effective marketing plan.

Producers must correctly position their film in the marketplace and be effective in their marketing, creating the materials needed to sell their films to investors and find distribution.

The Producers Forum is delighted to welcome a panel of top industry experts who will provide tips and case studies from their own personal experience.

Our guests at this event will include Carl Clifton (Head of Sales, The Works International) Alan Perry (Marketing Consultant)

For more information please visit: http://producersforum.org.uk/events/2010/03/22/getting-noticed-art-/

Following this event we invite anyone who wasn't able to make it to the event to join us at The Electric for a post-event drink and networking. For more information

For more information or to register for a place plesae simply contact Rebecca on info@producersforum.org.uk or 0121 265 7145

State of Independence Announces Ben Board from Microsoft to Speak on 8th April, Racecourse, York!

news@screenwm.co.uk — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:21:31 GMT

Ben Board from Microsoft will be speaking at State of Independence. Ben will be talking about ‘How to Bring Your Game to XBLA’. This will look at how Independent developers make great games, but can lack the scale of production that modern retail releases increasingly require. Xbox LIVE Arcade is another way. At the end of this session you will have a better understanding of how to make a game for XBLA – designing it, pitching it, creating it, and getting it published

Ben is half of Xbox's European Developer Account Management team - dev relations, in other words, roaming the continent with a laptop full of facts to share with Xbox and Games for Windows LIVE developers keen to understand the latest platform initiatives, technical details, best practices and policies.

State of Independence

As well as giving developers a greater understanding of the brave new world of digital self-publishing and advice on how to succeed, State of Independence will be an ideal opportunity to network with other independents, investors and buyers.

Date: Thurs 8th April 2010
Location: York, Race course Gymcrack Suite (Ebor stand)
Start of Conference: 09.30am Thursday 8 April 2010
Finish of Conference: 5.30pm Thursday 8 April 2010
After Party: 6.30 – until late

The event is free of charge to North West companies, however our terms state that if you cancel with in less than one weeks’ notice you will incur a charge of £30 plus VAT to cover our venue costs.

For more information and to book your place, visit the website: www.state-of-independence.net. Please use promotional code soi_nwvm to get your ticket.

We Are Eastside - An invitation to explore Birmingham's creative playground

news@screenwm.co.uk — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:10:11 GMT

We Are Eastside, an online and printed guide to the artists, collectives, promoters and spaces helping to transform Birmingham's industrial heartland into a thriving creative playground, is set to launch in Eastside on Saturday 27 March, as part of a major open weekend featuring free activities, exhibitions, screenings and performances.

Arts enthusiasts, film and music fans, historians, city visitors and the downright curious from across the West Midlands will have the opportunity to explore creative work being produced in the area by taking in a film screening or magic lantern show, experiencing live experimental jazz or electronica, learning about pigeon fancying, training as a traditional jester or clown or by attending the opening of a new gallery during three days of activities.

The weekend of 26, 27 and 28 March will see the launch of a printed guide introducing the sixteen organisations behind the We Are Eastside project, as well as the official unveiling of dedicated new blog www.weareeastside.org which will feature regular updates, programmes, event information, opportunities and contributions from the cluster of artists, collectives, promoters and spaces based in the Eastside area, which is ten minutes walk from Birmingham city centre.

The organisations behind We Are Eastside are 7 Inch Cinema and the Flatpack Festival, Birmingham Jazz, Capsule and Supersonic Festival, Craftspace, Custard Factory, Eastside Projects, Grand Union, IKON Eastside, Project Pigeon, Punch, Rhubarb Rhubarb, The Edge, The Lombard Method, Tindal Street Press, VIVD and VRU [Visual Research Unit]

High profile work produced by or associated with We Are Eastside organisations include the UK wide BASS festival produced by Punch, prize winning novels published by Tindal Street Press, Supersonic Festival – Capsule's avant garde celebration of music, art, film and cake, the world premiere of a Barack Obama photography portrait exhibition secured by Rhubarb Rhubarb and Birmingham Jazz's innovative rolling music programme across venues in Birmingham.

A creative renaissance driven by a rich mix of bold new work and collaborative projects across film, digital media, crafts, music, visual arts, architecture, literature and photography has led to widespread recognition that the area of Eastside, characterised by stunning Victorian Gothic and industrial architecture and dissected by the city's canal network, is emerging as the main centre for cutting edge and diverse artistic and cultural output in Birmingham.

Acclaimed historian Ben Waddington, who will be delivering walking tours during the open weekend, likens the recent reinvention of the area to the age of Birmingham's founding fathers, saying, “Like the Lunar Society of the Eighteenth Century, there is a sense of a creative and productive renaissance taking place here: distinct individuals with their own research and goals, but reciprocating and advancing in a common direction: outward”.

