So I Opened A Cinema:
Tackling Indie Film Distribution Headaches

Guest writer Dean Francis talks about finding an audience for his latest film Drown.

As a teenager my favourite thing was late night screenings of edgy indie films at arthouse cinemas. Todd Solondz’s Happiness sent me into a tailspin of moral dilemma; Greg Araki’s The Doom Generation began my obsession with bad taste; and Catherine Breillat’s Romance redefined the relationship between the lens and the human form. I aspired to provoke audiences by making films that keep playing in the mind after the closing credits. To me this was the point of cinema.

Years later, most of those cinemas have closed. Sydney alone has lost two-dozen arthouse screens. The ubiquitous multiplex offers the same Hollywood re-hashes, which are as disposable as the giant popcorn cups they’re designed to sell.

Australian distributors are dumping local films on VOD/DVD like never before, bypassing the theatrical release cherished by filmmakers. It’s hard to raise awareness around a film, and directors are deprived of...
[read more]

The Latest

Kung Fury

The ultimate DIY success story Kung Fury attracted almost 300 times more pledges than targetted on Kickstarter, then went on to smash it at Director's Fortnight in Cannes, and is now headed for a feature film. Planning your own indie masterpiece? Check out our July event Crowdfunding: Making It Pay.

Job Ready Subsidy

There is huge demand for assistant editors and digital content producers in the screen industry so with support from the NSW government Metro Screen is excited to offer the Certificate IV in Post Production and the Diploma in Digital Content Producing at significantly subsidised course fees. Applications close soon.

Work At Metro Screen

Metro Screen’s Hire and Post team are looking for an energetic and attentive person to work in a support role. Applicants will have skills in digital media and video production, and experience using production equipment. Complete job description and application info here. Apply by Monday 22 June.

Adaptations

The filmmakers behind the features Last Cab to Darwin, The Secret River and Holding the Man will be talking at the Sydney Film Festival Hub about adapting existing work for the screen. Presented by Screen NSW and supported by the Australian Writers’ Guild, this session is not to be missed. Friday 12 June 2.30pm tickets here.

Events

Crowdfunding:
Making It Pay

Pozible and Metro Screen present a crowdfunding workshop for filmmakers who are planning to launch a fundraising campaign for a project. Get stuck into getting the most out of the crowdfunding platform, and hear from the people who know how it’s done. 6.00pm - 7.30pm, Thu 2 Jul more info

Events

Meet The Dendy Finalists

Join us at Sydney Film Festival this Sunday for a panel discussion and Q&A. Hosted by CJ Johnson, the event features the diverse 2015 Dendy Award finalists, who will discuss their filmmaking adventures and current trends at the vanguard of Australia’s short film industry. Sunday 14 June, 1:30-3:30pm, Festival Hub, Sydney Town Hall.

Courses

Short Courses

Directing Documentary
Starts this Saturday 13 Jun
Turn your documentary idea into a reality.

Learn Adobe Premiere Editing Fast!
Starts this Saturday 13 Jun
Expand your skills and job opportunities.

The Assistant Director
Starts 20 Jun
Keep the set running to schedule.

Hire

Emerging Filmmakers Fund

The EFF supports new and emerging filmmakers in NSW by funding the production and post-production of short form projects. It’s a career development opportunity for creative teams that encourages exploration, experimentation, and the chance to master the art of screen storytelling. Apply by 31 July.

Hire

Multi Camera Studio

Whether to speed up post production, livestream your show, or just to create that 'live' feel, there are many benefits to recording multi-camera. We love recording live content, and can offer an amazing price for the equipment you need in a fully equipped chroma key studio and control room. We've also got experienced crew in all roles, and can scale a quote to meet your needs.