The Witches Web: A filmic outback adventure
International Film School Sydney (IFSS) students Gordon Anderson and Lucas Plunkett recently combined their talents and resources to create something special for their major final year project.
With their crew (pictured) of other Tier 4 students including Katelin Hasenkamp, Donovan Renn and Philip Chua, and intrepid cast Debra Freeman, Daniel Trelease and Yasmin Horner, they travelled to Cobar NSW to film The Witch's Web.
Filmed over seven days against the backdrop of stunning locations, this tense psychological horror is about isolation and loss set in the Australian outback.
The cast and crew were well supported by locals including Cobar's Ranger and location provider, Robert Neate. During filming, a kangaroo caused some upset and a major continuity problem but the cast and crew found a way to make it a part of The Witch's Web.
Overall, the shoot was a huge success. Despite the lack of shade, unrelenting heat, the locations remoteness and the confronting wildlife, everyone worked hard and gave it their all. There was a general vibe that everyone wanted to be part of something great.
IFSS holds another successful open day
The International Film School Sydney (IFSS) recently held its November Open Day for interested students and their families to experience first hand the quality of film education available to them at IFSS.
The Open Day began with a tour of the school led by Directing Teacher, Jonathan Wald where attendees were taken through the school’s recording studios, editing suites, sets, computer labs and screening rooms.
Head of School Duncan Thompson presented to attendees on what it’s like to study at IFSS, what type of student the school is looking for and how they can apply. Later, he spent time one-on-one with attendees to talk further about their career aspirations (pictured).
IFSS student representatives were also available to answer questions about the school.
The next Open Day will be held on the 19th January where the winning film from the IFSS Future Filmmaker Competition will be screened.
Film school teacher's film wins award
The film ‘Road Train, directed by IFSS Directing Teacher Dean Francis was awarded the Best Soundtrack Album of 2011 at the Screen Music Awards.
The film, was theatrically released in 2009 starred Sophie Lowe and Xavier Samuel. Rafael May’s score has been described as “a tremendous score….with atonal screeches, chunky seventies riffing and some very well chosen songs.”
A collaboration with Sophie Lowe, ‘A Runner’ was a finalist in the 2010 Screen Music Awards for best song for the screen. Accepting the award, Rafael (pictured) honoured the collaboration with director Dean Francis (also a featured vocalist on the soundtrack) and told of removing his garden gate to use as an instrument to create the distinctive sound-scapes featured on the album.
The Screen Music Awards honour excellence in screen composition and were hosted by Noni Hazlehurst and held at the City Recital Hall in Sydney. Previous winners for Best Soundtrack Album have included Mao's Last Dancer and Death Defying Acts.
The Road Train Original Soundtrack is available from iTunes
IFSS announces Peoples Choice Award
The International Film School Sydney has announced the People’s Choice Award winner from its recent Student Film Screening. Katelin Hasenkamp was awarded for directing the moving short film Daddy’s Little Girl, about a teenaged girl who creates a beautiful world within her imagination as an escape from her sexually abusive father.
The IFSS Head of School Duncan Thompson is passionate about providing young directors, producers and screenwriters with the opportunity to flaunt their talent and captivate audiences, also with the chance to win the coveted People’s Choice Award.>/p>
Each year we look forward to recognising our students’ hard work and reveling in their creativity with our Student Film Screening. Katelin’s piece was very moving. The audience sat in captivated silence, and there were even a few tears. Judging their reactions on the night, it’s not a surprise that they chose Daddy’s Little Girl for the People’s Choice Award,” Mr Thompson said.
Katelin is delighted that the audience chose her film as the best of many stand-outs at the Screening. "It means a lot that my fellow filmmakers have deemed Daddys Little Girl worthy of their vote considering the high standards of all the other films included in the screening night. It is very gratifying to know that all the sleepless nights dedicated towards the film have paid off and the message is appreciated. I hope to continue to make films that push the boundaries and explore ideas and relationships that fall outside of everyday conventional life" Katelin said.
The IFSS Student Film Screening was held mid-October to a packed audience. This annual event celebrates the achievements of its budding filmmakers by projecting their films onto the big screen for industry experts, prospective students, family and friends.
Renowned Israeli Director to visit IFSS
IFSS will play host to renowned Israeli film maker Samuel Maoz on the 29th November. Stephen Murphy, Head of Teaching Assessment and Post Technology, said "the visit of Samuel to the school highlights the true international flavour of IFSS".
