LOCAL NEWS

Bats at Bello

ScreenLinks has recently supported a three week shoot in Bellingen for the Nippon Television Network (the ABC of Japan) on flying foxes. The nature television show is watched by 21 million viewers every week and the flying foxes of Bellingen Island will be the main story of a program in April. This highly rated television show has five crews who travel the world looking for interesting stories for the series. Japanese director Mr Yuki Tadoko and cameraman Mr Satoshi Hasegawa were previously in Africa shooting a piece on endangered species.

The focus of this segment is on the flying foxes ability to adapt to changing climatic conditions and their unique way of life. Bellingen's heat spell during January meant that the flying foxes were extremely active during the day using their wings to "air condition" their bodies and most importantly cool their babies. Resident flying fox expert and photographer Vivian Jones worked with the crew to educated them on the habits of flying foxes and to support their shoot. Film Liaison Sam Aoki of Pesca Production in Sydney worked with the Bellingen Shire Council and ScreenLinks to organise the shoot and support in while in Bellingen.

Coastal Media Services helps ‘Discover’ Coffs Coast
Coastal Media Services is the local production company behind the new Discover Coffs Coast and Waterfall Way television commercials, which have been screening regionally over the last month.

Producer/director Sinclair Black and editor Matt Dean developed the concept for the commercials in collaboration with Coffs Coast Marketing. “We wanted to produce tourism commercials that didn’t just depict beautiful images like most of those you see on TV. So, we created commercials with spirit, portraying the Coffs Coast as a fun place to visit with lots to do for all age groups,” said Sinclair.

The entire production was filmed, edited and produced locally, all in high-definition format. The talent in the ads are local amateur and professional actors, all from the Coffs Coast.The Marketing Co-ordinator from Coffs Coast Marketing, Brian Stokes, is delighted with the commercials; “We were thrilled with what the team at Coastal Media Services came up with. It was hard to imagine how it would all come together but we couldn’t be happier and the response has been phenomenal.”

The Discover Coffs Coast and Waterfall Way television commercials are currently screening on the Prime, GO! and Southern Cross Ten networks. They can also be viewed at: www.youtube.com.au/coastalmediaservices

Coastal Media Services is based in Coffs Harbour and specialises in the production of Television Commercials, Corporate Videos and photography. Other local clients include CEX Group, The Edge Real Estate, North Sapphire Beach Estate and ETC. For further information contact: Sinclair Black
Ph: 0412 219 878 Email: coastal.media@bigpond.com

Dungoona Local Premiere
The local premiere of Dungoona was held Sunday, February 21, at the Majestic Cinemas in Port Macquarie. Sydney actors Darin Berlin, Natasha Bassett and Alex Rowe,director Reuben Field local cast and crew were on hand for this sold out screening and an afterparty. It was great to see the region and some local faces on the big screen. The audience were impressed with the quality of the film and enjoyed the storyline.

Dungoona is a one hour drama filmed in Wauchope NSW for the youth television network MTV, mixing local actors and crew with Sydney professionals. Dungoona centres on a class of troublemakers and a teacher struggling to keep them in school. It addresses real small-town issues like teen pregnancy and delinquency, but does so with a sense of humour and affection for its characters.

AussieBum at the Big Banana
Australian underwear company AussieBum’s new line of eco-friendly briefs and boxers is the world’s first undies made from bananas and the new international ad campaign was shot at the Big Banana.

The new eco-friendly banana range of undies incorporates 27 percent banana fibre, 64 percent cotton and 9 percent lycra according to AussieBum's Lloyd Jones .The banana fibre used in the underwear is made from a bark weave from the banana plant and makes the underwear not only lightweight, but also very absorbent, he said.

The ad has become an instant YouTube sensation. AussieBum is extremely popular in Europe and the USA where they also market swim gear.

LOCAL EVENTS

Vote For Tomorrow at the 2010 IF Awards
Simon Portus's short film Tomorrow which recently won Best Direction and Best Screenplay at Flickerfest Film Festival is eligible for the 2010 IF Awards. You can support our local film by going to www.ifawards.com to register and vote. The IF Awards are based on public votes so show your support and vote for Tomorrow today!

Fat Sick and Nearly Dead
You have the chance to be part of a special film night on 30th March at Sawtell Cinema to raise money for the Tour de Cure. "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" is an inspiring film that chronicles a man’s personal mission to regain his health. The film is very inspirational (life changing) and is all about getting healthy and eating right. The film’s Star and Co-Director will be at the show and doing a 30 minute Q&A. The film won’t be released to the public until later in the year. Some of the crew of the film have worked with Michael Moore Bowling for Columbine (2002).

Tour de Cure Film Night Fundraiser, Tuesday 30th March, 7.30pm, First Ave Cinema Sawtell.
The film’s director and star, Joe Cross will be running a 30 minute Q & A after the film. Tickets $20. Buy tickets at http://www.stickytickets.com.au/3124 All proceeds go to the Tour de Cure Limited for the fight against cancer.

Local M.A.D.E. launches for 2010
Local M.A.D.E. is back, bigger and better than ever and turning not for profit!! Coming to Bellingen Showgrounds 24th April (ANZAC weekend) is a Music.Arts.Dance.Extravaganza, now with a professional concert stage (LB Rigging), awesome sound setup (the Nexo from Any Entertainment) and pumpin’ DJ & Dance Hall, it’s all systems go for a great show. Local M.A.D.E. is now not only a great show but will host dance, music and production workshops in the week prior with Travers Ross and nationally famous artists. Local M.A.D.E. also stands for Local Mentoring.and.Development.Experience with the theme: “Aspire to Inspire” we have great acts in store to mentor up and coming young artists. Already on the bill for the main stage are Heart Tribe, Ebb 'n' Flo (our aNZac connection) and the DJ & Dance Hall will host the Twobble Twins, Xplicit Aktz and Jesta with more to come, including a surprise act and a big headliner, along with your local kids up on stage with the big guys! Youth involvement in the community and mentoring are our main aims so expressions of interest from community and youth organisations are encouraged. There will be an introductory meeting on Monday the 1st of March at the Anglican Hall (100 Hyde St. top of town) for volunteers to sign up and to give people an opportunity to be involved and nurture Local M.A.D.E. There will be market stalls and delish food on offer too. This event is held up by community support and sponsorship is invited. Email or call to apply for market stall spots or if you are an interested DJ, Artist or Dance troupe/dancer and want to get on stage and/or do a workshop: localmade@live.com.au or (02) 66554481.

Friends of Sawtell Screenings in April
The Friends of Sawtell Cinema have nominated two screenings in late April as FoSC events. They are consecutive Tuesday mornings, at 10am. The first is a screening of Blind Side on Tuesday 20th April, the second a screeningof on 27th April. Audience members are then invited to go to a local cafe for coffee or a snack (both films end at about mid-day), and chat about the film. The proposed theme is "Did Sandra Bullock and Jeff Bridges deserve their Oscars!"
For more information about Friends of the Sawtell Cinema email fofac@live.com.au or check out the website at www.firstavecinema.com.au

Janison Short Sharp Film Festival 2010 - Exclusive Offer for Mid North Coast Filmmakers
Mid North Coast film makers are offered an exclusive deal - ALL entries will be $15!!! With a first cash prize of $2000 in “The Sharpies” open section and $500 cash in each section of the “Young Guns” under 18 filmmaker section, local filmmakers would be mad to not to enter.

Also, every Mid North Coast entry into the 2010 festival will receive a $15 Red Rooster Meal Voucher and a bonus $5 when you open an account with Newcastle Permanent and deposit ten dollars. So get your camera crew ready and start filming to enter the 2010 Janison Short Sharp Film Festival now!.

The closing date is fast approaching with less than 6 weeks till the 3rd May deadline. Entries must include the 2010 signature item – a balloon, either verbally or visually. The signature item can be placed anywhere in the film including the opening titles and credits.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE:       5pm, 3 May 2010, for all entries
CATEGORIES OF ENTRY:       “The Sharpies” - Open category 18+ filmmakers
                                          “The Young Guns” - Primary School, Junior High School
                                            Senior High School (Year 11 & 12. Year 12 films from 2009 are eligible).
SPECIAL MID NORTH COAST YOUNG GUNS $15 ENTRY FEE
FILM LENGTH                        Primary School up to five minutes, Secondary School up to
                                           seven minutes, Open Section up to eight minutes.
SIGNATURE ITEM:                  Balloon (visual or verbal)
Your film must contain the signature item in the title, body or credits
SCREENING DATES:                Saturday 3 July 2010 – “THE SHARPIES” 18+
                                         Sunday 4 July 2010 – “THE YOUNG GUNS” UNDER 18
ENTRY FEE:                           $20 per film
LOCATION:                           The Jetty Memorial Theatre
                                           Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour
FURTHER INFORMATION: www.shortsharpfilmfest.com
Brought to you by Janison, and sponsored by Coffs Harbour City Council, Screen NSW, Enterprise & Training Company (ETC) Red Rooster, New Castle Permanent, Coffs Advocate, 2CS, Southern Cross Media, CHY FM and ScreenLinks.

Film Workshop Facilitators
The Wakakirri Outback program gives young Indigenous and non-Indigenous students living in remote communities the opportunity to take part in a national arts festival. Facilitators run four days of filmmaking workshops with students to produce a short film. The film is screened on the fifth day at a festival day. Facilitators also conduct professional development workshops for young adults and teachers. The Wakakirri Outback Program is seeking talented and experienced film workshop facilitators to join our team on the 2010 Wakakirri Outback tour.
Festivals:
1. New South Wales (Broken Hill & Wilcannia) 31st May - 4th June
2. South Australia (Ceduna, Koonibba, and Yalata) 21st - 25th June
3. Northern Territory (Barunga, Minyerri and Wugularr) 9th - 13th August
Applications can be made for any or all of the above festival locations. Successful applicants must be available for a comprehensive induction workshop and pre production phone conferences.
Positions available:
Director/Editor - responsible for overseeing the production of the film
Camera operator/editor - responsible for all technical aspects involved in the making of the film
Desirable Criteria
1. Experience in running film workshops for young people
2. Experience running drama games and/or other creative activities
3. Experience working with Indigenous communities and children
4. Professional experience within the film industry
5. An understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contemporary and traditional culture
**All applicants must have or undergo a Working with Children Check
***Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.
For a job information pack please contact: Anna Bowring, Event Manager
email: anna@wakakirri.com
phone: 02 9557 8807, freecall: 1800 650 979
Send your CV and showreel, which position and which festival(s) you are applying for to anna@wakakirri.com by Thursday 1st April 2010.

SBS Indigenous TV Mentorship Award
SBS is calling for applications for the SBS Indigenous TV Mentorship Award, which offers support, guidance and opportunities to emerging Indigenous talent in the Australian film and television industry. The winner receives sponsorship to travel to festivals, conferences or markets, and mentorship from experienced SBS television executives. For more information email ITA@sbs.com.au.

The Melbourne International Film Festival Extended
The Melbourne International Film Festival for Film Entry for 2010 has been extended to Friday 2nd April 5pm Aust. time!
www.melbournefilmfestival.com.au

SBS Seeks Production Coordinator for Living Black
SBS plays a key role in recording, telling and sharing a diverse range of Australian stories.
SBS have an opportunity for a Production Coordinator to join Australia’s only indigenous current affairs program ‘Living Black’ based in Sydney. You will have a keen interest in television production and the ability to carry out a range of duties (sourcing footage; obtaining copyright clearances and licencing agreements; completing transmission records; general administration).
It is highly desirable that you have a knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and issues.
Good communication, organisational and administrative skills are essential, along with the ability to meet tight production deadlines.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are encouraged to apply.
1 Year Contract - Salary from $42,637 pa + superannuation
For more information and to apply visit the SBS website.www.sbs.com.au

New Grant Finding Resource
GrantReady has developed the Community GrantGuru website which provides easy search and browse functions for non-profit organisations to find suitable grants to enhance their projects. Visit Community GrantGuru online to start browsing for grants or for more details about its services: http://community.grantready.com.au/

New Cash Award For Emerging Cinematographers
The Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) and the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) have joined forces to offer a special new award for emerging cinematographers.

Called the NFSA- ACS John Leake OAM ACS Award, it will provide a cash prize of $5000 to an emerging cinematographer who is either currently studying cinematography at a tertiary institution or is currently working in the film industry.

The Award is named in honour of Australian Cinematographers Society co-founder and industry icon, John Leake OAM ACS (1927-2009). John began his cinematographic career as a 15-year-old with Movietone News in 1944 before moving on to Supreme Sound Studios. He served as both NSW President and Federal President of the ACS and was the Society's Official Historian until his death.

The winner of the Award, to be announced at the ACS National Awards in Melbourne on Saturday 1 May, can use the prize for any educational, training, or professional work which will further his or her cinematographic knowledge.

The judging panel will comprise the Federal President of the Australian Cinematographers Society, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Sound Archive, and two other executive members of the ACS.

National Film and Sound Archive CEO, Dr Darryl McIntyre, said today that the NFSA was the national repository of Australia's film heritage. 'We were created to preserve Australia's film heritage past present and future, so we have an ongoing interest in the maintenance and development of cinematic skills. We hope that this valuable Award will encourage young cinematographers to continue the outstanding story of Australian filmmaking.'

ACS Federal President, Ron Johanson ACS said that "It is the policy of the Society to foster and to encourage emerging and aspiring cinematographers to pursue their craft at every opportunity. This is one of those opportunities. The partnership between the NFSA and the ACS is one of vital importance to the continued growth of our industry. "

Australian Refugee Film Festival
Deadline 31 March 2010 - The Australian Refugee Film Festival is now Calling For Films. The 4th Annual Film Festival will screen during Refugee Week 2010 between the 20th and 26th June. The main screenings will take place in Sydney with 3 screenings planned at the moment, the festival will also be held in each capital city around Australia. Films need to be 10 minutes or less. The films also need to focus on the refugee experience either in the Australian or Global context. http://www.australianrefugeefilmfestival.org

Bowraville Film Society - Films are at the Bowraville Theatre, 74 High Street Bowraville, from 7pm on 4th Saturday of each month except December http://www.bowraville.org.au/bowravilletheatre/filmsociety.htm