Many of the spaces and buildings which will be open to the public – some previously unseen – are testament to the area's previous incarnation as the epicentre of heavy industry in Birmingham and will be included in the 90 minute walking tours which will explore tradition, design and pyschogeography.

From auspicious beginnings as the settlement of an Anglo Saxon tribesman Beorma to development into farmland in the Medieval period and later, a heavily industrialised area of a burgeoning Victorian city, the area east of Birmingham's centre is home to many iconic buildings, including one of the first Lloyds Bank buildings in the country, public house The Old Crown which dates back to 1368, The Bond - a collection of Victorian inland development of canalside warehouses, the UK's oldest railway terminal Curzon Street Station, creative enterprise incubation complex The Custard Factory and recently renovated chapel now digital hub Fazeley Studios.

The gritty landscape east of Birmingham's city centre has seen an explosion of creative enterprises, street art and redevelopment amongst the factories, numerous cafes, derelict warehouses and former jug and bottle pubs over the last three decades. Eastside also includes live music venues such as The Medicine Bar, superclub Air, The Rainbow courtyard and warehouse and The Spotted Dog and plays host to internationally acclaimed festivals such as Flatpack, Supersonic, Plus, Eclectricity, Drop Beats Not Bombs and the annual St Patricks Day Parade.

We Are Eastside has been programmed to coincide with the Flatpack Festival, Birmingham’s annual celebration of the moving image and is supported by Birmingham City Council.

www.weareeastside.com/

Launch48 – be involved in creating and launching a web business in 48 hours!

news@screenwm.co.uk — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:27:07 GMT

Ffrantic, energy-fuelled, entrepreneurial weekend!

If you’re interested in web apps, the internet, business, meeting new people, and want to be involved in launching a brand new web app, register for Launch48.

The aim of Launch48 is to bring together participants from different backgrounds and levels of experience in the web industry to think/plan/develop and launch one or multiple web apps in one weekend. That’s right, in 48 hours! It’s a frantic, energy fuelled, entrepreneurial event designed to engage all participants while offering the opportunity to learn and meet new people.

The aim of the event is to create a web app and anyone who is interested in learning or participating can attend. Typically launching a new business will require the following skills, so if you possess any of these skills please consider attending:

Management
Design
Development
Marketing/PR/Communications
Finance
Legal

For more information visit the website

Event type:            Entrepreneur, web, techy
Date:                     Friday 26th – Sunday 28th March 2010
Time:                     Fri: 6pm – 10pm, Sat: 8:00am – 9:00pm, Sun: 8:00am – 9:00pm
Location:                Faraday Wharf, Birmingham Science Park Aston.

Launch48 – be involved in creating and launching a web business in 48 hours!

Signup: http://birmingham.launch48.com/tickets/

Mentors:
We have industry leading mentors to help guide the teams throughout the weekend.

Act now if you are interested whilst places are still available!

Birmingham will host Miss Bollywood UK 2010 beauty contest, once again promising to be a very high profile event with many A-list artists an

news@screenwm.co.uk — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:46:15 GMT

Birmingham will host Miss Bollywood UK 2010 beauty contest onece again promising to be a very high profile event with many A-list artists and VIP's attending.
Miss Bollywood UK is recognised as the premier talent, style, fashion and beauty event of 2010, empowering young women from all backgrounds. As such Miss Bollywood UK will be a vehicle for contestant’s personal development within the Film, Fashion and Beauty industry also in return giving something to the much needed and unfortunate individuals of this world.

With the success of Miss Bollywood UK 2009 having a massive impact within the industry along with intensive media attention in 140 countries with 984 contestants from diverse communities taking part, Miss Bollywood UK 2010 will be held in superb surroundings of Birmingham in October 2010 attracting up to 2,000 influential guests, from all sectors, ages and backgrounds

The evening will run from 18.00 to around 23.00 with a host of performances on stage along with raising money for NSPCC, followed by an after show party where event partners, sponsors, celebrity’s and VIP guests will be invited, this will also be a photo shoot opportunity with the panel of high profiles judges and the winner for all partners and sponsors along with exclusive press pictures.

Once again Miss Bollywood UK 2010 will see a huge number of applications from across the country coming from diverse backgrounds aged from 18 to 27 year old and being a major success with support and backing from various institutes and organisations, along with backing from leading film producers and directors In the UK, Indian and Hollywood Film Industry.

