On Saturday February 20, CellB’s second cinema screen was officially opened by none other than The Amazing Spiderman & Kingsman star Rhys Ifans, in a virtual livestream event. The screen has even been named after him as a gesture of appreciation for all his community youth work during the pandemic.  

This marks an exciting step forward for the local arts and culture industry, as well as creating more opportunities for youth projects, all of which have suffered greatly over the last year due to the Covid crisis.  

CellB is run by Gwallgofiad, a not for profit social enterprise that has been providing creative training for the young people of Blaenau Ffestiniog since 2003. Situated in the old police station, it has been a hub of activity over the years, hosting a range of gigs and youth projects, then expanding into a hostel, bar, restaurant and now most recently, a cinema.  

Owner and Blaenau local Rhys Roberts has always believed in broadening the horizons for young people, a core value behind CellB’s ‘Clwb Clinc’, a Welsh language youth club providing a range of free creative arts and media workshops. When the pandemic first struck in spring 2020, these workshops had to move online. Members still benefited from structured virtual meetings, and were also treated to Q&A sessions with Rhys Ifans and Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens. Since his first zoom appearance in May last year, Rhys Ifans proved a hit with the kids, forming a lasting mentorship and inspiring them to create their own videos, as well as committing to support future creative projects for the youths. 

Thanks to support from Art Council Wales, Community Foundation Wales, Cist Gwynedd, Ffilm Cymru Wales FAN BFI a Canolfan Ffilm Cymru as part of the Rhwydwaith Cynulleidfa Ffilm BFI (FAN), made possible by the Loteri Cenedlaethol, this creative energy fueled Clwb Clinc’s reopening in August 2020, where the team worked together to reshuffle its priorities, namely asking the question, how to keep a cinema open in a socially-distanced world? It soon became clear that space was extremely important, with many of the locals having expressed concern about revisiting the cinema due to being in close proximity with others. It was decided that the upstairs courtroom, previously used for social events, would become the second screen, with its large space providing room for flexibility both in terms of functions and audience seating. This includes six ‘creative pods’ where the young people can also work on their projects outside of screen time. 

The aim of the cinema is to use any profits to subsidise the costs of these youth workshops, thus creating a sustainable community system that benefits the general public as well as young people. Training opportunities in box office and projection skills will also be provided, with the long-term goal of securing future work in the industry. Rhys Roberts says: 

In this time of restricted movement and social isolation people are yearning for ways to escape, and what better way to do so than to watch a good film in the (safely distanced) company of others? A diverse program is currently  being put together, featuring films from around the world as well as much loved classics. Films to be screened include Spirited Away, Pain and Glory FAN BFI a Capernaum. 

The ‘Rhys Ifans Sgrin 2’ was opened with a live-stream event. Rhys Ifans said: 

 Hana Lewis, Manager of Film Hub Wales adds:

Keep an eye out for Cellb’s ‘Sinema’r Byd’ film package takeaway box coming soon. At a time where we can’t travel let Cellb take you on a world voyage through film, food and drink. Boxes will vary each week with a diverse range of specialised, independent and world cinema films on DVD accompanied by street food snacks and drinks from the visited country.

www.cellb.org

Watch the opening of Sgrin2 live stream on Youtube

ENDS

Darllenwch y datganiad i’r wasg llawn yma

In celebration of Saint David’s Day coming up, the Film Hub Wales team have picked just a handful of films with welsh connections to watch at home. See below for our personal recommendations, but you can also find our full Made in Wales film catalogue, and an extensive list of films with Welsh connections that can be watched while at home.

Great Point will manage the studio for 10 years, with an option to acquire and expand the large studio complex. The agreement, which came into effect this week, closely follows Great Point’s recent announcements of the building of Lionsgate Studios in Yonkers, NY, as well as a second studio complex in Buffalo, New York. This third studio signals Great Point’s commitment to expanding its efforts to build and manage state-of-the-art production facilities in key production cities, where pressure on existing studio space is ever-increasing.

Seren Stiwdios in Cardiff, Wales, was built and developed by the Welsh Government in 2015. It has four large stages totaling 74,000 square feet, in addition to copious production office and ancillary space. Nearby locations are spectacular and diverse, with cityscapes, coast and countryside all easily accessible. Film and TV productions which have shot at Seren include The Huntsman: Winter’s War, Sherlock, Show Dogs, The State, A Discovery of Witches, The Crown and Doctor Who.

Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, said:

We are delighted to welcome Great Point to Wales with the establishment of their first studio complex in the UK as they bring with them access to a global network of industry contacts and exciting opportunities. Great Point’s approach to supporting and developing the local supply chain along with their commitment to education and mentoring will further enhance the creative sector in Wales. Great Point Seren Stiwdios will enhance Wales’ reputation as a preferred location for productions and further improve career and employment opportunities.

Read the full press release

Bydd gŵyl ffilmiau Affricanaidd flynyddol Cymru, Watch-Africa Cymru, yn digwydd ar-lein yn 2021, gan ddod ag Affrica a Chymru at ei gilydd i ddathlu sinema Affricanaidd.

Sefydlwyd yr ŵyl Watch-Africa Cymru wyth mlynedd yn ôl yn ne Cymru, a hon yw unig ŵyl ffilmiau Affricanaidd Cymru. Mae'r 9fed rhifyn eleni yn symud ar-lein ac yn digwydd rhwng 19 a 28 Chwefror 2021.

Gyda chefnogaeth Canolfan Celfyddydau Chapter, Ffilm Cymru a Choleg Brenhinol Cerdd a Drama Cymru, mae rhaglen gyffrous o'r enw 'Dod ag Affrica i Gymru', wedi cael ei churadu. Bydd yr ŵyl yn sgrinio amrywiaeth o 10 o ffilmiau gwych, a sesiwn holi ac ateb fyw gyda chyfarwyddwyr, cast ac arbenigwyr.

Ynghyd â'r rhaglen sinema hon, bydd yr ŵyl yn cynnig cyfres o weithdai diddorol hefyd, sydd wedi'u trefnu'n arbennig i gefnogi’r rhaglen sinema (gan gynnwys gweithdy ar Lên Gwerin Affricanaidd!).

Bydd yr ŵyl hon yn dathlu cyfnewidfeydd diwylliannol dilys drwy gydweithrediadau sinematig traws-genedlaethol. I agor yr ŵyl, mae’n bleser gan Watch-Cymru Africa groesawu Florence Ayisi, gwneuthurwr ffilmiau Cymru-Affrica. Bydd yr ŵyl yn dod i ben gyda sgriniad 'Buganda Royal Music Revival' a thrafodaeth gyda gwneuthurwyr ffilmiau a chynrychiolwyr Coleg Brenhinol Cerdd a Drama Cymru.

Dilynwch Watch-Africa Cymru ar Facebook, Twitter ac Instagram i ymuno â’r drafodaeth arlein ac i gael cyfle i ennill rhywfaint o wobrau arbennig.

Meddai Christine Patterson, cynhyrchydd Watch-Africa Cymru:

Meddai Claire Vaughan o Ganolfan Celfyddydau Chapter:

"Mae gwledd o’ch blaen- rhaglenni dogfen gan wneuthurwyr ffilmiau yng Nghymru, sylwebaeth gymdeithasol, comedi, clasuron a rhywfaint o'r ffotograffiaeth harddaf y byddwch yn ei weld eleni.

"Rwy'n edrych ymlaen yn arbennig at y gweithdai, sy'n cynnwys addysgwyr fel Abu-Bakr Madden Al-Shabazz. Peidiwch â cholli eich cyfle i weld y ffilmiau hyn, a gweld ychydig o'r byd sydd ddim ar gael i ni ar hyn o bryd."

Dywedodd yr Athro Florence Ayisi, gwneuthurwr ffilmiau Affricanaidd sy'n byw yng Nghymru ac sydd â dwy ffilm sydd yn mynd i gael eu sgrinio, bod:

"Watch-Africa Cymru yn cynnig gofod creadigol i wneuthurwyr ffilmiau a phobl sy’n caru ffilmiau i gysylltu a thrafod. Mae'n ofod arbennig sy'n ymwneud mwy â syniadau, delweddau a straeon am ddiwylliant a phrofiadau Affricanaidd a gipiwyd mewn ffilm. Yn bwysicach na hynny, mae'n le i weld, clywed a gwybod ychydig mwy am safbwyntiau a phrofiadau byw sy'n pontio bylchau o wybodaeth anghywir a chamddehongliadau am fywyd yn Affrica."

