National eNews Chrissy Edition 2015

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Editor: Lizz Vernon

Lizz Vernon

In This Issue

Message from the President
AFI/AACTA Update
ACS Merchandise - SPECIALS - Be quick for Christmas Delivery!
AFTRS Survey
Postcard from LA
Genie Mini
Adelaide TWENTY16 Awards - Start Planning Your Trip
SONY announces: Australian global winner of #NoLimits
Sydney Film Festival ~ Entries now open
AIDC - Mentorships 2016
Videocraft - ARIAS
AFTRS OPEN - Lastest Courses
ACS Shop Online

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Message from the President

Greetings ACS colleagues and friends,

AFI/AACTA Awards 2015

In a record-breaking year for Australian films at the local box office, taking more than $85 million to date, anticipation was great regarding which films would take Australia’s top screen accolades at the 5th AACTA Awards ceremony in Sydney.

It’s history now, but here is a timely Christmas reminder; MAD MAX: FURY ROAD continued its impressive run in the 5th AACTA Awards season, following six wins at the Industry dinner. The film received two Awards: the AACTA Award for Best Direction to George Miller; and the AACTA Award for Best Film was awarded to George Miller along with Doug Mitchell and PJ Voeten.

Following its win for Best Costume Design at the Industry Dinner, comedic revenge drama THE DRESSMAKER scooped three Awards for performance, as well as the AACTA People’s Choice Award for Favourite Australian Film, totalling five wins.

Kate Winslet was awarded the AACTA Award for Best Lead Actress for her performance as Tilly Dunnage in THE DRESSMAKER, Hugo Weaving received the AACTA Award for Best Supporting Actor and Judy Davis received the AACTA Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Michael Caton received the AACTA Award for Best Lead Actor for his moving performance in LAST TO CAB DARWIN, marking a first-time AFI or AACTA Award win for the seasoned performer, and friend of all cinematographers, whose last AFI Award nomination was for his performance as Darryl Kerrigan in THE CASTLE, which cemented Caton as one of Australia’s most popular, respected and much-loved performers.

A big night but sadly sitting at home we didn’t see John Seale ACS ASC announce Adam Arkapaw ACS as the recipient of the Byron Kennedy Award which would have been nice.

Finally, and here I go spreading more Christmas cheer, are you aware that the Turnbull Government proposes to supplement the tax offset for overseas productions, that’s correct, OVERSEAS PRODUCTIONS by using the funds gained from recent cuts to Screen Australia. Contact your local member and ask why!!
This is our final E news for the year, and my thanks to Lizz Vernon and all those who contributed material for our reading pleasure. I hope everyone has a really fantastic Christmas, and my thanks to all our members, sponsors and supporters for their support of the Society during the year. Enjoy the Christmas break and stay safe…..

Until next time
Ron Johanson ACS
National President

ACS Shop Special Gift Offers - HURRY!

ACS Shop is offering some great Special Gift Offers in time for Christmas

ACS wishes all its members, colleagues, family and friends a very Merry Christmas and festive holiday season.

For a limited time we would like to make the season even better with some special gift offers.

Visit the ACS Shop to see the offers and buy the ideal gifts for someone special or treat yourself.

Buy a copy of Shadowcatchers and get a free ACS Cap.
Buy a T Shirt and Cap and get another cap or tee for free! All styles available.

But don't delay. Order by December 20th to have your gift by Christmas. Our volunteer elves are waiting.

Use the link below.

Have great Christmas and Happy Holiday season, stay safe and relax.

Visit the ACS Shop online »

AFTRS is undertaking a comprehensive industry survey

This survey will provide insight into the training and talent development needs of the screen and broadcast sectors

“AFTRS is asking the industry to tell us what skills and talent are needed both today, and in the future. This could range from a particular skills gap that needs addressing immediately, to a demand for talented creatives who understand emerging formats and platforms,”

AFTRS, Australia’s national film, television and radio school, will undertake a comprehensive industry survey to provide insight into the training and talent development needs of the screen and broadcast sectors.
In the context of a constantly changing media landscape, AFTRS Skills Survey 2016 will identify immediate priorities as well as signpost future needs and trends.

“As the screen and broadcast industries continue to be disrupted by new technologies and distribution platforms, it is essential that the skills and talent needed to adapt are identified and addressed. AFTRS is well placed to conduct this research on behalf of the Australian industry. It is our intention to undertake this research every three years as the impact of new technologies continues to transform our industries,” said Neil Peplow, AFTRS CEO.

AFTRS’ Skills Survey 2016: Industrial Strength ~ www.aftrs.edu.au/survey » - The survey will remain active until 31 January 2016

Guess who went to LA?

