16 producers have been chosen to work with leading indies as part of a initiative to find the next generation of film-makers.
Half a dozen of these are from the North of England and will be joining companies including Warp Films and Scott Free.
As previously reported on Prolific North, the Producer Hothouse and Creative Producer Initiative include a programme of workshops and masterclasses. The 16 will also receive a professional development bursary award plus an allocation towards relocation expenses.
“Speaking from experience it it can be difficult starting and sustaining a producing career outside of London. It’s great for Warp to be involved with something like Producer Hothouse where we can build relationships with newer producers and help them understand how the company works from both a creative and business perspective. There is huge talent behind and in front of the camera in the regions and we hope with our guidance the next generation can help find stories that translate to great cinema,” said Mark Herbert of Warp Films.
The winners include:
Dana Bruce from Manchester, who has been working at ITV and teaching filmmaking for the BFI academy. Bruce has produced a number of low budget films, which have had festival success. Bruce will be based at Warp Films.
Jennifer Monks from Liverpool. Monks has a background as a line producer for commercials, working with Puma, Lad Bible, Dominos Pizza and Vauxhall. She’s currently in post production on her new film, Being Keegan, which stars Stephen Graham (This is England, Boardwalk Empire). She will be based at Tigerlily Films.
Lucy Meer, from Hull. Meer is development executive at Parallax East with 3 features currently in various stages of development. Some of her short films have been commissioned by the International Olympic Committee. Her long term plan is to work with Northern talent to create a sustainable business based in Hull. She’ll also be based at Warp.
Jack Tarling, Newcastle. Tarling is currently in post on his first two features – Await Further Instructions and God’s Own Country. He has a strong background in shorts including Assessment which was shortlisted for a BAFTA.
Maria Caruana Galizia, Newcastle. Galizia runs indie, Candle & Bell and has produced a number of award-winning short films, including A Six and Two Threes. She recently produced They Live in Forests They Are Extremely Shy, a short film for Channel 4. She is developing a slate of feature film projects, including STINE, written and directed by Kat Wood and funded by Creative England’s Emerging Talent Fund.
Garry Paton, Manchester. He is currently working on a Creative England and BFI-backed short film, The Crossing which has just been shot in Manchester and North Wales.
“The independent film sector is an increasingly challenging environment. We have some exceptional producers breaking into the industry but it’s essential that we sustain them by supporting both their creative and entrepreneurial instincts,” said Brek Taylor, head of film at Creative England.
“Developing their ability to work with and retain relationships with great talent is of huge importance and this will be a key focus of both programmes.”
