More info on FFresh see link below
http://ffresh.com/en/2013/01/25/ffresh-2013-trailer/
How to get ahead in TV
Speakers were Eryl Philips (producer from Ronda media and the Gospel of Us). Laura Cotton (script and development editor of Becoming Human ) and Nick Goding (producer of Shamless, Trollied)
The change in media was brought up and the example in explanation was how quickly it has changed. Years ago programs were more able to control their revenue, getting money back by programs that were made, whereas nowadays, with the advance in technology, it is so easy to tape a TV program or in various ways put it up on Youtube for viewers to watch; or to simply watch via the internet from different sources where the customer doesn't have to necessarily have to subscribe to a channel. The other point made was that anyone can be a film director or program maker by simply taping things on compatible media and also up loading it to Youtube.
Other comments were that as employees it is easier to see work that individuals have done by means of being able to use the modern technology and to transfer it on to a format that is visible. This shows the prospective employer so much more than just on paper form - even Youtube and twitter can be a platform to a job in some cases.
A good point was made in the comment that we as consumers get to demand in some ways what we watch. The likes of reality shows such as The X Factor, Britons Got talent etc. to name a few, have been in one respect, finding such great raw talent and then spring boarding them to fame and celebrity. The down side is that it can also break a person - the overwhelming change becomes too much and the demands on them. The other down side mentioned was it can be cheaper to make these programs than it would be to make a good drama and pay actors and actresses. Will our demands slowly kill off jobs and good British dramas? Time will tell. I for one have seen quite a few new drama's appearing on TV - some of which are in their second series and others more than that!
Each of the speakers then gave us a run down of their background history and how they came to where they are now.The conversation then moved onto what makes a good director and other topics. Such as how being able to multitask can also help you enter the field that you would like to work in and insight into what people are looking for in auditions in theater and film. The top tip was understand the words in front of you, understand them as to also why they are being said. Understand the script that you are being asked to deliver. Research is also essential - become the character. There was also just enough time to take questions from the floor.
This was a very educational insight into the industry and on modern technology.
Chris Auty Masterclass
What is a producer?
There are so many titles attached to this name such as live producer, associate producer, executive producer and producer. A producer finances the film and without this money the films we see may never have reached our screens. The thing that sets them apart from the other producers is being able to get more involved with differing aspects such as being involved with the script, with the different directors, casting, post production and editing.
In being a producer you don't always make a vast income and it also requires a mental toughness.Times have changed in the industry over the years and there are many strong women within these roles.
Why be a producer?
This can be a very lonely job.Sometimes producers can be extremely involved to the point that their mind set is such that the film belongs to them. Chris goes on to give us an example of somebody he knows. Everyone as well as the director is seen as a hired help, he decided where to put the camera, where the shot was to be taken from and if the director could not cope with these demands he would then search for another one!
Jeremy Thomas was one of the great producers of the last 30 years, Chris was lucky enough to be taught by him. Jeremy produced a film called The Last Empire which was very expensive at the time.Chris then gives us some background about his mentor and the film,which went on to be awarded 9 Oscars and grossed a great return!
It can have many other rewards such as when filming abroad on location and how the locals engage in what is going on.
How to become a producer and many other funny tales were told in the last approx 15 mins.
I enjoyed this talk and came away with much knowledge due to the laid back way with true stories that Chris spoke about. There were no images or any thing else in this talk but to me that didn't matter - I found it very engaging.
The British Guide to Documentary Film-making
Jes Benstock started off by telling us a little about his history and how he left film school in 1990 and made his first film in 2011. Jes likes to pitch ideas to people "Orders of Love" was approached as a short comedy film about mental health and suicides within his own family history. "Holocaust Tourist" is also approached with a slightly black humour to it. The word comedy doesn't seen fitting to this topic, but it was also described as being tackled as an "expensive" humour not a "cheap" one. I found this difficult to understand because to me finding humour in this situation was not for me - perhaps as he is Jewish he felt justified in making visual jokes? As Jes is passionate about what he produces especially when tackling with such serious issues, please take a look and make up your own mind. These short films first exposed his work to others and started to get his name in the industry.
Holocost Tourist
The British Guide to Showing Off - which came out in Aug 2011 and then on DVD in 2012, was first described as a feature doc. and a light comedy which has a message to share about being free at whatever the cost. Jes gave us an insight into some of the individuals and the dynamics of the families of some people. We then watched a 15 to 20 mins extract from the doc. which was a great insight.
It was also discussed that the people in the films are not actors and some were quite shy whereas the other trouble was that some also put on a persona for the camera !There were lots of hints and tips on how best to direct and make the person's character come across on screen and where to place the camera for best results and for the viewer to connect to them.
I really enjoyed this talk because it was delivered with such passion and enthusiasm. The information was very informative and gave us a great roller-coaster ride of serious issues and laughs. What a guy! Thanks Jes .
