Cinematic brings opportunities for Welsh filmmakers
The Film Agency for Wales, in partnership with the BFI Film Fund, BBC Films, S4C and Soda Pictures, has developed Cinematic, a new initiative for Welsh filmmakers to make contemporary, dynamic and distinctive feature films with budgets of around £300,000.
Through Cinematic, three feature films, including one in the Welsh language, will be made over the next 18 months by directors with original filmmaking voices, in collaboration with emerging and established writers and producers.
Initially, ten teams will be selected and, with the support of Creative Skillset, participants will benefit from a tailored training and mentoring programme before selection of the final three films.
Through a partnership with Soda Pictures, a market focus has been built into the initiative from the outset. Innovative thinking around marketing, platforms and the wider exploitation of the intellectual property will be encouraged.
Applications for this initiative must be received by Film Agency for Wales by 26th July.
The Film Agency’s CEO, Pauline Burt said, “We’re focused on adding value to the work and talent we get behind, and to that end we’ll be running a parallel mentored training programme that will really hone down on market and distribution perspectives to the benefit of the finished films and a wider pool of talent.”
Steve Jenkins, for BBC Films, said, “The Welsh focus of this micro-budget scheme, the fifth in which the BBC has been involved, is unique and exciting, and I’m confident it will result in three very varied and distinctive films.”
Gwawr Lloyd, Content Commissioner at S4C added, “S4C is proud to be a part of this creative partnership. The scheme will offer an opportunity to develop the skills and know-how of producers, directors and writers, with the help of leading figures in the industry – and, of course, the opportunity to get their production to screen and to market internationally. The scheme presents us with an opportunity to support and encourage those working in the welsh language. We look forward to seeing what this exciting venture produces for S4C and to making a valuable contribution to the future of our industry in the process.”
BFI Film Fund Senior Executive, Chris Collins further added, “Supporting emerging filmmakers across the nations of the UK is a priority for us and we’re also keen to foster opportunities for producers and distributors to work together in making distinctive films that can reach their audience. Cinematic does both of these things.”
Edward Fletcher Managing Director, Soda Pictures said, “This is a really exciting partnership for Soda Pictures and our New British Cinema Quarterly programme. Not only does the scheme bring new opportunities for Welsh talent it also echoes recent calls for a more integrated approach across the film value chain, with production and distribution integrally linked to develop projects that will connect with audiences.”
Dan Simmons, Head of Film at Creative Skillset said, “Supporting emerging and established talent is one of Creative Skillset’s key priorities. The tailored mentoring and training programme as part of Cinematic will really benefit participants, helping them to develop important skills and an understanding of the feature filmmaking process. We look forward to watching the three resulting films.”
Further information can be found at www.cinematicwales.com. Deadline for applications is 26th July.
