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Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd April 2024
Time: 9am - 3pm
Location: Bulmba-ja Arts Centre, Cairns
Cost: Free
Screen Queensland in partnership with Screenworks presents the NQ Screen Skills:
Understanding Proof of Concept for visual storytelling workshop. Delivered by Adam Grossetti, an award-winning writer, producer and concept originator of ABC TV's The Black Hand along with local content creator Alex Smee from Multi Story Media. participants will be led through a basic process of developing a proof of concept that they can apply to their ongoing projects.
Best suited to early career screen practitioners seeking to build upon existing skills and develop collaborative relationships with the local film industry.
This two-day workshop will focus on developing a proof of concept in order to pitch.
● Developing a concept from an idea to series bible.
● Content collection and relationship building.
● Looking at successful real-world examples – from concept to broadcast.
● Unpacking loglines, synopsis/synopses, and series bibles.
● What it takes to pitch at conferences, to producers and production companies.
Through experiential learning, and hearing from local industry guest speakers the workshop aims to empower those at the beginning of a storytelling journey by building a set of skills that will better position attendees for regionally-centric industry opportunities.
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW:
Caters to people interested in developing a concept from pitch to production. We will build knowledge to support and refine the process of developing pitch documents, discussing examples where resource collection and thinking outside the box lead to engagements with production companies and international distribution.
Over the two-day course, the participants will receive an overview of useful tips based on experience relating to project development, pitch delivery, resource collection, practical tips for digital pitches, as well as hands-on tasks and engaging with a professional editor to gain an understanding of editorial and creative choices.
It is recommended that as a participant you are available for both days as this is a continual workshop.
TOPICS COVERED:
Story Elements
In this session, we will discuss story elements that attract and inspire us. We'll look at building our story instinct and observation skills, finding story in archives or real-world events. We'll hear personal anecdotes that have inspired writers to find a way to get their story told and learn about recognising story elements, understanding narrative structure, and explore the realities that should be considered when developing a work for intended broadcast.
You'll have the opportunity to draft your project outlines, defining the narrative arc, visual style, and thematic elements. We'll also discuss logistical factors such as location availability, talent acquisition, and resource management.
Production finances — budgeting and pitching to investors
Our workshop will cover the basics of budget creation, with practical exercises and templates. Attendees will work through scaled-back real-world scenarios to understand the financial intricacies of a screen project.
Permits, approvals and insurance
Understanding the need for permits, approvals and insurance in screen production is critical. We'll discuss scenarios when you should obtain permits, release forms, proof of copyright and more. We'll hear first-hand experiences where relationship-building with communities assisted filming approvals.
Maintaining Momentum
In this module, participants will explore the evolving stages of a project's life from concept through pitch development, engagement with producers and networks, to broadcast.
We'll test the strength of ideas and discuss the importance of agile thinking as it relates to finding a suitable home for your project. Part discussion, this session will drill down into the reality of finding a way to get your story told; unpacking industry trends, discussing ethical practices in filmmaking, challenging ideas and exploring why your story needs to be told.
We will unpack what actually happens when a project is green-lit; how ideas on paper transform to visuals, the importance of genuine collaboration the need to let go of ideas and fight for others. We will look at project planning, the allocation of resources and the importance of inclusive leadership to ensure effective collaboration among team members.
We'll discuss the importance of cultural considerations and cultural plans, and how working with a community requires genuine consultation through a cultural advisor. Participants will learn to identify potential issues and create mitigation strategies.
Cinematography essentials
This session is devoted to the art and craft of cinematography. Participants will explore the foundational principles of visual storytelling, including framing, composition, lighting, and camera movement. We'll discuss how to use these elements to create mood, focus attention, and enhance the narrative. Practical demonstrations will give participants a firsthand look at how cinematography choices can change the tone and feel of a scene. This module aims to empower participants with the knowledge to make informed decisions about visuals in their own projects, ensuring their story is told effectively on screen.
The post-production process
Alex Smee will look at what a sizzle reel is, an why is it important. Creating a video that invites viewers into your story world is crucial for establishing a connection with your characters and vision. It involves identifying the themes and creating an emotional connection with the audience. We will explore different ways of telling your story and determine what works best for your project. Finally, we will also look at some editing protocols and skills that can help you create the best possible story with the media you have.
Test pitch
The final stage of the workshop will provide participants with a test pitch scenario, and open the floor up to feedback on story perception, getting your message across and putting your best foot forward.
Register your spot today!
Participants will also be invited to a casual networking event following the first day.
It is recommended that as a participant you are available for both days as this is a
continual workshop.
Speakers
Adam
Grossetti
Writer/Producer
Adam has been produced across television, radio, and theatre. He conceptualized, co-wrote, and co-produced the ABC TV documentary series The Black Hand, (Wildbear Entertainment & eOne Entertainment/Lionsgate.) He has worked in writers’ rooms developing episodic television series including Troppo and Sea Patrol; written, and produced radio documentaries for ABC Radio National and the commercial sector, researched and scripted narration for documentary series Fatal Shot, Cold War Tech Race & Future Warfare, been produced on stage by Queensland Theatre, Sydney Theatre Company - Wharf 2Loud, Belvoir St Theatre’s downstairs BSharp, is a published author, holds a Master of Arts and is the recipient of The Phillip Parsons Playwrights Award and the Queensland Premier's Drama Award.
Alex is an an editor, director, writer, shooter and producer, with diverse experience across
film, TV, radio and online platforms. She has worked in the media industry for over twenty
years. She developed a particular passion for community projects during a decade in the
Kimberley where she worked as the ABC Open Producer, creating stories for ABC TV,
radio and online, and sharing multimedia skills in remote communities across the region.
Alex is now based in Far North Queensland and freelances as Multi Story Media, a
purpose driven entity that collaborates with community organisations across the country,
creating content for advocacy, public awareness and education, and she continues to
share her skills through creative workshop programs—so people can tell their own stories.
Nick’s love of cinematography began with a chance encounter with a stills camera at age thirteen. Since then, he hasn’t stopped capturing the world around him.
With strong connections made with his peers during his film school education, Nick was offered the opportunity to shoot major projects in the drama, documentary and television promo spaces early on in his career. These experiences and many thereafter have left Nick imbued with a strong sense of story, a keen sense of composition, and a solid understanding of light - both natural and artificial.
Nick loves to span various forms of documentary and drama and has shot in over 25 countries. Nick enjoys the chance encounter, the happy accident and the shared experience of making films in near and foreign lands.
Nick was accredited by the Australian Cinematographers Society in 2007, a testament to his ongoing efforts in the Cinematography space.
Alan Erson is Managing Director and Executive Producer at Wildbear Entertainment, leading creative teams developing and producing history, wildlife, science and engineering titles for global audiences. Formerly ABC Australia’s Head of Factual, his recent Wildbear EP credits include Stuff the British Stole (ABC/CBC), The Black Hand (ABC), Rachel’s Farm (Madman), Australia Come Fly with Me (SBS), Brock Over the Top (Universal), A Dog’s World with Tony Armstrong (ABC), Barrenjoey Road (ABC), Playing with Sharks (Madman, Dogwood), Waltzing the Dragon with Benjamin Law (ABC), and Boss Croc (Nat Geo).
Therese
Duranti
Production Manager
Therese has over 15 years’ experience working in the television industry. She prides herself in delivering engaging content across various platforms and genres including lifestyle, factual and documentary programs.
Therese’s journey started out as a travel researcher for the Seven Network’s The Great Outdoors. She then moved into factual programming where she held roles as a Production Coordinator and Production Manager for multiple series, including Border Security and The Force. Recent credits include Production Manager for Animal Planet’s Crikey! It’s the Irwins, Line Producer on the ABC’s 3-part series The Black Hand and a soon to be released crime series for the Seven Network.
She has been fundamental to the company’s development, steering the business into a successful niche market and building Biopixel’s blue-chip reputation. Hannah has worked in a variety of roles including; field producer, researcher, production manager, safety diver, camera operator, editor and fixer while continuing to expand on the multiple skills needed to work in a small production company, and support their NFP, the Biopixel Oceans Foundation. Hannah is passionate about procuring high quality educational media that encourages people to actively care for their environment. Her continued objective is to work with production companies to create documentaries that utilise Biopixel’s award winning filming services, showcase Biopixel’s extensive stock footage library and promote the research and science achieved by the Biopixel Oceans Foundation.
Sponsors and Partners
Partner
Screen Queensland
Screen Queensland is the Queensland Government-owned agency dedicated to growing a successful screen industry in the state. The agency supports locally produced films, series and games, and secures international and interstate production and post-production into Queensland.
At Screen Tasmania we are responsible for supporting and developing the state’s film, television and multimedia industries.
We provide grants and equity investments in the development and production of Tasmanian screen projects including short films, drama, documentaries, feature films, television series, video games and digital media, and provides direct support in the form of industry and professional development.
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