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In recent years the North of England, particularly the North West, has found itself in the coveted position of being the most filmed region in the UK, with Liverpool being its most
popular city location.
Another of BAFTA North’s new initiatives is to reach out into the community through the facilita- tion and provision of skills and equipment to those groups who would not otherwise have such access to the industry.
Maureen Sinclair, who was this year short-listed for Entrepreneur of the Year, is particularly keen to encourage script development and drama – one project involv- ing Walton Prison, will give inmates an insight to the industry.
Her assistant, Ruth Nicoll, a recent Management graduate from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) is enthused by the prospect of encouraging and developing the BAFTA North network for up and coming stu- dent talent.
Alex Cox believes that for media students ‘any kind of involvement in an organisation that’s involved in the media is worth it’.
A further aim of BAFTA North has been to establish a sense of community both within the organisation and externally with the formation of local projects. Projects like Toxteth TV in Merseyside, organised by mem- bers and promoted by BAFTA North, continue to inspire and instil a love and understanding of film at an early age. This specific project encourages children to attend workshops on film and tel- evision production, developing skills and widening horizons.
DAiverse projects
s BAFTA North looks toward the New Year, new initia- tives are planned to increase membership and net- working prospects throughout the region. BAFTA North has a com- mitment to its members to show- case exciting and diverse proj- ects with an emphasis on the role of the Northern regions within tel- evision and film.
One of the ways in which we try to accomplish this is with regu- lar Q & A sessions with leading players in the industry. The past 12 months has seen a wealth of Northern talent represented.
Earlier in the year we were for- tunate to have ex England International footballer and cast member John Barnes attending an exclusive members screening of Bend It Like Beckham, followed byaQ&AatWarnerVillagein Leeds. More recently, director Shane Meadows attended a Q & A session in Liverpool for the pre- view screening of Once Upon A Time in the Midlands.
NJetworking oppor tunity
oined by prominent actors Ricky Tomlinson and Rhys Ifans, our members were entertained with an insider’s view of the making of the film com- bined with an inevitable dose of humour. It also proved to be a fantastic networking opportunity for our BAFTA North members, as
the cast and crew of The Virgin of Liverpool, filming on location at the time, also attended to sup- port fellow cast member, Ricky.
Film screenings are always popular and the latest batch will prove no exception. One of the most eagerly awaited screenings will be the Q & A session with Mancunian director Danny Boyle after a screening of his latest film, 28 Days Later. Local musician, John Murphy, composer for Snatch and 51st State also pro- vided the music score.
Manchester sets the scene for another much anticipated event in our calendar, a screening of 24 Hour Party People – the filmic and musical homage to Factory Records and the Tony Wilson years of Madchester, the film will be followed by a Q & A with Tony, screen writer Frank Cottrell- Boyce and perhaps some extra special guests...
With the start of the New Year, BAFTA North will begin by aiding in the organisation of the World Charity Premiere of Revengers Tragedy, a film by Exterminating Angels. This is one of the most exciting projects to have taken place in Merseyside to date.
Based on the classic Jacobean play by Thomas Middleton, it’s been revamped by Frank Cottrell-Boyce and filmed entirely on location in Merseyside as director Alex Cox worked with a local crew.
This film was unique in that provided the opportunity for ten local trainees to learn and train with the cream of British talent. The screening itself will be sup- ported by the Department for Education and Skills, North West Festivals Learning and the Liverpool Film Office.
The coming year is full of promise - with exciting initiatives, the birth of new collaborations and BAFTA North’s continued commitment to its members by way of supporting and encourag- ing their work, while providing an excellent service.
The BAFTA North Committee would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank its many members and sponsors including Granada and Yorkshire Tyne Tees TV and BT whose sup- port is greatly appreciated. Compiled by Emma Wrafter
Photos: Levi Tefari (left) and friends at the Roy Stringer tribute; Rhys Ifans with Maureen Sinclair (left) and Ruth Nicoll; Ruth Nicoll, Paul Stringer and Emma Wrafter; Reece Noi with Emma Catherwood; Ruth Nicoll, Emma Wrafter, Director Danny Boyle and Sarah-Kym Mcloughlin.
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