News and Stuff update.

New Zealand Film Commission

SITUATION VACANT SHORT FILM ASSISTANT The position of Short Film Assistant has become available within the Short Film department of New Zealand Film Commission for a person seeking to advance a career working within the film industry.  The Short Film department focuses on the talent development of New Zealand’s up and coming filmmakers. The Short Film Assistant reports to the Short Film Manager, to assist with the smooth running of the department through: Preparation of short film festival submissions and the organisation and promotion of short film domestic screenings throughout New Zealand; Organisation and despatch of short film materials for all requirements including international film festivals and sales;  Day to day communication with international and domestic film festivals, filmmakers, television stations and educational institutions; Managing the library of short film materials; Regular website maintenance, including YouTube site; To be successful in this role you will have/be: - Knowledge of the NZ film industry; - A passion for New Zealand film and filmmakers; -     Highly motivated and hardworking; -     Committed to working as a team; - Excellent written and verbal communication skills; - Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills; - Good time management and organisation skills; -     Cool headed under pressure; -     A relevant tertiary degree; -     Strong computer proficiency in Excel and Word; -     Photoshop knowledge would be an advantage; -     Internet savvy.       All applications should include a covering letter, curriculum vitae and referees. Please forward applications to:  Shane Green, Executive Manager, NZFC, PO Box 11-546, Wellington, marked “Private and Confidential”, or email them to shane@nzfilm.co.nz; For a complete job description please email shane@nzfilm.co.nz APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON Friday, 16th April 2010

DUNEDIN FESTIVAL OF FILM & TELEVISION CRAFT ~MARCH 27TH & 28TH 2010

St David St Theatre Complex, University of Otago

Saturday March 27th

Seminar Room 2 ~ daytime

Local documentaries, Pioneering Animation, and Stunning Student work

- screenings of exceptional films from local film schools, high schools, and other films of note and

local significance with talks/ Q&A by the film makers (Schedule to be advised)

Seminar Room 1

Saturday 10.00am-12.15pm - Developing films for the Film Commission

a 2hr+ session on how to make it work.

NZFC Development Exec. Hone Kouka

NZ Film Commission

Saturday 12.45 - 1.45 – The Business of Television ~ 10 key points for survival.

Janine Morrell-Gunn CEO Whitebait-TV /WIFT Board member

WIFT NZ

Saturday 2.00- 4.30 – Finding Your Pitch

– a workshop on finding the heart of your project: is it a low budget feature, big budget feature, short, TV

show or novel. Register in advance if you want to try out your pitch ahead of the real thing and get

feedback and tips from a writer and a producer. (To register email baddock@earthlight.co.nz)

Kathryn Akuhata-Brown – radio & tv dramatist, short film maker, comedy writer, Shortland St

storyliner, script editor, author.

Philippa Campbell, Producer, writer, script consultant and development executive. Producer Swimming

Lessons, Via Satellite, Rain, No. 2 , Black Sheep, short films and documentaries.

Script to Screen, Nga Aho Whakaari, Philippa Campbell

4.30-6.00 Networking networking networking ~ Drinks & nibbles St David St Foyer

Saturday 6.30-7.30 - Writers Room: A Spirit of Independence, identity, and original thought

- a conversation between one of our most notable screenwriters, Graeme Tetley (Vigil, Ruby and Rata,

Out of the Blue) and MC, Kathryn Akuhata-Brown. Discussion will cover how to approach featurewriting

including making good early choices, the importance of research, finding a poetic voice, and

discovering the heart of your project, including short film clips, + Q & A.

Graeme Tetley & Katherine Akuhata-Brown

Script to Screen

Saturday Night 7.30-8.30 - Developing projects for the international television market

Craig Meade NHNZ Vice President Programme Development

NHNZ

Saturday Night 8.30-9.30pm –Date Night pitching session.

Speed pitch your ideas to film/TV producers - 6 producers begging to be blown away.

