Welcome to the Directors Guild
The Directors Guild Trust and the Directors Guild of Great Britain work together to promote and support directing across all media: film, television, theatre, radio, opera, commercials, music videos, corporate film, multimedia and new technology. The Guild hosts events and training, produces and sponsors publications, has a respected public voice on arts and media policy and is a forum for members to meet and share experience and skills. MORE
We welcome professional directors in all media, students of directing and associated studies, educational establishments teaching directing in theatre, film and television, corporate members who would like access to our facilities and everyone interested in the art and craft of directing. JOIN
Announcements
THE DIRECTORS GUILD OF GREAT BRITAIN AND THE DIRECTORS GUILD TRUST PRESENT
THE INAUGURAL PETER BROOK LECTURE, GIVEN BY PETER BROOK
4.00pm Saturday 6th February 2010 at the Barbican Pit Theatre, London
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT
Sir Richard Eyre will chair the post lecture discussion with an audience including fellow practitioners, guests from the industry, arts and government. Eyre said today, “Peter has inspired at least three generations of directors and continues to do so. This event is a wonderful platform for the Directors Guild to establish their annual lecture, named in Peter’s honour.”
“Peter has been the honorary president of the Guild for over twenty years, so when he gave permission for us to stage a lecture in his name, and said he wanted to give the inaugural lecture himself, we were thrilled beyond measure”, said Guild Chair Ivor Benjamin. “This is a great honour for the Guild and a significant opportunity to promote and celebrate the craft of the director.”
The Peter Brook Lecture will become an annual event, giving leading directors from across disciplines a platform to address their craft, culture and industry. This year’s event will be held at the Barbican – where Brook will soon stage his new play 11 and 12, as part of BITE 10.
For press information, please contact Kate Morley at Blueprint PR - 07970 465 648
For more information or to put your name on the returned tickets list, please contact the Guild office - 020 7580 9131
ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND - PUBLIC CONSULTATION
A.C.E. have announced a new, wide ranging consultation “Achieving great art for everyone” running until 14 April 2010. They are canvassing public opinion on the challenges and opportunities for the arts in England and a future direction for policy ad finding. This is an important exercise for ACE and for the arts community; members’ contributions are welcome. The consultation can be found HERE.
THE UK PREMIERE OF ADVANCED TOOLS OF DIRECTING - BY SIMON PHILLIPS
Workshop - Saturday 30th January 2010 (London)
UK FILM COUNCIL - PUBLIC CONSULTATION 2009
The UK Film Council has launched a three month public consultation - UK Film: Digital innovation and creative excellence - into the most significant revision of its activities since it was created in 2000. The Council’s priorities are to protect current funding, to support filmmakers, to safeguard film culture and to promote digital innovation. It also aims to create two new funds, a £15m Film Production Fund which is focused on the pursuit of creative excellence and places a distinct emphasis on first- and second-time filmmakers, and a new £5m Innovation Fund, tasked with helping UK film companies across the value chain develop new business models for the digital age. The council will also be cutting their overheads by 20% in order to push as much money as possible into front-line film activity.
INTRODUCTION TO MEISNER TECHNIQUE FOR DIRECTORS - WITH STEPHEN BAYLY
Workshop - Saturday 21st November (London)
A one-day introduction to the methods of Sanford Meisner, as used by actor/director Sidney Pollack, writer/director David Mamet etc, to draw emotionally rich performances from their actors, whether on stage or screen. Find more information HERE.
JOHN-JACKSON ALMOND APPOINTED ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF SHAW THEATRE, LONDON
The Shaw Theatre is proud to announce, that under the new management of the Novotel London St Pancras, Directors Guild member John-Jackson Almond has been appointed as the new Artistic Director.
GUILD MEMBER IN FAKE DISMEMBERMENT SHOCK POLICE PROBE HORROR
Member Geoff Searle found himself in big trouble with the local police when he took a break from filming a short horror film in woods near Stevenage and a local lad found a hidden (fake) corpse. Read the full story here HERE. (19/09/09)
AN INTRODUCTION TO INDIAN THEATRE
Find journalist Priyal Sanghavi's background to Indian modern theatre under Articles or link directly HERE. (06/09/09)
EQUITY - PROGRAMME OF ONE DAY WORKSHOPS FOR MEMBERS
Equity are running a series of training days in Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, London and Newcastle on the following subjects: Copyright for Creatives, Freelance Survival Guide, Networking via the Web, Build your own Website. The courses are subsidised - the cost to participants is £25 per workshop. Details can be found HERE. (02/09/09)
DIRECT ACCESS UPDATE
Trailers are now online for two of the films with Direct Access candidate placements; Miranda Bowen observed Joe Johnston on The Wolfman, Sarah Grohnert was placed on Jon Amiel's Creation.
