Robert St-John Smith boosts a new film network based in Leeds.

A Hollywood Director walks into a Leeds bar….

Well, not quite, but thanks to the miracle of Skype, a projector and the organisation of Ian Barrans & Michael Andrew Wood, Oscar nominated Director Mark Osbourne (Kung Fu Panda) answered questions from filmmakers in Leeds at the Waterfront Bar, as part of the monthly West Yorkshire Independent Film Network (WYIFN) event.

The WYIFN was set up with the aim “to create opportunities for filmmakers, inspire them and to build a community”. In the three months that Ian and Michael – both no strangers to the world of film, with Michael being a scriptwriter and Ian having a background in both theatre and film – have been running the event, the pair have helped over 30 productions in a variety of ways, and they plan to help a lot more.

In the summer they will be running the “Northern Film School at Leeds Met” a film-making course for 12-16 year olds to equip them with skills to make films with even the simplest of equipment such as mobile phones and free editing packages. This will be the first of many film-making courses the WYIFN will be running with future courses being planned for all age groups and skill levels. They are also working on raising funding, with the intention of being able to put that funding and equipping the filmmakers of the WYIFN.

The next network meeting is on June 7th, taking place at Dock Steet Market, Dock Street Leeds from 6pm. The event is free and as well as giving people the chance to network with other filmmakers in the area, they also screen several short films, including an Oscar nominated short each month. The event is free, and you also have the chance to win free tickets to the Hyde Park Picture House each month.

As a filmmaker myself in Leeds, having spent many years in London, this is by far one of the most exciting film networks that I have come across. Though still in early days. I would highly recommend anyone with an interest in making films, both behind & in front of the camera, or those already established looking to expand their contacts, to get themselves down to the one WYIFN events.

For further information;

Twitter: @wyifn
website : http://www.wyifn.co.uk/
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=123876507663623

Written by Robert St-John Smith
5YLAC Films www.5ylac.com @5ylac.com