You must RSVP your attendance to: research@canberra.mfa.gov.il
IFSS student wins audience choice award
Recently, three International Film School Sydney (IFSS) students were invited to screen their work at the Sydney Underground Film Festival, held in September at the Factory Theatre.
Founded in the spirit of anarchy and revolution, the festival programmed the best in subversive cinema from around the globe for the past four years. The films selected for screening competed for a number of prizes, known as the ‘Dead Oscars’.
Two of our students won Audience Choice Awards!
A big congratulations to Shane Borza for his compelling short film The Big Stone and Daniel Stephens for his film Father Strickland.
IFSS graduate to shoot second unit for sci-fi thriller
A sci-fi thriller called 9 Hours to Dawn’ will be filmed in Sydney in 2012 and International Film School Sydney graduate Adrian Powers will take on the role of Second Unit Director.
Director and co-star Johan Earl would like to see Powers move up to features and believes that being Second Unit is a great opportunity for him to do that without bearing all the responsibility. The role of Second Unit Director will see Powers assist Earl while he is acting in the film.
‘9 Hours to Dawn’ is about a rogue cop who must kill several witnesses in a major criminal trial and only has until dawn to do so or face dire consequences.
The film is currently in pre-production and the film has a budget of $2.5 million.
Sydney Underground Film Festival - IFSS Nominees
International Film School Sydney students have been invited to screen their work In Competition at the upcoming Sydney Underground Film Festival, held 8th-11th September at the Factory Theatre.
Founded in the spirit of anarchy and revolution, the festival has programmed the best in subversive cinema from around the globe for the past four years. Films selected compete for a number of prizes, known as the “Dead Oscars”.
Forth Tier student Shane Borza’s compelling short THE BIG STONE is set in one of the most famous mountain climbing locations in the world, the spectacular Yosmite Valley and tells the story of a filmmakers personal journey through physical and emotional extremes.
Third Tier student Mateusz Subieta’s subversive film XMAS profiles a criminally deviant Santa Clause and his struggle to give in a world based on receiving.
Daniel Stephens’ film FATHER STRICKLAND deals with the temptation a corrupt priest feels to commit sin.
The films invited were all produced as part of the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media, which is the International Film School Sydney’s flagship training course.
For tickets go to the Sydney Underground Film Festival web site
IFSS Producing Teacher Honoured
IFSS Producing Teacher , Andrew Williams was honored with the launch of his film " As Life Goes On" to celebrate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at Parliament House in Sydney on June 15th..
Hosted by Andrew Constance MP, Minister for Ageing and Disability Services and Pru Goward MP, Minister for Family and Community Services and Minister for Women, the film was produced for Uniting Care Ageing as part of the Respect for Seniors project with funding from the NSW Government Domestic Violence Grants program.
The film explores the themes of elders abuse; both physical and emotional the harm of which with an increasingly aged population affects one in five families throughout Australia.
Presented by Sue Reid, Guardian Fellow in Elder Law with a cast of acting stalwarts the production will be released nationally in the coming weeks to raise community awareness and offer support throughout the community for those who are experiencing such abuse. Also In the credits is IFSS student Andrew Bennett who worked as production assistant on the film.
L to R: Kay Eklund, Andrew Williams, Pru Goward MP, Andrew Constance MP, John Black
British film maker has local family ties
2011 1 14: IFSS announces Future Filmmaker competition
Want to sit in the filmmakers chair?
IFSS is proud to announce our very own future filmmaker competition open to Australian residents aged 17+ years old. A full two-year scholarship in an Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media is up for grabs with a total prize value of $44,000…pretty great way to kick-start your film career!
To enter all you need to do is produce a short 3 minute film that fits the theme ‘Be Daring’. Entries will be judged on originality, creativity and overall technical competence. So get moving and get your entries in before October 21st 2011 and it could be you sitting in the seat. The winner will be announced on 30 November 2011.
We dare you to shoot!
2011 1 13: IFSS Student Adrian Powers wins prestigious film award
The International Film School Sydney is proud to report that Adrian Powers and his movie "Scruples" recently won the 'Best Director' in the Australian Shorts section of the Angry Film Awards for 2011. Congratulations to Adrian as winning awards of this nature is a commentary on his talent and skill as an up and coming film maker. To find out more visit http://www.angryproductions.org/
2011 1 12: IFSS Voted One of the Top 10 Film Schools in 2010
The International Film School Sydney is honoured to be announced as one of the Top Ten Film Schools for 2010 by members and viewers of Reelshow International. We appreciate your support throughout 2010 and look forward to another fantastic year ahead in 2011. To find out more visit www.reelshowint.com
2010 12 16 : Future Film Maker Wins 2 Year Scholarship
The International Film School Sydney is delighted to announce Aimee-Lee Curran as the winner of our Future Film Maker Competition for her film titled 'Awake'.