The Wolfman trailer is HERE
Creation trailer is HERE
Creation will open the Toronto Film Festival on 10th September 2010.
BAFTA will hold a special preview screening and Q&A on 13th September 2010.
(01/09/2009)
BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE & UK FILM COUNCIL TO MERGE?
Proposals to merge two of the UK’s flagship film bodies were put to the DCMS on 20th August. Plans for a single body to support film could benefit both the filmgoing public and the industry, said Film Minister Siôn Simon. The full DCMS statement can be read HERE.
Writers' Guild General Secretary, Bernie Corbett criticises the proposal HERE. (24/08/2009)
ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND'S THEATRE ASSESSMENT 2009
In 2008 Arts Council England (ACE) embarked on a widespread public assessment gather an up-to-date picture of theatre in England. In particular, they looked to identify changes that had occurred in the theatre sector and its environment since the Theatre Review of 2001 and the additional £25 million that ACE invested in theatre organisations from 2003 onwards. The Guild contributed to the assessment.
The findings have now been published as ACE's Theatre Assessment 2009, which identifies several emerging themes for ACE's attention including risk and innovation, talent development, diversity and touring. The Assessment can be read HERE. (22/08/2009)
CODE FOR THE PROTECTION OF COPYRIGHT MATERIAL
The Alliance for the Protection of Copyright (APC) has published a newly updated Code of Practice to protect those involved in both the submission and receipt of proposals for film, television and radio.
The code can be found in PDF format HERE. (21/08/2009)
DIRECT ACCESS UPDATE
Direct Access candidate, Celia Galan has begun her placement observing Director Louis Leterrier (The Incredible Hulk) on his remake of Clash of the Titans (Warner Brothers & Legendary Pictures) starring Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes. Celia will observe Louis at work during the shoot and right through to post-production, gaining that coveted insight into the workings of high level feature film making, thereby giving her the tools to better helm her own feature.
If you would like more information on the scheme, or to make a donation to the DGT to keep this valuable scheme running ensuring another round of emerging directors can benefit from this unique training, please contact the Guild. (04/08/2009)
NICOLAS ROEG IS NEW TRUST PATRON
The Guild is delighted to announce that veteran director and cinematographer Nicolas Roeg joins Sir Alan Parker as a patron of the Directors Guild Trust. (30/07/2009)
DIRECT ACCESS NEWS
Direct Access Candidate Celia Galan is confirmed to start observing a feature film director in the latest placement of the scheme; more details to follow.
Celia's placement marks the last in this round of the Direct Access Director Training Scheme - run by the Directors Guild Trust, in association with Skillset and Film4. The Scheme has seen a string of successful placements; Miranda Bowen observed Joe Johnston on The Wolfman, Sarah Grohnert was placed on Jon Amiel's Creation and Yann Demange is currently being mentored by Adrian Shergold. The first round of this hugely successful apprenticeship style observer scheme is now drawing to a close, and the Directors Guild Trust is currently seeking new funding in order to launch the next round.
IAN EMES: IT WAS A THURSDAY NIGHT
June @ The Horse Hospital
Unseen Pink Floyd 'Dark Side of the Moon' animation and artwork exhibited.
Art/Music collective STOMPER present a one night event, Ian Emes: It Was A Thursday Night, showcasing the work of filmmaker and DGGB member Ian Emes. This is a rare opportunity to view the works of Ian Emes, one of the foremost British animators of our time. Ian Emes is a pioneer in the visualisation of music and his internationally renowned work helped usher in the era of the music video.
More info: http://www.stomper.org.uk/ianemes.html
GENDER EQUALITY FORUM - NATIONAL THEATRE 16th JUNE 2009
Sphinx Theatre Company is convening a forum entitled VAMPS, VIXENS AND FEMINISTS - The Elephant in the Room, examining the issues around women's employment in theatre, film, radio and television. The conference is supported by the Directors Guild, the Writers' Guild, Arts Council England, Women in Film and Television and Equity. Speakers already confirmed are: Kate Buffery, Katherine Rake, Beatrix Campbell, Tanika Gupta, Tracy Brahin and David Edgar.
The conference will take place in the Olivier Theatre at the National Theatre on 16th June 2009 from 10 am to 1.30 pm. Tickets are free but places are limited - to receive an e-invitation please email
mailto:info@sphinxtheatre.co.uk?subject=Vamps,%20Vixens%20and%20Feminists with the subject line "Vamps, Vixens and Feminists" including your name, contact details and, if applicable, the professional body to which you belong before Friday 5th of June. Alternatively, please ring Sphinx theatre on 020 7401 9994.
