Following on from the success of their cultural surf film El Mar, Mi Alma, local filmmakers Tatiana Velasco and Stephen Jones will be meeting with a commissioning editor from SBS TV to discuss their new projects. This opportunity has been arranged through Screenworks as part of a one-day forum What the Markets Want on 20 July at Byron Bay Community Centre and includes guest speakers from ABC TV, SBS TV and Screen Australia.
Tatiana and Stephen have three new documentary projects they will be pitching to the visiting broadcasters and funding bodies with a view to getting investment and broadcast interest. ‘It can be really difficult getting meetings with broadcasters, especially as regional producers, yet their input and support is crucial to our projects’ success,’ explained Tatiana. ‘We really appreciate the opportunity that Screenworks has created.’
Screenworks’ What the Markets Want forum is open to all filmmakers, producers and film students. This is a targeted opportunity to find out what ABC TV and SBS TV are looking for, what programming opportunities exist and what are the industry trends. Screen Australia will talk about how to get funding and taking films to international markets. Participants will have the opportunity to pitch their projects to the executives in roundtable discussion groups.
‘We know it’s vital for content creators and producers in this region to meet with the screen industry’s key decision makers,’ explained Screenworks’ general manager Jill Moonie. ‘If our local content creators intend to develop material for national television, with international potential, it is crucial that they understand what the broadcasters are looking for.’
What the Markets Want is part of Screenworks’ THRIVE professional development program designed to assist northern rivers filmmakers build projects and careers. At this event, Screenworks will be announcing the details of the next part of the THRIVE program – which will include a one-day forum looking at how to develop screen products for the international market and a three-day intensive enabling nine selected production companies to work on the development of their projects, and business models and finance plans for national and international funding, supported by expert industry mentors and facilitators. Participation will be by application, which will open at the 20 July event.
What the Markets Want on 20 July from 9.30am to 3.30pm is in the SCU room at the Byron Bay Community Centre. Tickets are $60 / $35 for Screenworks members and are available from Screenworks www.screenworks.com.au or ph 02 6687 1599.
Tatiana and Stephen’s multi-award-winning cultural surf film El Mar, Mi Alma opens nationally on 12 August. For screening details visit www.elmarmialma.com.