Matthew Horrocks, Philippa Campbell, Kristian Eek, Craig Meade, Zoe Hobson, Robin Murphy

Advance Registration required to pitch. To register contact steven@nzwritersguild.org.nz

NZ Writers Guild/SDGNZ

Saturday 8.30pm & 10.15pm SHORT FILMS ON A TALL WALL

Countdown Supermarket, Moray Place

The country's only drive-in short film festival party

~ a line up of the south's best short films blown up big on a carpark wall

Sunday March 28th

Seminar Room 2

daytime

Local documentaries, Pioneering Animation, and Stunning Student work

- screenings of exceptional films from local film schools, high schools, and other films of note and

local significance with talks/ Q&A by the film makers

Scheduling to be advised

Seminar Room 1

Sunday morn 10am-12 pm - "A Hands-on Guide to Casting and Auditioning"

– how to prepare, what you’ll need and how it’s done - for actors and directors

Simon Marler & Barbara Power (Supported by Barefoot Casting & The Video Factory)

McDaniel+Power Actor/Profile Management & Barefoot Casting

Sunday 1.30 -2.30 An introduction to Te Paepae Ataata Maori Script Development Fund

Pita Turei, Katherine Akuhata-Brown, Simon Marler

Nga Aho Whakaari

Sunday 2.30- 4.00 Contracts for screenwriters and playwrights

what to insist on, watch out for, and understand about the person on the other side of the table.

Steven Gannaway (NZWG) & Cindy Diver (Producer, TheatreWorks)

NZ Writers’ Guild/Stage South

Sunday 4.30-5.30 - 3D or not 3D? How real an option is it?

- the practicalities of 3D film-making in the South ~ punching through the hype. An introduction

to what’s involved and what to avoid.

38 Pictures has produced 3D projects including behind the scenes content on Warner Bros Yogi Bear, 3D

IMAX film SeaRex, plus tourism promotional film for MidCanterbury and a film for Inside Victorian

Oamaru, working with Gallien Chanalet-Quercy, one of the world’s leading 3D producers, originally from

the Paris-based 3D specialist production house Cow Productions.

Zoe Hobson, 38 Pictures

38 Pictures

Countdown Supermarket, Moray Place

Sunday 8.30pm & 10.15pm SHORT FILMS ON A TALL WALL

The country's only drive-in short film festival party

~ a line up of the south's best short films blown up big on a carpark wall

VENUE: Countdown Supermarket, Moray Place

Script to Screen

				A Spirit of Independence: Graeme Tetley EVENT: 27 MARCH, DUNEDIN Continuing our discussions on the spirit of independence, identity, and original thought, Script to Screen is proud to present a conversation between one of our most notable screenwriters, Graeme Tetley (Vigil, Ruby and Rata, Out of the Blue) and screenwriter and script consultant Kathryn Akuhata-Brown. With reference to the iconic New Zealand films written by Tetley, the discussion will delve into how to approach the feature-writing process including making good choices in the early stages of developing an idea, the importance of research, finding a poetic voice and discovering the heart of your project. 5.30pm, Saturday 27 March, St David St Lecture Theatres, University of Otago, Cnr St David and Castle St, Dunedin

Some Of The Movies I Have Requested From OpenIndie

If you want to see any of these, or perhaps some of the other movies available - go to openindie.com and request a film! - If a film gets enough requests for a screening ,here, in our awesome little town - then we get to screen it!
Simple as that.

Everyone wins.
You get to see some great movies that you might not otherwise get a chance to see,
and the film makers get to earn a few bucks back.

It's like having your own custom built movie festival right on your doorstep.

Enjoy the trailers here and be sure to request some movies that you'd like to see here in Wanaka.

Thanks.

Robert.


ROAD TO RED




WHITE KNUCKLES




Children Of Invention






Somewhere Between Here And Now







The Book Of Caleb

Winners.

Academy Award Winners


Independant Spirit Awards

Also Some Crew Members Needed!