For details in a printable PDF click here. Further news and information at: http://www.sphinxtheatre.co.uk/
SIMON CHANNING WILLIAMS Please click here to read Jack Gold's personal tribute to producer Simon Channing Williams, who died on 20th April 2008. (30/05/09)
SCI-FI LONDON FILM LAB and DIRECTORS GUILD OF GREAT BRITAIN PRESENTS
“THE PROBLEM OF SCI-FI / FANTASY FILMMAKING” Money, money, and of course, money – this is often the main reason why many Directors tend to stay away from sci-fi and fantasy film projects. But do sci-fi movies need mega-budgets? And how do you pitch the idea for a sci-fi film without making it sound expensive? This panel discussion will talk to directors with genre filmmaking experience and try to extract the pearls of wisdom and the magic wand that will get your film off the launch pad, looking at casting, crewing, creative and post production challenges you may be faced with.
Guests include:
MARC CARO (Delicatessen, Dante 01)
RICHARD JOBSON (A Woman in Winter, The Purifiers)
CORY MCABEE (American Astronaut, Stingray Sam)
GERALD MCMORROW (Thespian X, Franklyn)
Moderated by Alex Fitch.
SAT 2nd MAY 4.15 PM / £4 DGGB Members / £6 Non-members
Booking Online: APOLLO CINEMAS Piccadilly Circus or ring 020 7451 9944
'GETTING PERFORMANCES FROM ACTORS' WITH HERBERT WISE '
FULLY BOOKED - Thursday 30th April 2009
The Directors Guild Trust is honoured to present this highly practical one day workshop designed to de-mystify the process of directing, demonstrating ways of getting to the heart of a good performance. Booking: call Vanessa 0207 580 9131. Please click here for more information. (23/03/09)
OSCAR 2009 CONGRATULATIONS from the Guild to Danny Boyle (Best Director), James Marsh (Best Documentary Feature), Kate Winslet (Best Actress), Christian Colson (Best Film), Anthony Dod Mantle (Best Cinematography), Chris Dickens (Best Film Editing) and all the British Oscar winners this year - a bumper crop for UK Film.
MOBILE TV BOOST FROM EUROPE The European Commission has published recommendations to boost mobile TV across Europe. Brussels made clear that mobile operators as well as broadcasters should be able to compete on a level playing field to develop new TV services with the potential of spreading EU-wide services, products and standards far beyond European borders, as with the successful GSM standard for mobile telephony. European digital industry lobbies attacked the Commission for pursuing indirect tax increases for mobile handsets, and, by favouring EU industry, the move could increase prices for consumers and hamper the spread of new mobile TV services.
More here. (11/12/2008)
JOAN LITTLEWOOD TRIBUTE AT BFI - ON STAGE AND SCREEN 6 October 2008 To mark the 50th anniversary of Joan Littlewood's groundbreaking 'A Taste of Honey', the BFI pays tribute to one of Britain's greatest theatre directors and late DGGB member. On Monday 6th October you can attend a celebration of her life and work on both stage and screen, mixing reminiscences from her friends and colleagues with rare footage. The same evening there is a screening of 'Sparrows Can't Sing', Littlewood's only feature vividly portraying East End life. More info (03/10/2008)
ROEG ATRIVERSIDE – A RETROSPECTIVE 12-14 September 2008 London Film Academy & Riverside Studios present a three-day film retrospective introduced by legendary director and long time DGGB member Nicolas Roeg, celebrating his extraordinary work and featuring contributions from cultural commentators and collaborators. More information and full programme
UK UK
BFI YouTube CHANNEL: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BFI NATIONAL ARCHIVE The BFI has launched its official channel on YouTube where people can watch a collection of 150 archive films that date back as far as 1896, completely for free: Go to BFI YouTube Channel. The BFI is digitising as much as possible so that it can be more widely seen by new audiences. (21/07/2008)
MANIFESTO FOR CHILDREN'S ARTS: 21 July 2008 (London) This ACA conference to launch the Action for Children's Arts marks the beginning of a national campaign and is aimed at anyone with a professional or personal interest in the arts for children aged 0-12. Venue: Unicorn Theatre, London. Date: 21 July 2008, 10.00am - 4.30pm. Tickets from the Unicorn Theatre. Further information (08/07/2008)
DIRECTORSUK 12 June 2008 The Directors & Producers Rights Society (DPRS) has relaunched as Directors UK. It will continue to operate as a collecting society and will now actively campaign for better pay and working conditions for British television and film directors. The DPRS was founded by the Directors Guild in 1987. DGGB Chairman Ivor Benjamin says: “The Guild applauds the creation of Directors UK and supports them wholeheartedly in their efforts to provide a single voice for those British directors working in television and film. Creative and economic rights are the most important bargaining chip that directors possess.” Please click here to read more (12/06/2008 )
BRIGHTON FESTIVAL 2008, A SELECTIVE MEMORY - by Guild member Faynia Williams and Richard Crane: "A white horse stands silent and dangerously huge in a crowded basement, occasionally turning its long face to look at us looking at him then turning back again to watch the wall. This is the living backcloth to Fevered Sleep’s An Infinite Line, specially commissioned for the Brighton Festival 2008, and in one image sums up the incongruity and relaxed power of the indefinable arena for all the arts that this extraordinary Festival has become...” Click here to read the complete article. (11/06/2008)
DIRECT ACCESS NEWS The Direct Access Observer Scheme places it's first candidate, Miranda Bowen, on Joe Johnston's 'The Wolfman', starring Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Hugo Weaving and Emily Blunt.
