Film Forum West Midlands

Film Forum WM awarded funding by Screen WM

Tom Hewson — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 21:05:35 +0000

Film Forum WM have been awarded funding by Screen WM.

This is obviously great news for all the grassroots filmmakers who attend our regular meet-ups. The prospect of making FFWM something of value and importance is more palpable than ever, so from now on we’re going to take FFWM up a notch, considerably.

We thought it essential to inform you all on our proposed ideas. Below is a mere list of those ideas we have in the pipeline for improving FFWM, but by no means is this an accurate reflection of how exhaustive the ideas actually are (but of course, in a good way):

Most importantly, we aim to improve our bi-monthly meet-ups, but still ensure we maintain the casual, informal charm of the evening.
Bring the ‘industry’ *shudder, horrible term* to FFWM’s avid film community. Guest speakers may include potential employers, collaborators, producers, filmmakers who have made an impact…
Maintain regular updates on FFWM website with all the latest news and events for our film community.

As stated, these are but a few ideas we’re working on, so it would be appreciated if you kept your eyes peeled over the coming months.

We honestly look forward to seeing you all at our next meet-up on Tuesday (24th Aug). Any ideas of your own is obviously encouraged and welcomed.

Thank you.

Film Forum WM August Meet Up

Andrew Hewson — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:08:54 +0000

Attention Filmmakers!

Film Forum West Midlands next meet up will be on Tuesday 24th August @ The Victoria Pub from 7pm.

The idea of these meet ups is to give filmmakers a networking platform from which they can meet people involved in different aspects of filmmaking from directors to actors to editors in order to source equipment, make contacts and flourish.

The entire evening is very INFORMAL so therefore it is really up to you if you approach it as a casual drink or an opportunity to network and get projects off the ground.

*We have tables reserved in the backroom near the bar.

Address: The Victoria Pub, 48 John Bright St, Birmingham, B1 1BN

Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=116141575104148&ref=ts

See you there.

Call For Film Submissions!

Andrew Hewson — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:45:57 +0000

ArtsFest 2010 (10 – 12 September 2010)

ArtsFest is open for film submissions. ArtsFest is the UK’s largest free arts festival and takes place in the heart of the country, Birmingham.

Last year ArtsFest featured over 80 different shorts (and a few feature films) ranging from music videos to animated comedies to live action dramas. The films were shown in one of Birmingham’s premier venues located in the centre of the city, The Crescent Theatre. This is to be the venue again for the film strand in September 2010.

Films should be submitted on a playable DVD and sent to:

ArtsFest, Sam Groves, 129 Northfield Rd, Kings Norton, Birmingham, B30 1EA

Eligibility Guidelines

The film needs to have some connection to the West Midlands; this can come from a variety of avenues. For example, the filmmakers/actors etc may come from the region or have family that are/were based in the region. The filmmakers/actors etc may have studied in the region. The film may have been shot within the West Midlands. The film may have been shown in the West Midlands over the last 12 months. If you are unsure as to the strength of your connection to the West Midlands, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Sam Groves (contact details below).

The film can be of any length and of any genre.

Deadline:

Saturday 17^th July 2010

For more information contact:

Sam Groves, ArtsFest Film Strand Co-Ordinator

Sam.groves@hotmail.co.uk

07779 255 779

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=134364893257446&v=info&ref=ts

Film Forum WM June Meet Up

Andrew Hewson — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:38:57 +0000

Hello Filmmakers!

Film Forum West Midlands next meet up will be on Tuesday 29th June @ The Victoria Pub from 7pm.

The entire evening is very INFORMAL so therefore it is really up to you if you approach it as a casual drink or an opportunity to network and get projects off the ground.

*We have tables reserved in the backroom near the bar.

Address: The Victoria Pub, 48 John Bright St, Birmingham, B1 1BN

Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131489443542471

Hope to see you there.

Micro Budget, Massive Sucess

Andrew Hewson — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:58:57 +0000

MICRO BUDGET, MASSIVE SUCCESS – Professionally Handling Constraints Of Microbudget Filmmaking To Achieve Maximum Success

DATE: Monday 28th June 2010

TIME: 09:30-17:00

LOCATION: Light House, Wolverhampton, WV1 1HT

INFO: A few break through films are resurrecting the microbudget spectrum of the market. With filmmakers facing tougher times and the inability to compete with studio films at the box office, how does a small film find its way to an audience via sales agents and distributors.

