PAT FISKE FREE DOCUMENTARY MASTERCLASS

Pat Fiske is a master documentary filmmaker. She has been producing and directing films since the early 1970s and has been a prominent member of Australia’s independent filmmaking community. In 2001, she was awarded the prestigious Stanley Hawes Award for her outstanding contribution to the documentary industry in Australia at the Australian Documentary Conference in Perth.

Pat has generously agreed to join Tasmanian filmmakers for an evening to discuss her work and show excerpts of her award winning documentaries, including excerpts from Scarlet Film which is currently in post-production.

RSVP on info@wideangle.org.au or 62 238 344

TUTOR BIO – PAT FISKE
In the 1970s and 80s, Pat Fiske was on the boards of Filmnews and ASDA. In 2001-2002 Pat was a Documentary Consultant at SBS Independent for 18 months. And she was Co-Head of the Documentary Department at AFTRS with Mitzi Goldman from 2002 to 2008. The Documentary Department initiated Ozdox, the Australian Documentary Forum, which meets once a month and has been going since 2003. Ozdox is managed by a committee of filmmakers and supported by ADG and AFTRS.
At present she is producing Scarlet Road, Black is Inclusive, executive producing Marco; the lies we tell …, and developing other projects.
Filmography:
Producer: River of No Return (2008), Beats Across Borders (2006), Selling Sickness (2004), Business Behind Bars (2001), a two-part series which won a 2001 Walkley Award.
Director/Producer: Following the Fenceline; Rocking the Foundations, a history of the NSW Builders Laborers’ Federation and the Green Bans, An Artist in Eden, Brainstorm
Director: ’Doc’, a portrait of Herbert Vere Evatt; For All the World to See, a portrait of Professor Fred Hollows; Australia Daze; Night Patrol, Endo What?Co-Director: Woolloomooloo, Leaping off the Edge
(via wideangle.org.au)

A Song of Ice and Fire - George R R Martin

Despite a massive week at work and so much other stuff happening, this is pretty much the only thing I'm interested in at the moment. I've only ever been this excited about a tv series twice before: When I was 15 and the X-Files was in it's first season, and a few years ago when Avatar: The Last Airbender was in it's last season. This epic fantasy series has taken over from Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time to become my favourite and the tv version has confirmed, for me, that the HBO model is currently the most exciting expression of on-screen narrative. It's so good. Get involved.

Winter is coming

Feature Film Audition Oppprtunity - 17 -20 year old female (Tasmania)

Breeding in Captivity is an independent feature being produced in Tasmania. The film is a collaboration between the Director, Lucien Simon, and writer, Nathan Spencer, of the award winning Tasmanian short film Stripped Bare.

The process used to create the film is similar to the one used by Mike Leigh. This process allows the actor to have a direct input into the creation of the character and script.

We are looking for a young female actor who is over the age of 18 but could play someone aged 17-18. The person we are looking for works well with people, is creative, listens well and is courageous.

Check out the Facebook page for more info, and more info about the audition here.

If you are interested in auditioning for the role then please email the director Lucien Simon at lucien_simon@yahoo.com

Please attach in the email a recent photo (within 6 months).
Head shot and body shot.
Also attach a short description of your history as a creative artist (acting, writing, music etc).

Experience is not essential.
What is essential is the ability to trust those you work with, courage (not afraid to make mistakes) and a professional (polite and a hard worker) attitude.

Rehearsals in May & October. Shooting in November.

MyState Financial Student Film Festival 2011

Listen, youth. You've got until October 28th to make a film for the MyState Financial Student Film Festival 2011.

All you need to do is include the 2011 feature item: Five Dollar Note. You don't need any other info. You could be working on it right now. Why aren't you?

And if all you've got is an idea, that's fine; get in touch; they'll help you get your film made and on screen.

Like the Facebook, subscribe for email updates. At least check out the website. Walk the walk.

UPDATE: Official website is now live!

If you’re a student of any kind in Tasmania, you can enter a film in to the MyState Student Film Festival. It can be drama, comedy, action, documentary, animation - anything you want.