Mae tocynnau ar gyfer yr Ŵyl Ffilmiau Dod ag Affrica i Gymru ar werth nawr. Bydd modd prynu pob ffilm a’u ffrydio ar Chwaraewr Chapter.

Cliciwch yma i gael rhagor o wybodaeth am yr ŵyl.
Cliciwch yma i weld clip o ŵyl Watch Africa 2021.

Mae’r ŵyl yn cael ei chefnogi gan: Ffilm Cymru, Panel Cynghori Is-Sahara (SSAP), Hub Cymru Affrica (HCA), Coleg Brenhinol Cerdd a Drama Cymru (RWCMD)

ENDS.

Are you aged between 14 to 18, with a passion for cinema and a desire to learn more about different aspects from across the film industry? This week, Milford Haven’s Torch Theatre have launched a fresh new scheme for teenagers from across Pembrokeshire who are interested in or have a passion based around film and cinema.

Commencing from the end of March 2021, the Torch Theatre Young Film Ambassadors scheme is an unmissable opportunity for teenagers to experience film in a fun and educational way; become a budding film critic, meet like-minded people and to make new friends. You will discuss and review films with your peers, get your reviews seen, and sharpen your skills as a reviewer as you explore writing and vlogging as part of the project. 

As a Young Film Ambassador, this exciting, interactive project offers you the opportunity to watch and review current British, independent and blockbuster films. You will find out more about film with filmmaking and film studies digital workshops, with guest speakers and special presentations from industry insiders and creatives on aspects from production to publicity. Access to the films will initially be through digital streaming platforms, and then back on the big screen once the Torch is fully reopened.

The Torch Theatre’s Young Film Ambassadors scheme has been made possible by National Lottery funding distributed by Film Hub Wales, through the BFI FAN Film Exhibition Fund which was awarded to the Torch in the Autumn of 2020.

Alex Lloyd, Senior Manager – Marketing, Press & Communications at the Torch said:

Want to get involved? To apply to become a Young Film Ambassador, simply email marketing@torchtheatre.co.uk with the following information: Name, Age and Location, plus tell us what your three favourite films are and why. Successful Ambassadors will be contacted by 15 March 2021. For more information, visit the Torch Theatre’s website.

Organisers of the Iris Prize have launched a Wales-wide, three-year project working with community groups from across the country to discuss issues faced by LGBT+ people.

The Iris Prize successfully applied for £195,330 from The National Lottery Community Fund.

Working with the LGBT+ community and their allies, the team are looking for community groups who, thanks to the support of National Lottery players during these challenging times, will produce a film addressing issues faced by the LGBT+ community. All of the completed films will be available to watch online.

The Iris Prize intend to build on their previous Iris in the Community project, creating more opportunities for community members to make films that relay a campaign for change.

Team Iris will be working with 10 community groups to discuss issues faced by the LGBT+ community and produce a film in response. Beneficiaries will have opportunities to take part in acting workshops, and gain skills in filmmaking and scriptwriting. The groups involved do not need to work within the LGBT+ community, but will be diverse in their membership, for example welcoming people with learning disabilities.

Berwyn Rowlands, Cyfarwyddwr yr Ŵyl:

“2020 marks the 20^ed anniversary of the repeal of one of the most controversial pieces of legislation to impact on the lives of LGBTI+ people in the UK: Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988.

“This is a fabulous opportunity for our community groups to take stock and reflect on where we are today as LGBT+ people. The fact that we will have 10 films produced at the end of this project is an added bonus. Film continues to be a very democratic way for people to share their ideas and to reach new audiences. Our community groups will I’m sure benefit from this amazing experience.”

Community groups who are interested in discovering more should start with a visit to Iris Prize Community where they can complete a form to express an interest.

Derek Preston-Hughes, Funding Manager at The National Lottery Community Fund said:

“We are delighted to be able to support The Iris Prize with this project. They have already played an incredible role in addressing issues faced by the LGBT+ community over the years, and it’s great that they can now build on this, thanks to National Lottery players. Projects such as this are making a huge difference to people’s lives and to communities across Wales.”

