Submissions open for Britain’s first Web Fest

raindanceRaindance London Web Fest
Raindance hosts Britain’s first Web Fest in London
September 28/29, 2013

What do The Guild, Anyone But Me and The Lizzie Bennet Diaries have in common?

They were all started by independent writers who rejected the traditional broadcast commissioning process to create their own shows their own way… and were rewarded with loyal fans worldwide and millions of views of their web series.

And they are making money.

Britain’s first Web Fest has been created to celebrate the best independent online content from around the world in a 2 day feast of screenings, panels and special events that takes place during the 21st Annual Raindance Film Festival in the heart of London’s West End.

“It was only natural for Raindance to create a showcase for web series. Online content is becoming the place for filmmakers and creators to be discovered. Web series creators are the perfect example of independent filmmakers who have plugged into the social media landscape.” said Raindance founder Elliot Grove.

Raindance WebFest is currently open for submissions until July 15th.

For details: http://www.raindance.org/festival-2013/raindance-london-web-fest/

Innovative Films Raising Funds: Three Days

Three Days is a film that is close to my heart. Not just because I share an acting agent with the two leads and have worked with Vanessa, but also because in a world where older women are so often overlooked, this film is about a 40 something women and a younger man. It is a love story with a heart.

The Hollywood Reporter recently had a female executive guest post for them. This is what she said:

I have sat through development meetings in which actresses over the age of 34 are cast aside as “too old”, those who have had babies or families come with “baggage,” and whether or not they are willing to get nude on film plays into their chances of getting an offer, when these same traits are not deal-breakers in their male counterparts, or even mentioned for that matter.

Well, Vanessa is over 34, is married and has children. She is also making a kick ass movie. Proving all of this wrong. They are raising money as we speak so to contribute go here. It is a movie that should be made.

Three Days is a short film, to be shot in London and Cardiff, UK.

In turns poignant, sensual, warm and funny Three Days is a short film about the decision to surrender. Or not. It stars Vanessa Bailey & Richard Perryman. We asked them some questions about the film. Answers are below.

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What have you enjoyed about the process so far?

Seeing how everything has developed from when I first came on board has
been very exciting. Also it’s been great being able to work with an
incredibly talented and passionate group of people.

What do you think will appeal to people about the film?

There’s a whole lot to fall in love with. Great characters which the
audience can really invest in, an original love story and a brilliant crew
to make it all happen!

What is it like working with Vanessa?

It’s great working with Vanessa. She’s incredibly passionate about Three
Days and has invested a huge amount of time and effort to push the film
as much as she can. Our only problem is we’re both terrible at keeping a
straight face whenever we need to be serious.

What are you most looking forward to on the shoot – favourite scene?

I just can’t wait to get on set and start shooting the whole thing.

What would you say to people thinking about donating to the crowdfund?

That we really cannot make the film without the help of everyone else out
there! Any contribution helps and it’s a great chance to get involved in a
new and exciting film.

3Days final poster imageVanessa.

What have you enjoyed about the process so far?

I’ve been genuinely amazed at the people who’ve been happy to come on board
with the film. And seeing how the team have been putting their heart and
soul into getting this crowdfund up and running. Everyone has really gone
the extra mile with it, even Jason’s PR Alistair was working his socks off
on the poster shoot! The poster shoot was a small taste of what will be
like to work with the whole team on the shoot. We were all freezing cold,
but the buzz was palpable.

What do you think will appeal to people about the film?

Well, with the talent we have working on the project the film promises to
be visually gorgeous, with a beautiful, original score. We’ve got team with
Batfa Cymru’s and Emmy’s to their names. The characters are, hopefully,
appealing and people will want to travel on their journey with them and
root for them! It’s got humour and passion and warmth and struggle – we
wrote what rings our own bell, basically! Hopefully it will connect with
others, too.

What is it like working with Richard?

Richard has been brilliant, he’s really got stuck in and invested his
time and talent in lots of ways. Like he says, we’re not great at keeping
straight faces! But that makes it fun.

What are you most looking forward to on the shoot – favourite scene?

I just want to see how the whole thing fits together. The scenes have
quite a range of dynamics from light-hearted through to passionate and I’m
looking forward to shooting all of them. We’re really excited to be doing
scenes with Lynn Hunter, I think they’re going to be a highlight!

