Freelances’ Fair registration opens
Registrations are being invited for BECTU's second Freelances' Fair to be held at BAFTA in June.
Last year's event, the first of its kind, brought information stalls, seminars, and a chance to network with people working in all areas of the industry.
This year will offer bigger seminars, more stalls and two exclusive workshops at BAFTA on Friday 29 June 2007 starting at 1000.
Members and non-members can register online using this form [update - the event has happened and the link to the form has been removed] - admission is free. Registration closes on 18 June 2007.
Stalls representing companies and organisations will be available to advise, inform and answer questions.
These include training bodies, employment and career advisors, employment lawyers, accountants, the Health and Safety Executive and a range of other industry practitioners.
The HMRC (previously the Inland Revenue) will give briefings on tax essentials. Sony will be giving hands on training sessions on their latest camera products. Nigel Taylor, Head of Production The Bill, will give on-the-spot advice throughout the day.
Two workshops will offer practical assistance to a small number of participants - twenty places for each workshop are available.
Four seminars will discuss and debate issues and problems that are part of the freelance's daily working life.
Registration for the workshops and seminars is essential, and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
The festival has been organised by the BECTU's Writers, Producers and Directors Branch and follows on from their well-attended digital distribution evening.
The event is sponsored by BAFTA, ITV, Skillset, Hard Dowdy and Thompsons Solicitors, and supported by Sony.
Workshops
Screenwriting (1000-1400)
Tessa Sheridan looks at screenwriting for short films and getting the best out of your idea.
This session is for both committed screenwriters and those interested in making their own short films with strong stories and great characters. The four-hour session will cover the essentials of:
- Idea to story - what makes a great short film
- Character and characterisation
- Getting the story moving - central problem and dramatic conflict
- Structure - what it is and why it matters
- Budget and how it affects what and how you film
This session is not suitable for the complete beginner.
Essential: Attendents should bring a three-sentence premise summarising the basic idea of a short film.
The Freelance Toolkit (1430-1730)
David Thomas looks at business skills for freelances.
Whether you're new to freelance life or have been self-employed for a while this workshop will help you keep your finances under control.
In this three hour session you'll get tips on how to organise yourself and keep good records, with advice on how to get paid on time.
You'll even hear about some ways to predict the future!
Participants will take away handouts full of useful information and you'll also get some downloadable tools to put you on the right track.
Seminars
My Brilliant Career (1200-1300)
All the speakers on this panel are active BECTU members who have succeeded in their field - come and ask them how.
- Peter Cox, Editor
- Lawrence Van Reiss, Art Director
- Beth Charkham, Casting Director
- Jamie Harcourt, Camera Operator
- Antonia Bird, Director
Finding the Funding (1315-1415)
The million dollar question - how to fund your production
- Zach Barfield, NPA Stuffed Animals
- Elliot Grove, Raindance
- Rebecca O'Brien, UK Film Council/Sixteen Films
Conjuring up the Commission (1430-1530)
Do you really need to be a magician?
- Steve Jones, Entertainment Commissioner Sky One
- Chantal Rutherford-Browne, Commissioning Editor BBC
- Kate Vogel Commissioning, Editor Channel 4
- Charles Furneaux, Head of Documentaries TalkbackThames
The Freelance Jungle (1545-1645)
And how to survive it without being eaten alive
- Nigel Gooch, Hard Dowdy Accountants
- Martin Spence, BECTU Assistant General Secretary
- Janet Ibbotson, BECTU Copyright Consultant
- Mark Hardman, ex-BBC now freelance
Amended 29 May 2007
Amended 30 May 2007