National Lottery players raise £30 million each week for good causes throughout the UK. To find out more about applying for a grant from The National Lottery Community Fund to help your community adapt, recover and thrive, visit The National Lottery Community Fund gwefan

The main festival sponsors are: The Michael Bishop Foundation, Welsh Government, the BFI awarding funds from The National Lottery, Ffilm Cymru Wales, Film 4, University of South Wales, Co-op Respect, Bad Wolf, Gorilla Group, Peccadillo Pictures, Pinewood Studios, Attitude Magazine, Diva Magazine and The Ministry of Sound.

The festival also works in partnership with BAFTA Cymru, Pride Cymru and Stonewall Cymru.

Mae Canolfan Ffilm Cymru wedi creu rôl arloesol newydd, ar gyfer hyrwyddo ffilmiau Cymreig a’r sinemau sydd yn eu dangos.

Mae Radha Patel yn ymuno gyda’r tîm fel y Swyddog Gwnaethpwyd yng Nghymru ar gyfnod holl bwysig wrth i’r diwydiant ffilm gynllunio ar gyfer dyfodol y tu hwnt i Covid-19. Gyda chefnogaeth gan Cymru Greadigol a’i ddatblygu mewn ymgynghoriad gyda’r diwydiant sgrin Cymreig, fe fydd y rôl arloesol newydd yma yn edrych ar ffyrdd i ddatblygu cynulleidfaoedd ar gyfer ffilmiau gyda chysylltiadau Cymreig.

Esboniodd Hana Lewis, Rheolwraig Strategol Canolfan Ffilm Cymru:

Datblygwyd y rôl ar y cyd gyda Strategaeth Gwnaethpwyd yng Nghymru Canolfan Fffilm Cymru sydd wedi bod yn gweithio i ddathlu’r Gymraeg, a diwylliant a threftadaeth Cymru ar y sgrin ers 2014. Mae dros 700 o ffilmiau gyda chysylltiadau Cymreig ar wefan y Ganolfan, ynghyd ag ystafell rhagddangos ar-lein ar gyfer rhaglenwyr ffilmiau a dewis i wneuthurwyr ffilmiau gyflwyno eu ffilmiau ar gyfer cymorth hyrwyddo. Yn fwyaf diweddar cynhaliodd Canolfan Fffilm Cymru ymchwil i botensial brand Gwnaethpwyd yng Nghymru i hyrwyddo ffilmiau Cymreig yn rhyngwladol.

Dywedodd Gerwyn Evans, Dirprwy Gyfarwyddwr, Cymru Greadigol: 

“Rydym yn edrych ymlaen at adfer ein diwydiannau creadigol yn 2021. Mae ffilmiau wedi chwarae rôl mor allweddol mewn ein diddanu gartref yn ystod 2020, ond edrychwn ymlaen ar groesawu cynulleidfaoedd i’n sinemau unwaith eto. Yng Nghymru mae gennym dreftadaeth gyfoethog ac enw da cadarn o ffilm, gyda nifer o sinemau lleol yn aros i groesawu cynulleidfaoedd yn ôl. Dymunwn y gorau i Radha yn y rôl allweddol yma gyda Chanolfan Ffilm Cymru yn hyrwyddo ffilmiau Cymreig a sinemau yng Nghymru.” 

Dywedodd Claire Vaughan, Rheolwraig Rhaglen Canolfan Gelfyddydau Chapter yng Nghaerdydd:  

"Rydym yn falch bod Radha yn dechrau’r gwaith ar y rôl bwysig yma a fydd yn helpu i hyrwyddo ffilmiau Cymreig. Fe fydd y swydd yma yn ein galluogi i gysylltu gyda rhagor o wneuthurwyr ffilm ac aelodau cynulleidfaoedd sydd yn awyddus i glywed straeon Cymreig. Mae Radha yn artist talentog sydd yn rhoi pwyslais ar sut rydym yn esbonio ein hunain gyda straeon ac mae ei hymagwedd cynnes tuag at gynulleidfaoedd a’i dull proffesiynol gyda rhanddeiliaid yn ei gwneud yn benodiad ardderchog i’r rôl." 

Mae rolau blaenorol Radha yn cynnwys Swyddog Cyfathrebu yn Age Cymru a Swyddog Prosiectau ac Allgyrraedd i Gentle/Radical, corff celfyddydau cymdeithasol ymgysylltiedig yng Nghaerdydd. Mae gan Radha gefndir mewn datblygu cynulleidfa ac mae’n teimlo’n angerddol ynghylch sicrhau bod sinema yn hygyrch ac yn gynrychioliadol o bawb.

