Ruby 0110

Another day, another terribly talented "0110: Twisted Tales & Glorious" Covert Team member - this time though, it's time to face the music (*groan*) and announce the wonder that is Sam Watts as our Composer. He has a lovely way with his hands, so I'm really looking forward to hearing his musical take on 0110! If you would like to know more about Sam and 0110, HERE is where to go. I popped a little bit into The Diaries too...

Having a lot of work and socials all on at once is a marvellous moan to have, however I can categorically state that from tomorrow until the second week in January, I will not be attending anymore frolics. There I've said it. Tonight, after taking in some of Piers Beckley's finely adapted atmosphere in the form of "Oliver Twist", I shall literally fade into the evening mists, not to be seen again until the year Two Thousand and Ten.

I will of course, still be working away: with "0110" drafts coming in and many Feature discussions to be had, it really will be a busy few weeks ahead. Oh, yes, and then there's Christmas. I love Christmas, me. I love every single darn thing about it. It's just...sparkly - need I say more?

Adios for now.

Texture Like Sun

Nice to see a bit of sun creeping in slowly again today. Always brightens up a Monday morning, a bit of blue sky and golden twinkle up above, doesn't it?

I very much enjoyed getting back to basics today - next to skiing or heading out with my stills camera for the day, I find there's no better way to clear my mind and make way for new ideas than pottering in the garden, and specifically, getting ready for the coming seasons. Making the soil and various pots ready for planting up over the next month or so gave me a nice break from my desk, and as with a lot of creative folks, I quite often find when my mind is put to another task, current work niggles and problems can sometimes resolve.  

By mid-afternoon I was gladdened by the fact I had finally nailed the outline for a new screenplay - ready for fleshing out - and came upon the missing link for a documentary project I hope to have up and running this Autumn. Both of these intangible details had been nagging at me over the last couple of weeks so it was a relief for the final pieces to fill the gaps. I also had a mini-eureka moment when I realised what had been lacking from a previously written screenplay - hastily written post it notes have now been stuck onto the front cover of that one, as it will need to wait it's turn for the moment!

Ever onwards. A busy week ahead now, with lots of research, calls and meetings to sort out.  

Hope you all have a good one. 

 

Back on Track

Crikey it's been a busy old week again at Tenacious Towers - and it's only Tuesday.

I finally managed to focus my brain, complete and submit my application for Think-Shoot-Distribute.  It was something I felt I really should apply for this year and although I am sure the competition is very tough, a girl's gotta try!  I have also been tweaking (and faffing) with the shorts I propose to submit to Digital Shorts '09.  

The various regional screen agencies will be gearing up very soon for the 2009 scheme to open, so if you've got some work you'd like to get out there, check out all the details with your particular screen agency. 

If you're not sure which regional agency you fall under, here's a titchy map for you to squint at - or click on the link to the full size map here.

I managed to get along to the UKFC Development Fund talk & networking event held by Euroscript last week.  It was a very good, relaxed event and I was really interested to hear the bare facts and figures from Tanya Seghatchian, Head of the Film Council's Development Fund.  The one lasting impression I came away with was: they read everything submitted.  And the magic formula for ticking their boxes?  Good, solid writing that works.  

Not rocket science by any means, but sometimes it's easy to forget the simple and obvious.

Last night I attended the Writers' Guild London & SE Branch drinks where Arnopp of Camden's absence was duly noted. I met lots of lovely writers, old and new - oh, plus fellow bloggers Perry & Beckley - and had some interesting chats laced with a teensy-weensy bit of alcohol. Ahem.  Nice bunch that Guild lot.  

My thought on the way home at midnight was, "if only the trains didn't stop so goddam early..." - my thoughts at 5am this morning when The Kid started were far less savoury.  Damn that Guild lot and their bottles of wine.

Featured Kaos

Kaos Films - they of the BSSC - have now announced further details of their British Feature Screenplay Competition (BFSC).  In a nutshell, the winner of this competition will have their screenplay produced (not put into development) and filmed with a pro cast & crew and budget of up to $2million.

Rules are pretty much similar to the BSSC in that the competition is open to writers from any country and screenplays must be written in English language, however, in this instance (being a feature comp!) the screenplay running time should be between 80 and 110 minutes.  The entry fee is also a little heftier too: £65 early bird; £85 before final deadline.

You've got until 12th September 2008 to get your 'early bird' script in although  I suspect a lot of people will be cracking the whip to get their Red Planet entry polished around the same time (deadline: 30th Sept).  

The final deadline for BFSC entry is 14th November 2008 and full rules can be found here.

Also, go check out Mr Beckley's short film, "Fatal" - he wrote it, directed it and 'just did it'.  Good on you, matey.