Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Filmmakers flock to festival for special weekend
The Filmmakers' Weekend features a series of master-classes, talks and practical workshops for anyone working, or wanting to work, in independent film, as well as sessions targeted specifically at writers, directors and producers. Workshops are mainly aimed at students of film, music and performing arts, but are open to all members of the public.
Guest speakers at the weekend include 'Slumdog Millionaire' and 'The Full Monty' writer, Simon Beaufoy, and director and producer Menelik Shabazz, ('Burning an Issue', 'The Story of Lover's Rock'). Sessions include working with actors, making the most of budgets, developing low-budget feature projects, music in film, developing screenplays, reaching an audience and networking events.
Jennifer Granville, one of the co-ordinators of the weekend on behalf of the Northern Film School at Leeds Metropolitan University, commented: "We wanted to build on the success of the first Filmmakers' Weekend last year and have developed a series of workshops that have been carefully focussed on the needs of independent filmmakers. The weekend is not only an opportunity to focus on the business of filmmaking, but also to meet people, exchange ideas, build relationships and remind ourselves that we are part of a creative and vibrant filmmaking community right here in Yorkshire."
National Media Museum film manager, Kathryn Penny, added: "This year's Filmmakers' Weekend will offer sessions aimed at anyone working, or wanting to work, in independent film, as well as sessions targeted specifically at writers, directors and producers. So, whether it's taking tentative steps on a first short film, or developing a feature film project, our industry experts and guest speakers will offer participants practical tips and valuable insider knowledge".