The Miss Bollywood UK is the concept of Zia Choudhury, MD of Exclusively Bollywood in partnership with Kully Kaur, CEO of Premier Consulting and was founded with the ideals of encouraging young women to build self confidence and esteem and polishing one’s personal appearance and presentation skills. All these skills and qualities are requisite for success in any lifetime endeavour. Miss Bollywood UK was developed to help women achieve these goals, which will in turn help launch their other dreams.

Zia Choudhury says, “2010, once again will be a diverse competition as applications will be accepted from all backgrounds providing you meet the set criteria. We will have a panel of judges from the film, fashion, beauty, business and media industry along with celebrities for both the semi finals in June and the grand final in October. The contestants will be judged in a number of categories which will showcase one’s Looks, Personality, Talent, Elegance, Drive and Determination. Miss Bollywood UK 2010 will be about being an all rounder and making one’s dream come true by being crowned as Miss Bollywood UK 2010 and having the opportunity to appear in a Bollywood Film”.

Kully Kaur says, “With the success of Miss Bollywood 2009, the contestants for 2010 will show by example that anyone can achieve anything that they set out to do with the right attitude. Emphasis will also be placed on the importance of gaining self-confidence, learning communication skills, setting and achieving personal goals. Miss Bollywood UK is about promoting diversity and is a forum for these women to celebrate beauty, elegance and style.”

Sunny Side calls UK documentary filmmakers

news@screenwm.co.uk — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:08:56 GMT

Sunny Side of the Doc, the specialist factual and documentary market, takes place every year in June in La Rochelle, France, and is an international hotspot for documentary funding opportunities. In 2009 it attracted 2,000 professionals from 50 countries, and provided a showcase for 300 documentary funding decision-makers from across the world.

In 2010, the Sunny Side organisers aim to strengthen their relationship with UK documentary professionals, and will be hosting special events in order to help UK producers attending the market meet international co-producers and financiers, and turn their projects into reality. A bilingual assistant will be available to help overcome any language barriers.

As well as the UK Village, an area of the market dedicated to independent producers and distributors from the UK, special events will include:

Matchmaking sessions: UK producers will be paired with other European producers to set up joint projects or fund existing projects through collaboration across borders
Sunny Side ambassadors: a selection of experienced international producers, who know Sunny Side well, will be asked to chaperone producers looking for assistance in networking.

As an extra incentive, Sunny Side is offering a discounted accreditation fee of €468 (plus VAT) to UK newcomers attending the market for the first time. As well as the special programme of events planned for the UK attendees, this fee includes:

One accreditation
Two programmes or two projects in the official catalogue, website and video library
WIFI access
A bilingual assistant.

It is also possible to attend the market as a visitor for the reduced rate of €400 (plus VAT), but this does not include the added services listed above. These reduced fees are only available until 7 March.

The market runs from 21-25 June 2010.

For more information, and to apply for accreditation, visit Sunny Side of the Doc.

Competitors survive X48 - an XNA™ Game Studio GameCamp marathon of game design and development

news@screenwm.co.uk — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:15:34 GMT

Sixty budding videogame designers and developers have spent two days locked in a non-stop game design competition at Birmingham City University’s city centre campus at Millennium Point.

Using Microsoft’s XNA Game Studio 3.1, X48’s 15 teams of students spent from 10am Friday 19 to 4pm Saturday 20 February with (virtually) no sleep to produce a game from scratch in a studio environment. As well as getting the opportunity to flex their game development skills, the students had the unprecedented opportunity to be mentored by and have their work reviewed by computer giant Microsoft, screen agency Screen West Midlands and regional games network Games Central – key sponsors of the two-day game camp.

The event was organised by Pixel-Lab, creators of the successful Playful conference and organisers of industry prototype programme Get in the Game, and will be followed by a similar event at the University of Huddersfield on 19-20 March. The Birmingham event was a sell-out with teams from Hull to Bournemouth attending. A team called Fishtank from Aberystwyth took first place with their game DOT.

Marek Ososinski from Team Fishtank said, “One day we were coding, the next day we had a vague dream-like memory about winning...it was taking part that was most fun, pushing oneself to the very limits of creativity and ability while still enjoying the experience.That is why X48 is one of the best events of the year. Every year. We are planning to refine the game from X48 and submit it to ImagineCup XNA Game competition. X48 helps us find our limits and overcome them!”

Second place went to DevSoc from Nottingham Trent Uni and third to Need More Big Bears from Teeside.

The X48 competitions were themed to challenge the students to develop games that look beyond the traditional puzzle or first person shooter in a bid to create new conversations around gaming and attract the attention of new audiences. To ensure the teams didn’t prepare in advance, they were not given the theme for their game prototypes until the opening session on the Friday morning.

