Emerging regional producers and directors can fast track their film careers with FilmWorks, a new networked professional development scheme managed by Watershed and co-produced by ShowroomWorkstation in Sheffield and Broadway in Nottingham which will give the participants the skills, contacts and knowledge required to raise their profile to a national – and international – level.

FilmWorks, a Film Networks project supported by the National Lottery through the BFI and Creative England, is specifically targeted at filmmakers in the English regions: it will give 45 producers and directors in Bristol, Nottingham, Sheffield and their surrounding areas a priceless opportunity to expand both their creative, and commercial, potential. Candidates have until Mon 20 Aug to submit their application.

Regional-based producers with world-class reputations will share their experience, knowledge and insights with participants at this early stage in their career.

Bristol’s producer is Julie Lockhart, whose last feature was the Aardman Animation hit The Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists, while Sheffield gets some expert advice from Colin Pons (Hush, The Acid House, Fanny and Elvis) and Nottingham welcomes Alastair Clark (London to Brighton, Better Things, Unmade Beds). Their mix of skills brings together experience in independent low budget feature production, European co-production and international animation.

FilmWorks launches in September with a live simulcast from Bristol-based Encounters Short Film & Animation Festival and runs until early December 2012. The scheme will explore the creative, business and technical aspects of the film industry through masterclasses, panels, networking and development opportunities, mentoring and workshops with established industry professionals.

It is a timely development scheme that responds to the current issues being faced in the film industry today: how to survive and prosper in the digital age, new models of distribution, the effect of digital technology on cinema production, new routes to market and much more.

Mark Cosgrove, Watershed’s Head of Programme, said: “FilmWorks is a unique opportunity for emerging local talent to develop their skills and learn about the film industry from leading UK producers. Based at three creative hubs in the English regions this 360 degree, fast tracked, networked development programme will create that all important bridge between production and cinema exhibition. I’m looking forward to working with partners to share regional expertise, work with industry leaders, and most of all, to introducing 45 great filmmakers to the world.”

Liz Harkman, Managing Director at Encounters Short Film & Animation Festival, said: “We’re delighted to be launching the FilmWorks programme in September at the 18th edition of the Festival. Encounters has always provided international new and emerging talent with opportunities to grow and a direct access to industry which makes it the ideal platform for the next generation of regional producers and directors to develop their projects, practice and networks.”

Aardman Producer Julie Lockhart said: “I’m looking forward to sharing my practice-based expertise in the animation industry to help what I hope might be the next generation of regional producers and directors to develop their projects, approaches and networks.”

http://www.filmworks.org.uk/