Hi all,


A note from Quentin re: previously posted Harraways tv commercial.


"We are looking for some volunteers/ helpers for some assistance with the following jobs on saturday the 13th march and sunday the 14th march.

- Art department assistance
- Location assistance
- General gofers

Perfect opportunity for people interested in exposure to and experience in the film industry.


Please contact Darren at Reel Dreams 03 443 2849.

 darren@super-natural.co.nz


Quentin"


Again, this is being filmed in Wanaka.


So folks, If you want to warm up for V48Hours or get your foot in the door of the blossoming ,Wanaka based, commercials and film production industry - well, here's your chance.


Cheers,


Robert

....And This Porridge Is Just Right!

ACTORS NEEDED.


Hi folks,
Any actors amongst us?


I have info on two commercials for Harraways Oats, being shot in Wanaka on 14th March.
These are paid jobs, so if you are interested, read on and see if you might fit the bill.


AUDITIONS ARE ON FRIDAY


There will be auditions in both Wanaka and Queenstown,this coming Friday (5th March).


Wanaka Audition Details

• Friday March 5th 6pm-7:30pm @ 102 Tenby Street - Wanaka .Reservations not required.

View Larger Map

Queenstown Audition Details

• Friday March 5th 1pm-3pm @ Queenstown Performing Arts Centre (QPACT) Ballarat St (up hill, past carpark on left, large yellow building)
• Reservations Is required.PLEASE  EMAIL FOR CONFIRMATION (Contact details below)

ROLES THAT ARE BEING CAST
commercial #1

• [KID 1] Male. 8-10. Cute - On-set experience preferred.
• [KID 2] Female. 6-8. Cute – on-set experience preferred.
• [MUM] Female. 30-35. Motherly looking, attractive, and in control.

commercial #2

• [PROFESSIONAL MAN] Male. 30-35. Successful and good looking.
• [BEAUTIFUL WOMAN] Female. 25-30. Jaw dropping beautiful. A professional on her lunch break.
• [ATHLETE] Male. 23-28. Tall and fit. Ready for adventure.

If you have a headshot, resume and full body shot ,please email before hand,  to Topher (Click on link for address)

For Further Details

Contact 

REEL DREAMS PRODUCTIONS LIMITED

Producer: Darren Simmonds / 021 43 77 44

Director: Topher Straus / 021 07 44 888

---

ALSO...
As V48Hours shoots are coming up in April (weekend of 16th-18th)..


...There will be actors/performers required.
Keep watching this spot for details , but if you'd be keen to be involved in a fun and crazy weekend of film making , contact me or join the mailing list.
Wanaka Film Trust Contact details on your left 
☜ over there.(Well, over there and then up a bit ...y'know,in the comments section.I'm sure you'll find it.)




Cheers all.


Robert

2010 Oscar Nominated Scripts Free Online And Other News

Hi all,


OSCAR SCRIPTS


This years Oscar Nominated Scripts are available for free to read or download online at
The Raindance website HERE .


I think it's a great idea to read lots of screenplays.
Especially if you are a writer but also if you are interested in film or in becoming a film maker.
Not only are they entertaining, but they are educating.




Thanks to Ian Lawton for giving me the heads up on this (Via twitter- my  @wanakafilm twitter feed now on this page ,over there on your left.)

Thanks folks.

Robert

OTHER NEWS


1st 5 teams registering for V48 get refunded registration fee!