Andrew Wilson, Course Director for the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology and Certificate in Professional Studies Game Technologies at Birmingham City University said: “X48 was a great experience for all those who took part and it was really fitting that it was held at the University as our Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment runs two computer games courses.

“These courses have been specifically designed to give students the opportunity to learn how to use current technologies such as Microsoft's XNA game studio so they can develop games for personal computers and game consoles like the Xbox 360.

“We also have staff actively working and conducting research in the field of game and serious game development. The Digital Games and Simulations Specialist Interest Group being the focal point for this cross disciplinary work, giving our students and staff the opportunity to experience game development in a new fun and exciting way outside of the normal classroom environment.”  

Andrew Sithers, Academic Lead at Microsoft UK: “Bringing together the excitement and pressure of X48 with the global impact of the Imagine Cup gave the students a real opportunity to showcase their potential as the next generation of games industry leaders and innovators.”

Jason Hall, Head of Innovation, Skills and New Markets at Screen WM said, “This is an exciting time for the games industry, with new platforms and new markets opening up that present genuine opportunities for exciting new talent – whether they choose to aim for a career path in established developers or forge their own path by setting up their own indie studio. Screen WM and Game Central are delighted to have supported x48. It’s nothing short of breathtaking to see what can be achieved by such a fantastic group of talented teams and individuals with top notch industry support.”

Toby Barnes at Pixel-Lab said “Birmingham City University was a great venue for X48 - not only was there a great atmosphere, but the layout and technologies available were perfect. The student teams really excelled, and with some help from our industry mentors, produced some innovative concepts and worked in a way that is befitting to young developers about to be snapped up by talent recruiters in the industry.“

The playable versions of some of the X48 games will be made available for download at x48gamecamp.com where anyone can try them out and give the teams valuable feedback.

X48 Birmingham is proudly supported by Screen West Midlands, Advantage West Midlands, European Regional Development Fund, and Game Central.

Game development agencies collaborate to bring State of Independence Conference to the UK

news@screenwm.co.uk — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:26:42 GMT

GameHorizon and significant other UK development agencies collaborate in harmony to bring State of Independence conference to the UK games industry.

Hull, UK / GameHorizon, the gaming network which represents the North East of England, are working collaboratively with regional development agencies from other areas of England to present the business focused one-day conference, State of Independence.

Development agencies representing at least 4 different regions of the UK have united to create an historic one-day business conference, State of Independence to help independent UK games developers understand the benefits and the best routes to market with self-published games.

The one-day conference is being organized by GameHorizon and Game Republic, the trade association for the games sector in Yorkshire, but is being sponsored by NorthernNet. The NorthernNet project is helping games and creative companies collaborate through physical connections across the north. Over 50% of the companies attending the one-day conference will be representatives of the various Northern regions of the UK.

GameHorizin and Game Republic have previous experience of working together on the pre-cursor to the State of Independent conference, Northern Exposure in 2007, as well as other joint initiatives and knowledge transfer schemes. Charles Cecil, MD of York-based Revolution Software where the one-day conference is being held, and founder member of Game Republic, will be chairing this important self-publishing conference. Charles has been heavily involved in the design of the programme and is leading the revolution in self-publishing.

North West Vision & Media, the regional development agency representing the North West of England, as well as fledgling games network for the West Midlands, Game Central have also thrown their muscle behind this must-attend one-day conference.

Carri Cunliffe, Head of Games, GameHorizon anticipates what will be an exciting conference, “It’s great to see so many of the independent developers coming together to explore the best ways to retain more of their IP and to market their on-line self-published games. The event will have some leading speakers and we are expecting over 200 delegates to attend. Whilst the one-day conference might be titled, State of Independence, we are united as regions in championing the needs of the UK games development industry. GameHorizon in particular welcomes the coordinated approach to events and company support”.

Enda Carey, Head of Games and Content at North West Vision added, “Through our NorthernNet programme, we provide support to a number of games development companies in the North West that have already made the transition to self-publishing. With the State of Independence conference we hope to provide the spark of inspiration that will lead to more companies taking the brave step into self-publishing, seizing creative control over their game ideas”.

In addition are Games Central, a new games network representing the West Midlands region. Funded by regional screen agency, Screen West Midlands they are supporting the event by appropriately funding the session on finance. With its creation, one of the key objectives of Games Central is to encourage local games companies to collaborate.

