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events extra
shortcuts to screen
Amma Asante explains the thinking behind the first major Academy event of 2002
The one thing that became abundantly clear to me as I put together last year’s cul- tural diversity event, Funding The Feature, was the need for more information on distribution and exhibition.
In particular, there was a need for emerging filmmakers to speak directly with major players in this field, and also with filmmakers who have already achieved suc- cess in cinematic release.
Last month’s Shortcuts To Screen attempted to try and address this.
The session was set against the backdrop of recent industry com- mitments to invest in more black, Asian and generally culturally diverse film talent. It delved into the commercial imperative to ensure that once such films are
made, they are also eventually seen by audiences in a world that has traditionally seen them as difficult to market.
Having produced last year’s session, which centred on funding for films with culturally diverse themes or content, I knew imme- diately that pulling together a dis- tinguished panel to discuss what can be a sensitive subject would be a huge challenge.
What surprised and delighted me was the enthusiasm with which some of the industry’s most key and successful players, said “yes” to taking part this year – an indication that a new atmos- phere prevails, certainly times are a changing.
The panel, including the Film Council’s Robert Jones, filmmaker Gurinder Chadha and Marc Boothe of Nubian Tales, all endorsed the importance of diversity by engaging in construc- tive debate on its issues.
Boothe, whose company assists some of the major distribu- tors in targeting films with niche markets, believes that emerging filmmakers are becoming far more sensitive to cinema audi- ences and their needs.
“In the past, there has often been a blurring of the line between culture and business,” says Boothe. That a film can appeal to audiences on a num- ber of levels is something that black and Asian filmmakers in particular are starting to take into account. Cross-over doesn’t
always mean compromise and, according to Boothe, “cross-over is not a dirty word”.
On the other-hand he adds, “the wealth of talent that exists both behind the camera and in front of the camera sometimes gets overlooked in the need to become more mainstream”
Boothe feels that success also comes from the combination of “opportunity meeting prepara- tion and the right environment” - something that Shortcuts To Screen was structured to provide.
Whilst the session itself offered filmmakers a practical insight into the realities of distribution as well as allowing them to put key names to faces, the reception afterwards offered the opportu- nity to access these key practi- tioners in a wholly professional environment.
BAFTA was able to put togeth- er the evening through strong sup- port from the BBC, PACT and West One, whose sponsorship helped to make the event possible.
The hope is, that the practical insight gained combined with access to experienced profes- sionals will empower the emerg- ing filmmakers in the audience, to build on the evening far beyond the event itself.
Photos clockwise from top left: Amma Asante, Bonnie Greer, Robert Jones, Marc Boothe and Gurinder Chadha
Shortcuts To Screen welcomed writer and broadcaster Bonnie Greer to the BAFTA platform as she took on the role of Chair for the evening. The reg- ular contributor to BBC 2’s Late Review has gradually been mak- ing the move into film production, developing the work of new writ- ers and directors through her film company Emerald City.
For Bonnie, the issues surround- ing film distribution and cultural diversity are something she sees as close to her heart. “My new company, based both in London and Paris, is devoted to the work of Europeans of non-Western European descent.
“Emerald City will develop and produce mainstream as well as non-mainstream work”, she adds. “We will work with anyone and everyone, no matter what colour they are, who want to move things on, who want to take film into its next century. It’s a challenge, a privilege and great fun”.
Another challenge Bonnie will shortly be taking on is that of interviewing renowned American filmmaker Spike Lee, who has agreed to spend an evening at BAFTA later this year. Look out for the Stop Press on the soon to be announced date.
Meanwhile, Bonnie is busy writ- ing and co-producing her latest project, Reflecting Skin, for the BBC, as well as instituting a screenwriting award through her company, specifically to encour- age emerging Black British writers.
Beyond all of this, Bonnie man- ages to find time to write for Sight & Sound, she regularly reviews film for Radio, and has an arts and media column in The Mail On Sunday’s You Magazine. With such a hectic schedule, we’re delighted she still has plans to come back and visit us soon.
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