Our City is Bristol Media’s annual short film competition for Bristol’s young people that captures just what makes our city the most creative, rebellious, diverse and pioneering place to live and work. The project is supported by Royal Television Society West, as part of Bristol’s UNESCO City of Film project.
Supported by the Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, Our City is sponsored by the city’s major production companies, including Aardman, Doghouse, Drummer TV, Films@59 and Icon Films – who also judge the entries. The winning films will be used by the Mayor and international broadcasters to show the world what a creative force we are.
Marvin Rees says: “This is a great opportunity for aspiring young filmmakers from a diverse range of backgrounds to break into Bristol’s media industry and show us what they’ve got to offer. I want to unlock this talent and showcase what makes Bristol so special. I’m grateful to the city’s cultural sector for supporting this initiative and I want to wish everyone the best of luck with their submissions. I look forward to seeing new and innovative interpretations of the city and its character.”
David Sproxton, Executive Chair, Aardman Animations, adds: “Aardman is very pleased to be part of the initiativ to help develop the potential of young film directors from the City’s very diverse population. It’s an exciting project with the aim to make a short film encapsulating the spirit of Bristol and we are keen to support the winning entry in whatever way we can.”
Laura Marshall, Managing Director, Icon Films, says: “Icon Films is proud to support Our City. Bristol is our home and we need to nurture young, creative talent. We look forward to opening our doors to four of the winners; offering work placements which cover various stages of development, pre-production, production, post-production and the marketing of our projects. Icon Films is diverse, energetic and ambitious and we hope that their time with us informs, inspires and helps them on their journey into the creative industry”.
As well as a £1000 cash prize for the winner, the partner companies will work directly with all short-listed finalists to build their skills and experience. They’ll be supported by community media organisations including Calling the Shots, Creative Youth Network, Knowle West Media Centre, Rife, Sharpshotz and Ujima Radio. This is a great opportunity to show individual talent and work with professionals which could lead to the first step into the industry.
So if you are a film-maker, work with creative young people or want to increase the engagement of your creative company, this competition is for you!
Produce a 90 second film, animation or motion video suitable for use on social media that captures your view of what makes Bristol THE place to be – creativity, culture, people, music, technology, action, collaboration, lifestyle – through story or performance.
The competition is open for entries and closes on 30 November, with results announced in December.
“We are proud to be involved in this exciting initiative and hope to have even more young film makers take up the opportunity this year and are looking forward to nurturing more new and emerging talent from the City” said Rachel Drummond-Hay, MD, Drummer TV.
Julian Barton Hill, CEO Doghouse Post-Production: “As an independent company, Doghouse thrives on pursuing and nurturing young local talent, Our City is the perfect platform for that first introduction to the industry for any budding film maker. Bristol’s creative sector is bubbling with talent and the exciting opportunities that are created by this competition benefits employers and the individuals waiting for their first step onto the career ladder. We’re proud to be sponsoring again and look forward to this year’s entries.”
Gina Fucci, MD, Films@59, adds: “Films at 59 is very excited to be a part of the Our City competition. Following on from everyone else’s comments, we can’t wait to see the results. This initiative is about discovering and nurturing creative potential and we know Bristol will inspire all the competitors to do great things!”
See the winners of the Our City 2018 film competition and watch their entries here.
Following the success of our first workshop with Abbas Media Law, we’re delighted to offer a second workshop specifically for Bristol’s TV & Film community in partnership with the RTS.
Hosted by Nigel Abbas this workshop will, in an interesting and accessible way, discuss the key areas of copyright in TV production that Production Managers need to be aware of.
The session will cover the following:
If you have a burning copyright question this is also your chance to grill Nigel who is one of the most experienced TV media lawyers in the country.
This workshop will take place at The Square Club from 3.30-5.30pm on Tuesday 14th May. The ticket price is £30+VAT for Bristol Media, RTS and Square Club members, otherwise £45+VAT.
Booking is via Eventbrite
About Abbas Media Law
Founded by Nigel Abbas, Abbas Media Law is a specialist niche law firm working principally in the television, film, advertising and publishing industries. We are experts in all aspects of the law and regulation affecting these sectors and advise many of the UK’s leading broadcasters, independent production companies and other content producers.
With particular expertise in television and film, we have advised on thousands of hours of programmes and films over the last two decades, across all genres, from comedy and light entertainment to the most legally complex undercover investigations.
Our lawyers and advisors have worked ‘in-house’ in the past at major UK broadcasters, and advised a wide range of independent production companies and other content producers over many years. We have a clear understanding of the editorial process and how production works. This means that we fully understand the needs of our clients.
We are specialists on all aspects of UK law and regulation affecting the television, film, advertising and publishing industries. We advise before publication and broadcast, working with creatives to minimise legal and regulatory risk, and following publication and broadcast, defending content when it and its producers come under attack. We work day-to-day with many of the country’s leading creative content producers. We are known to all the major media insurers and regularly advise on content for media insurance (E&O) purposes.
To find out more about Nigel Abbas, Abbas Media Law and the services offered, visit www.abbasmedialaw.com
January is traditionally the busiest time of the year when it comes to looking for a new job and with the continued strength of the creative sector, there’s no reason for 2019 to be any different. Why not get ahead and treat yourself to membership of Bristol Media? If you’re a freelancer and you join before 5pm on Wednesday 9th January 2019 we will even give you 3 months FREE so you’ll get 15 months membership for the price of 12.
Creative companies regularly search our online directory and freelance database on SW Creative Jobs to find their next pair of hands for both freelance and permanent roles so give them a chance to find you with an online profile in our member directory. Your online profile is just one of the many ways that Bristol Media can help you connect with creative employers across the region. In addition we hold a variety of networking events and training workshops throughout the year to help inspire you and keep your knowledge and skills up-to-date. And if your CV is looking a little tired and in need of a revamp we can point you in the direction of our recruitment partners who will be more than happy to advise and help get you that all-important interview.
Here’s what some of our freelance members have to say…
“As an independent creative, membership of Bristol Media is a ‘no-brainer’ for me. A valuable asset in terms of the events and support they facilitate, but also a number of clients have found me through the website directory” ~ Carys Tait
“Sometimes being a freelancer can feel a little isolating, Bristol Media does a great job at connecting creative freelancers in the city, it’s a great platform to meet like-minded people” ~ Mark Sharman
“A number of businesses have contacted me after finding my freelance profile through Bristol Media. Happily, most of them are now regular clients” ~ Sam Tarbuck
At just £40+VAT, freelance membership will make you part of one of the UK’s biggest creative networks and could potentially open up limitless opportunities. It could be the best £40 you’ll spend this year! If you’d like to take advantage of this offer just sign up online here and we’ll add on your additional 3 free months and email you confirmation.
Digital Cities is returning to Bristol with a week-long programme of free, inspirational learning and networking opportunities aimed at developing the skills of both the current and next generation of staff working in the creative industries. The project has run successfully in Bristol for five years, bringing industry partners together to boost their region’s digital and production skills and acting as a catalyst for exciting collaborations within the creative sector.
Starting on Monday 26 November, Skills West, a project delivered by Business West and Bristol Media are coordinating a series of free events designed to help your business face a competitive digital future, called Open Doors.
Open Doors
Open Doors is a brilliant opportunity to see behind the scenes of this buzzing industry. Companies from around Bristol will be opening their doors to small groups of guests and sharing an insight into their business which is not normally on show.
This year we have 20 businesses on board who are offering various opportunities, from tours of their workspace and career advice workshops, to question and answer sessions with experts in their field.
All of the Open Doors events are listed here: https://www.businesswest.co.uk/grow/digital-cities-bristol-2018