Encore Magazine articles from November 2006

Encore Magazine archives from November 2006

Technology comes of age but what's on? The media moguls reacted swiftly to the change in legislation of the media landscape but how much has really changed and how can content creators get a piece of it.(Editorial)
November 1, 2006... THE "FUTURE OF TELEVISION" WAS THE MAIN talking point at this year's MIPCOM TV content market, which took place in Cannes in October. The conference program was chock-full of hype and hyperbole about "Today and Tomorrow TV" and whether anyone's...

AFI nominations emphasise diversity: a distinct range of films top the list of this year's AFI nominations. Steve Misiura reports.(AWARDS)
November 1, 2006... HEROIN, MURDER, LOVE TRIANGLES AND dunnies top the list of nominees for the 2006 AFI Awards, as nominated by members of the Australian Film Institute. Candy, Jindabyne, Ten Canoes and Kenny all received nominations for Best Film in the...

Sydney shoot for 'Black Water'.(Australia. Film Commission finances for the production of the movie)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Production on the local horror genre project Black Water will take place in Sydney from November 13. Written and directed by Andrew Traucki and David Nerlich, Black Water tells a terrifying tale of survival in a mangrove swamp. The...

Tropfest 2007 calls for entries.(FESTIVALS)
November 1, 2006... THE 2007 SONY TROPFEST SHORT FILM FESTIVAL HAD ITS OFFICIAL LAUNCH AT THE ZETA BAR AT Sydney's Hilton Hotel on October 24. The signature item for this year's event is a 'sneeze', which must be incorporated into each entrant's film. ...

NSW Filmmakers Rally.(Close Up: HEADLINES)
November 1, 2006... "NSW had a vibrant, exciting film industry. Not any more; we're bleeding from the gills. Does the Government think that an infrastructure that's been built up over so many years is just going to hang around? No, it's not..." --Margaret...

Government appropriations for state and territory film agencies.(Statistical table)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR STATE AND TERRITORY FILM AGENCIES $MILLION 98/99 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 04/05 NSW FTO 4.88 5.18...

Reforms spark frenzy: despite claims of 'coincidence' by the government, it seems that the relaxation of media regulations has created an open market.(LEGISLATION)
November 1, 2006... IT SEEMS OBVIOUS THAT THE FRENZY created by last month's loosening of Australia's media ownership laws would significantly alter the landscape of both national and local media as we know it. In the face of over $5 billion worth of whirlwind...

Television writers' scheme launched: the Australian Film Commission has launched its first fellowship scheme aimed at established television drama writers. Steve Misiura reports.(SCRIPTWRITING)
November 1, 2006... THE AUSTRALIAN FILM COMMISSION (AFC) has launched new TV Writer Fellowships to assist writers in the development of a new TV drama screenplay. The fellowships will be awarded on the basis of the track record of the writer and the strength of...

Proposed changes to Copyright Act.(IN BRIEF)
November 1, 2006... The Federal Attorney General Philip Ruddock has proposed changes to the Australian Copyright Act that would strengthen anti-piracy laws and penalties while taking into account the increasing choices consumers have in the way they watch film and...

Yoram Gross unveils its new identity.(Yoram Gross-EM.TV changes name to Flying Bark Productions)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Children's programming producer Yoram Gross-EM.TV has rebranded itself Flying Bark Productions. The new name follows the acquisition of the remaining 50 percent of Yoram Gross-EM.TV by EM.Entertainment at the beginning of 2006. Flying Bark...

Cinema-based feature heads into production.(The Plex )(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Privately-funded feature The Plex is set to commence a 15-day shoot in Sydney on October 23. Written and directed by Tim Boyle, the $1.3 million project is a comedy about cinema employees. The film will shoot for 10-days at Mosman's Greater...

ABC changes 'impartiality' policy: amidst claims of biased editorial policy, the ABC announces reforms.(POLICY)
November 1, 2006... IN THE WAKE OF RECENT CRITICISM, the Australian broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has revised its editorial policies towards impartiality. In an address at the Sydney Institute, ABC managing director Mark Scott said these policies were the...