You just need to make sure your film:

1. Is less than five minutes long.
2. Contains our Feature Item, which in 2011 is five dollar note.
3. Hasn’t been screened anywhere else, or posted online.
4. Is delivered with an entry form by Friday 28th October 2011 at 5:00pm.

Tasmanian feature film "Breeding in Captivity" seeks costume designers

Breeding in Captivity is looking for a costume designer to start in early May.

This Tasmanian independent film production will employ a highly collaborative process similar to Mike Leigh's and, hence, the costume designer will be required to collaborate with the actors, director, art director and production designer on the look and feel of the costumes.

Rehearsals begin May, shooting starts in November.

Email lucien_simon(at)yahoo.com for more details.

Tasmanian feature film "Macbeth" calling for extras

MACBETH is a low budget horror film being shot at Lower Longley and Hobart April/May 2011

We are looking for people who would like to be involved as extras in this Tasmanian made Feature

We are shooting a large battle scene on the first weekend of May and other scenes leading up to the battle that do not require you to be in a battle.

We are mostly looking for Males 16+

We would need you to make a commitment for the following Dates:

Tuesday April 26th for rehearsal and costume fitting

Saturday 7th May 7.30am for the shoot
Sunday 8th May 7.30 am for the Shoot

Saturday 14th May as backup if the previous weekend’s weather is bad
Sunday 15th May as backup if the previous weekend’s weather is bad

Please contact Daniel James on 0407 773 102 or at daniel.jamesdirector@gmail.com find out more and register your interest

Screen Tasmania 5 Year Strategic Plan - Consultation Draft

Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts

Strategic Plan 2011 - 2016

Consultation Draft

Draft for comment, April 2011

Our strategic direction for Screen Tasmania has been shaped by our recognition of the changing media environment. It is vital to the future of the Tasmanian screen industry that we, as an organisation, continue to evolve to meet the challenges of this new world

Screen Tasmania is releasing for comment the Consultation Draft of its five-year Strategic Plan and Program Outlines. Tasmania’s screen community delivers important economic and cultural benefits, and the strategic shift in direction outlined in the plan has been developed with both in mind.

It is increasingly clear that there is a need for Screen Tasmania to shift from the model of a traditional funding body and embrace innovative ways to add value to and support the screen industry.

There is also a need to support a broader range of content if Tasmania’s industry is to remain sustainable, particularly in the important area of factual entertainment. The Strategic Plan is based on analysis of key priority areas for strategic growth in Tasmania, and the significant opportunities to build on the industry’s existing strengths to drive growth into the future.

One such opportunity is the emergence of a significant market for quality, innovative content, in particular content with a strong narrative which is delivered digitally across a number of platforms.

Screen Tasmania itself also has an opportunity to build on the feedback from the independent Screen Industry Review and provide more responsive, tailored and strategic support.

The movement of Screen Tasmania into the Arts portfolio provides increased opportunities for work done by Tasmanian screen practitioners to be rightly highlighted as a contribution to the overall cultural output of the state.

Alongside these opportunities are equally significant challenges, not least of all the slowing down of Australia’s post-GFC economy. The Tasmanian Government has announced budget restraint measures that coincide with the first three years of this plan and as a funding body we must take this into account and explore more innovative and strategic methods of support.

With these opportunities and challenges in mind, the Strategic Plan centres on four key objectives:

Quality and Innovation

Growth and Sustainability

Promotion and Participation

Performance and Accountability

This draft provides details of the individual strategic elements that sit within these broad objectives as well as summaries of some of the new programs that will support their delivery.

Comments can either address specific line items in the Strategic Plan and individual programs, or more broadly refer to key themes, including:

• Greater emphasis and target resources to the local industry;
• A focus on the growth of Tasmania’s digital sector;
• A bespoke approach to project and practitioner development to increase production activity;
• Local and financial constraints;
• Internal processes, including approvals and communication;
• Advocacy and support for improving the business environment;
• Promotion of Tasmanian success and expertise; and
• Increased transparency and accountability.