The Producers’ Forum in association with The Light House Media Centre & Women in Film and TV presents a panel event with highly regarded indie filmmakers Elaine Wickham and Jan Dunn. With their company Maeve Films, they are now veterans of 3 theatrically released, award-winning feature films which they refer to as their Microbudget Trilogy. They created this term in the hope that they can finally draw a line under their self enforced restraints having proved themselves in a volatile and closed-door industry. They will discuss how best to make films that could put you on the national, if not international, map and allow at least a dip of a toe into the water of the British Film Industry. They will conclude the discussion with a case by case study of each of their films.

SCHEDULE:
09:30 Arrival and coffee
09:45 THE CALLING screening
11:35 Break
11:50 Q&A with Jan Dunn and Elaine Wickham
13:00 Lunch Break
13:45 Afternoon Case Studies and workshop
16:15 Break
16:30 HD Presentation by The Light House
17:00 Close

COST:
Full member: both sessions £0
Associate member/WFTV Member/Light House: morning session £0
Associate member/WFTV Member/Light House: both sessions £25
Non-member: morning session only £50
Non-member: afternoon session only £50
Non-member: both sessions £80
(Prices exclude VAT)

REGISTRATION:
Spaces on this event are limited. To reserve a place please email Rebecca on info@producersforum.org.uk or call 0121 265 7145

Social Boom Birmingham

Andrew Hewson — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:46:08 +0000

Social Boom Birmingham returns for its second event on Thursday 10^th June 2010, 6pm – 9pm at The Cross, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 8HW.

This informal networking event is a fantastic opportunity to meet some like minded creative folk who all have a passion for celebrating their creative community.

If you fancy popping along, come and say hi to organiser Gail Owen who’ll be there to welcome people.

To find out more, email Gail at gail.owen@mytvonline.co.uk.

Or you can also get in touch with Creative Boom Birmingham by emailing birmingham@creativeboom.co.uk.

Seeking Film & Cinema Experts

Andrew Hewson — Wed, 26 May 2010 19:58:20 +0000

Paid Opportunity: £15 – £20 per hour

mac, Britain’s liveliest arts centre re-opened its doors in May 2010 following a £15m makeover. We have welcomed people back into our much loved, newly refurbished cinema, showing major releases and the best in independent film programming.

As part of our creative learning programme we are looking to recruit experienced Artist Tutors for a number of subject areas, including Cinema Studies, to teach Film Theory and are seeking a leader for mac’s Film Club.

Applicants should have a minimum of two years experience in delivering creative participatory activities to the public in either arts, community or educational settings and be able to provide a stimulating learning experience that enables participants to achieve their creative potential. Deadline for applications is 28^th May.

For full details and how to apply please visit the job opportunities page of our website: www.macarts.co.uk

Filmrats – Tuesday 25th May – Live Music & Short Films

Andrew Hewson — Wed, 12 May 2010 14:53:18 +0000

Filmrats’ next event is on Tuesday 25th May @ The Sunflower Lounge. Doors open from 8pm.

For those of you who have never been or know about our event, Filmrats is a multimedia evening of short films and live music, a hybrid of different creative artistry coming together to showcase their talents, enjoy music, film and to socialise. The night is held bi-monthly at The Sunflower Lounge, in the heart of Birmingham city centre.

We are always looking for filmmakers, musicians and other performance artists. If you want to showcase your talent then please get in contact! Entry is £2, so come along and remember to send in those short films on DVD format to:

Filmrats, Flat 3, 889 Bristol Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham, B29 6ND

Website: www.filmrats.co.uk

Twitter: www.twitter.com/filmrats

Facebook: www.facebook.com/filmrats

Email: filmrats@hotmail.co.uk

Please RSVP Here.

* We will be celebrating our 1st Birthday! So the first 20 people through the door will get free Birthday cup cakes and the first 10 people will also get brand new Filmrats badges!

Producers’ Forum Networking Event

Andrew Hewson — Mon, 10 May 2010 17:46:23 +0000

DATE - Wednesday 26th May 2010

TIME – 18:30-20:00 (followed by drinks in the bar)

VENUE – MAC, Queen’s Ride, Birmingham, West Midlands, B12 9QH

This month we are returning to the MAC and would like to take this opportunity to have a good catchup with the regions filmmakers. We invite you to come along to share news with us and eachother about the exciting projects that you are working on. This is a great opportunity to find out about the productions that will be taking place in the region and provide you with an opportunity to make new contacts and share resources.