For Immediate Release: Feb 25, 2010 THOUSANDS OF FILMMAKERS TERRORIZE SMALL COUNTRY V48HOURS is the hugely successful annual filmmaking competition that celebrates chaos and creativity during one weekend each year. V48HOURS returns for its 8th year, attracting everyone from skilled filmmakers to enthusiastic newcomers. This year over 650 team leaders will assemble squads (of up to 9,000+ people) to create 650 short films in just one weekend. Past winners have gone on to create acclaimed short films, feature films, television shows and even an Oscar nomination. V48HOURS shorts are first screened in heats throughout New Zealand cinemas, before the best are selected to compete against Peter Jackson's Wildcard picks on a two-week C4 television series that builds to a Grand Final, with just one film being crowned the Grand National Champ, winning a monumental package from a $100,000 prize pool. V48HOURS Director Ant Timpson has been at the helm of the event for 8 years and in that time past winners have included the talented likes of Taika Waititi (Eagle Vs Shark, Boy), Gerard Johnstone (The Jaquie Brown Diaries) and The Downlow Concept (7 Days). He is confident that 2010 is going to be a sensational year and not just for that fact that Taranaki has now joined the regional line up "Each year it keeps growing and each year it produces a couple of works that can proudly stand alongside shorts made for tens of thousands of dollars. This year I'm really hoping some of the long term teams push themselves and produce works that subvert and deconstruct. Anything that results in highly original and maybe even visually deranged shorts is good in my book. We are at the edge of the digital frontier, so teams should be firing creative flaming arrows and burning down the status quo. Taranaki teams have participated previously but this year we're opening the floodgates to all teams from the region to showcase the considerable talent with their own competition". V Energy, the long term partner of the event have decided to sign on as official naming rights sponsor for an additional three years, which in these recessionary times is a show of remarkable faith for the event and the talent that is being fostered. Last years winner of the competition, the animated short "Charlotte" was picked up by the New Zealand Film Commission, who have come back onboard again with increased financial support for the competition and prize pool. NZFC CEO Graeme Mason explains “The NZFC is proud to support and be a sponsor of V48Hours. V48Hours’ philosophy is very much in line with our own philosophy, shown in our new Escalator scheme, that is, when teams of a like mind get together they can achieve great things in a short time with limited resources.”  Teams that are feeling the burn of the recession may have found their goodwill angel in our Gold Partner Vodafone who are offering to refund the full cost of registration to the first FIVE teams who register on the official site from Monday March 1st, 10am sharp. V48Seconds the annual warm up competition is back for 2010, calling for all filmmakers to choose an epic movie clip from films past, re‐shoot it in 48 seconds with a savvy ‘V’ twist, and slap it up on You Tube. V48Seconds attracts anyone from amateur filmies through to those using it as warm-up for V48Hours. The competition is FREE and open to anyone – you can even film it on your mobile phone! There are tons of prizes up for grabs so make sure you get your skills ready for the V48Seconds launch on March 15. V48HOURS Official Website : www.V48hours.co.nz Official VRepublic Site : www.vrepublic.co.nz Register immediately to avoid disappointment. Registration for 48HOURS finishes on April 5 Shoot Weekend : April 16-18 City Finals :May 8/9 Television Series : May 3 C4 Grand Final : May 20 Hundreds of teams compete. Hundreds of thousands watch. There can be only one winner. WRITE. SHOOT. CUT. SURVIVE For all Publicity Enquiries and Further Information: Jodie Molloy (jodiemolloy@me.com) Nicola Vuleta (nicolavuleta@gmail.com) Please note the title of the event is not : 48 Hour Film Project, 48 Hours Film Competition, 48 Hour Furious Filming, 48Hours Furious Film Festival Competition, 48 Hours Filmmaking Festival. It is now simply known as V48HOURS or V48 for abbreviation purposes.

©2009 2Brothers Films Ltd. Powered by Sumo. Click to Unsubscribe. FEATURE WORKSHOP

• Home 
• Workshop 1 
• Workshop 2 
• Workshop 3 
• About Rob 
• Where/When/How Much 
• REGISTRATION AND ENQUIRIES

Home

Filmmaker Rob Sarkies is to host an inspiring kick-start to 2010 with a series of weekend workshops over March and April aimed at short, 48hr, TV/TVC directors or digi-feature film-makers looking to transition into features. 

