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Saltburn Event Goes International
February 4th, 2010 | 
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The Poster, click to enlarge
With the assistance of Northern Film and Media and the UK Film Council there will be a Fringe Animex event in Saltburn featuring community produced animations. This will take place at 7.30pm on February 11th at Saltburn Community Theatre, Albion Terrace, Saltburn, TS12 1JW.
Featured this year will be World Première of “The Force is With You” which has been produced in partnership with the Institute of Digital Innovation, the Skinningrove Community, Whitecliffe Primary School and Redcar & Cleveland Community Safety Partnership. The school children will get their own matinee screening at 1.30 on the same date.
During a recent International workshop in Vienna one of scenes in “The Force is With You” was “voiced” using the services of some of the workshop attendees. The film clip below is a sneak preview of one of the scenes and a behind the scenes look at how it was put together.
Trouper 1 is played by Markus Petz from Finland, Trouper 2 by Thomas Chepaitis the Minister of foreign affairs of Uzhupis Republic (Lithuania) Arthur Vador is played by Steve Thompson and Barry Hunt the Mayor of Loftus is camera operator.
In the background is Laura Pakalne, Senior Officer in the Public Relations Department in the Ministry of Justice, Latvia who is most interested in our working with the British police and the movie production team on more collaborative projects. Markus has delayed his return to Finland to travel to Saltburn to assist with a hook-up with Latvia during the event on the 11th. It’s quite possible that people all over the world will be able to participate in the event. More information on this will be released closer to the event. The primary site for any streaming or “back channel” activity during the event is www.saltburn.org.uk
As well as the evening event there will be a matinee for schools and its during the afternoon event that the team will be aiming to hook up with children in Latvia. For more info contact s.d.thompson@tees.ac.uk
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Call for Theatre Artists
Jack Drum Arts is moving into a new base in a refurbished old dance hall in Crook in late spring 2009.
To celebrate this new phase in the company’s development, it’s producing two new shows aimed at the Early Years audience. The first one will celebrate diversity, inspired by the many interpretations of Cinderella around the world. The other is a re-telling of The Three Bears and looks at the contrast between the safety of the home and the wild outdoors.
The company is keen to to expand its pool of theatre artists and is particularly wanting to include people from diverse backgrounds who are interested in helping to shape the work, direct and design as well as perform.
The project will begin with an initial ‘Play Day’ hosted by CTC in Darlington on Wednesday December 3rd. There will be a further week of ‘playing’ and development from January 19th – 23rd, followed by a workshop programme in schools for one or two contracted artists.
The main performance ensemble will then be contracted for a period of 3-4 months beginning in April 2009.
Reasonable travel expenses for those attending the initial Play Day will be reimbursed.
(The Play Week in Jan and all subsequent work on the project will be subject to Equity/TMA rates.) Expressions of interest should include a one page CV detailing relevant Early Years experience and/or interest and be accompanied by a brief statement explaining what you could offer to the creative process.
Expressions of interest should reach Jack Drum Arts by no later than Friday 28th November.
For further info call: 01388 730574 or Email: info@jackdrum.co.uk
Call for Submissions: Wisconsin Film Festival
Founded in 1999, the Wisconsin Film Festival is the state’s premier film festival, taking place in the heart of its capital city Madison.
The four-day annual festival takes place each spring in ten downtown Madison theaters, all within walking distance. The Festival presents new American independent and world cinema (narrative, documentary, shorts, experimental), restored classics, and the work of Wisconsin filmmakers.
A programme of over 150 films and an attendance of 30,000 make it a lively event that’s become a major part of the state’s cultural calendar.
The 2009 Festival’s set to take place in April 2009 and is currently calling for submissions from filmmakers from around the world for the ‘Open Reel’ Category.
A Submission Form and Guidelines can be downloaded here
Deadline: 1st December 2008
Wanted: Digital Media & Technology Experts
The Institute of Digital Innovation’s Digital Discovery Route (DDR) aims to raise awareness of the digital creative media sectors and inspire a new digital generation.