Ymchwanega Radha: 

Caiff Canolfan Ffilm Cymru ei arwain gan Chapter fel rhan o Rwydwaith Datblygu Cynulleidfa BFI. Diolch i gyllid y Loteri Cenedlaethol mae Canolfan Ffilm Cymru yn darparu portffolio eang o weithgareddau yn flynyddol gan gyflwyno rhagor o ffilmiau, i ragor o bobl, mewn rhagor o sinemau a gwyliau ffilm ar draws Cymru.

Diwedd.

Darllenwch y datganiad i’r wasg llawn yma

Inclusive Cinema tasks cinemas to take anti-racist action with launch of new guide 

The BFI Film Audience Network’s Inclusive Cinema has launched a practical guide for improving the cinema experiences of ethnically diverse audiences, and staff, which challenges institutions to make good on their Black Lives Matter and anti-racism statements from 2020. 

Inclusive Cinema is a UK-wide project funded by the BFI Film Audience Network (FAN) through the National Lottery to support exhibitors in welcoming everyone to participate in cinema, by countering cultural, systemic or physical barriers. The new guide ‘Dismantling Structural Inequality in Your Cinema’ was commissioned from artist and freelancer Sadia Pineda Hameed and focuses on the cinema experiences of ethnically diverse people, with reference to intersections including gender, sexuality, disability, income and class.

From immediately actionable tools, to encouraging inner, reflective and dialogue-based work towards undoing systemic injustice, the guide is intended to create lasting change for future generations, and sustain organisations in a meaningful way, cited by its writer as “the last toolkit that cinemas should need” when it comes to making their spaces truly inclusive of and led-by ethnically diverse people.

Speaking at film exhibition conference, This Way Up, in December 2020, Sadia Pineda Hameed, author of the guide said:  

The toolkit examines the role of cinemas in the context of systemic injustice and focuses on preventing harm towards people of colour as audience members, staff and creators who exhibit their films, and arrives in tandem with Dogwoof’s latest release, charting Martin Luther King Jr.’s mistreatment by the FBI, MLK/FBI, available in virtual cinemas and on demand, from 15 January.  

As audiences connect the dots between the seeds to Black Power rising from the ‘50s and ‘60s, to Black Lives Matter in 2020, the vital reminder is that institutional and structural racism are still endemic issues within our society and culture, requiring multiple strategies and committed action.  

Toki Allison, BFI Film Audience Network Access Officer, who oversees the Inclusive Cinema project, explains:  

“Many cinemas have made statements recognising that structural change is essential after the resurgence of Black Lives Matter bringing racism forcibly into the public consciousness in 2020. This toolkit provides short and long-term actions for organisations to take, to show their true commitment to not only making statements, but taking anti-racist action to create an equitable space for Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse talent, curators, staff and audiences. It’s a comprehensive and inarguably uncompromising document, but it will only be effective if organisations take it, absorb it, recognise the deep work that needs to be done, and get on and do it. I’m looking forward to seeing real change happen, including true accountability from white-led organisations who give up their power and make way for ethnically diverse leaders, makers and curators to share stories in their own ways.” 

Rico Johnson-Sinclair, director and founder of CineQ, and festival manager at SHOUT Festival, was consulted in the creation of the toolkit, and said: 

“There’s been a bit of work in the film industry generally over the last couple of years. And whilst this work is formative, it’s still optional and very base level. While the industry is debating whether or not to even implement systems of equality within their organisations, people of colour from all perspectives are put on the backburner time and time again, in lieu of something, anything else, that seems to take priority due to its rise in the public sphere. As this happens, whole generations of black and brown storytellers, creatives and hard-working film-lovers are cast aside to protect a casually and subversively racist status quo. This toolkit not only helps organisations to acknowledge systemic racism happening in their backyards (within a film industry that was built during a time where the only representation we had was given to us by white people), it also shows us a path to valuable self-learning; to implement change across the team to ensure that as the conversation changes and evolves amongst marginalised people (which it will inevitably do), organisations are able to keep up. Instead of performative, this toolkit champions the formative and sustainable.” 

