LEARN HOW TO MAKE AWARD-WINNING SHORT FILMS

ONE of the country’s most eminent screenwriting gurus, Phil Parker, is to give 2 FREE workshops in the region, in his bid to inspire Northwest filmmaking talent.

“We’re delighted Phil has agreed to work with us on this exciting initiative to enthuse and educate the region’s new filmmaking talent,” says Helen Bingham, Head of Production Development at Northwest Vision and Media, which works on behalf of the region’s TV, film, radio and digital content industries.  “We’ve worked with Phil many times in the past, but this year he will be delivering a brand new, ground breaking one-day workshop, entitled Writing Award Winning Short Films. Not only will this be a challenging and entertaining workshop, but it will also look at the problems associated with many short films produced each year,” adds Helen.

Phil will be holding 2, exclusive workshops, the 1st in Liverpool on September 11 and the 2nd in Manchester on September 12.  As someone who has been involved in short films for over 15 years, Phil has earned an enviable reputation. Throughout his career he has worked on over 2000 short films including the 1997 Palme D’Or winner, Is It The Design On The Wrapper? the 1997 Oscar nominated short, Holiday Romance and the 2001 Toronto Short Film winner, The Rat That Wrote.

Over 100 short films are made in the UK each year as part of the UK Film Council’s Digital Shorts scheme. This is a national scheme and Northwest Vision and Media are the delivery partners for the Northwest. Vision and Media is about to launch their latest Digital Shorts scheme (visit www.northwestvision.co.uk for more details).

“This year, we will be searching for new stories that show passion and imagination, stories that are unique and challenging. With this in mind, Phil’s inspiring workshop has been specifically designed to help all filmmakers who are keen to apply for schemes like Digital Shorts,” explains Helen.  “During the Liverpool and Manchester workshops Phil will explore all the factors which make for an award-winning short, from the idea, through to the screenplay, taking in production and even awards criteria.  For anyone who wants to embark on a filmmaking career, this workshop is an excellent first step.”

To attend the Liverpool workshop on 11 September 2007, 10am to 5.30pm, at Blackburne House, Blackburne Place, Liverpool, L8 7PE, but please emaill your contact details.

To attend the Manchester workshop on 16 September 2007, 10am to 5.30pm, at Manchester Cathedral Visitor Centre, 10 Cateaton St, Manchester, M3 1SQ

You can also email your contact details as well.

DYNAMIC DUO TO DIRECT CAPITAL OF CULTURE OPENING

THE Liverpool Culture Company has announced the artistic directors of the opening event for the city’s year as European Capital of Culture.  Internationally renowned producer Nigel Jamieson who worked on the opening ceremony for the Sydney Olympics and the unforgettable closing ceremony in the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, is joined by Jayne Casey, co-founder of Liverpool’s world famous Cream to direct an unprecedented theatrical showcase.

An amazing line-up of events heralding Liverpool’s status as European Capital of Culture will take place throughout the city from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 January 2008.  Preparations are well underway for a weekend which will put Liverpool firmly on the world stage. There will be a more detailed announcement of what is in store later in the year.

Councillor Warren Bradley Leader of Liverpool City Council and Deputy Chair of the Liverpool Culture Company said:- “The combination of Nigel and Jayne’s skills and expertise is great news for the city. We are all looking forward to an innovative opening programme which will reflect Liverpool’s originality and creativity.”

Professor Drummond Bone, Chair of the Liverpool Culture Company, said:- “The 2008 opening event will be a huge milestone for Liverpool, setting the scene for a fantastic year of cultural celebration. It’s only fitting that the artistic leadership for the event will be of such high calibre.”

Jason Harborow, Chief Executive of the Liverpool Culture Company added:- “This talented duo have a wealth of experience on both a local and international scale. We are delighted to welcome them onboard for this huge celebration which will prepare the city for a year-long programme of exciting events."

Nigel Jamieson said:- “My career has taken me all over the world and I find Liverpool is one of the most vibrant and creative cities I have ever visited. I’m looking forward helping deliver the biggest party the city has ever experienced.  I’m especially thrilled to be working with Jayne Casey who has the most extensive network of contacts within the artistic industry that I have ever encountered.”

Jayne Casey added:- “It’s great to be working on the very first event of 2008, which we’re sure will bring together both residents of the city and visitors from all over the world for a weekend to remember.”