Think Sync Short Film Competition

More info here - deadline is a bit ahead so plenty of time to think about the entry.

new distribution models for feature docs

really intersting article at netribution about brave new films. However seems to be for the commited political doc rather than the creative doc but great to see the barriers to distribution and funding being over turned.

So You Want to be a Producer?

I actually picked this book up at my local library its written by Lawrence Turman who produced The Graduate and is now director of the Peter Stark Producing Program at the University of Southern Califrornia. Its a great wee read - obviously all about feature film productions. And when I return it to the Edinburgh Public Library system you can borrow it for free.

EDN Pitching talk Leena Pasanen

This was the talk I posted about just before catching the bus to go to it. Leena Pasanen gave a great overview of the documentary market in Europe for feature docs. Most importantly highlighting the cultural differences between countries, how to pitch to commissioning editors and showed us trailers/taster DVD's as used in pitches. Soon realised that really there is nothing much out there for short docs. And I think the session slightly skirted around what a long shot pitching co-productions are. However very interesting food for though - European Documentary Network website is worth having a look at as well (she is the head of it).

Scottish Screen open lunch report back

I've been out and about hence lack of posts. First of all went to this event at the Sheraton last Thursday.To my surprise only about 20 people there despite the offer of free lunch ... what is going on here. I wonder if the Glasgow meeting was busier. All in all it looks like the proposed amalgamation with the Arts Council won't be happening until 2009.

In haste off to pitching masterclass at Art College Lauriston Place 2.30-5.30pm today. More info from www.scottishscreen.com

A-Z of clearing rights

Free Seminar sponsored by Own It who give intellectual property advice to creative people. In London tomorrow - speakers include film producer Rebecca Knapp.

short film writing and submission deadlines

Light and Shade have a great guide

Funding sources

Netribution has compiled a great list of links by country for funding sources.

Rendition

This is a bit off topic being a feature film but I saw it last week at the lovely Cameo in Edinburgh with some friends. It already seems to be slipping from the cinemas. Do go and see it if you can before it leaves the circuit. I thought it was a very finely nunanced film which managed to make its Arabic characters human. Its a fine script and well directed by Gavin Hood.

Also Prestwick Airport seems to be implicated in rendition flights so we have a moral duty to be interested in this topic in Scotland.

Scottish Screen Opening Meetings across Scotland

Scottish Screen are holding a series of open meetings throughout the country in November reporting back on all aspects of our work over the past year and looking forward to the next 12 months and beyond. There will be plenty of opportunity to find out more about Scottish Screen and the proposed new body, Creative Scotland, which will take on responsibility for the development of the arts and creative and screen industries over the next two years.There’ll be time for networking over lunch at the end of each meeting.

Download Invitation

Aberdeen -Tuesday 20 NovemberVenue: Aberdeen University - Linklater RoomTime: 12 noonPresentation and lunchRSVP: rsvpaberdeen@scottishscreen.com

Glasgow - Wednesday 21 NovemberVenue: CCA, Sauchiehall StreetTime: 12 noonPresentation and lunchRSVP: rsvpglasgow@scottishscreen.com

Edinburgh - Thursday 22 NovemberVenue: Sheraton HotelTime: 12 noonPresentation and lunchRSVP: rsvpedinburgh@scottishscreen.comI

nverness - Monday 26 NovemberVenue: Columba HotelTime: 11.30amPresentation and lunchRSVP: rsvpinverness@scottishscreen.com

Dundee - Thursday 29 NovemberVenue: DCATime: 11.45amPresentation and lunchRSVP: rsvpdundee@scottishscreen.com

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The amalgamation of Scottish Screen into this new agency could potentially make a considerable difference to the way film is treated in Scotland. So it seems like a good idea to find out more.

Snakebite wins prizes

good to hear of a Scottish short doing well.

Films that make you happy

I came across this interesting list and comments. I think that Amelie is one of the most blantantly manipulative cold hearted films which is one of the recommendations in the comments. However black hearted Delicatessen is hilarious. And one of the few other French films I like Life is a long quiet river has a savagery about social class at its core. As for shorts which really stick in the mind an animation called Dog Brain I saw at the Annecy Film Festival a million years ago. And shorts by Derek Jarman (sublime Super 8) and Margaret Tait (oh I do have a terrible weakness for the avant garde) Home by Morag Mackinnon and one also by her which I can't remember the title about a group of Jews on a train.