Also, we are currently developing our strategic plan for 2010-11 and want to hear from you about your training needs so that we can ensure that we are providing relevant training.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND – Anyone who wants to find out what exciting projects are taking place in the West Midlands and who wants to feed into The Producers’ Forum’s strategic plan for 2010-11.

COST - Free (Cash bar). Please rsvp on http://pfnetworkingmay2010.eventbrite.com/

If you have any questions please contact Rebecca on info@producersforum.org.uk or 0121 265 7145

2 Weeks 2 Make It Competition

Andrew Hewson — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:07:36 +0000

One of the UK’s most exciting crossover filmmaking competitions, 2Weeks 2Make It is coming to the West Midlands. 2Weeks 2Make It is on the lookout for teams of filmmakers, animators and other digital creatives based in the West Midlands to enter the inaugural West Midlands event. Applications can be made now through the website www.2weeks2makeitbrum.co.uk.

2Weeks 2Make It is a music video competition first started in Yorkshire in 2006. The concept pairs randomly drawn teams of filmmakers and musical artists who then have exactly two weeks to shoot and edit a music video from scratch. The final submitted videos will be judged by an industry panel with the following prizes on offer:

Winning band: One week of free studio recording time.
Winning creative team: A guaranteed £1000 budget to shoot a music video for a record label.

The competition kicks off on Fri 21st May 2010 and will comprise of three key events:

1. A 25-place Music Video Professional Workshop (Fri 21st May 12.30pm Fazeley Studios) comprising a series of seminars by industry professionals including professional music video directors and producers. Topics will include producing and directing effective low budget music videos, distribution and producing a video to tight timescales. Places are limited for this event and will be booked via Screen West Midlands website (more information to follow)

2. A Launch event (Fri 21st May 7.00pm Fazeley Studios), which will include a master-class from a select panel of industry professionals and the official competition draw, where a simple random drawing of participating film teams and bands will decide who works with whom! From that point, they’ve got 2Weeks 2Make It!

3. A Screening event (Tue 15th June) for all participants. All submitted films will be shown and the winners revealed, with prizes being awarded to the winning entries. Following this all participants will be invited to an after-screening party to relax, network and celebrate their involvement in this ground-breaking competition.

The competition is being organised by Carl Timms – Account Director at Made Media, one of Birmingham’s top digital media agencies, and a former winner of 2Weeks 2Make It 2007. He says “Its a tough but very rewarding competitive event. The aim is to have fun and encourage teamwork, initiative and creativity whilst working to a challenging fixed deadline. Its perfect for any filmmakers who’s ever wondered how they might cope under that sort of creative pressure.”

The event’s primary funder is Screen West Midlands with additional sponsorship from Fullrange Media, Made Media, Fazeley Studios and Blue46 Studios. Jason Hall, Head of Innovation, New Markets & Skills at Screen West Midlands says “Its very exciting – I’m a big fan of anything that brings together people from different creative disciplines and gets them collaborating on a new project. The combining of the music and creative screen industries in this way is unprecedented in the Midlands and presents a new opportunity for talented filmmakers and musicians to pull together and create something extraordinary.”

The gathering of bands and music resources is being handled by Little Chris, host of Rhubarb Radio’s Brumcast show. He says “The competition is a great opportunity for unsigned bands all over the region. Music videos are an increasingly important part of musical promotion. 2Weeks 2Make It offers bands an opportunity to add a free completed music video to their press kit, which will in turn help the promotion of the region’s bands around the UK and beyond.”

The competition is now open for registrations from both filmmakers and musical artists. Registration forms, prize details and competition details are available at www.2weeks2makeitbrum.co.uk.

Updates and further information are available on Twitter (@2weeksbrum) or by following the “2Weeks 2Make It Brum” fan page on Facebook. For more information, please contact Carl Timms at carl.timms@mademedia.co.uk or on 07779179796.

The Producers’ Forum Guide To Cannes

Andrew Hewson — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 12:29:46 +0000

Are you going to Cannes Film Festival this year? Are you looking for top tips and expert advice from producers who have been before? Then look no further!

