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Cross Channel Film Lab Now Accepting Applications

Open to 20 selected applicants, six-month program designed to train to train filmmakers from the U.K. and France in VFX and Stereo 3D techniques runs June through November 2016; deadline for submissions is March 1.

The Cross Channel Film Lab has announced the launch of the second year of its unique training program, designed to help filmmakers working with visual effects and Stereo 3D transform their projects using cutting-edge technology. Supported by Creative Europe, CCFL Training focuses on the development of low to medium budget feature films utilizing VFX and Stereo 3D technologies to enhance storytelling and reach new audiences.

The core program will offer 20 filmmakers, with early stage feature film projects, the chance to engage in a mix of residential workshops and online seminars, masterclasses and specialist consultancy, and learn more about the intersection of visual technology and screenwriting.

Running for six months from June to November 2016, the program is presented in collaboration with Le Groupe Ouest, Creative England and Falmouth University. Another group of filmmakers will be offered the chance to participate in CCFL Training’s online program later in the year.

Mary Davies, Project Co-Director and Script Consultant for Cross Channel Film Lab commented, “For European filmmakers working at a lower budget, the Cross Channel Film Lab opens up the world of visual effects, computer generated images and Stereo 3D that is usually associated with high-budget Hollywood films, enabling them to explore how new visual technologies can have a compelling impact on a film’s narrative. CCFL Training offers filmmakers a unique opportunity of working with talented experts, to create exciting new stories and films.”

“New technologies with lighter equipment and smaller crews make it possible for filmmakers to do things they couldn’t even think about five years ago. By bringing together accessible technology and filmmakers ready to discover new possibilities, CCFL can be a springboard for European cinema to amaze audiences once more,” added Antoine Le Bos, Co-director of Le Groupe Ouest, Cross Channel Film Lab Script Consultant and CCFL 2012 – 2014 Project Co-Director.

Kate O’Hara, Project Manager, Creative England said, “CCFL Training is a low budget feature development lab that brings together story and technology. The program offers filmmakers the chance to develop both these aspects alongside each other often with surprising and inspiring outcomes. A must for those filmmakers that want to learn how VFX and Stereo 3D can bring their stories to life and a program we here at Creative England are proud to support”.

CCFL Training 2015 participant Kate Sullivan, developing Stereo 3D feature documentary project said, “Thank you for making the course such a wonderful, enriching experience for me."

CCFL Training 2015 Stereo 3D participant N.G. Bristow, developing Stereo 3D drama feature described the program as, “…a stimulating and thought-provoking lab.”

The previous Cross Channel Film Lab (CCFL2) project brought together eleven partners from the UK and France. Working with a range of industry experts over three years, CCFL2 explored innovative and immersive images and storytelling in low to medium budget feature films. The program looked at using Stereo 3D as a narrative tool and successfully showed how considering visual imaging at the writing and development stages of film projects can foster creativity, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

From its foundation as a cross-disciplinary forum where filmmakers, scientific researchers, technicians, educational institutions and industry can share skills and knowledge while exploring an alternative approach to independent low to medium budget cinema, the Cross Channel Film Lab is now forming new partnerships across Europe.

CCFL aims to create a consortium of SMEs, research institutes and laboratories, universities and centers of creativity, to revitalize the processes of film production and development, and provide inspiration and education in the use of VFX, immersive media and Stereo 3D at lower budgets. By doing this, CCFL hopes to broaden the scope of independent cinema, enliven European screenwriting and expand the international audience for European cinema.

Guidelines and application information for the CCFL Training core program is available here.

The deadline for submissions is March 1, 2016. Applications for the CCFL Training online program will open in May 2016.

The workshop at Le Groupe Ouest will be from Nov 14 – 17, 2016. For more information, please contact Mary Davies (link sends e-mail).

Source: The Cross Channel Film Lab

Jennifer Wolfe's picture

Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.