The workshops will be an intensive mixture of talks, exercises, practical examples and play with plenty of time for questions along the way. They are designed to get you thinking about the art, craft and practical reality of feature directing and  give practical tips from someone who has been there. 

Three weekend workshops on different topics will be held over March/April in Auckland and Wellington.  Places are limited to keep class sizes low and will be issued on a first-come first-served basis.

Please explore the site for details about the workshops, dates and times or download a printable info sheet HERE.

Places are limited so REGISTER NOW to check availability & secure yours.  

REGISTER HERE or email the workshop administrator at: sarkiesworkshops@gmail.co.nz

ASSISTANT TO THE PRODUCER

REEL DREAMS is a commercial film production company located right here in Wanaka, New Zealand.

Darren Simmonds and Topher Straus have collaborated their diverse and rich skill set to introduce a creative, high end and hassle free approach to commercial film production. We are currently seeking a paid, part time assistant for 3-4 weeks starting as soon as possible for 20 hours a week with potential to grow into a larger role. Production experience is helpful, however not necessary. We are seeking a motivated, flexible, and eager candidate who thrives on administration work and the opportunity for new roles everyday . You must be based in Wanaka and have a car.

If you would like further information please ring 021437744 or Email darren@super-natural.co.nz

Looking forward to Fish Tank

Looking forward to see my old friend Robbie Ryan's cinematography in the award winning

Movie Fish Tank

V 48 Hrs registration opens March 1st!!!

NEW INITIATIVE FOR KIWI FILM MAKERS

NEW INITIATIVE FOR KIWI FILM MAKERS

The NZFC’s new low budget feature film initiative, Escalator, was formally launched in Auckland today at the Academy Cinema. The launch was followed by a master class with director and star of low-budget British film SHIFTY, Eran Creevy and Riz Ahmed.  

Launching the initiative today, CEO Graeme Mason said “Escalator is all about creative film making ideas explicitly conceived with low budget production in mind, by teams that relish the challenge of working lean and fast.  Escalator is most definitely not about squeezing a bigger budget idea into a low budget framework.”

Mason added, “After consulting and listening to film makers both here and abroad, we believe Escalator is an exciting opportunity for NZ writers, directors, producers and crew to step up to bigger features. It is about a team of two or more individuals collaborating together, inspiring each other.” 

Film makers have six weeks to form their creative teams and submit first stage applications for Escalator by the 2010 deadline date of Monday 29^th March.  Twelve teams will go on to take part in a low-buget boot camp. Four of these teams will be offered funding of up to NZ$250,000.  Application guidelines are available on the NZFC website and NZFC staff are available to answer questions.  

The initiative will also launch in Wellington on Thursday 11^th of Feb at the Paramount Cinema and in Dunedin on Saturday 13^th of Feb at the Otago Museum, followed by the master class.  SHIFTY was made under the Film London Microwave Initiative with a production budget of £100,000.  The film is being released in NZ and Australia on the 11^th of February.  

For more information about Escalator please contact Paul Swadel, Tel: +64 4 382 7680 / Paul@nzfilm.co.nz

Application Guidelines can be found on the NZFC website:  http://www.nzfilm.co.nz/escalator 

Short Films on a Tall Wall

Press Release:


Short Films on a Tall Wall' needs your film! YES! YOURS!

Dunedin only Drive-In film festival needs your film to showcase to an
appreciative audience.

ASIDE from being the 'guy swinging on a rope' for the V48 Film Competition, I'm
also co-ordinator of 'Short Films on a Tall Wall', Dunedins drive-in movie
experience showing the 'creme de la creme' of Southern films, March 26-28th
2010. And we need your film!

Your film will be projected onto a large, LARGE outdoor surface, with the
audience viewing from their cars, pulling the soundtrack through their car
radios. Venue is the Countdown Car Park, Moray Pace, Dunedin.

Mass Appreciation for the films & film-makers comes from honking, tooting &
flashing of lights! Its quite an experience!