Curran's first short film constructs a dreamlike landscape of memories entangled in reality, and a past that bleeds into the present. Caught between two worlds and confused by recollections of the past, The Girl is haunted by the surreal presence of The Boy. Struggling to accept him and the beauty they are bound by, The Girl must awake; and allow herself transformation.
"Aimee-Lee Curran's film is certainly representative of the very high caliber of entries we received. It was a joy to award this scholarship to the maker of a film which such an intriguing vision" said Duncan Thompson IFSS Head of School.
There will be a film showing of 'Awake' on Thursday 13 January 2011 at the school's next Open Night. Register for the event online from our home page.
2010 11 26 : IFSS Future Film Maker Competition
Entries for International Film School Sydney ‘Future Film Makers’ Scholarship Competition have now closed. Entrants were required to submit a 3 minute short film based on their own interpretation of ‘Be Transformed’ for their chance to win a 2 year Scholarship at the school valued at $42,000.
The winner will be announced on the 15th December with results published on the International Film School Sydney’s (IFSS) web site. There will be showing of the winner’s film in conjunction with an Open Night at the school on Thursday 13th January 2011.
2010 11 25 : IFSS Open Day a Great Success
IFSS held another successful open day recently with record numbers attending. Prospective students were taken on a tour of the school and sat in the theatres and watched student films from the 2010 Student Film Screening Night. Head of School Duncan, then gave a presentation on the school and with the group very eager to ask questions. IFSS will hold another Open Day early in 2011, keep an eye on the website for further information.
2010 11 25 : Script Editing Accolade for IFSS Head of School
Head of the International Film School Sydney (IFSS), Duncan Thompson, has had his second major success at Australia’s AFI awards as script editor.
This year, Mr Thompson script edited David Michod’s Animal Kingdom, which received a record 18 nominations including best screenplay. The film has already been announced the winner of the dramatic jury prize for world cinema at the Sundance Film Festival.
For the full story visit this link.
2010 9 3 : IFSS proudly sponsors Warrambeen Film Festival
IFSS is proud to sponor the 2nd Annual Warrambeen Film Festival on Saturday 5th of March 2011. With food, wine and the best films from across the globe this festival is sure to delight.
Situated on the picturesque property of Warrambeen with four huge screens, this is a must see event for all.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.warrambeenfilmfestival.com.au.
2010 8 25 : IFSS proudly supports Manhattan Short Film Festival
2009 Manhattan Short Film FestivalIFSS is supporting the worlds first global film festival. Over 200 cinemas - spanning 6 continents - uniting for one week to celebrate international film making. Film lovers in Sydney will get the chance to unite with audiences around the world for a week of cultural exchange, with the chance to see 10 Films from 10 different Countries in the MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival.
This festival is a unique opportunity for film buffs in Sydney to catch a glimpse of the filmmakers and story tellers of tomorrow. And best of all, you get to have your say by voting for your favourite short!
Emerging from humble beginnings in downtown Manhattan and created by Aussie Nick Mason, the Festival is now celebrating its 12th year. Nick Mason, a former Australian actor/director left for NYC 12 years ago to pursue his acting career. With a small budget, Mason decided to screen a series of Short Films onto the side of a delivery truck on Mulberry Street, Downtown Soho- Manhattan. Support for the festival began to grow each year, with audiences travelling from all over NYC to see the shorts. Over time, this small art-house project morphed into the global phenomenon it is today. For more information or to read interviews with the Finalists go to www.msfilmfest.com
Sydney screening:
THURSDAY 30 SEPTEMBER
6:30PM
CHAUVEL CINEMA
Paddington Town Hall
Cnr Oxford St & Oatley Rd
Paddington, NSW, 2021
The Finalists for 2010:
Watching (UK) Push Bike (Australia)
Underground (Mexico) A Little Inconvenience (Canada)
Party (Croatia) Echo (Poland)
Madagascar (France) 12 Years (Germany)
The Pool (Ireland) War (Italy)
Read Interviews with the 10 Finalists
http://www.msfilmfest.com/2010finalists/index.html
Download Stills of the Finalists films at 300 dpi
http://www.msfilmfest.com/p_finalist_stills.html
2010 8 16 : IFSS sponsors NAFA Showfest Film Festival at Ritz Cinema Randwick
IFSS volunteer film crew working at the NAFA ShowFest EventIFSS was a proud sponsor of the NAFA showfest on Monday 16th August.