Alex Misick, programme coordinator at The Centre for Contemporary Arts, Glasgow, who have begun the work to structural change in their venue, said: 

You can find the toolkit in the how-to guides section of the Inclusive Cinema website here and/or download it yma.

You can find virtual screenings and on demand links to watch MLK/FBI here. 

Diwedd.

Darllenwch y datganiad i’r wasg llawn

Datganiad i’r Cyfryngau:

Mae Canolfan Ffilm Cymru yn dyfarnu £52,000 mewn cronfeydd Covid-19 i sinemau a gwyliau yng Nghymru.

Mae lleoliadau ffilm yn rhoi llesiant ar y blaen yn eu rhaglenni ailagor ôl Covid-19.

Mae Canolfan FfIlm Cymru wedi dyfarnu £52,000 mewn cyllid Loteri Cenedlaethol, drwy Gronfa Arddangos FAN BFI, i 15 o sinema annibynnol a gwyliau ffilm wrth iddyn nhw gynllunio i ailagor.

Defnyddir yr arian i gynorthwyo adferiad, gan alluogi lleoliadau i ailddechrau dangos ffilmiau Prydeinig a rhyngwladol, yn cynnwys drwy seddi ar steil cabaret a ‘swigod sgrin fawr’, er mwyn iddyn nhw allu ailgysylltu gyda’r cymunedau mwyaf ynysig yng Nghyrmu sydd wedi cael eu heffeithio gan y cyfnod clo.

Cynhelir gweithgareddau ffilm gan gadw pellter cymdeithasol ar draws Cymru, gan greu gofod diogel lle gall pobl barhau i deithio’r byd drwy gyfrwng y sgrin fawr, am brisiau fforddiadwy. Fe fydd cynulleidfaoedd ar flaen y broses o wneud penderfyniadau, gyda’u hadborth yn cael ei werthfawrogi gan leoliadau wrth iddyn nhw ailadeiladu.

Er enghraifft, mae TAPE yn Hen Golwyn yn ailgychwyn Sinema Soffa ac fe fydd yn dangos Sanctuary mewn partneriaeth gydag asiantaeth paru lleol newydd i bobl gydag anableddau dysgu, Yn y Barri, fe fydd Canolfan Gelfyddydau’r Memo yn creu gweithgareddau ‘Swigen Sgrin Fawr’ gyda chrefftau digidol a chludo ymaith, ac yn y Magig Lantern, Tywyn, fe fyddan nhw’n ‘ailgynnau’r lantern hud’ gan osod y sinema fel goleudy dewr, eofn ar gyfer y dyfodol.

Ers cychwyn y pandemig mae nifer o safleoedd wedi methu agor eu dryau i’r cyhoedd. Gyda’r dyfodol yn parhau’n ansicr, maen nhw wedi bod yn gweithio i amrywio eu model busnes, datblygu gweithdrefnau iechyd a diogelwch cadarn a sicrhau ffynonellau incwm amgen holl bwysig.

Mae Hana Lewis, Rheolwraig Strategol Canolfan Ffilm Cymru yn esbonio:

Annie Grundy, Cyd-gyfarwyddwraig The Magic Lantern:

Ychwanega Sue Whitbread, Prif Swyddog Gweithredol Theatr Gwaun:  

Mae Blanche Giacci yn byw ychydig strydoedd i ffwrdd o Theatr Gwaun ac ar gyfnod normal fe fyddai'n mynychu dangosiad o leiaf unwaith yr wythnos:

Dywed Ben Luxford, Pennaeth Cynulleidfaoedd DU yn BFI: 

Mae’r gronfa arddangos ffilm (BFI) drwy ei Rwydwaith Cynulleidfa Ffilm (FAN). Mae’r gronfa yn cynnig cymorth hanfodol a pharhad busnes i arddangoswyr ar draws y DU gyfan. Gweinyddir y cronfeydd yng Nghymru gan Ganolfan Ffilm Cymru drwy Chapter fel y Corff Arwain Canolfan Ffilm.

Diwedd
Darllenwch y datganiad i’r wasg llawn yma

O'r chwith i'r dde: Galeri Caernarfon, Memo Arts Centre Barry © Jon Pountney, Theatr Gwaun, The Magic Lantern © Mathieu Gasquet, WOW Women’s Film Club © Jon Pountney, Wicked Wales Tir Morfa Awards, Memo Arts Centre Barry WAM © Jon Pountney, Monmouth Savoy © David Broadbent

‘Open your doors’ during lockdown and let your audience watch films – mostly new and unavailable on other digital platforms – on YourScreen.