Jason Hall from Screen WM and Game Central acknowledged the anticipated outcomes of this coming together, “The West Midlands has a rich games development heritage and is home to a number of established global players, and our £5m Digital Media Fund offers significant opportunities for the sector. At the same time, emerging digital publishing channels are providing opportunities for a new breed of agile games development company to create something fantastic and take it to market directly. Game Central is delighted to support The State of Independence conference as it will empower this new breed of games development company”.

As well as giving developers a greater understanding of the brave new world of digital self-publishing and advice on how to succeed, State of Independence will be an ideal opportunity to network with other independents, investors and buyers, as well as unwind at the industry party.

Date: Thurs 8th April 2010
Location: York, Race course Gymcrack Suite (Ebor stand)
Start of Conference: 09.30am Thursday 8 April 2010
Finish of Conference: 5.30pm Thursday 8 April 2010
After Party: 6.30 – until late

Speakers already confirmed for the one-day conference include Charles Cecil (Revolution), Paul Farley (Tag Games), Patrick O’Lunaigh, (nDreams) and Ed Vaizey, MP (Shadow Minister for Culture) – with more big names to follow.

For more information about the conference and to book places, visit http://www.state-of-independence.net/ A Super Early Bird discount starting at £75 is available until 16 March 2010, with bigger discounts available to GameHorizon and Game Republic members.

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled on www.thirteen1.com for further announcements to the speaker list and updates as the one-day conference comes into sight.

FLAMIN Assistant: Productions

news@screenwm.co.uk — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:06:57 GMT

Salary: £16,000-£25,000
Fixed term contract to end of March 2011.

JOB DETAILS
Film London is the strategic agency for film and media in the Capital. Funded by the UK Film Council and the London Development Agency, we support the sustainable development of all the screen industries based in the Capital – film, television, video, commercials and new interactive media.

Our aim is simple: to sustain, promote and develop London as a major international film-making and film cultural capital. We will achieve this through facilitating a range of beneficial new partnerships across the city, through direct funding of some key London media activities, as well as assisting the film-makers who choose to work in our city.

The Film London Artists’ Moving Image Network (FLAMIN) is funded by Arts Council England, London and supports London based artists in the moving image in all its forms. FLAMIN Productions commissions new, single screen works which represent a significant leap in artists' careers. Developed to reflect the changes in artists' moving image practice, it aims to attract the capital's most innovative moving image artists and is underpinned with an open application process.

The FLAMIN Assistant Productions will be responsible for providing administrative support to the production scheme and other FLAMIN work areas.

The FLAMIN Assistant: Productions will be reporting to the Film London Artists’ Moving Image Network Manager who in turn reports to the Head of Production.

_______________________________________________________________________

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

•    Providing administrative support for FLAMIN Productions including:
    application process: preparation of marketing and advertising materials, giving advice in person and over the phone, managing online applications via GIFTS grant management system.
    coordinating information for readers/assessors/panel, ensuring transparency of process by logging, tracking and minuting the selection process
    collating and summarising monitoring information
    inputting into evaluation
    liaising with commissioned film-makers and production advisors, including coordinating contracts
    devising and maintaining filing systems

•    Developing the design and administrative structures of future production schemes for artists

•    Assisting the FLAMIN Manager, and working with the FLAMIN Assistant: Online and Projects, in planning all aspects of the FLAMIN programme of activity

•    Coordination of FLAMIN activities within the context of Production and Talent Department, including liaising across the team

•    Key point of contact within FLAMIN for coordination of activities across other Film London departments, including other departmental diary coordinators

•    Administrative coordination of finance procedures including invoices, purchase orders, tracking payments, etc

•    Administrative coordination of outputs reporting to FLAMIN and Film London funders across the Production and Talent Development Department

•    Delivering administration for programme of workshops, seminars, events and advice sessions

•    Representing FLAMIN and Film London at screenings and events as required

•    Occasional supervision of work experience staff will be required

•    Any other related duties as may be reasonably expected

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL QUALITIES

•    Excellent administration skills, including good computer and organisational skills

•    Experience in implementing and maintaining efficient office administrative systems

•    Experience of planning and co-ordinating events

•    Good knowledge of visual arts sector

•    Understanding of artists’ working practices and development needs

•    Ability to work and thrive within a team environment

•    A good eye for detail and excellent written English

•    Good communication skills – oral and written

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL QUALITIES

•    Specialist knowledge of artists’ moving image work

•    Experience of working in a grant giving environment

•    Working knowledge of GIFTS or other grants management system or database

KEY TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Place of work
Film London’s offices are at Suite 6.10, The Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High Street, London, E16JJ. Travel around London may be required. Costs for travel required by work will be reimbursed.