Screen Tasmania welcomes and encourages feedback on any aspect of the draft Strategic Plan and Program Outlines and these will be considered before the final draft is presented to industry on 6 May, 2011.

Comments can be made in writing by email to infoscreen@screen.tas.gov.au or by post to Screen Tasmania, Level 4, 22 Elizabeth St, Hobart Tasmania 7000.

All submissions must be received by COB 29 April, 2011.4

Our Vision

An innovative, distinctive and enterprising screen industry, contributing to a vibrant cultural life, with Tasmanian talent and stories in demand throughout the world.

Our Mission

To act as a central hub for the industry, facilitating a business enabling environment, drive strategic growth, respond to opportunities in the marketplace, and capitalise on a rapidly changing media environment.

Our Values

We are passionate, professional and committed.

We embrace bold visions and innovative ideas.

We celebrate and reward success.

We are approachable, flexible and strategic in our support of the Tasmanian screen industry.

Our Objectives

1. Quality and Innovation - Tasmania will have a niche in the worldwide marketplace, as a centre for the creation of quality screen content, using innovative methods of production and delivery.

11. Growth and Sustainability - Tasmania will offer a business-enabling environment that provides competitive opportunities for growth in the screen industry.

111. Promotion and Participation - The screen industry will engage Tasmanian audiences and contribute to building the state’s profile nationally and internationally.

1V. Performance and Accountability - Screen Tasmania will operate transparently and effectively in relation to key stakeholders and the public interest – increasing stakeholder satisfaction with our performance.

Objective One

Quality and Innovation

Tasmania will have a niche in the worldwide marketplace, as a centre for the creation and development of quality screen content, using innovative methods of production and delivery.

Focus areas:

• provide leadership to position Tasmania strongly in the digital media environment
• adopt innovative approaches to project development across animation, factual, television drama and feature film
• prioritise support for Tasmania’s creative talent.

1.1 Drive growth in the development and production of quality digital screen content.

a) The Digital Innovation Program will support creative and technical expertise to collaborate, develop and produce content designed for digital platforms, and will provide early stage development support designed to assist practitioners to access production investment support from Screen Australia.

b) Digital forums, networking functions and new digital guidelines will support the growth of this emerging area of the industry.

c) We will explore options for further supporting locally produced content for local audiences to be delivered via the NBN and designed to encourage consumer take-up.

d) We will explore matched funding initiatives with the marketplace to support content creation for digital platforms.

1.2 Stimulate and increase opportunities to position Tasmania strongly in the digital media environment.

a) We will seek to leverage the NBN and Tasmania’s reputation as a quality niche producer to develop a strong, internationally recognised digital industry sector.

b) Taking inspiration from the ‘Sundance’ model, we will explore the development of a digital training hub in Tasmania under the Icebreaker banner.

c) We will continue to work closely with government and industry on digital media policy development.

1.3 Improve the quality of development processes in traditional media.

a) The new, staged Project Development Program will prioritise Tasmanian generated projects for each stage of development.

b) We will provide more bespoke tailored development support to increase the number of developed projects that advance into production.

c) We will streamline internal processes and timeframes to help maintain momentum during the development phase of a project.

d) We will deliver initiatives designed to complement general development and that specifically target key industry needs.

e) We will pro-actively take a leadership role in connecting Tasmanian practitioners to the marketplace during development to increase production outcomes.

f) We will broaden the scope of development support for animation, factual and television content to enhance a project’s marketability.

1.4 Foster the development of Tasmanian creative talent.

a) The SilverScreen Professional Development Program will deliver mentored, tailored support with a clearly defined outcome, designed to enhance employment prospects.

b) We will continue practitioner support for training, travel and attachments to enhance skills.

c) We will review the Creative Producer Scheme and explore ways in which to provide support for emerging producers.

d) We will develop funding opportunities which are designed to develop Tasmanian talent and projects through production outcomes.

e) We will identify and attract specialist industry professionals with expertise that will support the targeted growth of key sectors of our industry.

1.5 Ensure delivery of training that better reflects the strategic focus of the local screen industry

a) We will work closely with Wide Angle Tasmania to ensure that our strategic directions align and produce optimum outcomes for the industry.

b) We will explore the establishment of a Screen Education Committee to provide a forum for educators from post year 10 and University levels to network with Wide Angle Tasmania, the Tasmanian Independent Screen Industry Council (TISIC) and Screen Tasmania to share information and plan complementary programs.

c) We will strengthen our ties with Screen Australia to support the delivery of improved training outcomes for Tasmanian practitioners.

Objective Two

Growth and Sustainability

Tasmania offers a business-enabling environment that provides competitive opportunities for growth in the screen industry.

Focus areas

• pursue strategies to increase production activity
• provide competitive business terms and financial services to underpin industry sustainability
• build linkages across government, the marketplace and the private sector to support industry.

2.1 Increase production activity in Tasmania to build industry sustainability, generate employment, economic spend and revenue streams.

a) We will develop a proposal for a Business Opportunity Fund designed to take advantage of large-scale production opportunities that demonstrate strong economic and cultural benefit to the state.

b) We will leverage Screen Tasmania funds by pursuing marketplace co-investment opportunities.

c) We will encourage the development and production of high-quality projects, which demonstrate some or all of the following: strong market appeal, significant cultural relevance, strong recoupment potential, innovative form, content and delivery platforms.

d) We will actively pursue, encourage and provide support for series production, which will ensure ongoing training and employment opportunities and steady economic turnover.

e) A once-a-year Factual Entertainment Fund will be offered, designed to support the creation and production of a pilot/teaser and marketing material for factual entertainment, format, lifestyle, game and talk shows to be produced in Tasmania.

2.2 Strengthen the business and investment environment in order to facilitate increased production.

a) We will seek to deliver flexible programs which have the capacity to expand and contract within budget limitations.

b) We will work to strategically manage the financial constraints over the next three years by delivering realistic and targeted funding and services to industry to maximise our impact.

c) We will continue to pursue increased levels of Tasmanian Government investment in the state’s screen industry.

d) We will seek project-specific funding from Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts (DEDTA) and/or government to augment core-funding allocation at regular intervals.

e) We will review our application and assessment processes, eligibility criteria, levels of investment, policy and standard terms of business to prioritise support for Tasmanian producers.

f) We will explore avenues to reduce bureaucratic processes, contracting and drawdowns and approvals processes.

g) A rolling assessment of production investment applications will be implemented; i.e. there will be no submission deadlines for production funding.

h) We will explore options to provide pre-marketplace funding commitment in the form of a letter of intent for Tasmanian producers.

i) We will explore enhanced financial services such as low or no interest cashflow loans and explore options for priority recoupment, grant funding for low budget production prioritising support for Tasmanian companies.

j) Funding programs will be regularly revised in response to industry needs, and marketplace

variations and trends.

k) We will actively support pitching, packaging and financing of Tasmanian projects and createopportunities to connect with the marketplace.

l) We will research and lobby for mechanisms such as tax exemptions that will enhance the competitiveness of Tasmanian production.

m) Active promotion of the growth of industry partnerships in Tasmania will promote the exchange of ideas and develop more complete and marketable projects.

2.3 Strengthen economic sustainability of local screen business enterprises.

a) We will provide support through the Enterprise Development Fund, for travel, training and business development.

b) We will explore options to increase corporate employment opportunities, connecting Tasmanian practitioners to private and government clients.

c) Through terms of trade as well as by negotiation, Screen Tasmania will aim to facilitate employment on inbound production, whether as cast or crew or by supporting attachments to projects.

d) Through our Business IQ Service we will provide information regarding business support schemes that are available through government departments such as marketing and business planning funds.

e) Act as a central hub of information for the local industry, providing marketplaceknowledge, information, networks, business modelling, industry opportunities, to assist in developing and supporting local businesses, making them more economically viable and globally competitive.

f) DEDTA owns the Goodwood Studio, which is operated by Screen Tasmania. It is an excellent resource that is currently relatively under-utilised, with very little studio-based work being produced in Tasmania. We will increase our focus on supporting work that can benefit from this studio and maximise its potential in the coming years. This may require some investment in equipment to make the studio operational without ABC facilities being available.