2010 7 25 : IFSS past student Juliet Lamont wins 2010 Foxtel Australian Documentary Award
IFSS past student Juliet Lamont won the 2010 Foxtel Australian Documentary Award and a cash prize of $10,000 at this year’s Sydney Film Festival. Her film The Snowman, which tells the story of a filmmaker’s search for the truth behind her father’s mental collapse 30 years ago following a trip he made to Antarctica, started as a school documentary project. Previously Juliet was a finalist in the Tropfest 2006 short film festival with her short dramatic fiction film Burst.
2010 7 8-18 : Duncan Thompson comments on the IFSS sponsorship at Perth Revelation Film Festival
"Dear Jack - Thank you so much for inviting me to the festival. It really is one of the most stimulating festivals around. There is such an attention to finding distinctive, unique, entertaining and provocative material. It’s like having a mind feast curated by a genius wizard. Certainly a festival I’d recommend to any filmmaker looking for unique and unexpected inspiration. I particularly enjoyed judging the Rev 8 competition."
Duncan Thompson, Head of School at IFSS
2010 5 19 : Duncan Thompson announces the launch of the 'Future Filmmaker' competition
Duncan Thompson, Head of School @ IFSSOn the Wednesday 19th May 2010, IFSS officially announced its commitment to supporting a struggling future filmmaker to “be transformed” into a professional, by offering education assistance. The winner of this new film competition receives a full 2 year scholarship at IFSS (the prize values exceeds $44,000 AUD). Duncan Thompson, Head of School at IFSS said “This is an exciting endeavour for us. We are truly committed to expanding the Australian film industry and we feel this competition is the most powerful way to do it.” The competition is open to all Australian residents 17 years or older from any part of the country. The winner will study an Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media with IFSS for a full 2 years. Duncan Thompson also noted “We would love to see entries from young people, not only from the city, but also from minority groups across the country. We know that there are people out there who are going to be the next front-runners in the Australian film industry.”
Competition call for entries : DEADLINE 30th October 2010 Students are being asked to produce a short 3 minute film based on a 'be transformed' theme and upload it on the IFSS website. www.ifss.edu.au
2010 4 21 : Duncan Thompson presents via SKYPE to "Independent Filmmakers of the Inland Empire"
Duncan Thompson, Head of School, at the International Film School Sydney (IFSS) was recently the guest speaker at a meeting of the "Independent Filmmakers of the Inland Empire"in Califorinia, USA. This event was organised by IFSS as a way to build links with the industry overseas. More photos...
2010 4 10 : Congratulations to Ali Kadhim 'Best Short Film' @ Short Cuts Film Festival
Short Cuts 2010 ‘Best Short Film’ winner Ali Kadhim (right) with Adam Thorogood (Marketing Manager), International Film School Sydney.
The International Film School Sydney (IFSS) is excited to announce Ali Kadhim from Sydney, as the winner of the Best Short Film award at the 2010 Short Cuts Film Festival event in Fairfield on Saturday 10th April. Through Ali’s film submission, ‘Parkour’, he has won a $1,000 cash prize, sponsored by the International Film School Sydney (IFSS). Ali was welcomed on stage at the Short Cuts event on Saturday and thanked the International Film School Sydney for their support of his work. Ali said ”I obviously want to thank Short Cuts and IFSS for providing me with this opportunity. The event itself was fantastic and it was a thrill to be amongst such talented and like-minded people”. The International Film School Sydney is Australia’s premier independent film school…and the home of daring cinema. IFSS is proud to be the sponsor of the Short Cuts Best Short Film Award.
2010 3 15 : Congratulations to Julian Shaw 'Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year'
Rhys wakefield and Julian ShawDirector Julian Shaw was honoured by the Byron Bay International Film Festival and International Film School Sydney with the prestigious Best Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year Award. The prize was for his powerful dramatic short Clearing the Air, recently licensed to QANTAS In-Flight Entertainment. Set in a single hotel room overlooking Sydney International Airport, the emotionally charged film captures an exchange between an estranged father and son, played by AFI Winner Marcus Graham and AFI nominee Rhys Wakefield. The award is a happy outcome for Shaw and Wakefield, who were schoolmates at the McDonald College of Performing Arts.
