Here in the office we’re celebrating the success of our latest release, Kiss the Water. Hailed variously as ‘a must-see for any angler’, ‘cinematic magic’ and more esoterically ‘like dreaming and eating dessert at the same time’ by well known fisherman Jerry Seinfeld, it’s still available to book on DCP, Blu-ray or DVD. Fishing is the biggest participation sport in the UK. Fact.
We’re also taking bookings on BAFTA Shorts 2014, a feature-length programme of BAFTA-nominated shorts. Maxine Peake and Mackenzie Crook are among the actors featured in this superb programme, which comprises live action and animation, and represents an excellent way for you to a) support young British filmmaking talent and b) develop your audience for short films.
News & opportunities
- The UK box office is worth 1bn for the third year running, according to @BFI stats released this week.
- @Film_London has launched a funding scheme to boost community cinema. If you’re a London-based exhibitor looking to start or grow a local film club or event, don’t forget to apply – the deadline is 21 Feb.
- Creative Europe has opened its first calls for proposals – apply for funding for audience development, film literacy and film festival support.
- Our release, Carlos Reygadas’ Post Tenebras Lux wins the Heterodox prize in the 2014 @cinemaeyehonors awards!
- Plans are hotting up for @Scalarama 2014 – keep an eye on their Twitter to stay informed.
Calls for submissions
- Film and video artists – responses to COBRA 1.3 are being sought. Submit a film or video work of art between 1-9 mins long by 7 Feb 2014 and your piece will be included in a resulting DVD of artists’ moving image work.
- A really exciting opportunity – @Artangel has issued an open call for UK-based artists to submit “bold site-specific proposals that will transform the UKs cultural landscape”. Deadline 28 Feb.
- Filmmakers, a great brief: submit shorts responding to the Imperial War Museum’s collections on war and conflict for their Short Film Festival (deadline 31 July).
- @SensoriaFest, the film, music and digital festival is also looking for submissions – in particular of fiction features or short films with an innovative soundtrack/score, music docs, music-related biopics and music videos. Deadline: 5pm 28 Feb.
- The submissions deadlines for @edfilmfest are fast approaching – regular deadline 4 Feb, latecomers 18 Feb. They’re also looking for volunteers…
- Can you captivate an audience for 10 seconds? 9:88 Films’ 10 second film challenge needs your shortest shorts.
- @SheffieldFringe is calling for artists’ moving image submissions, deadline midnight Sun 16 Feb.
- Need film festival experience? @UKgreenfilms is looking for festival volunteers – see our jobs page.
Good things
- The Cinema Theatre Association’s new website will bring joy to cinema-lovers everywhere – and has an important list of cinemas at risk. If you sign up for their emails they’ll keep you updated on all things cinema, such as stories like this.
- Help @tynesidecinema build a new screen, video art gallery and cafe bar by donating to their fundraising page.
- An inspiring resolution from @BirdsEyeViewFF – worth a read, especially given recent stats like these (via @Screendaily).
- Since its release, 12 Years A Slave has variously: stormed the UK box office, been garlanded with praise, won Best Picture at the Golden Globe and is nominated for the Oscars. Read more about the incredible life of Solomon Northup here (via @TelegraphFilm).
- And finally some handy tips for filmmakers trying to attract press attention… it’s like dating, apparently.