The Producers’ Forum is delighted to announce its Guide to Cannes Film Festival Event. Get the low down from Cannes veterans, find out who you might know there, learn about how to make the most of your meetings and how to work the Croisette.

Panel: Dan Lawson, ScreenWM. Deborah Aston, Red Carpet Media. Pip Pipper, Blue Hippo
Date: Thursday 6th May 2010
Time: 14:30 – 17:00
Venue: Screen West Midlands
Cost: Free to Members. £25 non-member

RSVP: Spaces are limited. To register for this event please email Rebecca at info@producersforum.org.uk

Film Forum WM April Meet Up

Andrew Hewson — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:36:15 +0000

Hello fellow filmmakers!

Film Forum’s next meet up will be on Thursday 29th April @ The Victoria Pub from 7pm.

The entire evening is very INFORMAL so therefore it is really up to you if you approach it as a casual drink or an opportunity to network and get projects off the ground.

Address: The Victoria Pub, 48 John Bright St, Birmingham, B1 1BN

Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=117517881598352

We have tables reserved in the backroom near the bar.

See you there.

Producers’ Forum Monthly Networking

Andrew Hewson — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:42:07 +0000

April 20th 17:30 – 19:30

This month’s monthly networking will follow on from the ‘Developing a TV Drama Series’ event which we have supported Screenwriters’ Forum in running.

This is a great opportunity for those who attended the event to continue discussion and for those who are unable to attend to find out what was discussed.

It’s also a fantastic opportunity to meet new contacts, share information and find out what’s happening at the forum and in the region.

This is a free event that is open to all (cash bar). Please rsvp on our eventbite site (http://pfnetworkingapril2010.eventbrite.com/) site so that we have an idea on numbers.

If you have any questions please contact Rebecca on info@producersforum.org.uk or 0121 265 7145

Filming & performance opportunity in Shanghai

Andrew Hewson — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:58:31 +0000

National Youth Theatre and IdeasTap are offering 10 young filmmakers/performers the chance to become part of a film and performance group who will stage a ground breaking production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream to be performed in London and Shanghai, in the summer of 2010.

The challenge is to create a site-specific production for multi-lingual audiences while retaining some of Shakespeare’s original text. The productions need to be interactive and to work together, so we’re looking for 10 people aged between 16-25 who are comfortable and skilled in front of the camera as well as behind it.

To apply for ‘Living the Dream’ or for more information about the project, please visit www.ideastap.com.

Applications close on Monday 5th April 2010.

‘Re-building the TV Drama industry in the West Midlands’

Andrew Hewson — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:20:28 +0000

With TV drama series like Hustle and Survivors now filming here, we look at how we can rebuild our TV drama industry in the region. Come along to The Bond to hear a stellar panel of TV drama names give their views.

This is an unmissable event for local screenwriters, directors, producers and anyone who cares about the future of television drama in the West Midlands.

30th March 2010.

Venue: The Bond,180-182 Fazeley Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5SE

6.00pm: Registration/Drinks

6.30pm: ‘Re-building the TV Drama industry in the West Midlands’ Chaired by Lee Thomas (Screen WM)

Speakers already confirmed: Tony Jordan, Peter Lloyd, Michael Eaton (more speakers to be confirmed very soon)

8.00pm: Networking/Drinks

To register for this event please visit http://rebuilding-tv-drama-industry-in-wm.eventbrite.com/

Shorts on Walls Open for Submissions

Andrew Hewson — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:31:23 +0000

Thursday 25th March 2010

6.00pm – 8.00pm

Vivid, Heath Mill Lane, Digbeth, Birmingham

Everyone’s favourite animated screenings night, Shorts on Walls, returns this March as part of Flatpack Festival 2010 and animators are once more being invited to submit their short films.

Shorts on Walls gives animators the chance to screen their latest works to a room full of peers in a relaxed bar atmosphere. The event is free to attend and runs from 6pm-8pm on Thursday 25th March 2010 in the main space at Vivid, Heath Mill Lane, Digbeth, Birmingham.

To submit your animated short, please post to our new address by the 18th March 2010:

A DVD formatted copy of your film (for judging)
An uncompressed high-res QuickTime file on a DVD data disc

Animation Forum WM,
The New Technology Institute,
15 Bartholomew Row,
Birmingham,
B5 5JU.

To attend, please RSVP via our Facebook event page.

Vivid is 30 minutes walk from New Street Station, and can be found here.

