Barbara Connell.
Barbara Connell starts at Screenwest today as drama development manager, responsible for the delivery and management of the agency’s drama development programs including the assessment and selection processes of these funding initiatives for all platforms.
In effect she takes over from Ross Grayson Bell who departed as Screenwest scripted executive in June after one year in the post.
Connell joins from Demand Film where she was chief operating officer and director, development, in charge of early acquisition of narrative features and feature documentaries and working with filmmakers to develop and deliver finished products for theatrical distribution in multiple territories.
Screenwest’s head of screen investment and strategic projects Matthew Horrocks said: “Barbara has an uncommon mix of experience. Having a development manager who has also run her own distribution company will be a major asset for Screenwest.”
Connell added: “I’m looking forward to working with filmmakers...
Barbara Connell starts at Screenwest today as drama development manager, responsible for the delivery and management of the agency’s drama development programs including the assessment and selection processes of these funding initiatives for all platforms.
In effect she takes over from Ross Grayson Bell who departed as Screenwest scripted executive in June after one year in the post.
Connell joins from Demand Film where she was chief operating officer and director, development, in charge of early acquisition of narrative features and feature documentaries and working with filmmakers to develop and deliver finished products for theatrical distribution in multiple territories.
Screenwest’s head of screen investment and strategic projects Matthew Horrocks said: “Barbara has an uncommon mix of experience. Having a development manager who has also run her own distribution company will be a major asset for Screenwest.”
Connell added: “I’m looking forward to working with filmmakers...
- 11/24/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Seph McKenna.
Screenwest CEO Seph McKenna has departed the organisation just nine months into his five year term.
The reasons for McKenna’s departure are currently unclear, with Screenwest’s press statement simply saying: “Screenwest and Mr Seph McKenna have parted ways, effective immediately”.
Chair Janelle Marr said: “The board thanks Mr McKenna for his contribution to Screenwest during his time with the organisation, and wish him well for his next endeavours.”
The Screenwest board is commencing an immediate recruitment search to replace McKenna, with former board chair Peter Rowe to provide interim support. The organisation has advised that all funding rounds will continue as scheduled.
McKenna joined Screenwest in December last year from Roadshow, where he was the head of Australian production.
In July 2017, Screenwest transitioned from a government agency into an independent non-profit organisation, though continues receive funds from the Western Australian government and Lotterywest. Earlier this year,...
Screenwest CEO Seph McKenna has departed the organisation just nine months into his five year term.
The reasons for McKenna’s departure are currently unclear, with Screenwest’s press statement simply saying: “Screenwest and Mr Seph McKenna have parted ways, effective immediately”.
Chair Janelle Marr said: “The board thanks Mr McKenna for his contribution to Screenwest during his time with the organisation, and wish him well for his next endeavours.”
The Screenwest board is commencing an immediate recruitment search to replace McKenna, with former board chair Peter Rowe to provide interim support. The organisation has advised that all funding rounds will continue as scheduled.
McKenna joined Screenwest in December last year from Roadshow, where he was the head of Australian production.
In July 2017, Screenwest transitioned from a government agency into an independent non-profit organisation, though continues receive funds from the Western Australian government and Lotterywest. Earlier this year,...
- 9/10/2018
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
UK producer Kevin Loader joins comedy drama B Model, to be directed by actor Rachel Griffiths.
Now that it is likely to be set up as a UK/Australian co-production, prolific UK producer Kevin Loader (In the Loop, Hyde Park on Hudson, Le Week-End) has become part of the team behind the comedy drama B Model, to be directed by actor Rachel Griffiths.
Griffiths has directed two shorts, Roundabout and Tulip and this will be her first feature – providing the money can be raised.
Australian producer Louise Smith was reluctant to provide details of the project precisely because it is yet to be financed. The current draft of the script is being written by Samantha Stauss, co-creator of the series Dance Academy.
B Model is included in a list of 18 features that Screen Australia has injected a total of Us$500,000 worth of development money into in the last four months.
One of the...
Now that it is likely to be set up as a UK/Australian co-production, prolific UK producer Kevin Loader (In the Loop, Hyde Park on Hudson, Le Week-End) has become part of the team behind the comedy drama B Model, to be directed by actor Rachel Griffiths.
Griffiths has directed two shorts, Roundabout and Tulip and this will be her first feature – providing the money can be raised.
Australian producer Louise Smith was reluctant to provide details of the project precisely because it is yet to be financed. The current draft of the script is being written by Samantha Stauss, co-creator of the series Dance Academy.
B Model is included in a list of 18 features that Screen Australia has injected a total of Us$500,000 worth of development money into in the last four months.
One of the...
- 7/23/2014
- by Sandy.George@me.com (Sandy George)
- ScreenDaily
Screen Australia today announced nearly $535,000 in development funding for 18 features including projects set in Canada, inner-city Berlin, Mexico City, Vietnam, the Middle East and medieval England.
The genres range from family and musical to comedy, drama, thriller, sci-fi and action. The funding will support eight new projects as well as further assistance for 10 titles.
Through its Talent Escalator programs, the agency is placing three producers in professional posts to improve their direct industry experience and supporting short film director Nicholas Verso in the next stage of his professional development.
Screen Australia.s Head of Production Sally Caplan said, .In this round it is encouraging to see such a great range of Australian stories receive support from filmmakers at different levels, some with international creative partners and several with international focus.
"We are also pleased to be able to support emerging local talent with international placements that will increase our industry...
The genres range from family and musical to comedy, drama, thriller, sci-fi and action. The funding will support eight new projects as well as further assistance for 10 titles.
Through its Talent Escalator programs, the agency is placing three producers in professional posts to improve their direct industry experience and supporting short film director Nicholas Verso in the next stage of his professional development.
Screen Australia.s Head of Production Sally Caplan said, .In this round it is encouraging to see such a great range of Australian stories receive support from filmmakers at different levels, some with international creative partners and several with international focus.
"We are also pleased to be able to support emerging local talent with international placements that will increase our industry...
- 7/22/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Megan Simpson Huberman has agreed to direct Salvation Creek, an Australian movie about a high-flying magazine editor whose husband and brother die within three days of each other.
The producer is Heather Ogilvie, CEO of Galvanized Film Group, who collaborated with the director on her two previous features, Alex (1992) and Dating the Enemy (1996).
Ross Grayson Bell is writing the screenplay based on the novel by Susan Duncan, which has sold more than 250,000 copies. The narrative follows the grief-stricken protagonist as she throws in her city job and buys a rundown shack on Sydney.s Pittwater, where she finds friendship, love and a new life.
Ogilvie optioned the book in 2010 and has developed the project with the support of Screen Australia and Screen Nsw. Grayson Bell is working on the third draft and shooting is planned for mid-.2014.
The producer has an in-principle agreement for Australian distribution with Paramount Pictures. MD Mike Selwyn.
The producer is Heather Ogilvie, CEO of Galvanized Film Group, who collaborated with the director on her two previous features, Alex (1992) and Dating the Enemy (1996).
Ross Grayson Bell is writing the screenplay based on the novel by Susan Duncan, which has sold more than 250,000 copies. The narrative follows the grief-stricken protagonist as she throws in her city job and buys a rundown shack on Sydney.s Pittwater, where she finds friendship, love and a new life.
Ogilvie optioned the book in 2010 and has developed the project with the support of Screen Australia and Screen Nsw. Grayson Bell is working on the third draft and shooting is planned for mid-.2014.
The producer has an in-principle agreement for Australian distribution with Paramount Pictures. MD Mike Selwyn.
- 8/20/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
The number of Australian film projects that are adaptations . that is, based on an existing novel, short story, stage play, musical or some other creative work . is declining, according to Screen Australia. Only 38 of the 200 Australian films produced between 1999 and 2008 were adaptations . compare that 19 per cent figure to the 1920s, when one-third of all Australian films were based on existing works.
And compare that figure to the current rate of adaptation in the Us where 50 per cent of all films are adaptations, and they account for 60-70 per cent of the box office take each year.
Why are adaptations important? The Australian Film Television and Radio school.s head of screenwriting, Ross Grayson Bell, believes these sorts of projects are vital for Australian producers. "Adaptations get better funding, and they do better at the box office," he says.
But Bell is concerned that the Australian film industry hasn't made the...
And compare that figure to the current rate of adaptation in the Us where 50 per cent of all films are adaptations, and they account for 60-70 per cent of the box office take each year.
Why are adaptations important? The Australian Film Television and Radio school.s head of screenwriting, Ross Grayson Bell, believes these sorts of projects are vital for Australian producers. "Adaptations get better funding, and they do better at the box office," he says.
But Bell is concerned that the Australian film industry hasn't made the...
- 2/26/2013
- by Anthony Fordham
- IF.com.au
John Polson, Robert Connolly and Catriona McKenzie are among the filmmakers to receive development funding from Screen Australia, announced today.
The funding, worth $275,000 is for the development of 10 feature film projects.
Polson has received matched funding to develop his Sydney Project, a collection of short films in s similar vein to Paris Je T’aime and New York I Love You, while Robert Connolly will develop his film Paper Planes and Catriona McKenzie will work on new project One White Crow.
Writer John Ratchford will travel to London for a six month internship with Dominic Minghella, writer of Doc Martin and Robin Hood and Island Pictures.
Full List of Single-funded projects
Aussie Gals
Genre Comedy
Writer Josephine Emery
Synopsis Georgie and Kylie are sisters. When Georgie’s boyfriend cons her into pulling a job for him and the heat is on her, Kylie has to risk everything she has to...
The funding, worth $275,000 is for the development of 10 feature film projects.
Polson has received matched funding to develop his Sydney Project, a collection of short films in s similar vein to Paris Je T’aime and New York I Love You, while Robert Connolly will develop his film Paper Planes and Catriona McKenzie will work on new project One White Crow.
Writer John Ratchford will travel to London for a six month internship with Dominic Minghella, writer of Doc Martin and Robin Hood and Island Pictures.
Full List of Single-funded projects
Aussie Gals
Genre Comedy
Writer Josephine Emery
Synopsis Georgie and Kylie are sisters. When Georgie’s boyfriend cons her into pulling a job for him and the heat is on her, Kylie has to risk everything she has to...
- 1/25/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
Screen Australia has invested $275,000 in funding to support the development of 10 feature film projects, it was announced today.
The money will be used toward the development of films including a new feature from Balibo director Robert Connolly and John Polson's mysteriously titled 'Sydney Project.'
Connolly is attached to write, direct and co-produce Paper Planes, the story of a young boy with such a love flight, that he is compelled to compete in the world paper plane championships.
Details surrounding Tropfest creator John Polson's Sydney project are few. When announced last June, it was said to be a collection of 12 short films set in each month of the year that paid tribute to the city.
Other films that have received funding include Kingdom Come, an action thriller to be directed by Marc Furmie and One White Crow, from writer/director Catriona McKenzie.
Kingdom Come features an Australian Federal...
The money will be used toward the development of films including a new feature from Balibo director Robert Connolly and John Polson's mysteriously titled 'Sydney Project.'
Connolly is attached to write, direct and co-produce Paper Planes, the story of a young boy with such a love flight, that he is compelled to compete in the world paper plane championships.
Details surrounding Tropfest creator John Polson's Sydney project are few. When announced last June, it was said to be a collection of 12 short films set in each month of the year that paid tribute to the city.
Other films that have received funding include Kingdom Come, an action thriller to be directed by Marc Furmie and One White Crow, from writer/director Catriona McKenzie.
Kingdom Come features an Australian Federal...
- 1/25/2012
- by Amanda Diaz
- IF.com.au
While adaptations are popular in Hollywood . with franchises such as Harry Potter and The Twilight Saga constantly taking huge box office dollars . they aren.t so common in Australia. According to Matthew Hancock.s Mitigating Risk research paper (published in 2010 through Aftrs' Centre for Screen Business), of the 200 Australian dramas released between 1999 and 2008, only 38 were adaptations. This marks only 19 per cent . whereas in the Us about 70 per cent of Hollywood.s output were adaptations, while in the UK it was almost half. Screenwriter Ross Grayson Bell, best known for producing the adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk.s novel Fight Club, suggests this could be because of a financial barrier optioning books. Producers can option...
- 12/5/2011
- by Sam Dallas
- IF.com.au
There’s a decidedly oriental tinge to this year’s Gold Coast Film Festival. Jiang Wen’s extremely successful rice-noodle Chinese comedy western Let The Bullets Fly (which had its premiere at the Brisbane International Film Festival – read my review Here) has been chosen as the opening night film and there’s a ‘Cool Japan’ line-up which features the Australian premieres of Makoto Shinkai‘s (Voice of a Distant Star) exquisitely rendered anime Children Who Chase Lost Voices From Deep Below - a nostalgic and mystical adventure concerning family loss which firmly places the young director in a league with the laudable likes of manga masters Katsuhiro Ohtomo, Mamoru Oshii and Hayao Miyazaki. On the non-animated front we have the welcome return screenings of Anh Hung Tran‘s Sydney Film festival favourite Norweigan Wood and Takashi Miike‘s kinetic Seven Samurai throwback 13 Assassins. Two further manic manga adaptations, Shinsuke Sato...
- 11/21/2011
- by Oliver Pfeiffer
- Obsessed with Film
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