We're asking you & yours to consider this event a premier showcase for films &
film-makers in the South for 2010. And I hope to repeat it later this year.

Select members of the NZ Film Commission & the NZ Writers Guild will be in
attendance, seeking the best films and the best film-makers for consideration.
This means you! Only films from The Waitaki South latitude will be considered.

We have a package of (modest) prizes for Best Picture, Audience Favourite, Most
Original Script/Film, Best Production Design and other categories.
Winners selected by a panel of awesome judges and audience vote.

We'll accept films of any genre and age, (but not too crusty, or violent, thanks)
Format: DVD, Blu-ray, miniDV, data-stick (avi/mov 720 x 576 or larger) or data
file transfer. (email us first)

Cut off for submission: March 16th 2010, at midday.

Durations: under 90 seconds, under 3min, under 6 min & under 15min
(R-16 content.) All material must be original & copyright proven.

For a film to be eligible for COMPETITION & RELATED PRIZES, you must include a
$20 application fee (per film) with each entry.
If you don't wish to enter the competition send your film anyway.
It will be shown of course, but be ineligible for prize selection. :-(

If you would like your film returned send SSAE or courier bag.

Send films to: SFOATW, 38 Clyde Street Roseneath, Dunedin 9023,

For more details contact me directly, email or cell.

Please freely distribute this invitation to other film-makers.

Craig Storey

StoreyTeller Films
TreeFrog Video

Supreme Commander of 'Short Films on a Tall Wall'
V48Hours City Manager

0210 665 798
03 472 7347

Panasonic HPX 170

Hi folks- Dan (at Tidy Design) has asked me to put a shout out to you good people.
He has an upcoming shoot where he will be using a Panasonic HPX 170 with P.2 cards and needs to familiarise himself with this camera.
If anyone has one and wouldn't mind giving Dan a run through for an hour or so,he would appreciate it. 


Email me here and I'll put y'all in contact.


Cheers


Robert

FILMERS WANTED - NZsnowboard.com is HIRING!

Hi All ,
Snowboard and looking for a filming job in 2010
Check out this from NZSnowboarders.com


Feb 9th '10 : FILMERS WANTED - NZsnowboard.com is HIRING! // Articles // NZsnowboard.com

Want to be paid to be in a commercial?

Got a message from Greg today and he asked me to forward it to you guys , 

"We are looking for some talent for a European commercial tomorrow. Man and woman in late thirties ,children 5 to 10 and anyone who wants to have a go. We are going to be at the Paradiso Cinema tomorrow (MON 8TH FEB) from 1pm onwards , taking photos and details, then auditions will be held on Tuesday , then filming will happen between the 17th-22nd the money is good!"

So,go on , you've got nothing to lose!

Cheers

Robert.

48hrs/Rentals on YouTube/Your Big Break Winners

Hi all ,
Some info on some happenings below.
enjoy.


48HRS FURIOUS FILM MAKING COMP

This year the 48hrs Film Comp shoot weekend begins on 16th April (registration opens March 1st).
There is already some local team building going on!
Wanaka had 2 teams enter last year,one missed out official consideration due to a technical error (but was an awesome movie!) , the other made it to the regional finals!.
So, let's try and top that this year folks , get organized early (as much as one can get organized for 48hrs)
and make sure you register in time.
Link for 48 Hours HERE  check for updates regularly.
EMAIL us here at Wanaka Film Trust if you have any questions about the comp as we have a few 48hr veterans onboard.



FILM RENTALS ON YOUTUBE.*(It has come to my attention that this be initially only available in the US)

Interesting article from the New York Times about YouTube getting into the online film rental game.
This is interesting for many reasons,not least are which are the fact that you will have an alternative to iTunes Store movie rentals (I have nothing against iTunes but more players the better), but secondly,
and more interesting , in my opinion , is that this could be good news for indie filmmakers as an easy way to distribute and generate revenue from, their movies.
Anyhow , I'll leave the details up to the NYTimes - here is the link check it out.(There will be some Sundance Film Fest movies available initially for a limited period - to test the water)






YOUR BIG BREAK WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT* (AND MINIMUM WAGE INTERN POSITIONS!)