By promoting YourScreen, you will be earning revenue now and well into the future.

What is it?
YourScreen is your virtual cinema, a short-term solution to keep you going during the pandemic.  It also provides a long-term opportunity to add an extra screen to your film programme – to appeal to new audiences and to generate additional revenue without the overheads.

How does it work?
For every virtual ticket sold, YourScreen will pay you 30%.


Participation is simple:
– They will provide you with a promo code which will give you audience 25% off ticket purchases.
– You promote the films on your website / social media / e-shot.
– At the end of the season they will send you a sales report and an invitation to invoice them for 30% of all purchases made.

If you participated in YourScreen season one, your existing promo code will be valid for season two.

Contact:
Please get in touch to learn more: patrick.yourscreen@gmail.com or visit their wefan Canolfan Ffilm Cymru.

Current deal:
Season Four will be available from from 23 July until 19 September

Films available:

• Summer Survivors
  
• Time For Love / Kolej na milosc
• The Outside Story
• Those Who Remained / Akik maradtak
• Window To the Sea / Una ventana al mar
• Calamity / Calamity, une enfance de Martha Jane Cannary
• But Beautiful

Thursday 8th October 2020: A network boasting over 250 members has unveiled their dedicated space celebrating the massive talents represented by the freelance cohort of the UK’s film exhibition and distribution sectors. Dial F for Freelancer is led by film freelancers for their peers, sharing past projects and reaching potential clients. Dial F for Freelancer is the first of its kind and the only dedicated space for freelancers working in film distribution and exhibition.

The current unfolding news regarding the future of film exhibition highlights the pressing need for this platform to exist. Whilst the film industry relies on freelancers, there are currently no formal structures to support them collectively:

“…more than half of the industry workforce are freelancers or mix freelance work with periods of employment. Freelancers are the lifeblood of our industry, yet they don’t have access to the benefits, security or workplace support of permanent employees.” – The Whole Picture Programme Report – The Film and TV Charity, 2020

Bydd Dial F for Freelancer platform has been developed with the needs of freelancers at the forefront to celebrate the sector’s unique skills. The founding members are looking to reduce the barriers and labour to finding paid work by creating an ever-growing network of freelancers.

The grassroots-led project places the platform in the hands of the users rather than a third party. Users control their pitch and profile, choosing the projects of which they’re proudest to showcase. Members of Dial F for Freelancer are also supported with resources, contacts and opportunities to collaborate.

The origins of this concept began during discussions at This Way Up 2019 (the UK’s film exhibition industry conference), a sidebar talk for freelancers led by Toki Allison spoke about the need for an informal network to be created to provide peer to peer support and reduce the feelings of isolation which are prevalent in freelancing. In March 2020 as freelancers began to lose work due to the pandemic, Allison, along with Moira McVean and Jo Taylor-Hitchinson decided to make the network a reality.

Initially a Facebook group set up to support freelancers affected by the onset of the lockdown attracted over 250 members and the trio realised a more formal platform was needed. They were awarded a Community Grant from The Film and TV Charity and have gained further industry support which has allowed them to create the Dial F for Freelancer platform.

The Dial F for Freelancer Steering Group, comprising eight freelancers working in the sector, have worked with a developer to design and launch Dial F For Freelancer to the industry.

This project has been supported by The Film and TV Charity’s Community Grants, a fund from the Film Distributors’ Association, and with further contributions from film distributors, including Altitude Film Distribution, Bohemia Media and eOne. The new platform endeavours to celebrate the wealth of talent and expertise represented across the network, whilst also creating a warm and welcoming space for freelancers working in exhibition and distribution to build their profiles and networks in an effective and easy way. They also plan to build a collective public presence and signpost available support for members.

Jo Taylor, co-founder of Dial F for Freelancer said:

Andy Leyshon, Chief Executive, Film Distributors’ Association said:

Mark Jones, Head of Publicity, Altitude Media Group said:

Timon Singh, Campaigns Manager, Film Hub South West said:

Anthony & Teanne Andrews, co-founders, We Are Parable said:

Anna Navas, Director and Programmer, Plymouth Arts Centre said: