Cannes, Frances, May 14, 2008 -- DreamWorks Animation kicked off the 61st annual Cannes Film Festival today with an outbreak of "Pandamonium," as Jack Black, star of DreamWorks Animation's upcoming June 6th release "Kung Fu Panda," arrived at the Carlton Hotel pier in style...emerging from a water taxi to be greeted on the pier by nearly 40 true-to-size Po-s—his on-screen persona and hero of the film's title.
]]>Black's arrival at the Carlton will serve as merely the beginning of the "Kung Fu Panda"-monium set to sweep Cannes, as the DreamWorks Animation release is slated for its worldwide premiere, screening out of competition tomorrow night, May 15th, at 7:30pm at the nexus of the Festival, the Palais. The pre-screening red carpet arrivals will spotlight Black and some of his "Kung Fu Panda" co-stars—Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie and Lucy Liu—along with KFP filmmakers—directors John Stevenson and Mark Osborne, producer Melissa Cobb, and screenwriters Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger—and DreamWorks Animation's Jeffrey Katzenberg, who will be joined by friends and some of the biggest celebrities in attendance at this year's Fest.
In addition to the coverage supplied by the throng of international journalists on hand at the Festival, the "Kung Fu Panda" appearances and activities will also be broadcast in real time to fans around the globe, thanks to satellite hookups beaming the Pandamonium worldwide...from China to Chicago and the Czech Republic!
Enthusiastic, big and a little clumsy, Po (Golden Globe nominee Jack Black) is the biggest fan of kung fu around...which doesn't exactly come in handy while working every day in his family's noodle shop. When he's unexpectedly chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy, Po's dreams become reality and he joins the world of kung fu to study alongside his idols, the legendary Furious Five: Tigress (Academy Award® winner Angelina Jolie); Crane (Emmy winner David Cross); Mantis (Emmy nominee Seth Rogen); Viper (Emmy/SAG nominee Lucy Liu); and Monkey (international superstar Jackie Chan) — under the leadership of their guru, Master Shifu (two-time Oscar® winner Dustin Hoffman). But before they know it, the vengeful and treacherous snow leopard Tai Lung (Emmy/Golden Globe winner Ian McShane) is headed their way, and it's up to Po to defend everyone from the oncoming threat. Can he turn his dreams of becoming a kung fu master into reality? Po puts his heart into the task, and the unlikely hero ultimately finds that his greatest weaknesses turn out to be his greatest strengths. The film opens nationwide in the US on June 6, 2008.
DreamWorks Animation SKG Presents "Kung Fu Panda," a Paramount Pictures release, featuring the voices of Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Ian McShane, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, Randall Duk Kim, James Hong, Michael Clarke Duncan and Dan Fogler. The film is directed by John Stevenson and Mark Osborne. The story is by Ethan Reiff & Cyrus Voris. The screenplay is by Jonathan Aibel & Glenn Berger. The producer is Melissa Cobb. The executive producer is Bill Damaschke. The co-producers are Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger. This film has been rated PG for sequences of martial arts action.
Deadline 10 June
Entries have opened for the ‘2008 Enhance TV ATOM awards’, Australia and New Zealand's most prestigious awards for achievements in Film, Television, Animation and Multimedia. Anyone who has produced a short film, documentary, animation, electronic game, educational resource, television program or innovative new media work is encouraged to enter their production in the ATOM awards, which celebrate and recognise excellence and achievement in these important media and will put their name up in lights. Entries for the‘2008 Enhance TV ATOM Awards’ close at 12pm AEST on Tuesday 10 June, 2008.
Entries have opened for the ‘2008 Enhance TV ATOM awards’, Australia and New Zealand's most prestigious awards for achievements in Film, Television, Animation and Multimedia. Anyone who has produced a short film, documentary, animation, electronic game, educational resource, television program or innovative new media work is encouraged to enter their production in the ATOM awards, which celebrate and recognise excellence and achievement in these important media and will put their name up in lights. Entries for the‘2008 Enhance TV ATOM Awards’ close at 12pm AEST on Tuesday 10 June, 2008.