Click to view HERE »

Sony announces Australian global winner of #NoLimits PXW-FS5 short film competition

Judges choose Australian Josh Cable’s ‘72’ as the global winner of a brand new Sony PXW-FS5 camcorder, with five regional winners from around the globe also recognised for their work, from more than 600 entries

A panel of industry judges have today announced the winner of Sony’s #NoLimits competition, following a global search for breathtaking short films. After a judging process based on both community votes and a final jury round, Josh Cable’s ‘72’ was announced as the global winner in a live webinar hosted at the iconic Pinewood Studios.

Sony’s exclusive competition set out to celebrate the creativity and spirit of content creators everywhere, under the theme of ‘no limits’, with a grand prize of a brand new PXW-FS5 up for grabs. 648 entrants from around the world submitted their short films of up to two minutes in length via YouTube, using the tag #NoLimits. The top ten ‘most-liked’ videos from each region were then presented to local Sony Independent Certified Experts, who each nominated an overall regional winner to enter the global final. After careful deliberation, the final jury of global industry experts selected ‘72’ by Australian Josh Cable as their most worthy winner. The film gracefully explores a 72 year-old athlete reflecting upon himself, his career and his attitude.

In addition to ‘72’, the five remaining regional winners were all recognised for their talent by Sony. The runners up were: Benjamin Cotton’s ‘Phone Addiction’ (EU/Russia); Cristhian Mendoza’s ‘It’s not just a box’ (Latin America); Alex Rodriguez’s ‘Hong Kong Urban Tour’ (South-east Asia); Sebin Xavier’s ‘Mind Your Mind’ (India); and Diyab Basheer’s ‘Filmmaker’ (MEA).

’72’ and a compilation video of the other regional winners can be viewed here: http://www.sony.co.uk/pro/article/broadcast-products-no-limits-webinar-winners

@Sydney Film Festival is NOW OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS

Entries are now open for the 63rd Sydney Film Festival for features, documentaries and short films (under 40 minutes). Submissions close on Friday February 26, 2016.

Go to http://www.filmfestivallife.com/sydney-film-festival for full eligibility criteria and submission details.

ACCESS@AIDC, EARLY CAREER MENTORSHIP

The Australian International Documentary Conference, in collaboration with award-winning international production company Pulse Films, is delighted to announcethe return of the ACCESS@AIDC Early Career Mentorship Programas part of AIDC 2016.

ACCESS@AIDC delivers a unique opportunity for early career filmmakers to enhance their passion for creating innovative screen content, further develop career pathways, and attend exclusive mentorship sessions during the conference, with established Australian and international industry professionals.

The six inspiring and influential Access Mentors for 2016 include Pulse Films (UK) Managing Director of Non-Scripted Television Roy Ackerman (20,000 Days on Earth, Bjork Meets Attenborough, Pineapple Dance Studios); Co-Founder and Chief Executive of The Garden (UK) Magnus Temple (The Family, One Born Every Minute, 24 Hours in A&E); alongside US Producer Marc Smerling from Hit The Ground Running (The Jinx, Catfish); New Zealand Arts Laureate and documentary filmmaker Leanne Pooley (The Topp Girls, Beyond The Edge, 25 April); Film Victoria’s Development & Investment Manager Jeni McMahon, former Executive Producer/Managing Director at Rebel Films; and Australian writer/director Maya Newell (Growing up Gayby, Gayby Baby).

One ACCESS applicant will be selected to participate in a four-week paid internship with Pulse Films in London, including return economy airfare and accommodation. Pulse Films is an independent production company encompassing the development, production, financing and distribution of cross-platform content for audiences worldwide, with headquarters in London and offices in Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Berlin.

"As a first-time delegate at the 2015 AIDC conference, the ACCESS program provided an invaluable introduction to some the industry's most influential practitioners. The experience generated genuine leads and practical outcomes that helped move my projects forward." James Cogswell (Cast From The Storm, 2015)

AIDC is seeking applications from highly motivated, early career creatives, with a commitment to advancing their career in the Australian and international factual screen industry. Applicants need to include a one-minute video convincing the selection committee to choose them. ACCESS applications are now open until 19 January 2016. Further details on how to apply:

www.aidc.com.au »

The premier event for the Asia-Pacific factual screen content sector, AIDC 2016 takes place at Melbourne’s ACMI from 28 February to 2 March 2016. With further local and international industry leaders and decision makersto be announced in coming weeks, the AIDC 2016 program is responding to the specific needs and interests of the factual screen content industry with provocative and innovative sessions, and a public documentary screening program presented in conjunction with ACMI.

