Our City is our annual competition for local filmmaking talent to create a short film or animation to showcase the city of Bristol. Filmmakers under 30 are asked to produce a 90 second film, animation or motion video that captures their view of what makes Bristol THE place to be – celebrating creativity, people, music, technology, action, collaboration or lifestyle.
This year, 3 films made it to the final stage and met with the judging panel and Mayor Marvin Rees to start planning the fine-cut stage, drawing on the TV skills of Aardman, Icon Films and Drummer TV, and the facilities at Doghouse and Films@59, and blending in the One City messaging, footage from Destination Bristol and locations from the Bristol Film Office.
Congratulations go to:
Leeza Awojobi, Daniel Moon, Jagneel Bhullar, Stephanie Burnham, and Emma Rigby for ‘Held in Pockets’ – a original approach supported by a beautifully-written poem to celebrate and embrace the youthfulness of the city.
Tobi Wozniak and Curtis Ball for ‘Bristol: A Hobbit Tale’ – a humorous, well-produced film which the judges liked for its pastiche style and great punchline.
James Giles-Lane and Elliot Barry for ‘Bristol in the Fast Lane’ – an upbeat and dynamic short film showcasing the diversity and creativity of Bristol.
For Mayor Marvin Rees, the competition unlocks the talent of young people and showcases what makes Bristol so special:
“Although the three films are very different, together they are great insights into a city which is energetic, varied and cares about the future of its young people – but doesn’t take itself too seriously.”
The winners will share the £1,000 prize fund donated by Aardman Animations, Films@59, Icon Films Doghouse Post Production and Drummer TV, and the final films will be screened in Millennium Square.
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More InformationWhat’s your favourite place in Bristol/this area?
There’s a little curved edge on the corner near the Arnolfini, and if you look across the water towards the giant giraffe cranes at the right time, the sun comes around the M-shed and it is quite stunning. Whether you’re a student hanging out there, dangling your legs over the edge with a cider, or you’re taking the baby for a stroll, that little spot is particularly special.
There are so many wonderful things about Bristol, things that just don’t exist anywhere else. It’s so unique.
What are you most proud of as a business?
There was a real sense of pride when we moved into our new premises. Every single time we’ve done something big, whether it was moving or buying a bit of kit, it’s always been such a morale booster, and we get re-energised. But moving into Temple Studios at the beginning of the year was so different because it was suddenly our space, we had this ownership that we hadn’t had before.
Overall, we’re proud of the fact that every step we’ve taken has led to the creation of something that’s been a benefit for someone, as well as being beautiful and enjoyable to watch. So, any little production whether it’s a small 30 second piece or a TV campaign, we’re massively proud of what we can actually create as a team.
What’s your favourite office gadget?
Everyone else’s favourite is probably the coffee machine or PlayStation, but mine is our old 1930s film projector. It was a prop for a TV ad we created. We were so happy because it actually works! We’ve got Tom and Jerry reels and these amazing documentaries from Africa; it’s absolutely incredible. It weighs a tonne… But I love that thing.
What exciting plans have you got coming up this year?
Historically, we’ve organically grown by one or two people a year, but with the amount of work that’s coming in that’ll be accelerating very soon. We’ve already taken on another animator and we’re currently advertising for a camera operator. By next year we might be a team of 10!
The investments we’ve made in kit this year will mean that we can really throw ourselves at some huge projects. We’ve also been working on our passion projects, one in particular that we’ve been creating looks into masculinity and it’s gone really deep. We’re hoping to push that towards a broadcast commission next year. And this is all under the assumption that we’ll survive the Christmas party in Athens!
Whose work do you admire and why?
Aardman’s work is beyond amazing. I went along to Nick Park’s ‘Cracking Conversations’ event recently, and I just have a huge admiration for someone who can imagine what he can and just create it. I think they are really leading the way in Bristol.
But there are so many incredible companies in the area that are doing new things, like the Ultrahaptics team.
If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?
The best piece of advice I can give anyone is just keep swimming. You have no idea where any little decision might take you. If I could go back in time and speak to my younger self, I would definitely say chill out, everything will work out the way it’s meant to. There are certain things you have no control over, so why worry about it? Make mistakes and learn from them.
In terms of actually getting work, we get a lot of emails from people wanting work experience with us and that’s absolutely a great thing to do; but on the flip side, there’s no problem in just making your own stuff. You can build a great portfolio of work when you’re not making it for anybody but yourself. It’s good to show off your own individual offering.
What’s the biggest challenge your industry/organisation is facing at the moment?
The constant changing landscape in the world of content is a challenge, people are being told they should be doing certain things, producing content like video and suddenly they’re thinking they should be doing that. Rather than thinking ‘what’s the problem I’m addressing?’ As a production company, we’re navigating through all the noise. And there’s a lot of noise out there that isn’t contextually relevant to anything or anyone. The big challenge for us is cutting through that noise with original, authentic content that tells a story and will make a brand sing.
To check out the full member profile for Jones Millbank or get in touch with the team, click here.
What can visual effects and computer-generated imagery do to engage your audiences or win over your clients?