For more information please visit: http://www.atomawards.org
5 to 9 November
‘Sheffield International Documentary Festival’has opened for film submissions.
The Festival, now in its fifteenth year, will run from 5-9 November 2008. To coincide with the result of the US Presidential Elections, the festival will present a number of films and panels around the theme of Regime Change. Other film strands this year will include Green Docs, Anti Docs, Bent Docs and Music Docs.
New this year we are welcoming ideas for the festival’s sessions programme content allowing everyone to input into the festival industry programme.
]]>New this year we are welcoming ideas for the festival’s sessions programme content allowing everyone to input into the festival industry programme.
Website: http://www.sheffdocfest.com
]]>‘The Portable Film Festival’ is an international festival of short film and
user created content. It works in the same way as other film festivals the
only difference is that it is delivered completely online and distributed through portable video devices such as iPods, mobile phones and laptops.
For details on how to submit visit the website: http://portablefilmfestival.com/howtosubmit.php
Deadline 30 May
]]>For details on how to submit visit the website: http://portablefilmfestival.com/howtosubmit.php
Deadline 30 May
]]>Arts Minister Rod Welford today welcomed the Nine Network's latest television drama, The Strip, to Queensland.
Mr Welford said the 13-episode drama series, from the producers of Wildside and East West 101, would be shot entirely on location on the Gold Coast from next week.
"Principal photography for the first episode of The Strip begins on Monday 19 May," Mr Welford said.
"Our Government's Pacific Film and Television Commission (PFTC) is providing production incentives to New Wave Entertainment, who will produce the series for the Nine Network.
]]>Mr Welford said the 13-episode drama series, from the producers of Wildside and East West 101, would be shot entirely on location on the Gold Coast from next week.
"Principal photography for the first episode of The Strip begins on Monday 19 May," Mr Welford said.
"Our Government's Pacific Film and Television Commission (PFTC) is providing production incentives to New Wave Entertainment, who will produce the series for the Nine Network.
"The series will centre on a criminal investigation squad as they expose organised crime amid the glitz and sleaze of the Gold Coast's glitter strip.
"The Strip will create jobs for 160 of Queensland's world-class crew, giving them the rare opportunity to gain experience on a major television series without leaving home.
"The production will generate around $9 million in economic activity.
"Naturally we're excited to get behind the Nine Network's next drama series, which comes hot on the heels of hit series Underbelly and the high-rating, Queensland-based production Sea Patrol."
Aaron Jeffery (McLeod's Daughters), Vanessa Gray (All Saints), Simone McAullay (Blue Heelers), and Bobby Morley (Home and Away) will star in The Strip, under the direction of Shawn Seet, Ken Cameron, Ian Barry and Garth Maxwell.
Mr Welford said The Strip was New Wave Entertainment's second filmmaking venture in Queensland.
"In 2006, the company worked on the WWE feature film The Condemned in the Sunshine State," he said.
"This new series is a significant addition to Queensland's impressive production slate for 2007-08, which totals $120 million and is made up primarily of locally-generated feature films.
"One such feature is Subdivision, from Brisbane-based Freshwater Pictures. Principal photography is now winding up after a six-week shoot on location at Hervey Bay."
Produced by Trish Lake (Gettin' Square) and Owen Johnston with Sue Brooks (Japanese Story, Sea Change) directing, Subdivision follows generational change in a small coastal community set amidst the volatile building industry.
Co-writer and radio host Ashley Bradnam makes his big screen debut in the film's lead role alongside veteran Australian actors Gary Sweet, Steve Bisley and Bruce Spence.
]]>Five years since the death of peace activist Rachel Corrie, My Name is Rachel Corrie makes its Australian debut on the Downstairs stage.