2010 3 13 : Warrambeen Film Festival - IFSS proud partner
2010 3 5 : Byron Bay Film Festival - IFSS proud partner
2010 2 21 : Tropfest 2010 - IFSS proud partner
2010 2 14 : Flickerfest 2010 - IFSS proud partner
2010 3 1 : Congratulations to IFSS Teacher Judd Overton
Judd OvertonOne of our favourite teachers at IFSS, Judd Overton, has been working on an award winning film, titled 'Franswa Sharl', which became a winner at the recent Berlin Film Festival. Judd worked as a cinematographer on this film, which went on to win the prestigious Crytal Bear Award for the best short film. This film was shot in mid 2009, and was gratefully funded by Screen Australia, heralding the last of the national funding for short films by the then AFC. Supported by Kodak, Deluxe and EFilm, Panavision and shot on Super 16mm, 'Franswa Sharl' is the story of an Australian family on holiday in 1980 Fiji. Judd attended the 60th Annual Berlinale with Director Hannah Hilliard, Producer Linda Micsko and writer Greg Logan (on who's true life story the film was based).
2010 2 21 : IFSS Bright Sparks Award Winner @ Tropfest 2010
Duncan Thompson, Head of School at IFSS congratulates Tropfest Bright Sparks Award winner of 2010 Dimitrios Pouliotis, from Adelaide.Congratulations : Dimitrios Pouliotis. The International Film School Sydney (IFSS) is excited to announce Dimitrios Pouliotis from Adelaide, as the winner of the Bright Sparks award at the 2010 Tropfest event. Through Dimi’s film submission, ‘A Moment of Grace’, he has won a full scholarship for the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media at IFSS. Dimi was welcomed on stage at the Tropfest event yesterday and thanked the International Film School Sydney for their support of his work. Dimi said ”I obviously want to thank IFSS for providing me with this scholarship opportunity. The event itself was fantastic and it was a thrill to be amongst such talented and like-minded people. My film seemed to get a good response when it was screened and I was very happy about that. It was surprising to get so many compliments. I appreciate everything IFSS has done”. Duncan Thompson, Head of School said “We are looking forward to having Dimi at our school. He is a remarkable talent and so pleased he will commence his scholarship at IFSS in July 2010.” The International Film School Sydney is Australia’s premiere independent film school…and the home of daring cinema. IFSS has been the exclusive film school partner for the Tropfest festival and sponsored the Bright Sparks award for the past three years.
2010 2 1 : 'Animal Kingdom' wins at Sundance
Joel Edgerton in David Michod's 'Animal Kingdom'David Michod’s Animal Kingdom, wins World Cinema Jury Prize (Drama) at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. Head of School Duncan Thompson, script edited the film during its early stages and later took the script through the Aurora Script Development Workshop as the workshop Artistic Director. The International Film School Sydney had the honour of Animal Kingdom’s writer/director David Michod as guest speaker at the school’s recent School Open Night just prior to his departure for the Sundance Film Festival.
2010 1 10 : IFSS Graduates, Sam and Davy need your vote...
Two recent IFSS graduates, Sam and Davy, are now in Mexico City working in the film industry and trying to finish future scripts. We have heard that they have just entered a competition to shoot a short film in New Zealand. It is a project that is to be judged by Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings director) and produced by Barrie Osborne (producer of Lord of the Rings). Click on this link to view Sam and Davy's submission. Watch it and if you like it - you can also vote for them. All you need to do is visit the website and view their submission. There is a green button that says "VOTE FOR THIS ENTRY", just click there and VOILA! They´ll get your vote.
2009 12 11 : IFSS CEO, Duncan Thompson, script editor for the film "Animal Kingdom", is accepted into Sundance Film Festival
Script edited by Head of School Duncan Thompson and guided through the Aurora Script Development Workshop by Duncan Thompson during his tenure as Artistic Director of Aurora, working with advisors Lynne Ramsay (Morvern Callar), David McKenna (American History X), Alison Tilson (Japanese Story) and Rob Festinger (In the Bedroom). Previous films mentored by Thompson include Somersault (director Cate Shortland, starring Abbie Cornish and Sam Worthington), Little Fish (director Rowan Woods, starring Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving and Sam Neill) and Black Balloon (director Elissa Down).
More info : FilmInk or InsideFilm