How do agencies, production companies and directors work with VFX to visualise the invisible, and create the impossible?
VFX allow us to see worlds that ordinary cameras can never show us. Sunken ships, exploding planets, vast armies, extinct species and atomic particles. But how do you make it work for you?
Creative Directors from award-winning Moonraker VFX and 422 South, both based in Bristol, share their secrets and explain how they create the stunning visual magic that wows audiences across TV, cinema and the digital world.
During this event, we’ll examine:
The event will take place from 12.30pm – 2.00pm on Wednesday 27th November at Watershed Cinema 2.
Tickets are limited and are £15+VAT for Bristol Media members, £20+VAT for non-members.
Moonraker VFX has built a strong local and international reputation with producers and broadcasters, creating award winning visual effects content for Television, Film, Commercials, Museums and Visitor attractions. Creative Director, Simon Clarke, presents work from two recent hit TV series One Strange Rock for National Geographic, and Big Beasts (Sky One).
422 South have won awards for their extraordinary data visualisations, creating sunken ships, mapping migratory birds, and seeing the Earth as we have never seen it before. Creative Director, Dave Corfield, shows how they crafted Drain the Oceans (National Geographic) into a global hit, as well as other projects.
Recent successes include big scale factual entertainment show Race Against the World, documentary series Forensics: The Real CSI, The MisAdventures of Romesh Ranganathan and scripted content MotherFatherSon and Defending the Guilty.
Holland is keen to tell the stories that reflect the diversity of modern Britain and is committed to commissioning more regional indies. He will share his ambitions for BBC Two, including how to showcase the channel brand in an iPlayer world and discuss ongoing opportunities for producers across a range of genres.
Prior to this role, Patrick was Head of Commissioning, Documentaries, BBC and before joining the BBC, he was MD of one of the UK’s biggest factual indies, Boundless. This event is hosted by Lynn Barlow, Chair of RTS West of England
Tickets & entry:
Tickets are free for RTS Members, or £6.50 for non RTS Members and includes a complimentary drink after the session
Doors open 6.15pm
Session will run from 6.30-8pm
Networking drinks in the bar afterwards, 8-9pm
We are stacked and looking for a freelance After Effects animator or animators to help us out on some up coming projects. Please get in touch with your showreels and availability! Must have plenty of experience 🙂
07866915863
Happy Hour, a leading Bristol based film and post-production company, is excited to announce that its latest feature film coproduction, Madness In The Method has secured its European premiere at annual gore-athon, FrightFest, after theatrical release in North America.
The film is set in LA and stars Jason Mewes (Clerks) who plays a fictitious version of himself, in what is also his directorial debut. It features a host of well-known talent including his Jay and Silent Bob co-star Kevin Smith, Vinnie Jones, Danny Trejo, Gina Carano, Blake Harrison (Inbetweeners), Brian O’Halloran, along with Teri Hatcher and Dean Cain, plus Marvel icon Stan Lee appears in his final on-screen performance.
Mewes’ alternative persona is tired of Hollywood’s perception of him and embarks on a quest to reinvent himself as a serious actor. Upon advice from his best friend Smith, he tracks down a secret book outlining all the mysteries of method acting which leads to disastrous consequences and a slow descent into madness.
Tom George, Happy Hour founder, was delighted to be a coproducer on this project, he said “We are thrilled to be working with Jason Mewes and the LA based producers from Autumnwood to produce this witty, refreshing comedy. I can’t wait to see audiences’ reactions to what I’m sure will become a firm favourite.”
“Bristol is such a great base and I’m proud that we can work with international producers to represent our city and showcase it as an amazing creative hub. Locally, production is a major contributor to Bristol’s creative industries which continue to grow and add to our city’s economy and character.”
LA based producer Rob Weston said “Partnering with Happy Hour on Madness In The Method was a great benefit for the film. Their post-production facilities and creativity are second to none and their customer service, as well as attention to detail and their support as coproducers, was simply outstanding.”
Happy Hour is an award-winning above-the-line creative production agency, as well as being a feature film production company and post-production facility. They regularly collaborate on commercially viable feature films for the international marketplace. Happy Hour is a frequent participant at major film markets and enjoys good relationships with many UK distributors and international sales agents. Alongside Happy Hour, Red Rock Entertainment in the UK also served as Exec Producers on Madness In The Method.
FrightFest will be held in London from Thursday 22 August to Monday 26 August. Madness In The Method will premiere on Saturday 24 August. To book tickets and for more information, visit frightfest.co.uk
Bristol Media’s Visualiser programme is underway, supporting the lovely people at A Productions in their search for a Production Management Apprentice.
Our Partners Babassa and Ujima Radio have promoted the opportunity, which is delivered through Cirencester College with the support of the WORKS team at Bristol City Council.
We’ve also opened up a Facebook page @Visualiserbristol to enable talented young people to develop their portfolio and get noticed. We’ll keep them up to date with opportunities, so if you know young people who have talent, especially from the BAME community, then encourage them to get involved and upload a film and a profile.
For more info on the Visualiser programme click here.
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More InformationOur 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.
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