While volunteering with the International Solidarity Movement, Rachel Corrie was killed by an Israeli bulldozer while protesting the demolition of civilian homes in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. Within days of her death on 16 March 2003, the numerous vivid and expressive emails she had sent her family and friends, as well as many of her lifelong journal entries, were published, with the consent of her family, and Rachel Corrie was given new life.
]]>While volunteering with the International Solidarity Movement, Rachel Corrie was killed by an Israeli bulldozer while protesting the demolition of civilian homes in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. Within days of her death on 16 March 2003, the numerous vivid and expressive emails she had sent her family and friends, as well as many of her lifelong journal entries, were published, with the consent of her family, and Rachel Corrie was given new life.
Adapted for the stage in 2005 by actor Alan Rickman and journalist Katharine Viner for the Royal Court Theatre London, My Name is Rachel Corrie is the story of one woman’s journey in the global struggle for sense and justice.
Company B Box Office: (02) 9699 3444
http://www.belvoir.com.au/320_whatson_downstairs.php?production_id=212
]]>Learn from the best this Industry has to offer!
Auditions for the July 2008 Showreel Course are now open! This course has two intakes per year in July & January and the cost of the complete course, and showreel production is all inclusive.
Please ring Reka in the office on 9281 4484 should you wish to book an audition date.
The Screenwise 12 MONTH INTENSIVE SHOWREEL COURSE consists of:-
]]>Auditions for the July 2008 Showreel Course are now open! This course has two intakes per year in July & January and the cost of the complete course, and showreel production is all inclusive.
Please ring Reka in the office on 9281 4484 should you wish to book an audition date.
The Screenwise 12 MONTH INTENSIVE SHOWREEL COURSE consists of:-
Two classes per week, 3 to 4 hours each in duration over four 10 week terms. Students will cover all facets of film and television drama, sitcom, comedy, presenting, auditions, characterisation, and additional dialogue replacement (ADR). Entry is by audition only.
All Screenwise tutors contracted for this course are prominent industry working Actors, Directors and Casting Consultants and it is due to these tutor's and their industry expertise and authority, and the fact that Screenwise Students are exposed to them on an intimately regular basis providing rare networking opportunities, is the reason that Screenwise has become Australia's leading film and television school for actors.
]]>Darlinghurst's indie film night ‘Caught Short’ will screen ‘Accessible Shorts’ next week. This program of films is made by and with people with mixed abilities. Stories are about mental illness, children with autism and the Australian Blind Cricket Team's world cup quest in Pakistan. The filmmakers will also take part in Q&A’s.. The full program can be viewed at: www.filmcaughtshort.com
Screening will take place in the ground floor gallery. Please contact the gallery in advance if you have any specific access requirements 02 9361 0440.
Contact: Annie Ukleja
Phone: 9361 0440
Screening will take place in the ground floor gallery. Please contact the gallery in advance if you have any specific access requirements 02 9361 0440.
Contact: Annie Ukleja
Phone: 9361 0440
Email:
Website: http://www.filmcaughtshort.com
When: Thurs 1st May, bar open 7.30pm, screening 8pm.
Where: Tap Gallery, 278 Palmer St, Darlinghurst.
Crews of two or three are urgently needed to capture the magic of the upcoming Sydney Film Festival. We’re looking for presenters, camera operators and editors to conceive, present, capture and edit and upload podcasts before and during the festival. Apart from the general fame and joy that comes with this product, you’ll also receive tickets and credits. Please contact Mark Adnum as soon as possible if you are interested.
Contact: Mark Adnum, Website Co-ordinator Sydney Film Festival
Phone: 9318 0999 ext 3
Website: http://www.sydneyfilmfestival.org
When: 4 – 22 June
Contact: Mark Adnum, Website Co-ordinator Sydney Film Festival
Phone: 9318 0999 ext 3
Website: http://www.sydneyfilmfestival.org
When: 4 – 22 June
Address: Suite 102, 59 Marlborough St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Postal address: PO Box 96, Strawberry Hills NSW 2012
Join Meaningful Media and Melnitz Movies for a free sneak preview of the new Errol Morris documentary:
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
plus art show, guest speaker and a catered reception
Thursday, April 24th @ 7:30 PM
UCLA James Bridges Theater (1409 Melnitz Hall)
Free and open to the public.