This is particularly evident within the DDR team’s activities which aims to raise awareness of the Digital and Creative sector in the region, by engaging with communities, groups, education providers and businesses to promote digital inclusion and raise aspirations. An aspect of the education strand aims to incorporate employer engagement in contributing to upskilling the region’s practitioners with up-to-date and relevant sector insight, with the added potential that the DDR will broker a mutually beneficial relationship between creative businesses and local schools and colleges.
If you are running a North East based business in this sector and are interested in forging relationships with schools and/or colleges, the DDR team would like to hear from you. Whether your skills lie in offering active workshops in specific skills required in your sector, or being a confident speaker regarding entrepreneurial skills required for the digital media sector – or even leading a one off masterclass on new and exciting software. There is a small bursary available which can cover time spent planning and delivery, together with the offer of extensive support in preparing for such an audience.
If you would like to talk further regarding the DDR strategy or regarding the opportunities available for networking within education please email Elizabeth Shaw on: e.shaw@tees.ac.uk
Codeworks’ Think and a Drink
Codeworks’ next Think and a Drink event will focus on ideas generation. It will look at the ways new ideas can be generated for businesses and the tools and models that can be used to help.
The event will start with a talk from an expert in the field, before businesses split off into five groups to put what they have just learnt into practice. The five groups will explore ideas in the following areas:
• Social networking
• New applications for mobiles
• Location technology ideas
• New ideas for video usage on websites
• Ways to deliver healthcare solutions via telecommunications
Each group will have a professional facilitator to help with the idea generation. Codeworks and sponsors the Institute of Digital Innovation (IDI) will be looking for any viable ideas that they can help people take forward.
Phil Dixon’s ‘Money Well Spent’ Exhibition
The criminal justice system spends millions on institutions designed to protect the public from juvenile crime. They claim to either reform or prepare these young people for the outside world – one way or another.
Photographer Phil Dixon has spent many years working in a Young Person’s Secure Facility and his latest exhibition ‘Money Well Spent’ is his visual statement about the residents’ experiences. Phil’s work explores the impact of institutionalisation and its effects on young people’s lives. It addresses how both the vulnerable and perpetrators of anti-social and criminally orientated lifestyles co-exist.
The photographic collection which takes place at Darlington’s Decisive Moment Gallery, raises the debate ‘could the money be better invested in the communities that spawn these problems?’
The exhibition takes place at the gallery from 29th November to 24th January 2009. For further information on the Decisive Moment Gallery click here
Camera Crew, Actors & Volunteers Wanted
The IDI’s Steve Thompson is leading a community film project about Skinningrove Jetty. The film’s a virtual production with many of the particpants coming from different parts of the world.
Steve’s currently looking for camera crew, actors, helpers and editors to work on the film in a voluntary capacity. The film will be premiered at Saltburn Community Theatre on 5th February as part of the International Animex Festival. A promo movie can be viewed by clicking on the Youtube screen above.
For further information please visit the WIKI page where you can join the production e-list. As well as being able to access the production schedule, members will be able to debate and have an input into the script.
Alternatively, please contact Steve Thompson on 01642 384 567 or Email: s.d.thompson@tees.ac.uk
Business Video Executive Jobs at Twenty First Century Media
Award-winning digital communications company Twenty First Century Media is seeking two Business Video Executives.
The ideal candidates will be multi-skilled and have basic experience of video production as a writer, camera operator and production manager, as well as good client management and presentation skills.
They’ll be responsible for managing inbound enquiries to the Business Video department to ensure that potential and existing clients are informed and bought into the potential uses of Business Video.
They’ll be responsible for basic video production tasks such as scriptwriting, camera operation and production management associated with fulfilling Business Video package sales. They’ll support sales and marketing with video production tasks such as producing client testimonials and Business Video proposition promotionals. The post will also include basic financial management duties.
As a rapidly expanding company it’s an exciting time to get involved in Twenty First Century Media, with the right candidates having the opportunity to shape the Business Video Executive role(s) accordingly.
