Josh Tucker previews the Bradford International Film Festival’s Filmmakers’ Weekend event, taking place during the festival this April. He goes through some of the things that jumped out at him, and as an aspiring filmmaker, what made him snap up a ticket immediately. (The above image is one of Josh’s photos, taken from his website – see bottom of this post for a link)
Calling all filmmakers! The Bradford International Film Festival (BIFF) is coming soon (running from 19th – 29th April), bringing with it an array of filmic help. On the 28th-29th of April comes a Filmmakers’ weekend, aimed specifically at helping us achieve huge success in the world of independent filmmaking.
Throughout my time studying Photography and Video at De Montfort University of Leicester, I’ve come to realize you can only learn so much through reading books and trawling the internet for tutorials and such. Meeting people, discussing ideas and concepts for future projects, watching new and challenging films and shorts is invaluable; this is my newly established ethos to independent filmmaking.
The weekend breakdown consists of a number of useful panels, workshops and master-classes. Kicking off the event is the Director of Bradford City of Film, David Wilson, who’ll be discussing opportunities for independent filmmakers to shoot their films in Bradford.
Some of the scheduled events jumped out to me more than others, the kind of key aspects any aspiring Director/filmmaker will be thinking when they’re fresh out of University. For instance, talks like ‘Looking Ahead – What is the Future of Film’ and ‘Movie Money… And How to Get It’, helping everyone to know the right place in which to sell their soul (figuratively, I’m sure) in order to make their films a reality.
A master-class in ‘Breaking Through – Forging a Successful Career in Directing’ stood out the most, with special guest Ingrid Veninger at the helm to discuss her career in film and TV. With Veninger having her third feature film (as director) screened at BIFF this year, it’s going to be an honor to learn all she’s willing to part with. Surely a must see for any aspiring Director I’m sure.
Another programmed event that caught my eye is ‘Shooting Digital – The Latest Formats Uncovered’. Talking all things wonderfully technical, this session will discuss different options open to low budget filmmakers. Perfect for someone who utilizes DLSR systems like myself, it will be comforting to know there’s systems out there for almost every budget.
And of course, one of the best opportunities of all, a chance to drink, nibble and chat to all filmmakers alike. We’re Your Independent Film Network (WYIFN) will be hosting a networking session, telling us a bit about themselves and what they do, and a perfect chance to meet and greet. I’ve been to a WYIFN meeting before and all I can say is that it’s the perfect environment to talk FILM. One of the key points that has been drilled into me over the past 2 years is Networking and I cannot think of a better place to do it!
Last but not least, there is even a session ran by the sponsors of the weekend, the Northern Film School of Leeds Metropolitan University, entitled ‘Pitch it – Sell Your Film Idea to the Professionals’, giving you all the advice you’ll need to pitch your next masterpiece to any film industry panel. They’re even giving you the chance to sell yourself there and then.
And with that last piece of information, I’ll now be buckling down and searching for the next masterpiece I can deem worthy to pitch.
For more information on the Filmmakers’ Weekend, or on any more BIFF-happenings, check out their website or follow them on Twitter: @BradFilmFest
Josh is a Bradford based artist/filmmaker, who is in his final year at De Montfort University of Leicester studying photography and video. He has made a number of short films, one of which has played at Leeds based community film society Minicine. You can follow him on Twitter @MomentaryLaps or check out his website.
Mike McKenny is The Culture Vulture’s film editor. If you have any film related stories, articles, reviews with a twist, etc, contact him on mike.mckenny1983@gmail.com or find him on Twitter @DestroyApathy