Tickets will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
]]>STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
plus art show, guest speaker and a catered reception
Thursday, April 24th @ 7:30 PM
UCLA James Bridges Theater (1409 Melnitz Hall)
Free and open to the public.
Tickets will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE looks at how twelve photographs from Baghdad's Abu Ghraib prison changed the war in Iraq and changed America's image of itself. And yet, a central question remains. Did the notorious Abu Ghraib photographs constitute evidence of systematic torture and abuse by the American military, or were they documenting the aberrant behavior of a few "bad apples"?
Meaningful Media is a non-profit network providing resources to connect, inspire and empower those committed to changing our world through media. Meaningful Media and Melnitz Movies will periodically co-host a free screening, panel and reception for a prominent new film that addresses social issues across the globe.
Join us at www.meaningfulmedia.org
]]>Arts Minister Rod Welford will officially launch the 2008 Audi Festival of German Films at Palace Centro in Fortitude Valley tonight.
Mr Welford said the five-day festival, presented by the Goethe-Institut Australien, would kick-off with a screening of the highly-anticipated thriller, The Wave.
"This festival, 23-27 April, gives Brisbane film fans the opportunity to see the new wave of award-winning German films and casts a spotlight on the best of German film culture," Mr Welford said.
]]>Mr Welford said the five-day festival, presented by the Goethe-Institut Australien, would kick-off with a screening of the highly-anticipated thriller, The Wave.
"This festival, 23-27 April, gives Brisbane film fans the opportunity to see the new wave of award-winning German films and casts a spotlight on the best of German film culture," Mr Welford said.
"Contemporary German cinema is enjoying a strong period of growth and burgeoning international popularity, particularly after consecutive Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.
"Our Government, through the Pacific Film and Television Commission, is committed to developing a vibrant screen culture for Queensland audiences by supporting events like this festival.
"The impressive festival program is guaranteed to satisfy and challenge cinema enthusi asts, with 15 very different new films showing.
"I'm thrilled to welcome back this annual event as part of its national tour and for the first time this year, audiences will be able to vote for their favourite film of the festival."
Festival-goers can nominate their favourite film from the program as part of the inaugural Golden Gnome Awards. The program includes politically incorrect farce (Special Escort, Rabbit Without Ears), psychological thrillers (Duel In The Night, The Calling Game), gripping dramas (Border of Despair, Along Came the Tourists) and a family-friendly tale (Max Minsky and Me).
Opening night feature, The Wave, follows a German high school experiment on fascism which goes horribly wrong.
Oscar-winning wartime drama The Counterfeiters, which explores a series of moral and ethical dilemmas played out amidst social, political and historical forces, will be another festival highlight.
During the festival, audiences will also have the rare chance to engage in discussion forums with three special guests - German superstar actor Jurgen Vogel (who stars in six festival films), acclaimed German director Martin Gypkens (Nothing But Ghosts) and leading German film writer Anke Zindler.
For festival details and a full program, visit www.goethe.de/australia.
]]>Australia's foremost film festival for young people, Cine Sparks, returns in 2008 as part the St George Bank Brisbane International Film Festival (31 July-10 August).
Arts Minister Rod Welford said since its launch in 2005, Cine Sparks had attracted an audience of more than 16,000 students to its inspiring program of Australian and world cinema titles.
"Cine Sparks aims to transform cinema for young people from simply entertainment to a forum for learning and understanding," Mr Welford said.
]]>Arts Minister Rod Welford said since its launch in 2005, Cine Sparks had attracted an audience of more than 16,000 students to its inspiring program of Australian and world cinema titles.
"Cine Sparks aims to transform cinema for young people from simply entertainment to a forum for learning and understanding," Mr Welford said.
"The festival's successful schools program allows young people to expand their understanding and knowledge of new ideas, cultures and viewpoints through film and this remains the central feature of 2008 programming.