What would you say to people thinking about donating to the crowdfund?

Please come on board! It’s a great film to get involved with and we’re
incredibly grateful for support. Check out our perks and see if anything
appeals – we’ve got everything from a corporate product placement perk
(product/premises placed in the film plus logo on all our visible material
and in the credits and more!)to getting your hair done by Jason and then on
to the screening to being an extra in the film! Let’s get this story off
the page and onto the screen!

Thank you Vanessa.

Special mention to Red Boutique in Beckenham for supplying accessories and clothes.

FilmWorks development scheme for budding directors and producers calls for applications.

FilmWorks development scheme for budding directors and producers calls for applications.

Emerging regional producers and directors can fast track their film careers with FilmWorks, a new networked professional development scheme managed by Watershed in Bristol and co-produced by Showroom Workstation in Sheffield and Broadway in Nottingham which will give the participants the skills, contacts and knowledge required to raise their profile to a national and international level.

FilmWorks, a Film Networks project supported by the National Lottery through the BFI and Creative England, is specifically targeted at filmmakers in the English regions: it will give 45 producers and directors in Bristol, Nottingham, Sheffield and their surrounding areas a priceless opportunity to expand their creative and commercial potential, with the benefit of working with world class producers, such as Julia Lockhart (Aardman’s The Pirates), Colin Pons (Hush, The Acid House), and Alastair Clark (London to Brighton, Better Things).

FilmWorks launches in September with a live simulcast from Bristol-based Encounters Short Film & Animation Festival and runs until early December 2012. Candidates have until Mon 20 Aug to submit their application at http://filmworks.org.uk

It is a timely development scheme that responds to the current issues being faced in the film industry today: how to survive and prosper in the digital age, new models of distribution, the effect of digital technology on cinema production, new routes to market and much more.

Mark Cosgrove, Watershed’s Head of Programme, said:

“FilmWorks is a unique opportunity for emerging local talent to develop their skills and learn about the film industry from leading UK producers. Based at three creative hubs in the English regions this 360 degree fast tracked networked development programme will create that all important bridge between production and cinema exhibition. I’m looking forward to working with partners to share regional expertise, work with industry leaders, and most of all, to introducing 45 great filmmakers to the world.”

Liz Harkman, Managing Director at Encounters Short Film & Animation Festival, said:

“We’re delighted to be launching the FilmWorks programme in September at the 18th edition of the Festival. Encounters has always provided international new and emerging talent with opportunities to grow and a direct access to industry which makes it the ideal platform for the next generation of regional producers and directors to develop their projects, practice and networks.”

Coming Up With Script Ideas.

Sometimes it can be hard to think of a story that hasn’t been told. An original idea can be hard to have. Which is why it is important how you tell your story. Where to get these ideas? Here are some hints and tips.

Books, newspapers and magazines.
Out of copyright books are great. Ever wondered why there are so many Shakespeare films? It’s not just his writing. Copyright lasts for 100 years. After that, you’re good to go. Don’t turn your nose up at old books. Human emotion and nature doesn’t really change.

Getting stories from newspapers will make your film relevant and modern. Same thing with magazines. Editors commission articles that people will be interested in. You can choose something which you have some experience in to give the film an authentic edge.

Friends and family.
Though you may want to change some names and dates! Don’t worry too much, people rarely recognise themselves, especially their bad points.

Songs
I once wrote an entire script based on Johnny Cash’s “I Hung my Head”. My script got amazing feed back and people always tell me to sell it to the highest bidder.

Your personal experience.
Mine your life ruthlessly.

Relationships and break ups.
Something that everybody goes through. Always popular subjects and everyone has some stories to tell about theses subjects. Incredibly relatable.

Strangers.
Observe a lot. Note how people dress, move, act. What they say. A storyteller should always be a people watcher.

Brainstorm with friends.
Come up with ideas together. Do it the way that works for you. You can watch movies, listen to music, have a few beers. Whatever gets the creative juices flowing.

Hobbies and interests.
Write about what you know is the first rule of writing. Bring a fresh twist to one of your hobbies.

Political and historical events.
Get your facts as correct as possible and give it a fresh spin.