Subitted by Media Business School

Develop smart, inspiring and innovative marketing and distribution strategies for feature films.

The Media Business School (MBS) is delighted to announce the launch of calls for applications to participate in the 2012 edition of MD – Marketing & Distribution. Geared to experienced film industry professionals, MD is an intensive, project based programme focusing on the marketing and distribution of feature films, with digital media embedded as a cross-cutting theme throughout the course.

The five-day course will take place in Ronda (Spain) from 10th to 14th July 2012 and it is designed and delivered by leading European and US marketing and distribution professionals, from both the independent and studio distribution sector.

The Media Business School (MBS) is delighted to announce the launch of calls for applications to participate in the IMBS – International Markets Business School, a new training initiative focusing on international sales and distribution for entertainment industry professionals from Europe and Latin America.

The deadline for applications will be the 26^th of September 2011.

The IMBS will take place from the 27-29^th of October in Sao Paulo, during the Sao Paulo International Film Festival.  This intensive, 3-day, project based course, is organised by the MBS in collaboration with Cinema do Brasil and Universidade Lusofona, with the support of MEDIA Mundus, the Ibermedia Programme, ICAA (Spanish Ministry of Culture) and the São Paulo International Film Festival.

After the sold-out premier workshop in London, Sheffield Doc/Fest and the Scottish Documentary Institute are bringing Seize the Future to Edinburgh.

Sheffield Doc/Fest is now inviting applications for this special 2 -day Master Workshop on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th March 2011.

This course is designed for independent filmmakers and artists determined to get their work seen widely, create social impact, and earn a living in the digital age. 

Leading distribution strategist and President of Paradigm Consulting Peter Broderick, and Sandi DuBowski of Trembling Before G-d, A Jihad for Love, and Budrus and Outreach Director for The Good Pitch, will co-present this workshop.

The workshop will feature multi-media presentations, breakout groups, and interactive sessions. There will be networking opportunities during coffee breaks, lunch, and throughout the workshop. Everyone will have a chance to connect and lay the groundwork for future collaborations.

Step2TV has found another way to support emerging talent with the launch of Step2CreateTV – providing the best production opportunities to help new talent get creative, gain experience and support non-profit film incentives. Step2Create will work with the Media Trust to provide crew with production work with organisations and charities, where talented filmmakers can gain experience, contacts and the chance to work on professional productions.

As part of a Step2Create production you will gain a full credit, an addition to your film portfolio and a bio on the Step2Create website. Check out one of our recent productions here.

Media Trust work with media organisations and charities to enhance their communications. They also run the Community Channel highlighting issues from the community, voluntary and charitable sector, both locally and internationally.

Dates: July 6th - 10th, 2010 in Ronda, Spain / Deadline for applications: June 7th, 2010 

Marketing & Distribution (MD) is a five-day training programme focused on the marketing and distribution of theatrical feature films, organised by Media Business School and supported by the MEDIA Programme of the European Union.

From PR Rachel Devenport:

Elliot Grove, the founder of Raindance and the British Independent Film Awards is to be awarded an honorary doctorate on the 16th of July by Plymouth College of Art, member of the Open University, the largest university in the world.

Elliot created the Raindance Film Festival in 1992, and it is now recognised as the largest independent film festival in the UK (Guardian), and one of the leading festivals in the world (Variety and Screen International top 100 lists). The festival was set up to nurture and celebrate independent film from the UK and around the world, and holds one of the UK’s strongest distribution pick up rates for any film festival. He also set up the British Independent Film Awards, now in its 12^th year, the IPTV channel Raindance.TV and the Independent Film Trust, set up to support children from disadvantaged or disabled backgrounds communicate through filmmaking.

The Raindance Training programme has helped shape the view and delivery of film training throughout the UK, and has supported alumni from beginning filmmakers to Oscar ™ and British Academy winning figures. For this reason the Open University has decided to recognise his commitment to ‘Services to Education’.

To celebrate the doctorate, Plymouth College of Art and Raindance have announced an exciting series of events that will pave the way for the two to collaborate on a unique and ground-breaking film-making programme that will launch at the College in September 2010 through the joint development of a new foundation degree in independent filmmaking.

To provide key information and hands-on experience of directing drama for the screen. Students will gain an understanding of screen grammar and techniques for directing actors in the time frame of a shoot.

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Everyone wants to be a director. If you can create a 'look' for your film, your career will rocket. 

But why do so many British feature films, especially those by first-time directors, fail to achieve this important artistic success? When the technique needed for visually pleasing single-camera direction is so basic, why do so many directors fail to make the right choices? And when actors can add so much to a production, why don't directors take the time to ensure that their actors perform to the best of their abilities? 

This intensive seminar teaches you the secrets of maximising performance from the cast while realising the importance of the ultimate audience - the camera. Learn how to direct on-time and on-budget, get the results you want and keep the producers happy. Single camera shooting techniques are explored in depth. Students will be given a number of exercises to undertake, including the opportunity to participate in directing a short dramatic scene which will be critiqued by Patrick Tucker. 

Tucker illustrates his points throughout with handouts and examples from Film and Television. There will be practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises using a professional digital camera. 

Day One: The Grammar Of Directing

• Shooting techniques
• Roots and reasons for selecting a camera style
• The grammar of single camera placement
• Style: approaching the script in an individual way
• Shooting script: developing your visual shorthand
• Planning: reading and analysing the script
• Turning Points: finding the key dramatic moments
• Storyboarding versus the scene sheet
• Screen geometry and grammar
• The 'Line': what it is and how to avoid crossing it
• Lenses: eyelines, hitting the mark, blocking, the 'look'
• The frame: the 'hot' area, acting in the frame
• Long, medium and close-up acting

Day 2: Working With The Camera

• The Camera: the audience and camera movement
• Directing the actor's voice: creating screen intensity
• The Edit: shooting coverage, thinking in advance
• Shooting tips: save money and create a special 'look'
• Etiquette: organising the shoot and actors professionally
• Crew: maximising human resources
• The Showreel: a director's resume
• Video Clips: examples of good and bad directing
• Directing Actors: communicate effectively with talent
• Career opportunities
• Picture composition
• High definition video

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From Carolyn Atherton at the London Film School:

Applications are now open for the following workshops at the London Film School. The courses will be running primarily as part of FAST FORWARD - the School's new professional upgrade programme for film and TV professionals looking to move up a level in their craft area or sidestep into a new one (more info at www.lfs.org.uk). As a result places are very limited and those interested  are advised to submit their applications as soon as possible.

From Alison Sterling @ Brief Encounters:

Encounters Short Films Festival presents Encounters Film School: the Final Edit

Up your skills levels and get some great insights from top industry professionals (Paddy Considine, Anna Pangborn, Eddie Hamilton) when you sign up for the Encounters Film School.