AIDC 2016
28 February–2 March 2016, ACMI Melbourne, Australia
Registrations now open at www.aidc.com.au
#AIDC2016#TrueStories

…AND THE ARIAS GO TO VIDEOCRAFT Provides turnkey OB and post production facilities for 2015 ARIAs

Videocraft’s successful bid for the ARIAs came off the back of their proven large sensor camera solution for this season’s X Factor Australia where they demonstrated just how well the F55 could perform, particularly for live music events and shows. With X Factor a runaway ratings success Videocraft then embarked on major upgrade and systemisation of their F55 solution that included purchasing Sony CA4000 fibre adaptors, BPU4000 baseband processors, Fujinon Cabrio lenses, Canon lenses and a wide range of accessories.

Videocraft NSW State Manager Andy Liell explained, “After everyone saw it, there was a huge demand for the large sensor camera solution that we’d provided to X Factor so we invested heavily in order to offer this on a larger scale. We were also able to demonstrate to the ARIAs broadcast partner Network Ten, Gigler and the ARIAs themselves how we had repeated our X Factor success on several other live music events including gigs by the Hoodoo Gurus, Florence and the Machine and #The Beebs."

Having presented successful proof of this concept, the ARIAs awarded the turnkey OB and post production facilities contract for the 2015 ARIAs to Videocraft who in turn went on to provide a solution that incorporated 26 cameras, 2 control room areas, large Avid and EVS setups and an OB truck.

Goulden continued, “The ARIA production effort had previously been achieved using multiple truck based facilities creating a headache for production staff working between the various zones. Improving on this, Videocraft worked with Gigler to design and construct a purpose built facility, containing all of the key production elements in a concise layout. The Red Carpet Production area was re-purposed during the main show as a Profanity Edit Suite, Network Coord and QC facility for the outgoing programme segments, bringing oversight of this key part of the production within easy reach of the executive team. In addition, the Videocraft MPC OB truck acted as a stand-alone production facility for Telstra’s expanded second screen requirements. It was overall a complex yet highly efficient setup.”

Telstra’s second screen content came from red carpet and back stage interviews and was edited into packages for mobiles and tablets alongside the on air Network Ten TV broadcast. This workflow was carefully designed for rapid turnaround using EVS systems for the base edits, then moving into AVID for finishing, export and upload.

Videocraft also provided shared EVS and CCU resources between the main show and the red carpet and a separate edit facility for both sides of the production where the EVS was also utilised for the final playout to Network Ten.

Phil Goulden added, “Videocraft really did an excellent job at the ARIAs and this only further cements their position as one of Australia’s leading large OB providers. We also have to give special mention to the highly complex workflow they were able to create from capture through post to playout. This combined with the amazing look from the F55s made this year’s ARIAs the best yet in Gigler’s five year association with the production. Videocraft’s investment in the success of the 2015 ARIA Awards was outstanding.”

With the ARIAs wrapped for another year it fell to Goulden’s colleague and Gigler’s Director and Creative, Vicki Gerrans, to have the last word about how Videocraft performed. She added, “I am so very, very happy and proud of a significant technical achievement and aesthetic that has polished an Australian icon and brought it into a new technological environment. Every single member of the Videocraft team wore a smile – led from the top – a team of extraordinary professionals, and a much needed and refreshing experience at this level of outside broadcasting."

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CINEMATOGRAPHY SHORT COURSES - AFTRS OPEN

ACS members receive a 10% discount on all AFTRS Open short courses.

To view all AFTRS Open Cinematography courses visit the AFTRS Open website:
AFTRS OPEN Cinematography Courses


ADVANCED LIGHTING SKILLS
This advanced lighting course with Louis Irving ACS, is for cinematographers wanting to expand their knowledge in lighting for film and television drama. This course gets outstanding feedback:
‘Not only the lecturer but the grip, gaffer, best boy & camera operator contributed enormously from their experience & knowledge. The other excellent feature was the two talented actors we worked with.’
3 - 6 February
ADVANCED LIGHTING SKILLS

SUMMER SCHOOL: Filmmaking Intensive
Make a short film in just five days! In this filmmaking intensive you’ll get hands-on experience of directing, cinematography and post production and make a short film, all in 5 days!
18 - 22 January
Filmmaking Intensive

SUMMER SCHOOL: The Six Week Film School
Thirty days of our biggest and most intensive filmmaking course, including documentary and short film screenwriting! Led by AFI and ADG Award nominee Lucy Gaffy, this course has been designed for new & emerging filmmakers who are looking to take the next step. Places are limited!
11 January - 19 February
The Six Week Film School

To view all AFTRS Open courses visit the AFTRS Open website:
AFTRS Short Courses



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