Local drama will make the difference for TV in 2012
It may only be September, but with Seven’s 2012 upfronts launch on Wednesday night and Ten’s back in August, only Nine is yet to declare its hand for next year.
And it’s already clear that what will separate the winning network from the others is the proportion of successful local content that succeeds.
It may even come down to the local drama content. In a close year, it often does. Read more »
Back in my day: a critical perspective
October 30 officially sees Margaret and David turn 25. Of course not physically, as that would just be a little odd, but figuratively as this dynamic duo of film reviewing majesty in this ‘sad sorry-ass town’ (thanks Jay Katz) chalk-up a quarter century in debating the fruits of cinematic achievement so we know how to part with our hard-earned.
By Chris Murray – Popcorn Taxi
Would Bridesmaids make Screen NSW’s cut?
In 2012, Screen NSW will have a new Chief Executive. Hopefully this will result in some new approaches to the development of screenplays and the funding of films being tried out. Hopefully also NSW filmmakers will contribute their own ideas, at Encore and elsewhere, as to how Screen NSW might better serve both the industry and culture of Australian film. In the interests of debate and and dialogue…
By James Ricketson
Back in my day: Australian TV put another buck on the barbie
Video Hits is gone.
Sure, it didn’t exactly push the envelope culturally; nor even open one to reveal a letter of authenticity to the millions of kids who’ve watched religiously as their favourite artists strut about. But what it did do was be a vehicle in which one could travel the musical airwaves on the idiot box in the comfort of pajamas prior to indulging the great Aussie weekend.
Bureaucratic turnovers will open opportunities and shut out nepotism
Imagine this: you are working as a film bureaucrat for a state or federal film funding body. You have been in the industry for long enough to be a friend or acquaintance of many of the filmmakers whose applications you must assess. Some you have worked with, some you have developed projects with, some you bump into at parties and other social functions. Some are close friends. They are a part of your social network.
One applicant you know well is in deep financial trouble, on the verge of bankruptcy. As you know, s/he has been working for years with zero income on the project whose fate now rests, in part, in your hands. It is your job to assess it impartially. In all honesty you don’t think that your friend/acquaintance’s project has potential to either put bums on seats or to make a significant contribution to Australia’s film culture. What do you do?
Crime and Pseudonym
Filmmaker James Ricketson applied for script development funding using a pseudonym and a fake ABN number but the result was counterproductive, to say the least. Should artists be allowed to use pseudonyms when applying for public funding, or is the Government right to scrutinise such actions, taking them to their last consequences? Read more »
No love for the agencies
“‘The Australian film industry has a top-heavy structure and the money goes to the people at the top.”
Producer Brendan Sloane is disappointed in the Australian film industry financing system.
Sundance is in a bubble
In this guest post, the host of of BBC World News’ Talking Movies, Tom Brooks, discusses the relevance of Sundance Film Festival.
What makes Sundance unique is that it takes place in this enclosed bubble up in the mountains in a ski resort in Utah. It’s like being locked inside a world. As a film reporter here you see so many films. You don’t have an enormous red carpet, like some of the other more glamorous festivals, but on the other hand you do get to see a lot of well known actors and directors – and in unguarded moments. Read more »
Finding the ‘Reel’ Australia
In this guest post Michael Allen, winner of the AFI / Australia Day Council of NSW’s (ADCNSW) short film competition Reel Australia with his short Something Australia, tells us how he found his answerto a big question.
Something Australia is a short film that responds to the question – “What is the real Australia?” As the film’s leading man Aquinas Crowe says, “that’s a big question, that’s a good question too.” Read more »
Jack’s campaign, ruined by election?
When the election was called, we thought, ‘This is ridiculous’. The demographic we were aiming for was exactly the demographic that cares about this country and they’re going to stick by the election process and the results. So our campaign actually got lost.
Director Nadia Tass on the box office results of her film Matching Jack. Read more »