Objective Three

Promotion and Participation

The screen industry engages Tasmanian audiences and contributes to building the state’s profile nationally and internationally.

Focus areas:

• promote Tasmanian talent and stories locally, nationally and internationally
• engender pride and increase engagement for Tasmanian talent and content among Tasmanian audiences
• contribute to promoting Tasmania’s rich cultural life and liveability.

3.1 Build brand awareness of Tasmanian screen content and talent nationally and internationally.

a) We will develop a comprehensive marketing strategy that utilises social media.

b) We will promote Tasmanian-created content via a new Screening Room which will be a key component of our redeveloped website.

c) We will use social media outlets separate to those specific to our industry networks to talk about Tasmanian success stories to engage not only the screen industry, but the broader community, locally, nationally and internationally.

d) Attendance at national and international markets will promote Tasmanian talent and creative content widely as well as explore financing partnerships.

e) We will explore the establishment of a key annual award which celebrates and reward excellence such as the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, for a Tasmanian company or practitioner who has demonstrated an innovative approach with a strong positive outcome for Tasmania economically and/or culturally.

f) Active promotion of the excellence of Tasmanian business will ensure that larger Australian or international producers are aware of the skills of Tasmanian practitioners.

g) Our new website will feature a regularly updated ‘success stories’ page, highlighting the achievements of the Tasmanian industry.

3.2 Build a vital creative screen environment that contributes to Tasmania’s liveability and rich cultural life.

a) We will more actively form strategic partnerships with other arts organisations to provide opportunities for those engaged in other art forms to contribute to our screen culture.

b) We will support the development of a Tasmanian film festival with a globally sourced program but with an emphasis on locally produced content with prizes for local industry. We will encourage this festival to have a touring component taking Tasmanian content into regional areas, increasing the exposure of local work to Tasmanians.

c) Our Festivals and Events Program will be delivered strategically to maximise opportunities to promote Tasmanian talent and stories.

3.3 Strengthen and empower Tasmanian youth and key communities by engaging them in screen activities.

a) We will support and encourage programs that promote career pathways, empower storytellers and provide development opportunities for Tasmanian youth, Indigenous groups and migrant communities.

b) We will develop strategies and programs to encourage smaller, more remote Tasmanian communities to understand the benefits of the NBN and how they can create local content that benefits them.

Objective Four

Performance and Accountability

Screen Tasmania operates transparently and effectively in relation to key stakeholders and the public interest.

Focus areas:

• improving what we do and how we do it
• being smarter and more responsive, providing quality, innovative support
• ensuring transparency in decision-making.

4.1 Effective communication with industry and other stakeholders to engage in a shared commitment to Tasmania’s screen industry.

a) We will engage in a regular exchange of information and meetings with industry practitioners, key stakeholders and the peak body TISIC, including policy, funding submissions and marketplace analysis.

b) We will development a marketing and communications strategic plan.

c) We will re-design and re-launch our website.

d) The Screen Tasmania website will be regularly updated, and e-bulletins and news bulletins will communicate relevant industry information.

e) We will include a regularly updated calendar of events on our redeveloped website with key Screen Tasmania, local, national and international dates.

f) We will make greater use of social media such as Twitter in conjunction with our updated website, allowing industry specific information to be disseminated more quickly and in a more targeted manner.

4.2 Responsive, tailored, efficient and timely services to industry.

a) Our new funding programs and guidelines will simplify and streamline the application process.

b) We will explore the feasibility of and implement an online application process to increase internal operational efficiencies

c) We will establish a database of all those working in the industry, and make it accessible by registered members searching for cast, crew or writers.

d) Internally we will upgrade our database and project/client tracking system to ensure optimum functionality and speed up the decision making process.

