Editor’s Intro 27th April 2007

Good Day Ladies and Gentlemen,

This week we have mostly been poking at MyFilms with a big digital stick trying to work out if its for us. Funded by everyone from the UK Film Council and Film Education to Sky and Carlton Screen Advertising, it’s a social networking site “to support the development of a new national audience for specialised film.”

At first glance it looks suspiciously like a bunch of interns from film distributors’ marketing departments pretending to be teenagers, “wow – this film is ace, me and my mates love it, esp ryan gosling – he’s gorgeous! and did you know that the dvd is released on. . .” etc. It’s not clear how old we’re supposed to be (and being of the mid-twenties age bracket I felt a bit, well, fraudulent signing up), and there’s not much info on the site to tell you what it’s there for.

Still, we had fun customising our avatar to make us most resemble Jennifer Herrema from Royal Trux (tho’ having a fag hanging out one side of your mouth is curiously not an option), and picked our wish list of upcoming releases. We then received screening times for all of them via e-mail – which is really handy, so we warmed to it a bit after that.

Meanwhile we totally dig this week’s poll question: “If you were a secret service agent – like the one in The Lives of Other – assigned to bug a couple’s home and then listen in on it what do you think you would find the hardest?” Check out the absurd/earnest options (and maybe even vote!) at www.myfilms.com and feel free to be our pretend online friend – user name sheshark.

‘Til next time

A new fest for the calendar.

Kate Taylor, Editor

Mixed fortunes for TV in 2006 Skillset Census

New research published by Skillset shows employment levels in the TV industry have experienced significant changes over the last two years, with the cable and satellite sector enjoying a period of growth compared to a decrease in the terrestrial TV workforce following job cuts at the BBC and ITV. The results also highlight low levels of diversity in the workforce with representation of women, ethnic minorities and disabled people relatively unchanged since 1999.

The results of Skillset’s biennial Employment Census of the audio visual industries show that terrestrial TV now employs almost 3,000 fewer people than in 2004 with a workforce of just under 21,000. Conversely the smaller cable and satellite sector has increased greatly in recent years to over 13,000 people. The new jobs created are mainly acquisitions, sales and legal roles as opposed to traditional production posts.

The Census also recorded a small employment drop in Interactive Media, the largest sector surveyed employing more than 48,000, which saw a decrease of approaching 5,000 in the web & internet workforce. This decrease can likely be attributed to the swell of in-house roles across all UK industries resulting in less business for specialist agencies. Overall the sector remains one of the healthiest.

Over 2,500 companies took part in Skillset’s Census held on 12 July 2006 and surveying employers across the television, radio, animation, facilities, interactive media, commercials, corporate production and all film sectors apart from production.

Findings include:

• Indies and commercials employ most freelancers.
• Women make up 38% of the workforce
• Ethnic Minorities still missing in the media
• Representation of disabled people decreases
• London work base for almost half the industry

Download the full report at: www.skillset.org/research

Classic Swedish film with live accompaniment, Manchester

Sun 29 April 18:30. Cornerhouse, 70 Oxford Street, Manchester. Box Office: 0161 200 1500. £6 full / £4.50 concs

Lauded upon its release, this story of an aging sailor who looks back on the injustices he suffered at the hands of the British but refrains from exacting revenge, won the Swedish art film a place in world cinema. By animating Henrik Ibsen’s popular narrative poem in grandiose style, the film generates tremendous power and pathos.

The film will be accompanied by acclaimed improvising pianist Neil Brand, with intertitles narrated by actor Charles Foster. This is a partnership event with Chetham’s School of Music as part of The Spirit of Norway Festival, February – July 2007.

Screening of The Last Atomic Bomb with a special appearance from the film producer to discuss the making of the film, Lancaster

Lest we forget the threat of nuclear weapons and the devastation they have inflicted, the Dukes is to screen a powerful and thought provoking film and will host discussions with the film producer on the issues it raises.

The Last Atomic Bomb (12A) is to be shown in the Dukes Cinema on Tuesday May 1 at 10.30am and Wednesday May 2 at 8.45pm and Kathleen Sullivan, one of the film’s producers will be here for both screenings. Tickets are £4.50 (conc £3.50) available from the Dukes on 0845 344 0643 or www.dukes-lancaster.org

Women’s Arts International Festival, Kendal

4th – 24th May 2007. Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal, UK. “The Mother of all Festivals” The Guardian. All inspirational, all art forms, all WOMEN. A chance see some of the world’s most iconic, creative and exciting women artists, including many of the most important and inspiring films created by women around today.

10th RAI International Festival of Ethnographic Film

The 10th edition of the RAI Festival will be jointly hosted by the Granada Centre for Visual Anthropology and the Centre for Screen Studies at the University of Manchester from 27 June until 2 July 2007. It will involve over 70 films selected for various prizes, the Forman Lecture 2007: From the Making of an Englishman to The Last King of Scotland: Kevin MacDonald In Conversation sponsored by ITV Granada, a special programme of Chinese films, a public debate and many other events at special rates for residents of the Northwest of England! For further info, please visit www.raifilmfest.org.uk

Volunteers, Lovebytes Festival, Sheffield

Volunteers needed for the Lovebytes Festival, 13-20 May 2007 at various venues in Sheffield City Centre including Showroom Cinema, Workstation, Site Gallery, Access Space, Sheffield Independent Film, Winter Garden, Central Library, University of Sheffield.

Benefits include: gaining experience of working with an internationally recognised arts organisation, developing or acquiring new skills, free tickets to events in the festival.

Actors Wanted, Manchester

We are looking for one female preferably curvacious to play a mother role. Aged between 25-45. And also one female daughter role. Auditions take place on Thursday 3rd May. Please Contact – 077785756357 or e-mail jackyb19@hotmail.com. Address WFA Cultural media centre Lucy Street.

Actress wanted for student film, Manchester

Actress desperately needed for one days filming on 3rd year Manchester Metropolitan students mockumentary final film at 10 am on Monday 30th April. We have had an actress drop out on us at the last minute and are currently looking for a woman aged 45+ who can play a woman in her late 50’s/early 60’s. The film is influenced heavily by other pieces in the genre such as ‘This is Spinal Tap’, ‘The Office’, ‘That Peter Kay thing’, etc. Expenses can be paid for and you will get a dvd copy of the final film for your show real.

Plans for screening include a 2 week play at the third year degree show at Manchester Metropolitan University as well as a view to enter the film into various festivals once marking has been completed. Transport can be arranged with enough notice too. cancerman15@hotmail.com

Film Making Equipment for Sale, Manchester

Value of sale for all items £2,500. Location: Manchester Central. I am presently selling a full camera kit, Tripod, sound and lighting equipment. Basically, everything you need to make a movie. I would prefer to sell the whole lot in one, but I have listed Item prices separately in case I split the sale. Items I have for sale are: