VUE goes Indie, BBC Open Call, 7 members want scripts
Industry Alert by CenterFrame | November 26th, 2024
Your bi-weekly roundup of essential news, events, deadlines, and opportunities for writers, directors, and producers.
On this edition:
- News: VUE to distribute indies, and a unique showcase for shorts
- Deadlines: Manchester, BBC Open Call and San Luis Obispo (US)
- Workshops: Make A Scene, Directing Actors, and MIDPOINT
- Funding: Uncertain Kingdom, Genera
- Cinema: Queen's Film Theatre - Belfast
- Networking: Focus London, Shorts 2 Features, BTAs Leeds
- Behind the Scenes: Gladiator won an Oscar without a script
- Looking For: Seven filmmakers looking for screenplays
Are you looking for great short scripts?
If you're a director or producer looking for great short scripts to make, tell us what you're looking for, and we'll post it in our LOOKING FOR section at the bottom of this email. Be sure to send us a link to your CenterFrame profile.
Latest News:
VUE Cinemas launches distribution for indie films in UK
Vue Cinemas launches Vue Lumière, a UK-Ireland distribution company focusing on arthouse, foreign-language, and British independent films.
What the new budget means for British Film
The Autumn Budget holds intriguing possibilities for the UK screen industry. Giles Winn brings key takeaways and what they mean for productions and their workforce in the coming years.
Do ‘Netflix Approved’ cameras still matter?
Netflix's slow updates to its approved camera list frustrate filmmakers, as new, advanced options outpace the aging standards. Are they finally changing their tune as they emphasise lower budgets for upcoming productions?
A unique showcase for short films launches
On November 19th, the first CenterFrame Industry Showcase launched to a roaring success and connected outstanding filmmakers with top UK industry leaders, including BBC Studios, Searchlight Pictures, Fremantle and Wychwood Media.
Share your Industry News with us!
Deadlines:
Imminent Deadlines
Manchester Film Festival
(All Filmmakers)
The Manchester Film Festival is a BIFA-qualifying, ten-day event celebrating indie cinema with screenings, networking, panels, and awards.
Final Deadline: 29. Nov, 2024
Submit your project - PAY
BBC Writersroom Open Call
(Writers, Writer/Directors)
The BBC Writersroom's Open Call invites UK-based writers to submit original drama or comedy-drama scripts for potential development and production opportunities.
Open Call Ends: 3. Dec, 2024
Submit your project - FREE
San Luis Obispo International Film Festival
(All Filmmakers)
The Academy Qualifying San Luis Obispo International Film Festival, held April 24-29, 2025, will attract stars and industry pros and is celebrated for its warm hospitality and unique programming.
Extended Deadline: 30. Nov, 2024
Submit your project - PAY
Workshop Deadlines
Make A Scene
(Writers, Writer/Directors)
Need help perfecting a scene? Submit your script with some added context, and Luke will help you workshop it to make it tighter, punchier, and more compelling.
Session Date: 4. Dec, 2024 - 19:00 UK time
Join the session - FREE
Working with Actors: Getting the Right Performance
(Directors)
The London Film School offers a five-day workshop led by Udayan Prasad (My Son The Fanatic, Yellow Handkerchief), focusing on enhancing directors' skills in collaborating with actors.
Deadline: 6. Dec, 2024
Join the Workshop - PAY
MIDPOINT Series Launch 2025
(Writers, Producers)
It is a residential, project-based program for emerging and mid-career creative teams from Central and Eastern Europe, open to voices from all over Europe and beyond.
Deadline: 2. Dec, 2024
Join the Workshop - PAY
Funding Deadlines
The Uncertain Kingdom Feature Development Fund
(Producers+Writer)
The Uncertain Kingdom supports British filmmakers with a proven track record by funding original, ambitious projects with commercial potential, offering up to £60,000 per round biannually.