4.3 Demonstrate the integrity and effectiveness of Screen Tasmania’s decision-making processes.

a) We will review and make recommendations to the department to improve governance and accountability processes.

b) Relevant performance and funding information will be published in a timely manner.

c) To ensure greater transparency and responsiveness, we will undertake a policy and business process review at least once every three years.

d) Funding guidelines, terms of trade, eligibility criteria and assessment and approvals processes will be reviewed to ensure transparency and ease of understanding.

e) We will conduct an independent performance audit of Screen Tasmania’s processes and funding activities once every three years.

f) We will explore options for industry surveys to chart and measure industry growth and production activity and ensure this information is analysed to gather data which will support a case for increased funds, if appropriate, and identify deficiencies and areas of

success.

g) The inductions process of new Screen Tasmania staff will include a greater focus on visiting local businesses to ensure a greater level of knowledge of how the Tasmanian industry operates.

4.4 Ensure Tasmanian interests are represented appropriately at national level.

a) Screen Tasmania will take an active role in contributing to various national forums and reviews, and taking a strategic leadership position in representing the local industry.

b) We will participate regularly on forums such as the Screen Finance Group, State Agency and Territories Forum, Industry Review groups, Green Screen Committee, Media Reconciliation Industry Network Group Media RING.

c) Screen Tasmania staff will attend and facilitate support for local practitioners at screen conferences, markets such as AIDC, Writers Conference, Director’s Conference.

Comments on the draft strategic plan should be made in writing either by email to

info@screen.tas.gov.au or by post to:

Screen Tasmania

Level 4, 22 Elizabeth Street

Hobart TAS 7000

Screen Tasmania's 5 year Strategic Plan

Strategic Plan consultation process launched, drafts now online

Screen Tasmania has released for industry comment a Consultation Draft of its five year Strategic Plan and outlines of proposed new funding programs. This is an important stage in the finalisation of the Strategic Plan and input from all areas of the screen industry is welcomed.

Since the independent review of the Tasmanian screen industry, Screen Tasmania has sought industry input as the plan and programs have been developed, and are now seeking final comment before the plan and programs are finalised.
The drafts are available on the Screen Tasmania website, and those wishing to comment on the plan will be invited to do so in writing.

Comments must be received by close of business Friday, 29 April and will be considered in the preparation of a final draft for presentation at an industry forum on Friday, 6 May.

Download the Strategic Plan Consultation Draft here.

Download the Draft Program Outlines here.

Download the Draft Program Summaries here.

Download the full timeline in pdf format here

The strategic plan outlines a five year vision of how Screen Tasmania can help support, mentor and grow the Tasmanian screen industry, building on the last ten years of strong growth in a strategic and sustainable way.
The plan recognises Tasmania’s unique strengths, qualities and opportunities in a changing media landscape whilst acknowledging the challenges including the financial pressures being faced by the industry nationwide.
Screen Tasmania’s vision is for an innovative, distinctive and enterprising screen industry, contributing to a vibrant cultural life, with Tasmanian talent and stories in demand throughout the world.

A number of facilitated discussions will take place during the comment period, with details listed below.

Key Dates

Friday, 8 April 2011, 4 pm – 6 pm
Public release on Screen Tasmania website of draft strategic plan and programs.
Formal industry release - Screen Tasmania, 4th Floor, 22 Elizabeth Street, Hobart.

Wednesday, 13 April 2011, 4 pm – 6 pm
Facilitated discussion, Screen Tasmania, 4th Floor, 22 Elizabeth Street, Hobart.

Thursday, 14 April 2011, 12 pm – 3 pm
Facilitated discussion, Launceston , QVMAG Auditorium, Inveresk.

Wednesday, 20 April 2011, 4 pm – 6 pm
Facilitated discussion, Screen Tasmania, 4th Floor, 22 Elizabeth Street, Hobart.

Friday, 29 April 2011
Deadline for responses

Friday, 6 May 2011, 4 pm – 6 pm
Forum to present Final Drafts to industry, Screen Tasmania office, 4th Floor, 22 Elizabeth Street, Hobart.

If you are unable to attend any of these sessions and would like further information, please contact info@screen.tas.gov.au or call on (03) 6233 6995

Tasmanian Filmmakers

Check out this new Facebook page for Tasmanian Filmmakers