Filmrats – Showcasing Live Music & Short Films

Andrew Hewson — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:59:21 +0000

Filmrats’ next event is on Thursday 18th March at new venue The Sunflower Lounge. Doors open at 7.30pm.

The night is being held once a month on a Thursday evening at The Sunflower Lounge, in the heart of Birmingham. If you love music and film then Filmrats really is the best place to go!

We are always looking for more Singer/Songwriters, Bands, Poets, Comedians, Performance Artists and Short Films. If you want to showcase your talent then please get in contact!

Filmrats will also be screening the short films submitted to the 48-hour film challenge Film Dash.

Entry is £2, so come along and remember to send in those short films on DVD format to:

Filmrats, Flat 3, 889 Bristol Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham, B29 6ND

Email: filmrats@hotmail.co.uk

Myspace: www.myspace.com/filmrats

Twitter: www.twitter.com/filmrats

Facebook: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=10150098932520122

Looking For Actors!

Andrew Hewson — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:42:23 +0000

Mucky Duck Media are looking for actors to perform in our final year project for university. This short film is an exciting opportunity to work with new talent in the region and help us represent Birmingham as a great location and home to an active creative industry.

We also have two guaranteed screenings at our end of year event and a launch of a media production hub, both of which will have industry professionals attending so a great chance to network and get your name known.

Our script is a 10 – 15 minute short with just two characters set in Longbridge. All filmed in mostly one scene this beautifully written script tells us the story of these characters’ relationship as it moves through loyalty, friendship, professionalism and love. We slowly learn about them and their past and how they struggle to understand each other.

We are working with Helen Kelly a talented and highly qualified scripwriter in the region and Andy Conway who helps run the scriptwriters forum acting as script editor.

We are holding castings on March 8/9/10th and callbacks on March 22nd. We will be filming for 6 days between 9th – 16th April (dates can be negotiated to fall in easter holidays if needed)

As this is a student project we have very little funding but are able to offer £100 for each actor.
The two roles we’re looking for are detailed below….

Kirsty

Sex:Female
Acting age:17 (Actors must be 18 or over)
Build:Slim, athletic

We’re looking for a young actress to play a 17 year old in our short film. The character is a successful swimmer so needs to have a slim, athletic build but other than that we have no requirements on appearance. The character also has some close contact with an older man character and so must be comfortable with some intimate touching (over clothes). Birmingham accent preferred but no essential.

Jim

Sex: Male
Acting age: 35-45
Build: Tall, athletic.

We’re also looking for an actor for an older man character of around 40. The character is a swimming coach so must be fit and athletic. No specific requirements for appearances but tall and broad would be good and a Birmingham accent preferred but not a must.

Producers’ Forum Monthly Networking

Andrew Hewson — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:10:05 +0000

Producers’ Forum Monthly Networking – Feb 2010 – Media Centre Tour (Tuesday, February 23, 2010 from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

This month we thought that we would offer something a little different from our usual monthly networking.

We will be going on a tour of The Media Centre at The University of Birmingham to see all of the fantastic and affordable facilities that we have available to us on our door-step.

People who attend the evening will be eligible for discounts on future studio hire! So why not come along to see how you can save money and stay local.

The tour will finish with drinks, nibbles and an opportunity to catch up with each other and ask any questions to the Media Centre Team.

This is a free event but we ask that you please rsvp on our eventbrite site (http://pfnetworkingfeb2010.eventbrite.com/) or by contacting Rebecca directly on info@producersforum.org.uk, so that we have an idea of numbers.

Hassle-Free Funding Launches for Young Filmmakers

Andrew Hewson — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:02:38 +0000

IdeasTap has launched Ideas Fund Shorts, £40,000-worth of funding to help young people realise their short film projects. Eight awards of £5,000 are being offered to anyone aged between 16-25 to create a five minute short film.

Recognising the lack of funding for young people within the arts, and the endless application forms and hassle to secure what funding there is, IdeasTap created the Ideas Fund to make it easier for young people to get their creative projects off the ground. Along with the website, IdeasTap is dedicated to providing opportunities for up-and-coming creative talent.

Alongside the launch of Ideas Fund Shorts, IdeasTap is also launching the second round of Ideas Fund Innovators; ten awards of £1,000 for creative ideas from any discipline. The deadline for both funds is 29th March 2010.

If you would like any further information on how to apply please visit the website.