Hours and workload
Time off in lieu will be possible in respect of hours worked over the standard week of 40 hours (inclusive of lunch breaks). Time off in lieu will not be allowed to accrue across leave years. Occasional work on weekends and / or evenings may be required.

Holidays
All staff will be entitled to 25 days paid holiday in addition to public and bank holidays in each leave year (April 1st to March 31st). Not more than 5 days unused holiday entitlement will be rolled into subsequent years unless at the express authorisation of the Board and no payment will be made for unused leave.

APPLYING FOR THE POST

For further details and an application form, please send a large self-addressed envelope, quoting the job title to Personnel, FILM LONDON, The Tea Building, Suite 6.10, 56 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JJ. Alternatively, download an application form from www.filmlondon.org.uk/vacancies.

Please post completed forms to the address above or email jobs@filmlondon.org.uk

Closing date for applications: Monday 22 March 2010, 12 midday

Interviews are likely to take place on Friday 26 and Monday 29 March 2010.

It is the policy of Film London to promote and integrate equality of opportunity into all aspects of its business, including its appointment of staff. We wish to ensure that Film London reflects the diversity of the communities in which it works. We welcome applications from groups currently under-represented including Black, Asian and Chinese and other ethnic minority groups, and disabled people.

Dragons’ Den

news@screenwm.co.uk — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:34:28 GMT

Entrepreneurs from across the country once again have a chance to make their business dreams come true by appearing on Dragons’ Den. If you’re genuinely seeking investment for your business idea or invention, we’d like to hear from you.

Last series saw some of the most diverse range of inventions and business ideas receive offers of investment from the multi-millionaire investors. All the Dragons were won over by entrepreneur Sharon Wright and the simplicity of her cable wiring device; Rupert Sweet-Escott went into business with James Caan who was impressed with his unique range of aviation designs and prototypes; and Carol Savage chose to accept Deborah Meaden's offer of a cash injection into her tasty new food networking website. In fact, when the Den finally closed for business an incredible 15 entrepreneurs had managed to convince the fearsome financiers, they were worthy of their cash.

2009 saw Londoner Jason Roberts ask for a £150,000 investment in his innovative range of mobile phone and laptop protection products. After some tense negotiations, Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis joined forces to secure a stake in the company. Post investment, Jason says that he gets up to 5000 visits to his website every day, and the current range is available in eight nationwide chains. Agreements are in place with the major phone and computer manufacturers, and he’s now planning to launch a range of own-branded cases, across the globe.

Previous success stories in the Den include Brixton based Levi Roots who secured an investment of £50,000 for his secret recipe, Reggae Reggae Sauce. Just 4 weeks after his appearance on the programme his Dragon investors helped him launch his sauce in a major supermarket all over the country. Now Levi has increased his product range to 8 sauces, produced a Caribbean cook book, and won Best New Product at the World Food Awards 2009, even going on to present his own successful BBC Television series - 'Caribbean Food Made Easy’. Having also successfully licensed his sauce to one of the world’s largest frozen food manufacturers and to an international fast food chain, Levi says that thanks to the Dragons he has a business empire that is now valued in the millions.

Of course, not everyone secures investment in the Den, but that doesn't stop the most tenacious of entrepreneurs from achieving success. After a gruelling time in front of the Dragons in 2008, inventor Natalie Ellis failed to convince them to back her Road Refresher. But one year on, her product became the fastest selling dog bowl on Amazon USA. Natalie says her company now has a million pound turnover and that her range is currently stocked in 32 countries. Likewise Shaun Pulfrey wanted the Dragons to invest £80,000 in his rework of the hairbrush – the Tangle Teezer. Unsuccessful in his bid he claims he is now stocked nationwide in high street stores and top hair salons, with sales approaching 400,000 units.

The rules are simple: entrepreneurs ask for a cash investment in return for equity in their business. However, they must get at least the amount they ask for or they will walk away with nothing. The Dragons are prepared to listen to a pitch for any kind of business but they must be convinced that it will make money.

As demonstrated by the investments in the last seven series, ideas, businesses and products that meet some or all of the following criteria stand a good chance of securing the Dragons’ interest:

A Unique Selling Point: a product that serves a need like nothing else.
Scalability: something that can be up scaled to make real money.
Route to Market: the clear way the product can be sold and marketed.
Mutually Beneficial Arrangement: just what will the Dragons get out of it?
Exit Strategy: a plan of how the entrepreneur/Dragon will exit and make money.

The BBC is currently searching for Britain’s best entrepreneurs and will be auditioning throughout the coming months. We want to hear from anyone who thinks they’ve got what it takes to enter the Dragons’ Den.