"Films have been selected from the Asia Pacific region, Europe and South America in a range of genres and themes.
"Special screenings will be held for student groups throughout the festival at The Regent and the Australian Cinematheque at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA). Family-friendly screenings will also take place at the weekends."
Mr Welford said film buffs from regional Queensland had the opportunity take part Cine Sparks through the Film Jury Competition.
"Open to all Queensland students aged 15 to 18, the four jurors selected to the panel will review films from the Cine Sparks festival and select their favourite for the prestigious Jury Awards ceremony," he said.
"Australian Teachers of Media Queensland sponsor two regional students to take part in the Cine Sparks youth jury. Past jurors have gone on to further studies in film media."
Griffith Film School will also run a series of master classes for students with a strong interest in cinema and film production as part of the festival.
The full Cine Sparks program, including session times, venue and booking information will be distributed to schools in June. For more information visit www.cinesparks.com.au or call (07) 3007 3003.
]]>In a national first, the Pacific Film and Television Commission (PFTC) will today sign a ground-breaking agreement with two Korean film agencies, marking an exciting new phase in international film collaboration between Queensland and the Republic of Korea.
The partnership places Queensland at the forefront of developing closer ties with a new force in the global film industry.
Minister for Trade John Mickel said the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was one element of a three-day Korean trade mission to Queensland.
]]>The partnership places Queensland at the forefront of developing closer ties with a new force in the global film industry.
Minister for Trade John Mickel said the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was one element of a three-day Korean trade mission to Queensland.
"The MoU will provide a strong platform from which to launch new and innovative film projects in cooperation with our friends in South Korea and will give rise to business opportunities and exchanges for our film industries and students.
"The new film MoU is a tribute to the closeness of the Queensland-Gyeonggi Province Sister State relationship, which marked its 10 year anniversary last year," Mr Mickel said.
"Governor Kim will also visit The University of Queensland today to observe an MoU signing between The University of Queensland's National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (EnTox) and the Gyeonggi Institute of Health and Environment (GIHE) to develop joint projects and scientific exchange in the area of environmental toxicology.
"Both of today's MoU signings complement the 2007-08 Gyeonggi Action Plan which specifies an objective to grow trade and investment between Queensland and Gyeonggi in four key sectors: creative industries; environmental management; infrastructure services; and education and training," Mr Mickel said.
PFTC Deputy Chair Jim Soorley will sign the historic film MoU with the President of the Gyeonggi Digital Contents Agency and Gyeonggi Film Commission at a ceremony in Parliament House, in the presence of Deputy Premier Paul Lucas, his Excellency Moon Soo Kim Governor of Gyeonggi Province and a representation from Queensland's leading film and production houses.
Arts Minister Rod Welford said the MoU would strengthen Queensland's sister-state agreement with the Provincial government of Gyeonggi in South Korea.
"This is the first formal partnership under the creative industries component of the sister-state action plan," Mr Welford said.
"The film MoU will deliver cultural, education and potential economic benefits to Queensland through increased Korean-Australian co-productions, a free-flow of technical personnel, academic exchange and access to new Korean cinema for our film festival programmers.
"Maintaining the success of Queensland's screen industry requires ongoing commitment and marketing creativity to stave off international competition.
"Queensland can now tap into burgeoning Asian film markets and generate significant commercial benefits for local companies engaged on Korean productions."
The MoU will facilitate closer ties between Queensland's Warner Roadshow Studios and Gyeonggi's proposed film cluster 'Cineopolis'. The Korean delegation will visit the Gold Coast's Studios facility tomorrow to discuss creative infrastructure benchmarks.
Under the MoU, Queensland film students can also work on Korean film sets and embark on study tours at the Gyeonggi Digital Contents Agency or the prestigious Korean Academy of Film Arts.
]]>ACTORS, HERE'S YOUR CHANCE...DON'T MISS OUT!
