Encore Magazine articles from September 2004

Encore Magazine archives from September 2004

Editor's note.(News)(Brief Article)(Editorial)
September 1, 2004... The production lull, which has affected all sectors of the industry, has also heralded a downturn in the amount of animated programming being produced locally. Australian animation companies have no option but to seek co-production arrangements...

AFI announces short, animation and doco noms.(News)(THE Australia Film Institute (AFI))(AFI Awards)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... THE Australia Film Institute (AFI) has announced nominations in the short film, short animation and documentary categories for the 2004 AFI Awards, to be held at Melbourne's Regent Theatre on October 29. The nominated non-feature films are:...

Oscar winners work on feature and short.(News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... ADAM Elliot and Melanie Coombs, the Melbourne-based writer/director and producer team responsible for the Academy Award-winning claymation Harvie Krumpet, have made the most of their Oscar win and are taking meetings with LA--based studios to...

PWC predicts growth in ads, new technology.(News)(PRICE Waterhouse Coopers' (PWC))(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... PRICE Waterhouse Coopers' (PWC) has predicted a media and entertainment industry growth rate of seven percent for the period 2004-2008 on the strength of a revitalised advertising sector and predicated on the industry's willingness to exploit...

'Papa' shoots in Qld.(Production)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... LA-based producer Thom Mount looks set to shoot the Ernest Hemingway biopic Papa in Queensland in October. Welsh actor Anthony Hopkins and Meg Ryan head the cast, with several key roles open to local actors. Brit Adrian Noble, former artistic...

Scottish play now film.(Production)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Director Geoffrey Wright is set to shoot his next feature Lady Macheth in Melbourne later this year. The film, which will be a contemporary take on the Shakespeare classic MacBeth, will star Sam Worthington with Victoria Hill playing the title...

'Proposition' for Qld.(Production)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Australian/UK co-production The Proposition will commence production in Queensland in October. Queenslander Chris Brown and Sydney-based Jackie O'Sullivan, with UK partners Cat Villiers and Chiara Menage, are producing The Proposition. The turn...

'Toddworld' comes to Syd.(Production)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Sydney-based independent animation studio Funnyazhell Animation is producing Toddworld, a 52 X 11-minute preschooler series Flash animation for the ABC and Discovery Kids. Funnyazhell director and series producer Stuart Cunningham (formerly of...

Seven OKs dramas.(Production)
September 1, 2004... The Seven Network has given the green light to two new dramas aimed at younger audiences; Burberry Productions' Last Man Standing and Home and Away spin off, Campus, Pre-production on both series will commence immediately. Campus is a...

'Weary' film in devt.(Production)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Screenwriter Mac Gudgeon is currently drafting a feature script on the life of decorated war veteran, Sir Edward "Weary" Dunlop, for producers Pattie and Dennis Wright. Pattie Wright first broached the idea of a film based on Dunlop's...

AFF launches film fund.(Production)(The Adelaide Film Festival (AFF))(Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund (AFFIF))(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Adelaide Film Festival (AFF) has backed nine projects as part of the SA Government's new Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund (AFFIF), an equity investment scheme of $1 million over two years. Festival director Katrina Sedgwick estimated...

Networks tune into telemovies: the networks are on the lookout for telemovies in a bid to create original programming, Fiona Williams reports.(News Analysis)
September 1, 2004... Australian features might be struggling to find an audience but the made-for TV movie doesn't seem to be having any such trouble, thanks very much. The ratings tell the story. The made-for-TV movies that have debuted on local screens...

MIPCOM 2004: this year Encore spoke to a selection of Australian production houses to find out exactly what they were taking to this year's television market MIPCOM, that runs from October 4-8 in cannes, France. Tracey Prisk reports.(Feature TV Market)
September 1, 2004... With attendance numbers for last year's MIPCOM high, this year will once again see Australians out in force. Moves by event organisers Reed Midem to reduce the cost of attending the market, effective this year, are expected to increase the...

Screen producers association of Australia--monthly update.
September 1, 2004... With the federal election announced for 9 October 2004, the industry must now organise to ensure the best outcome for all industry sectors and Australian audiences. Post the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA), there is no...

The plight of the industry.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2004... Dear Tracey, As a veteran of the film industry I am concerned at its demise. The film industry is in crisis, and has, in my opinion, been slowly dying since the stock market crash in '87. Seventeen years earlier I was extremely...