If you would like an application form please send an e-mail to dragonsden@bbc.co.uk or visit www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden

Light House to Host Student Exhibition: Who we are, What we do.

news@screenwm.co.uk — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:11:18 GMT

Light House Balcony Gallery launches the 2010 season of photography by students from Birmingham Metropolitan College (formally Matthew Boulton College) who will display their work from Thursday 11 March - Saturday 28 March 2010. Admission is free, and all are welcome.

The exhibition will feature abstract and documentary photography showing how the students explore techniques in contemporary image application. The students have a range of talent and different artistic styles, with work ranging from documentary and landscape, to mysticism and dream-like imagery inspired by nature.

The students have been involved in commissions for Birmingham City Council, Style Birmingham and have had the privilege to meet some important names in photography such as Martin Parr and Vanley Burke. Course leader Carl Hopley encourages the students to develop a creative and imaginative approach, pushing boundaries and experimenting, whilst developing an appropriate understanding of the demands and expectations of a very competitive industry. In their final year of the National Diploma Photography course, most students intend to go on to university.

Who We Are, What We Do is showing at Light House from Thursday 11 March - Saturday 28 March 2010. Admission to Light House Gallery is free. Light House is located in the historic Chubb buildings in Wolverhampton City centre. For further information contact Light House box office on t: 01902 716055 / e: info@light-house.co.uk or visit www.light-house.co.uk

Regional innovation to drive digital success in Texas

news@screenwm.co.uk — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:59:45 GMT

Some of the region’s brightest minds in interactive digital media are visiting Texas next week (12-21 March) as part of the UK presence at South by Southwest, a film, music and interactive festival. Advantage West Midlands is heading up the regional delegation of industry experts supported by UKTI, to showcase the innovation and excellence in content creation and cross-media collaboration.

The Heart of England, the West Midlands region, is home to a wealth of talent in interactive digital media. Over 20% of the UK’s game developers are based here and it has leveraged its long history in traditional gaming technology to produce some of the top serious gaming applications in the world. On top of this, a £10 million digital media fund has consolidated the West Midlands at the centre of the digital media revolution in the UK.

Advantage West Midlands Chief Executive Mick Laverty, comments “We have a highly skilled regional workforce and an impressive knowledge base in this sector, particularly in social media and games, where we are making significant advancements and nurturing the next generation of innovators. Some of this talent will be on display at South by SouthWest, not only to win business, but to help our region’s interactive sector continue to thrive. In addition we are demonstrating to American companies how they can expand their businesses to service the UK and European markets while being supported by an experienced and enthusiastic digital media community regionally.”

There are 20 West Midlands companies attending the festival, to showcase the innovation in the region, which include Fish in a Bottle Ltd, which works on projects for Disney and the BBC, Maverick Television, a production company which creates cross platform content for more than twenty major UK TV formats, and Screen WM which supports, promotes and develops a thriving screen media sector in the West Midlands by raising the profile of available locations and talent.

THE PIXEL LAB: THE CROSS-MEDIA FILM WORKSHOP is open for applications

news@screenwm.co.uk — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:26:46 GMT

Power to the Pixel is delighted to announce that applications are now open for The Pixel Lab, its brand new residential course to be held 4 - 10 July 2010 in the 5*St. David’s Hotel & Spa in Cardiff.

The cross-media lab is open to European media professionals with a strong track record in their sector, and has a particular focus on the creation, finance and distribution of cross-media properties to create sustainable European media businesses.
The Pixel Lab will enable European film producers and other media professionals to tap into the business knowledge-base of the film, online, broadcast, gaming and mobile industries.

This project-led, intensive week-long workshop, led by international cross-media experts, will consist of a mixture of group work, one-to-one meetings, plenary sessions and case studies; a tailored, hands-on opportunity for developing, packaging, marketing and distributing cross-media stories.

Power to the Pixel will select up to 40 European participants– 20 producers with cross-media projects and 20 audio-visual professionals without a project.
Producer participants will additionally benefit from focused distance learning project-work between the end of the residency and October, when they will be invited to attend Power to the Pixel’s Cross-Media Forum in London and present their projects to potential international partners.

Deadline for applications is 16 April 2010.

For full information and application form please visit our website - http://www.powertothepixel.com

The Pixel Lab is supported by the Media Programme of the European Union, Skillset, TorinoFilmLab, Creative Business Wales, Skillset Academi+ and ARTE. Strategic partner EAVE.