WOLVERINE CASTING DIRECTOR IN A 2 DAY ACTORS BLOCKBUSTER AUDITION INTENSIVE
Get in quick to work intimately with Australia's Blockbuster Casting Director, Dave Newman (Christine King Casting).
Starting out as a trained actor, Dave has worked closely with some of Australia's most prestigious casting consultancies all over Australia.
WOLVERINE CASTING DIRECTOR IN A 2 DAY ACTORS BLOCKBUSTER AUDITION INTENSIVE
Get in quick to work intimately with Australia's Blockbuster Casting Director, Dave Newman (Christine King Casting).
Starting out as a trained actor, Dave has worked closely with some of Australia's most prestigious casting consultancies all over Australia.
Dave is the senior casting director to Steven Spielberg's 'The Pacific' and Hugh Jackman's 'Wolverine' and will be coming to Screenwise on the 7th & 8th June. This is not a 'seminar' type intensive with a talking head...this is a real workshop intensive...hands on performance pieces in front of the camera.
Commences: June 07 2008 | Concludes: June 08 2008
Schedule: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Tutor: Dave Newman
Price: $770 (Screenwise Members $670)
Location: Screenwise 84 - 86 Mary Street Surry Hills
Contact: Reka on (02) 9281 4484 or email
Work intimately with one of Australia's top Casting Directors (Christine King Casting). Hugh Jackman's 'Wolverine', Steven Spielberg's 'The Pacific', Sue Brooks' 'Subdivision', Steve Knapman's 'East West 101', Bharat Nalluri's 'Tsunami The Aftermath'.
Learn from the Australian casting director, at the forefront of the blockbusters. Dave will take you through audition techniques, the do's and don'ts and give you a rare insight into the blockbuster casting process - what's expected, what they're looking for and how to stand out from the crowd. Applicants please forward your photo & resume to our office and please put 'Blockbuster' in the subject heading.
Fees must be paid in full on acceptance into the course.
]]>Kim Sanders & Friends CD Bent Grooves has at last been released and will be launched at the Sound Lounge on May 8.
The album features serene Sufi meditations, berserk Balkan Gypsy rhythms, bent African grooves and magical collective improvisation.
Kim has just returned from three months in Istanbul where he studied with ney master Ahmet Kaya and Gypsy clarinettist Selim Sesler (the man The Guardian called "the Coltrane of the clarinet"). He also performed with percussionist Okay Temiz, Laz singer Birol Topaloglu and with the Istanbul State Modern Folk Music Ensemble.
]]>The album features serene Sufi meditations, berserk Balkan Gypsy rhythms, bent African grooves and magical collective improvisation.
Kim has just returned from three months in Istanbul where he studied with ney master Ahmet Kaya and Gypsy clarinettist Selim Sesler (the man The Guardian called "the Coltrane of the clarinet"). He also performed with percussionist Okay Temiz, Laz singer Birol Topaloglu and with the Istanbul State Modern Folk Music Ensemble.
The concert will be recorded by ABC Radio National for Music Deli
MC at the Sound Lounge will be Dr Karl Kruszelnicki
Sandy Evans: soprano and tenor saxes
Carlos Villanueva: charango
Bobby Singh: tabla
Kim Sanders: ney, Turkish gaida, aardvark, kaval, mey, tenor sax, saluang
George Doukas: bouzouki, Greek baglama
Llew Kiek: Turkish baglama
Bobby Dimitrievski: clarinet
Steve Elphick: double bass
7pm, Thursday May 8
The Sound Lounge
Seymour Centre,
Cnr City Rd & Cleveland St
Chippendale
$20/15 conc
Bookings: telephone 9351 7940 or online at http://www.seymour.usyd.edu.au/boxoffice
***
The Sydney launch will be followed by a High Altitude Launch at the Clarendon in Katoomba at 8pm on Fri May 9. Details and bookings http://www.clarendonguesthouse.com.au 47821322
***
For interviews, photos, info, or to order CDs contact Kim at
Visit www.kimsandersworldmusic.com