Salary: £14,000 per annum
Contract Length: 12 months
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne (Sandyford)
Closing Date: 19th Nov 2008
To apply for the role please send your CV to Nick Imrie at nick.imrie@twentyfirstcenturymedia.com by 19th November.
Visions, Dreams and Realities in the Modern City – Join the Debate
Northern Architecture is inviting the public to debate the visions, dreams and realities in the modern city – with particular reference to the city of Newcastle.
Working in partnership with the Laing Art Gallery and Tyne and Wear Museums, the debate is being held in conjunction with two major exhibitions which are currently being held at the Laing Art Gallery: ‘High Wire’ by Catherine Yass, and ‘Elevation: Visions and Realities of Modern Architecture’.
The debate will feature an array of high profile guest speakers with those confirmed to date including David Clouston (Silverlink), Newcastle City Council Regeneration Director David Slater and artist Paul Noble. If you’re interested in discussing why the city is the way it is and want to have a say in its future, you’re welcome to take part.
Admission to the debate is free but all places must be booked in advance (maximum of two places per person).
For further information about the event contact Northern Architecture on: 0191 2602191 or visit the website
Call for Submissions: Concept Film Night
The IDI is calling for submissions from Tees Valley based filmmakers for the next Concept Film Night.
As usual it’s looking to represent filmmaking of all levels and invites work from amateur, student and professionals. The showcase is always diverse with comedy, drama, music video and animation work all having been shown at recent events.
The idea behind Concept is to encourage the region’s thriving film industry to meet and exchange ideas. Each filmmaker introduces their short film – with the networking session that follows providing the opportunity for the audience to discuss their work with them.
The next Concept Film Night is taking place in the University of Teesside’s School of Health Building on Wednesday 28th January 2009 from 7.30pm.
To submit your work please send it on DVD, along with a synopsis and biog to Scott Watson at the following address: Concept Film Night, The Institute of Digital Innovation, Phoenix Building, University of Teesside, Middlesbrough TS1 3BA.
Please note that films must be no longer than 15 minutes in length, though showreels or trailers of longer features will be considered.
For further information Email: scott@thedigitalcity.org or call: 01642 384 332.
Submission deadline: Friday 19th December
A Profile on ‘Profile’
Profile is a new commercial photography gallery based in Saltburn. It’s been set up by a group of Cleveland College of Art & Design graduates to showcase the work of East Cleveland photographers.
Launching next week, the first exhibition at the gallery is Bob Mitchell’s ‘Whitby Boat Yard’. The collection is made up of a series of stunning 5×4 black and white images taken at Parkol Marine Engineering. As well as being a fine body of photographic work, it has real historical significance, with Parkol being the last remaining boat yard building fishing vessels on the docks of Whitby. Some of this work can be seen on Bob’s website.
The Whitby Boat Yard exhibition opens next Wednesday 12th November. Profile Gallery is situated on Ruby Street, Saltburn.
For further information contact Bob Mitchell: bobmitch@bobmitchell.co.uk
New Filmmakers Wanted…
New Talent Micro Movies is an exciting scheme designed for emerging filmmakers in the region.
It’s ran by Northern Film & Media and Shudder Films who will commission five one minute shorts with a budget of £1,000. The scheme’s aimed exclusively at anyone who has not previously been commissioned to make a film and is open to drama, documentary and animation ideas.
Applications can be made without a producer attached to projects as one will work across the scheme. However, those wishing to produce their own work can do so, with support from a producer in a mentoring capacity.
As with all of NFM’s schemes, once the commissioned films are completed, they will be uploaded to the North East Movies website where the public will be invited to vote for their favourite one. The winning film will receive a voucher for kit hire donated by Picture Canning North.
For details of how to apply, please download the Guidelines for Applicants and the Application Form here.
For any further information, contact Carol Machin on: 0191 269 9216 or Email: carole@northernmedia.org
Application Deadline: Friday 28th November