Flatpack Festival 2010 programme launches Tickets on sale now

news@screenwm.co.uk — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:58:52 GMT

23 - 28 March 2010 Birmingham, UK

Flatpack Festival is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2010 festival programme. The full programme line-up and tickets are available now at www.flatpackfestival.org.uk

For 2010, Flatpack will be presenting an array of screenings, workshops and talks, parties and a bus tour, across a host of venues including Ikon Eastside and VIVID, The Bond, Rainbow Warehouse, Birmingham Central Library, and The Electric, the UK’s oldest working cinema.

Festival booklets will be hitting the streets from 8 March, and can be collected from a number of city centre outlets, including tourist information shops, Ikon Gallery, Urban Outfitters, Birmingham Central Library and the newly opened Created in Birmingham shop in The Bullring.

The festival opens on Tuesday 23 March with a rare screening of FW Murnau’s 1927 Oscar-winning romance Sunrise, accompanied by a newly commissioned live score by jazz pianist Alcyona in the stunning setting of St Martin’s Church. The festival’s finale on Sunday 28 March, features Belbury Youth Club, a night of nostalgic soundscapes and haunting visuals at VIVID courtesy of Ghost Box Records.

All manner of talks and demos will take place at Flatpack’s established show-and-tell day Unpacked; plus screenings of new animation, documentary, a programme of music-inspired films, cult late-night cinema; a host of new features by emerging filmmakers, and weird and wonderful films and activities for kids in Colour Box.

Anti Piracy changes Tack

news@screenwm.co.uk — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:41:35 GMT

The Industry Trust is the UK film and Television industry’s anti-piracy body that speaks to audiences about their stake in the industry to try to reduce propensity towards piracy. The new cinema trailers launch nationwide on Friday, showing the audience that without their support, new films couldn’t get made. The Trust are even giving audiences the chance to get their name up in lights on the famous Piccadilly Circus Lights.

The Trust are previewing the trailers, called ‘You Make the Movies’ to film and TV professionals at 9am on Thursday 4th March, hoping that those with strong feelings will stand up and be counted. If you are, then have your say in their You Tube Channel , send to a friend or co-worker or email katy.carter@industrytrust.co.uk

Music on Screen returns to Light House with exclusive live performances from La Scala, Milan

news@screenwm.co.uk — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:37:36 GMT

Light House is proud to announce a third Music on Screen season of opera, ballet and music from April to September 2010. Alongside several notable cinematic interpretations, this third season will, again, incorporate high-definition digital presentations of work from leading companies around the world and, for the first time at Light House, live performances from La Scala Opera House in Milan. Opening the latest series is a live satellite transmission of Giuseppe Verdi's Simon Boccanegra. Ticket prices vary. Visit www.light-house.co.uk for full details and to book tickets.

Music on Screen starts on Thursday 29 April, 7pm, with Verdi's Simon Boccanegra, live and direct, via satellite, from the world famous La Scala, Milan. Placido Domingo, a star tenor for 50 years, transforms himself into a baritone to play the lead role, under the direction of conductor Daniel Barenboim. This tragic tale of love and politics sees Boccanegra dealing with revolt and betrayal, his only consolation coming when he finds his long lost daughter. Sung in Italian with English subtitles.

The season continues on Wednesday 26 May, 7pm with Das Rheingold by Richard Wagner, live from La Scala and conducted, once again, by Daniel Barenboim. Das Rheingold is the first of four operas that make up Wagner's epic Der Ring das Nibelungen, the largest musico-dramatic work ever written. Sung in German with English subtitles.

The Red Shoes (U), provides a change of pace on Thursday 24 June, 7pm. Winner of 2 Oscars, this Powell and Pressburger classic is widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made. This presentation is a neatly restored version showing in HD digital.

On Thursday 22 July, 7pm is the ballet of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, recorded in HD digital at the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg. Choreographed and directed by Valery Sergeyev, Swan Lake is considered to be one of the great classical ballets of all time.

The Deadwood stage is coming to town on Thursday 19 August, 7pm with Calamity Jane (U). Doris Day and Howard Keel fuss, feud and fall in love in this classic from the golden age of movie musicals.

Closing this latest season on Thursday 23 September, 7pm is Bertholt Brecht's The Threepenny Opera (PG). This 1931 film version, directed by G.W. Pabst, is a stylised interpretation of this biting satire and features one of the biggest and most elaborate sets that was ever built in a German studio.

Music on Screen is a season of opera, ballet and music on screen. It is comprised of notable cinematic interpretations, exclusive HD digital presentations and live satellite performances of work by leading companies from around the world. Various ticket prices apply and group booking discounts are available. Light House is located in the historic Chubb Buildings in Wolverhampton City Centre. For further information or to book tickets contact Light House box office on t. 01902 716055 or visit www.light-house.co.uk