1924-2006: a man who made a difference; Producer David Hannay pays tribute to friend and mentor Tom Stacey.(Obituary)
November 1, 2006... VICTOR 'TOM' STACEY, A SIGNIFICANT and seminal figure in Australian film recently passed away aged 82. A passionate filmmaker, the film industry owes this quiet self effacing man a debt of gratitude. Tom was born in the UK in 1924 and like...

Local television drama: what's wrong? Encore sits down with a group of high-profile producers and entertainment lawyers to nut out the key challenges and opportunities for making local television drama.(Long Lunch)
November 1, 2006... VENUE The White Horse Hotel PARTICIPANTS Rosemary Blight, producer/joint CEO of Essential Viewing; Nick Cole, solicitor, Phillips Fox; Kylie Du Fresne, producer/partner for Essential Viewing; Nick Murray producer, Jigsaw Entertainment and...

Money, Troubles, also rans and devastation: this month Bob Ellis takes a look at the latest offerings from big-name US directors Robert Altman and Oliver Stone, as well as the latest film from UK auteur Ken Loach.(Rough Cut: REVIEW)
November 1, 2006... THIS MONTH BOB ELLIS REVIEWS: FRIENDS WITH MONEY (D: NICOLE HOLOFCENER, P: ANTHONY BREGMAN), THE PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION (D/P: ROBERT ALTMAN ROBERT ALTMAN, P: WREN ARTHUR, JOSHUA ASTRACHAN, TONY JUDGE AND DAVID LEVY), WORLD TRADE CENTER...

World turns upside down at MIPCOM: future gazing was the order of the day during the seminar program at this year's MIPCOM television market in Cannes. Julian Newby reports.(Euro Insider)
November 1, 2006... THE WORLD'S AUDIOVISUAL INDUSTRY CONVERGED on the mediterranean city of Cannes last month to hear that television programs are no longer watched on television, but on mobile phones. They also heard that movies are now available on DVD at the...

World takes notice of Aussie Revival: according to Tracey Montgomery, the notable Prsence of Australian product on this year's North American festival circuit has drawn greater attention to films from down under.(Industry overview)
November 1, 2006... IN THE LATE 1970S AND EARLY 1980S THE AUSTRALIAN cinema was in full surge, and Australian directors were delivering films with universal themes that differed because of their offbeat characters, narrative twists, and a tart mixture of comedy...

Media rules changes: a major opportunity; SPAA's executive director Geoff Brown suspects there will be few new outlets for locally produced content in the Government's reformed media landscape.(Above The Line)
November 1, 2006... THE LAST MINUTE CRUNCH TO GET SENATOR Coonan's changes to media laws through the Senate has revealed the exercise for what it is--a rubber stamping of deals done in backrooms with the proprietors of the commercial FTA networks. No extension of...

Momentum builds at IBC: the steady advancement of digital acquisition and digital intermediate post production technology was apparent at this year's IBC show in Amsterdam. Scott Lehane reports.(IBC: EVENT COVERAGE)
November 1, 2006... IN SEPTEMBER, ALMOST 45,000 PEOPLE FROM OVER 120 countries converged on Amsterdam for IBC--a show that has long outgrown its moniker as a 'broadcast' convention, and grown to encompass areas like production, post, and new distribution...

On the waterfront ... ABC revisits wharf dispute: a memorable moment in Australia's industrial relations history is the subject of a new mini-series for the ABC. Steve Misiura goes behind the scenes of Bastard Boys.(On Location)
November 1, 2006... THERE WAS NEVER ANY QUESTION THAT THE ABC'S ACCOUNT OF THE 1998 waterfront dispute between the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) and Patrick Corporation would ever be a just a standard reconstruction of events. Although director/producer Ray...

UK script doctors dish out good medicine to SA: a group of South Australian filmmakers participated in a workshop run by the renowned UK-based Script Factory in October. Fiona Williams reports.(Script: DEVELOPMENT)
November 1, 2006... FOR A WEEK IN MID-OCTOBER, A GROUP OF 20 South Australian scriptwriters had their creative and business skills scrutinised as part of an intensive script and career development workshop run by the UK's Script Factory. The workshops were...

Cartoon Network orders pilots.(new episodes and programs plans)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Pay entertainment channel The Cartoon Network has announced a new pan-Asian initiative for original content that will see it give the green light to the development of 10 pilot episodes to be aired exclusively on the network. The Snaptoons...

Mentors named for Crossover Australia.(Frank Boyd, Robert Thirkell, Marc Goodchild, Paula Le Dieu, and Heather Croall,)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... A line up of five international mentors has been confirmed for the five-day interactive lab Crossover Australia 2007. The lab will be headed up by Creative London's Frank Boyd, the former director of Creative Development with the BBC's...

Gulliver furthers Chinese ventures.(Gulliver Media Australia is co-producing a movie with China Central Television )(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Brisbane independent documentary producer Gulliver Media Australia is looking to continue its collaboration with China, having just completed its second co-production with China Anhui Television. Gulliver is now planning a film which looks at...

Fremantlemedia says 'Thank God' for NBC.(IN BRIEF)
November 1, 2006... NBC has ordered a US pilot of studio-based comedy format Thank God You're Here, making it the latest in a growing number of networks getting onboard FremantleMedia's celebrity improv comedy series. FremantleMedia's production division showcased...

Ten orders more 'Bondi Rescue'.(Network Ten Proprietary Ltd. signs contract with Cordell Jigsaw)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Network Ten has commissioned a second series of Bondi Rescue from Cordell Jigsaw. Due for delivery in early 2007, the 10 x 30 min popular factual series follows the lives of the professional lifeguards who risk their lives in the service of...

Victoria to get 'Satisfaction'.(Austar United Communications Ltd., Foxtel, Showtime Entertainment Inc., and Film Victoria to shoot a new show)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Satisfaction, a new show co-produced by Showtime, Film Victoria, Foxtel and Austar, is set to shoot in Melbourne. The 20-episode series, created by writer/producer Roger Simpson, is set in and around a city brothel and tells the story of five...

How to goes to Eden for furniture series.(IN BRIEF)
November 1, 2006... The How To Channel has commissioned North Sydney-based Eden Media to produce Australia's first program dedicated to Australian Woodwork, Milton Woodshop. Each of the six half-hour episodes will involve step-by-step instructions on building a...

Full steam ahead for AFC new talent initiative: a new scheme to encourage first-time indigenous filmmakers has greenlit 13 new films, which are currently in production. Steve Misiura gets the lowdown.(Shoot: TV DRAMA)
November 1, 2006... A BIT OF BLACK BUSINESS IS A NEW INITIATIVE OF 13 x five-minute dramas from the Australian Film Commission (AFC)'s Indigenous Branch in partnership with SBS Independent (SBSi). Each of the 13 films explore individual experiences from the...

A walk off the beaten path: Oscar-winning crash Producer Cathy Schulman will give SPAA delegates an insight into how she stays independent in Hollywood. She spoke to Steve Misiura on the eve of SPAA.(Interview)
November 1, 2006... SM: Your keynote speech is called 'The Strategic Independent: Intersecting independent vision with the realities of the worldwide marketplace'; What message do you want to get across? CS: I want to discuss the notion of independent...

Angels at the table: how to attract private money; Producers Caroline Gerard and Melissa Beauford speak to Tracey Prisk about their experiences attracting private investment for their respective features the Bet and Puppy.(FINANCE)
November 1, 2006... FORMER CORPORATE LAWYER, CAROLINE GERARD, DREW ON HER experience in banking, finance, fundraising and intellectual property when her company Gerrycan Productions decided to seek private investment for their feature film The Bet. The film's...

Fringe: at a glance; SPAA Fringe 2006 will take place at the Brisbane Powerhouse from November 12-14.(FRINGE)(Calendar)
November 1, 2006... SUNDAY November 12 9.30 to 10.30am PLENARY From Small Screen to Big Screen Suburban Mayhem screenwriter Alice Bell and producer Leah Churchill-Brown will give an insight into how a young production assistant with a background...

SPAA Conference: at a glance.(CONFERENCE PROGRAM)(Calendar)
November 1, 2006... TUESDAY November 14 6.30 to 8.30pm Network Ten welcome drinks Palazzo Versace Ballroom WEDNESDAY November 15 9.00 to 10.30am KEYNOTE Sheraton Ballroom Hector Crawford Memorial Lecture Harold Mitchell,...

Great expectations: industry hopes are Riding on the Federal Government's review of film funding mechanisms. Ian Robertson summarises the key issues.(FINANCE REVIEW)
November 1, 2006... ON MAY 8, 2006, THE DAY BEFORE THE 2006 FEDERAL budget was announced, Federal Arts Minister, Senator Rod Kemp, announced a review of the full range of Federal Government support measures for funding films in Australia. "The 2006-07 review...

CineSync usage on the rise at local post houses: VFX review tool cineSync has been in high demand from local post houses working on big-budget Hollywood projects. David Hull reports.(Sync: TECHNOLOGY)
November 1, 2006... RISING SUN RESEARCH (RSR) WILL THIS MONTH release a third version of its remote review and approval tool, cineSync. The launch comes at a time when its use is on the rise at local post houses; at press time, the tool was being used on such...

Soundfirm posts a Chinese 'curse'.(IN BRIEF)
November 1, 2006... Chinese film director Zhang Yimou's latest project, Curse of the Golden Flower is currently undergoing its audio post production at Soundfirm, which has completed the sound on Zhang's previous features including Hero, Riding Alone for Thousands...

Park Road Post ADDS Quantel Pablo.(using Pablo 4K color software, Adam Scott appointed)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Wellington-based post house Park Road Post has purchased a Pablo 4K, Quantel's non-linear colour correction system, after considering rival systems Baselight and Lustre (the latter of which is in use at sister company Weta Digital). The...

Soundfirm buys fifth Fairlight Pyxis.(digital video record system )(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Soundfirm has installed a fifth Fairlight Pyxis NLV digital video record/playback system to be used in its main dubbing room as a video follower. The company already uses three such systems in its ADR rooms and another for Foley; all driven by...

Shed inks global distribution deal.(IN BRIEF)(Shed Productions acquired Screentime Partners )
November 1, 2006... UK television production company Shed Productions has acquired the global distribution company Screentime Partners in a move that will see the latter distribute Shed and Ricochet product, including the library and formats. The deal was struck...

Palace lines up 'Unfinished Sky'.(Palace Films signs movie distribution contract)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Palace Films has picked up the forthcoming romance/thriller Unfinished Sky, directed by Peter Duncan, for distribution in Australia and New Zealand. The film, which has been shooting in Beaudesert, Queensland, is expected to be released in late...

SBS teams with Madman for sales.(IN BRIEF)
November 1, 2006... SBS has appointed Madman Entertainment to manage marketing, sales and distribution for its re-launched SBS Video business. The deal will see Madman launching commercial SBS video programs and films. Titles planned for release in 2006/2007 span...

Hoyts gives cinemas 3D digital treatment.(IN BRIEF)
November 1, 2006... Four Hoyts Australia cinemas have been upgraded with Christie CP2000 DLP Cinema Projectors for the playback of 3D digital content Atlab Image and Sound Technology installed the hardware at theatres in Melbourne (Northland), Canberra...

Ten on a trip in coming to grips with digital: Network Ten has commissioned a new website and is experimenting with business models for downloading content. Fiona Williams reports.(Screen: TELEVISION)
November 1, 2006... NETWORK TEN HAS COMMISSIONED DIGITAL services group Hyro to rebuild its website to promote the use of other platforms for hybrid content. The new ten.com.au will launch in February 2007. Hyro won the tender for the Ten site but details of...

NSW filmmakers unite over 'migrating' production; Industry unrest, shrinking production and calls for drastic action: a ground swell is forming in NSW to boost production levels in the state. Steve Misiura reports.(Payroll: NSW PRODUCTION)
November 1, 2006... THE NATURE OF ANY FILM INDUSTRY DEMANDS EBB and flow. And with a small cottage industry like Australia's, it seems only fair that production may occasionally slow down. But with no major offshore projects in New South Wales since Superman...

Journalist McKew quits the ABC.(IN BRIEF)
November 1, 2006... ABC reporter and presenter Maxine McKew has quit the public broadcaster after a 30-year career. McKew, who at the year's end will be taking time off to consider new challenges, said the decision was likely to end her career in broadcasting. She...

Smith replaces Anderson at UIP.(IN BRIEF)
November 1, 2006... United International Pictures (UIP) has appointed Cate Smith as its new national marketing manager, replacing Jon Anderson who is leaving to become executive vice president, Marketing, for London-based Paramount Pictures International. Smith...

Williams swaps Nick for Ovation.(IN BRIEF)
November 1, 2006... Arts television network Ovation has appointed Joel Williams to the position of acquisitions and programming manager, which involves sourcing new programming as well as developing content. Prior to joining Ovation, Williams held acquisition and...

Alexander joins Panasonic team.(IN BRIEF)
November 1, 2006... Panasonic has appointed Mathew Alexander as product Manager, Broadcast, in its Business Systems Group. Alexander was previously product manager for Video and Broadcast products at JVC for seven years and will be responsible for marketing...

Auckland muscles in on capital action: at a time when question marks hang over film funding options for local producers, New Zealand's infrastructure is to be boosted with a new 2000 square-metre sound stage. David Hull reports.(Feature)(Cover story)
November 1, 2006... Auckland is one step closer to offering a viable alternative to Peter Jackson's 'Wellywood' empire with the news that a long-awaited upgrade to the Henderson Valley Studios will commence next month. In 2005 the New Zealand industry,...

Listings.(Production Report)
November 1, 2006... EVERY MONTH ENCORE's production report includes all known features and televison drama and factual programs that have a network presale. Projects in the planning stage appear once only and the listing ends when a project goes into post...

Ambience launches its 3D series 'ErkyPerky'.(People)
November 1, 2006... [WHAT] Erky Perky Screening [WHEN] October 4, 2006 [WHERE] Chauvel Cinema, Sydney PHOTOS: EDWEANA WENKART.

'Nerves of Steel' documentary screening.(People)
November 1, 2006... WHAT Nerves of Steel Parliamentary Screening WHEN October 10 2006 WHERE Parliament House, Canberra PHOTOS IRENE DOWDY. COPYRIGHT FILM AUSTRALIA.

Opportunity knocks: motivation down under; Industry insider Harvey Shore keeps his eyes peeled and his EARS close to the ground to report the latest goings on in the capricious world of television production.(Hearsay)
November 1, 2006... DR PHIL & SON JAY MCGRAW", SCREAMED THE headline on a poster seeking audiences in Australia recently. "Television Pilot Presentation filmed locally! US producer Alan Blassberg will be in attendance to facilitate." Phil McGraw, the...

Stop--biegel time ...(Outtakes)(Film festivals)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Oi vay. It's that time of year again. When we go all kosher and head to the Greater Union in Bondi Junction or the ACMI in Federation Square to catch the best of all films Jewish. Opening with the Australian premiere of Argentinean director...

'I'd like to thank anyone but Borat'.(Outtakes)(Kazakhstan lost nomination due to Sacha Baron Cohen's Borat)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... A record 61 countries are vying for this year's Academy Award for foreign-language film, including first-time contender Kazakhstan with its entry Nomad. Kazakhstani authorities, (particularly those in tourism) will no doubt be hoping for a...

Worth a mention ...(Outtakes)(ScreenSound Australia re-released colour feature film Jedda on DVD)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... In November 2004, ScreenSound Australia re-released Australia's first colour feature film, the iconic and critically acclaimed Jedda on DVD. Made in 1955 Jedda is the poignant story of an Aboriginal girl torn between her upbringing as a...

The production diary of Matty le marr: onwards and upwards ...(Outtakes)
November 1, 2006... Its dead great being a film maker. I can't even describe how on top of the world I am. So I've started production on the seven minute version of Alone and it feels just tray spesh. I just now it's gonna be magical and magnetic and...