filmmaking production support

Raw Nerve

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An exciting twist to Raw Nerve as you know it will be announced very soon; in the meantime here's a little something to get you thinking… This year, participants are asked to make a film responding to the theme of "Best Date, Worst Date". Stay tuned to our social media for updates as they arrive.

Open Channel received 51 submissions for our 2012 Raw Nerve short film screen initiative. The quality and scope of the projects was impressive and the selection panel of experienced screen industry practitioners comprising Open Channel's Raw Nerve Producer, Marc Gracie; Screen Industry Consultant and ACCTA Chairman – Alan Finney; Open Channel Board Director – Chris Ryan and Open Channel Executive Director – Jennie Hughes have now selected the 3 projects to be funded this year.

Marc Gracie said "the overall quality of this years entries was the highest I have seen, making the discussions and final decision on the three selected projects both dynamic and difficult. In the end we went with a great mix of exciting projects and from interesting young film makers that will create a smart, entertaining and at times thoughtful group of short films."

Jennie Hughes said "We're delighted to continue to offer this initiative to the emerging sector and to provide film makers with the opportunity to make their short film with the mentorship and guidance from Open Channel's very experienced producer/director – Marc Gracie. The quality of the films coming out of this initiative are exceptional."

The film makers and their projects selected for the 2012 Raw Nerve initiative are:

Fun City Director Justin Olstein, Writer Andrew Kavanagh, Producer Matt Downey.

All Alvy wants is to wish his young son a happy birthday. But prevented from speaking to him, Alvy tends to the patrons of the Fun City amusement park, adrift in a sea of joy and wonder that he can't relate to. When an opportunity to help a young patron goes awry, Alvy takes his frustrations out in an unexpected way and the experience forces him to take stock of his hollow situation.

In Fantasy Writer/Director Anne O'Hoy, Producer Holly Muir

Ashane glimpses himself through the eyes of the many passengers he transports on his daily taxi rounds. Jaded by what he sees, he escapes to a fantasy world where he is free from prejudice and responsibility. That is, until his fantasy unravels before him. It can never be the same for him again, because without fantasy, what have you got?

Stella and Smiley Director Nicholas Pollock, Writer Trent Roberts

An old Chinese dry cleaner and a detached young schoolgirl find an unlikely connection on the edge of a cliff. A short film about life, death, loss, and laundry.

The Raw Nerve initiative is supported by Screen Australia through Open Channel which will Executive Produce and support these productions by providing a mix of mentoring, cash and post-production facilities. Raw Nerve continues to grow from strength to strength and is a vital element in providing pathways to industry for the emerging screen sector. This announcement coincides with 2 recently produced Raw Nerve films Bruce Less Played Badminton Too – Corrie Chen and We Are Illuminated – William Head being accepted and securing prominent spots in this month's St. Kilda Film Festival.

Congratulations to the recipients of this year's Raw Nerve initiative. We look forward to seeing the fruits of their hard work and creativity in the coming months.

The Open Channel Team

Raw Nerve is an initiative funded by SCREEN AUSTRALIA and presented by OPEN CHANNEL aimed at emerging filmmakers which will enable them to make a short[maximum: 10 minutes] film on digital video.

Who can apply to Raw Nerve?
Raw Nerve is for emerging filmmakers. You may have made student, self-funded and corporate films or you may be an experienced crew member. We are also open to aspiring filmmakers with very little, or no experience. Filmmakers who have already produced or directed a short film which has been made with full or part financing from a government film financing agency are not eligible. You may apply as a solo director, in which case we will work with you to source a producer. Or you may apply as a director/producer team.

How many Raw Nerve projects will OPEN CHANNEL be supporting?
OPEN CHANNEL will be supporting 3 projects.

What sort of projects is OPEN CHANNEL looking for?
OPEN CHANNEL is looking for projects, which exhibit a strong authorial vision, a compelling story, and fresh, interesting characters. The project can be drama, comedy, documentary, mockumentary, experimental, or any hybrid of these forms you can come up with. Be aware that because we're not offering animation facilities, we will not be accepting projects which are strongly animation based. Because the project has such tight production and post-production parameters, we will select projects which we feel confident can be realised within these parameters. This means that the projects must be based on a simple, yet compelling, idea.

What is OPEN CHANNEL offering?
OPEN CHANNEL is offering a mixture of in-kind support and a cash budget. The in-kind production and post-production facilities will give each film one week's shoot and two weeks edit. Each project will also receive a cash production budget. We will organise low cost Safety Reports, Safety Officers when needed, insurance, colour-grades and sound-mixes. Each project's budgetary needs will be negotiated on an individual nature. We will assist you in sourcing extra facilities, cast and crew, if you can't do it yourself. Filmmakers will be expected to use OPEN CHANNEL equipment whenever possible.

What do Raw Nerve participants need to supply?
A willingness to work as a team member, talent and enthusiasm. Participants will be expected to work closely with their Producer and Executive Producer to develop and produce their project.

Who owns copyright to the projects?
The copyright will be split 50/50 between each participant and OPEN CHANNEL on each individual project.

What are OPEN CHANNEL's expectations of the participants?
OPEN CHANNEL expects that the successful participants will follow professional film industry practice. This includes;
- liaising regularly with the Producer
- adhering to agreed budget parameters
- adhering to agreed deadlines
- adhering to the agreed Final Script [within reason)
- adhering to all Occupational Health and Safety laws.
ALL applicants must be OPEN CHANNEL members.

How do I apply?
Applicants need to supply three (3) copies of the following:
- Completed Application Form (including comprehensive contact details - we will not chase you.)
- Final Draft Script
- A statement about why you want to take part in this initiative and how it will benefit you (no more than 1 page)
- A statement about how you will creatively realise the script (no more than one page)
- Curriculum vitae (no more than 2 pages)

Deadline: Thursday 12 April 2012 at 5pm
Please Note: We will not accept faxed or emailed applications.
There will be NO extension to this deadline, under any circumstances.

Info Kit
Application Form

How and when will the decision be made?
OPEN CHANNEL's Supervising Producer along with AFC representatives will read all applications. Short listed applicants will be notified before the final selection. The finalists will be announced
T h ursday 1 0 t h M ay 2012 in O PENLine.

When will Raw Nerve go into production?
Raw Nerve participants will commence production in June 2012. Films must be completed and all deliveries made by mid-August 2012. Successful applicants must be available during this time to make their films. Precise production dates will be negotiated between the participants, the Supervising Producer and Open Channel.

Any further questions, please contact info@openchannel.org.au / 03 8610 9300

Good Luck!

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