Tourism New Zealand's publicity generating initiative YOUR BIG BREAK will announce the 5 finalists (of the 1080 entries) for there film making competition tomorrow (Fri 22nd Jan) afternoon (New Zealand time) .
I presume the results will be posted on the website somewhere HERE is the link to the homepage (announcement may not be on that page ,however so have a sniff around.) 

*WINNERS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED HERE - Congratulations to all.


There are paid intern opportunities (for working on the 5 shoots) available also - details HERE

Okay , that's me done for the night.
Take care.

Robert.

Darrens Big Break Entry Would Like Your Vote,Please.

Hi all,

Darren Simmonds has an entry submitted for the Big Break competition I mentioned in a previous post.

There is an audience vote element to this comp and as voting closes tomorrow,Darren would really appreciate you having a look as soon as you can and

hopefully you will give him your vote!

The link will open on Darrens pitch for the film ,what you need to do is click on the green vote for this button .
Below is the link(but read to the end of this entry first)

LOST & FOUND | Your Big Break

You will be required to register so they can send you an authentication email - but this is a simple process (but don't forget to untick the "send me tourism info" box if you

don't want to be emailed more stuff from Tourism New Zealand)

As I mentioned , the deadline for votes ,I believe, is tomorrow , so I encourage you to quickly do it now.

Please feel free to forward this to anyone you think may be interested.

Cheers

Robert

I like the cut of this guys jib!

New Decade Ahead.Lets Make It A Good One For Local Movies!

Hi all.
Let me start by wishing every one a happy new year.
The blog has been a little quiet over the holiday period.This has been due to a combination of both relaxing
and paradoxically ,working hard.Still a bit to do on current production for a client , but it is a nice job filming dogs.

I noticed that the 48hours website's countdown clock says that there are 56 days until registration opens!
Wow,seems like only a couple of months since we were feverishly racing to meet the deadline for that last year.
Well it's still a ways off but perhaps we should begin thinking of rounding up some teams for this years contest.It would be very cool if Wanaka could really make some noise in the regionals this year.There certainly appears to be plenty of skill and talent in the 'hood and wouldn't to take a bus full of Wanaka teams to the finals?

Other thing to get a move on if you are thinking of entering is the Your Big Break Comp .Deadline for your 3 min screenplay entry is a little under two weeks away.Have a look at the entries already posted on the site and ask yourself,"Can I do better?" - if the answer is "Probably", then you should have a go - nothing to loose right?

The 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) begins in a couple of days and it's always exciting to see what kind of gadgets are on there way.There is sure to be some geeky stuff for film makers announced over the week.

Jim Jannard of RED will be hosting a RED Day on Feb. 13th for all Redusers at a location in Los Angeles (TBD).


"This will be an all-day event where we will show EPIC and Scarlet prototypes, RED ONEs with Mysterium-X sensors, new accessories... and post solutions, including some new wrinkles. We will show 4K footage on a Sony 4K projector and will also show RED footage film prints. There will be several guests showing accessories for RED and post solutions."

Anyone, like myself, who has been watching out for a release of the new Red cameras (I'm looking at a Scarlet fixed lens) We will hopefully learn soon when we can actually get our hands on one.

Also , anyone who wants a film making assignment for the next wee while , why not make a short with a Valentines Day theme ,(it could be a rom-com or a love story or  it could be a Saint Valentines Day Massacre ! )- if we get a few films, we can have another screening night!

Also we have the awards season coming up too.The Academy Awards are March 10th I believe.

Well that's me for now.
Feel free , as always, to drop a line to Wanaka Film Trust  (just click on that link to email) or follow us (well,me really) on twitter or pop a comment there on the comments box on the left.

cheers
Robert.