Deadline: 30. Nov, 2024
Learn More - FREE
Genera Film Fund
(Writers, Directors, Producers)
Genera Films provides funding, mentorship, and resources for indie filmmakers across all production stages, emphasizing diversity and innovation in storytelling.
Final Deadline: 1. Jan, 2025
Learn More - PAY
Hollywood Deadlines
The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards
(All Filmmakers)
The BlackList awards one emerging screenwriter an all-expenses-paid trip to Sundance Film Festival with producer Cassian Elwes to promote new indie cinema talent.
Deadline: 12. Dec, 2024
Learn More - FREE
British Indie Cinema Spotlight:
Queen's Film Theatre - Belfast
Queen's Film Theatre (QFT) has showcased independent, international, and cult cinema to Northern Ireland audiences since its opening in October 1968. To commemorate its 50th anniversary, QFT launched a digitised brochure archive, preserving its rich cultural heritage with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Networking Opportunities:
Focus London
(All Filmmakers)
FOCUS is an annual international event in London each December, connecting the production community with networking, panels, and showcases from over 100 countries.
Event Dates: 10-11. Dec, 2024
Register Here - FREE
Shorts 2 Features Xmas Networking Special
(All Filmmakers)
Join Shorts 2 Features for a drink and a chat before the Xmas festivities in London.
Event Date: 9. Dec, 2024, 6:30pm
Register Here - FREE
Breakthrough Talent Awards 2024 (BTAs)
(All Filmmakers)
The Breakthrough Talent Awards 2024 (BTAs) is an event celebrating emerging professionals in production sectors such as live events, film, music, and TV, offering networking opportunities, industry insights, and recognition for outstanding achievements.
Event Date: 27. Nov, 2024
Attend Here - TICKETED
Send us your networking events
Behind The Scenes:
How Gladiator won best picture without a script
When Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" began production, it lacked a completed script. Despite this, Scott and star Russell Crowe believed in its potential. Youtube channel NERDSTALGIC delves deeper into the chaotic writing process that ultimately helped it win Best Picture.
Looking For :
Below you will find a list of filmmakers who are actively looking for scripts. You must be a registered member to view their profile. We recommend you create a project on CenterFrame and send it to the members via our Messenger.
TOMAS FLECK (Director) - Netflix, Globoplay
I'm based in Sao Paolo, Brazil, and I'm looking for short and feature narrative films that tell good stories with interesting characters. I love any genre.
MARA CRACALEANU (Producer) - Torino FF, BFI Flare
I'm based in London, and I'm looking for compelling, character-driven scripts across genres such as drama, psychological thriller, true-crime, psychological horror, crime drama, neo-noir, mystery, and coming-of-age.
KATE WILLIS (Director)
I'm based in London, and I'm looking for a dark comedy or sci-fi short script, similar to either Trainspotting or anything a bit that has dystopian/1984 vibes.
OLIVER KENDALL (Producer) - BFI London FF
I'm based in Bristol and I'm looking for horror/thriller and comedy short film scripts. I’m particularly interested in fresh twists or a unique concept to differentiate itself from common tropes, whether in horror, drawing on an unsettling idea or in comedy a strong, original premise—an everyday situation with a surprising twist or an absurd scenario with a relatable core.
ANDREW LAURICH (Director) - Sundance, SXSW, Vimeo Staff Pick
I'm based in L.A. and I'm looking for dark comedy short film scripts.
ANNA SHAVERDASHVILI (Producer) - Montreal Int'l FF, Paris Short FF.
I'm based in Tunbridge Wells, UK, and I'm looking for short film scripts in the emotional drama genre, especially those exploring authentic, personal relationships. If your story focuses on raw, intimate moments that tackle complex human conditions, I’d love to read it.
KACEY OLIVER COX (Director/Producer) - FantaSci Festival
I'm based in Toronto, CA and I'm looking for sci-fi short films.
Best practice is to check out the member's profile and send them a link to your CenterFrame project via our Messenger.
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