Workshops

Workshops & discussion panels

BBFF has established itself as a forum for filmmakers to share their unique insights into familiar and unfamiliar worlds, tell local and global stories and expand and challenge our perceptions. This year the industry focus of the festival is stronger than ever, with a range of workshops, panels and networking opportunities focusing on the art and business of film. Most panels and workshops, run for approximately 90 minutes. Additional information regarding the workshops and panels as well as our special pass only available to filmmakers can be found at bbff.com.au

Weekend 1 (March 2nd and 3rd)

The Freedom Streams: Cathy Henkel’s guided tour of new funding options for filmmakers

We live in rapidly changing times, and to survive we need a new direction and smarter ways of operating. Many filmmakers are frustrated by the logjam of government funding and broadcast commissions and want alternatives that give more creative and decision-making freedom. Crowdfunding is one option getting a lot of attention. Cathy will guide you through alternative funding and distribution options and how to run a successful crowdfunding campaign.

SCU Room, Saturday 2nd March, 11.00am, $15.

Screenworks: Music Composition for Film and Television Seminar with Nicolette Boaz. Sponsored by APRA

Nicolette Boaz studied Contemporary Music and Aboriginal Studies at Southern Cross University. Now Sydney based, she is a composer, sound designer, accompanist and lecturer and has composed for features, documentaries, jingle libraries, theatre shows, corporate videos and singers. Her most recent work is Show Me the Magic. Nicolette will talk about composing music for different screen environments and how to develop a career in composing for screen.

Sunday March 3rd, SCU Room, 10am – 1pm, free.

A Masterclass with Don McAlpine

“Films and filmmaking are all deception – a beautiful deception.”

Don McAlpine is one of Australia’s legendary cinematographers with a career spanning over 40 years and fifty films. He has worked on iconic Australian films like Breaker Morant and My Brilliant Career, and the Hollywood blockbusters: Romeo and Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, Predator, Patriot Games and Wolverine. Following the BBFF screening of Show Me the Magic (Cathy Henkel) on Saturday, Don will share his stories and professional insights in this most prestigious of masterclasses.

SCU Room, Sunday March 3rd from 1.30pm, $15.
We recommend you book ahead industry@bbff.com.au

Meet the Buyers

Meet The Buyers is a great opportunity for filmmakers to meet some key international and Australian film buyers and find out what they are looking for. Moderated by Director Ted Emery (Kath & Kimderella; The Craic) the panel includes Charles Schuerhoff, (PBS), one of the biggest buyers of documentaries in North America, commissioning editor Mandy Chang (ABC) and Michael Weatherhead, founder, ScreenZone.

SCU Room, Sunday 3rd March, 4pm, $15.

The Meeting Place

Byron Bay’s original name is Cavenbah, meaning ‘meeting place.’ For the first time at the BBFF we are creating an exclusive speed-dating style meeting place event for established and emerging filmmakers to meet, network and make creative connections with prominent figures in the film and television world. Charles Schuerhoff, Don McAlpine ACS ASC, Mandy Chang (ABC) and Ted Emery and other special guests will be in attendance.

SCU Room Sunday March 3rd, 5.30 pm $15.
Registration is essential – contact industry@bbff.com.au

Weekend 2 (March 9th and 10th)

ABC Open – Citizen storytellers: Telling our own stories better

Most people have a smartphone in their pocket and a space on-line to share their experience and stories. ABC Open provides an innovative, curated, online focal point for Australian regional communities to connect with audiences across the ABC platforms of web, radio and TV while maintaining ownership of the content they create. Meet some of the citizen storytellers who have created award-winning projects in collaboration with ABC Open in this panel discussion led by our ABC Open North Coast producer, Catherine Marciniak.

SCU Room, Saturday March 9th, 11am, free.

Changing the World one frame at a time

Writer, director and producer Rick Stevenson – Official Best of Fest, The Best Films You’ve Never Seen and The 5000 days project – and filmmaker Blis DeVault – The Sanctity of Sanctuary: Paul Strauss and the Equinox Farm – will talk about the positive, transformative nature of film and filmmaking and getting your message out there through independent, creative and contemporary approaches to funding, production and distribution.

SCU Room Saturday March 9th, 2pm, free.

Everyone’s a Filmmaker Workshop

We are at an unprecedented juncture in filmmaking history. The border between industry and audience is blurring. A participatory culture of filmmakers armed with smartphones and laptops is emerging: everyone’s a filmmaker. Join facilitators Lynsey Allett and Obi McDonald-Saint as they guide you through editing and uploading your films with iMovie. Bring your own iPad or MacBook and take part in this hands-on creative workshop, proudly supported by Mullum Mac.

SCU Room, Sunday March 10th, 1pm, Children welcome, free.