A new reality: AusFilm recruit enters the Hollywood fastlane.(LA Insider)
September 1, 2004... Having travelled to the United States many times over the last 10 years, I thought I was prepared for the move to Los Angeles where I take up the reigns from David Pratt as the Film Commissioner for Australia under the AusFILM banner. With...

On location.
September 1, 2004... On the trip from Brisbane airport to the set of Through My Eyes, my taxi driver making small talk asks what it's all about. A Seven Network mini-series on the Lindy Chamberlain story, I say. I should have known. The mere mention of her name...

Hollywood outgrossed by Marxist thesis.(Rough Cut)
September 1, 2004... The Russian Resurrection! film festival at the Chauvel, timed to coincide with Chekhov's 100th deathday, went well and proved that Russia's capacity for boneshaking cinema is undiminished--though their budgets are, a bit--by the acrimonious...

Animators seek joy through new division: local animation companies are looking at ways of increasing their output despite a depressed production environment. David Hull reports.(Feature Animation)(Cover Story)
September 1, 2004... George Miller's US-financed animated feature Happy Feet carries a budget in excess of $50 million but the local animation sector is floundering as the overall production spend languishes at near-record lows. Producers need greater support to...

'C' sells on which seashore? Geoff Watson* highlights the difficulties in producing quality kids' cartoons for Australian audiences.(Feature Animation)
September 1, 2004... It is simply not possible to make a quality kids' animated series with break-even finance solely out of Australia. Equally, as Australian producers it is a fair responsibility that we make animated programs for Australian kids with their...

Whitmore has head down in 'Safe House': Film Australia-funded animation the Safe House is being brought to life through a combination of meticulous oil painting and digital techniques. David Hull reports.(Feature Animation)
September 1, 2004... The Safe House is a labour of love for writer/director Lee Whitmore who is employing a hand-drawn method to tell an autobiographical story from her childhood. Produced as part of Film Australia's National Interest Program in partnership...

SBS on board for goth adventure 3D films director Anthony Lucas has furthered an innovative, silhouetted animation style to produce his most ambitious film yet. David Hull reports.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The success of Anthony Lucas's short film Holding Your Breath (accepted into the Official Selection at Cannes in 2002) whet his appetite for digital animation and helped generate finance for his latest, longer project The Mysterious Geographic...

Feature goal for 'Birthday boy' Park: the creator of the successful animated short Birthday Boy is focused on combining storytelling with digital techniques. David Hull reports.(Animation)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Writer/director Sejong Park hopes to follow up his successful 3D short Birthday Boy--based mostly on his childhood experience--with another animated story "about the past". Park told Encore his next project, which would not be specifically...

Foxtel enlists clay volunteers for games.(Animation)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Animax Films animation director Damien Lay created the claymated husband and wife characters employed by Foxtel during the Athens Olympic games. Having previously produced two versions of the short Bob and Ed for The Comedy Channel. Lay...

SPAA proposes industry fix-it: the sunny queensland setting offset the doom and gloom beginnings of SPAA 2004, Tracey Prisk and Fiona Williams report.(SPAA)
September 1, 2004... Inspiration and aspiration--and occasional shades of desperation--were the order of the day at the 2004 Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA) annual conference, as producers grappled with ways to steer the industry out of its current...

SPAA 2004 quotable quotes.(SPAA)
September 1, 2004... "I know I promised I wasn't going to give any direct advice to you but I have to say I've seen a few Australian movies recently that could have perhaps benefited by having a manifesto of some kind included in their production. It helps to give...

Caton's star turn recognised at AIMC.(Movie Convention)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Actor and television presenter Michael Caton was named the Australian Star of the Year for his work in Becker's Strange Bedfellows at the Australian International Movie Convention (AIMC), which was held from August 10 to 13 on Queensland's Gold...

'Shrek 2' tops AIMC BO awards.(Movie Convention)(Australian International Movie Convention )
September 1, 2004... The 2004 Australian International Movie Convention closed on August 13 with the Australian Box Office Achievement Awards, which recognise the 23 films that have topped $10 million in box office takings over the past year. UIP's Shrek 2 was...

Digital cinema still far on the horizon.(Movie Convention)
September 1, 2004... A mid confusion as to who would foot the bill for digital film projection it seems the widespread adoption of the technology by Australian cinemas could be at least five years away, according to representatives of the local cinema industry...

PROMAX & BDA introduction.(Promax & BDA ANZ 2004 Conference)
September 1, 2004... PROMAX & BDA is the world's foremost organization working on behalf of those involved in the promotion, marketing, and design of all electronic media. We represent more than 6,000 member companies and individuals in over 60 countries. ...

The art of persuasion.(Promax & BDA ANZ 2004 Conference)
September 1, 2004... This year's jammed packed conference and Award Show returns to the inspirational Art Gallery of NSW and promises to be even better, with more sessions and training workshops planned. Register now at www.promaxasia.tv and hear from hot...

Word from.(Promax & BDA ANZ 2004 Conference)
September 1, 2004... Dear Community, Once again I feel privileged to be part of the PROMAX & BDA organization and the organizing committee. Last years success was due to two factors, a dedicated committee who understood the needs of their staff and community...

Welcome note.(Promax & BDA ANZ 2004 Conference)
September 1, 2004... Dear Friends, Congratulations for another year of superb work in Australia/New Zealand. 2004 is winding up in a brilliant way for PROMAX and BDA members worldwide. Your work is meeting the ever-increasing challenges of the television...

Sessions.(Promax & BDA ANZ 2004 Conference)
September 1, 2004... What's in Your Digital Future: Patrick Delaney Today the international broadcasting community is undergoing a revolution in television content creation and transmission, brought about by a range of stunning digital technologies. Often the...

Speakers.(Promax & BDA ANZ 2004 Conference)
September 1, 2004... Patrick Delaney Patrick is Executive Director of Content, Product Development and Delivery at Foxtel. Until recently he was Project Director of Digital Foxtel Sydney and prior to this was Chief Executive Officer of XYZ Entertainment, the...

Session times.(Promax & BDA ANZ 2004 Conference)(Illustration)(Calendar)
September 1, 2004... FRIDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER, 2004 12:30-6:30pm Registrations (Arrivals--Domain Theatre Lobby TBC) 1:00-2:00pm Avid Editing 101 (Boardroom) 2:00-3:00pm Avid Advanced Editing Tips & Techniques (Boardroom) 3:15-4:15pm What's in Your...

Join now!(Promax & BDA ANZ 2004 Conference)
September 1, 2004... Companies and individuals in Australia & New Zealand are now invited to join PROMAX & BDA (or renew their memberships) and enjoy the many benefits that accompany membership. PROMAX & BDA--YOUR CREATIVE EDGE Our members--who include all...

Avid express studio.(Products)
September 1, 2004... The Avid Xpress Studio all-in-one production DV suite combines editing, audio, 3D animation, compositing, titling and DVD authoring capabilities, Features of the 'Complete' suite (which retails for $14,135) include the Digi 002, providing pro...

Electrophysics AstroScope 9323B.(Products)
September 1, 2004... Designed specifically for 2/3-inch B4 ENG cameras, the AstroScope 9323B Broadcast Night Vision Module amplifies low-light scenes while enabling the user to maintain control of the host lens iris and zoom. The new module incorporates Gen Ill...

Media 100 HD version 10.(Products)
September 1, 2004... Media 100's upgraded HD/SD editing system features a number of enhancements such as an extensible timeline featuring up to 99 video tracks; real time RGB colour correction, software codec with support for full motion alpha channels and advanced...

Maxon Cinema 4D version 9.(Products)
September 1, 2004... Launched at SIGGRAPH 2004, the latest Cinema 4D modelling and animation tool includes more than 100 new features at an entry-level price point for the core application with additional modules also on offer. The new features include a...

Apple final cut pro HD, Shake, Motion.(Products)
September 1, 2004... The FCP HD editing system offers users over 150 real-time-capable filters and transitions, support for real-time HD effects and up to seven simultaneous streams of fully uncompressed SD. Among the features are real-time colour correction and...

Production report.
September 1, 2004... ENCORE's production report includes all known features and television drama and non-drama television programs which have a network presale. Projects in the planning stage appear once only and the listing ends when a project goes into post...

Cinema.(International Box Office)(Illustration)
September 1, 2004... australian box office [week ending: august 25, 2004] This Last % week week Film (Distributor) Weeks Total $ Change 1 (-) Hellboy (Columbia TriStar) ...

DVD rentals.(International Box Office)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
September 1, 2004... DVD rentals [week ending: august 29, 2004] This Last Week Week Film (Distributor) 1 (1) Starsky & Hutch (Buena Vista) 2 (2) Mona Lisa Smile (Columbia TriStar) 3 (3) Secret Window...

Calendar.(Brief Article)(Calendar)
September 1, 2004... ASDA CONFERENCE 3-5 Sept, Sydney Info: www.asdafilm.org.au/ ATARI DIEGESIS FEST 3-8 Sept, Melbourne National student showcase of film, video, photography and digital media, celebrating its 10th anniversary at ACMI. ...

Video rentals.(International Box Office)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
September 1, 2004... Video rentals [week ending: august 29, 2004] This Last Film (Distributor) Week Week 1 (1) Starsky & Hutch (Buena Vista) 2 (2) Mona Lisa Smile (Columbia, TriStar) 3 (3) Secret Window...

Web guide.(Directory)
September 1, 2004... buy back film stock Steadi Systems Buy Back Film Stock www.ozbusiness.com/steadi casting consultants Maura Fay & Associates www.maurafay.com.au composers Art Phillips Music Design www.artphillips.com ...

People.
September 1, 2004... SOCIALISING AT SPAA THE SCREEN PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA CONFERENCE WOULDN'T BE COMPLETE WITHOUT A BIT OF SCHMOOZING. 1. (L-r): SPAA executive director Geoff Brown was one of the judges of the Showtime Talent Assist Scheme,...

Indies show resilence: well connected industry columnist Harvey Shore discovers how independent filmmakers are doing it for themselves.(Harvey's Hearsay)
September 1, 2004... Directors and auteurs gather in Sydney this month for the Australian Screen Directors Association conference, hot on the heels of last month's producer's conference on the Gold Coast. The talking point at both: the Australian Film Commission's...

SBS television moves to Final Cut Pro production.(Pro Link)
September 1, 2004... FORMAT: SD Television promos production is one of the most dynamic areas of broadcasting where graphics design, images and editing meet the real world pressures of daily deadlines and the need to present the networks' on-air look and feel....

Promoscape DVD production with DVD Studio Pro.(Pro Link)
September 1, 2004... FORMAT: SD, DVD Tony Laughton, owner of the Melbourne-based facility Promoscape, has worked extensively in production and editing for the broadcast and entertainment industry. Promoscape began life producing on air network promos, programs...

Drummond Design deliver creature features for discovery: G5 processing power, Xcode and Maya 3D software breathe new efficiencies into visual effects production.(Pro Link)
September 1, 2004... FORMAT: SD Matt Drummond and his team were not developing for the Mac platform when they started to create their own Jaguars and Tigers; rather they were completing exciting animations for the Discovery Channel's new series, Animal Face...

Apple provides backbone for leading VFX design.(Pro Link)
September 1, 2004... FORMAT: SD, HD Engine, the innovative Sydney-based design, animation and visual effects facility, has upgraded its Apple hardware and software over the last 18 months to provide high quality services. "We have made an extensive...

Digital Pictures artists lead with apple.(Pro Link)
September 1, 2004... FORMAT: QuickTime, DVD, SD, HD Digital Pictures (DP) Network is Australia's largest design, vfx post-production group that produces commercial, film, television, DVD, and web projects for a wide range of clients. With three facilities in...

Emerald city shines with designed imagery.(Pro Link)
September 1, 2004... FORMAT: SD, HD Emerald City Design heralds a more disciplined, educated and innovative approach to design-led solutions. It is this quality that endears them to top directors such as Richard Gibson, Kriv Strenders, Tracy Rowe, Rob Dupear,...

Apple video sings with Blackmagic.(Pro Link)
September 1, 2004... FORMAT: SD, HD Blackmagic Design's DeckLink range of 10-bit uncompressed video cards has made a big impact on the post-production world since their inception. A significant change from the previously highly expensive video cards,...

Painting ideas on the screen: Australian digital matte painters help filmmakers achieve the impossible.(Pro Link)
September 1, 2004... FORMAT: SD, HD The art of matte paintings started when visual effects artists decided to literally 'paint in' what couldn't be shot by a film's production team. They painstakingly laboured on large sheets of glass with oils and paint...

DV and desktop video empower creative productions.(Pro Link)
September 1, 2004... FORMAT: QuickTime, DV, SD, DVD A major component in the rapid adoption of desktop video production has been the development of the Digital Video (DV) format. While the Video 8 format pioneered the use of inexpensive prosumer cameras, DV...

Sophisticated audio tools for all tasks.(Pro Link)
September 1, 2004... FORMAT: QuickTime, Audio As the power of desktop video systems has expanded, so too have the range and abilities of audio software. And just like video, expensive and specialised audio hardware has given way to computer workstations,...

Apple announces new G5s, LCD monitors, motion and Tiger OS.(Pro Link)
September 1, 2004... Apple has released Motion, its realtime motion graphics application; previewed Mac OSX 10.4, Tiger, and announced new hardware designed to provide creative professionals with leading desktop performance. Motion Motion has quickly...