BLUE PLAQUE FOR SIR DAVID LEAN - 17 APRIL 2008
As part of the David Lean Foundation Centenary Celebrations, on the 17th April 2008 the Directors Guild Trust unveiled its new blue plaque for Sir David Lean at his birthplace, 38 Blenheim Crescent, Croydon, with founder Guild member Sir Alan Parker CBE presiding. This was followed by an evening of celebrations at BAFTA, including a chapagne reception and a private screening of the BFI's newly-restored print of David Lean's 1949 film The Passionate Friends, and a message from Lean's editor Anne V. Coates via BAFTA/LA. Live tributes to David Lean given by James Fox OBE, Saeed Jaffrey OBE, Art Malik, Sarah Miles, Leslie Phillips OBE, Prunella Scales CBE and Rita Tushingham were hosted by producer of the day's events Shevaun Wilder. Later, the cast of the current West End hit stage adaptation by Kneehigh Theatre of Lean's Brief Encounter (1945) performed selected extracts. (17/04/2008)
NSDF 2008: DIRECTORS GUILD AWARD WINNER Congratulations to Guy Unsworth, who won the Directors Guild Award for Best New Director with his outstanding play Proof - a New Theatre production - at this year’s National Student Drama Festival (28 March – 3 April 2008) Guy, a student at Nottingham University, will be awarded with a year’s complimentary Associate Membership to the Directors Guild Trust. If you wish to contact Guy, please contact the Guild office (21/04/2008)
ANTHONY MINGHELLA Please click here to read Sir Alan Parker's moving tribute to friend and colleague Anthony Minghella, who died on 18 March 2008 (02/04/2008)
THE INAUGURAL PETER BROOK LECTURE, GIVEN BY PETER BROOK
4.00pm Saturday 6th February 2010 at the Barbican Pit Theatre, London
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT
Sir Richard Eyre will chair the post lecture discussion with an audience including fellow practitioners, guests from the industry, arts and government. Eyre said today, “Peter has inspired at least three generations of directors and continues to do so. This event is a wonderful platform for the Directors Guild to establish their annual lecture, named in Peter’s honour.”
“Peter has been the honorary president of the Guild for over twenty years, so when he gave permission for us to stage a lecture in his name, and said he wanted to give the inaugural lecture himself, we were thrilled beyond measure”, said Guild Chair Ivor Benjamin. “This is a great honour for the Guild and a significant opportunity to promote and celebrate the craft of the director.”
The Peter Brook Lecture will become an annual event, giving leading directors from across disciplines a platform to address their craft, culture and industry. This year’s event will be held at the Barbican – where Brook will soon stage his new play 11 and 12, as part of BITE 10.
For press information, please contact Kate Morley at Blueprint PR - 07970 465 648
For more information or to put your name on the returned tickets list, please contact the Guild office - 020 7580 9131
ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND - PUBLIC CONSULTATION
A.C.E. have announced a new, wide ranging consultation “Achieving great art for everyone” running until 14 April 2010. They are canvassing public opinion on the challenges and opportunities for the arts in England and a future direction for policy ad finding. This is an important exercise for ACE and for the arts community; members’ contributions are welcome. The consultation can be found HERE.
THE UK PREMIERE OF ADVANCED TOOLS OF DIRECTING - BY SIMON PHILLIPS
Workshop - Saturday 30th January 2010 (London)
UK FILM COUNCIL - PUBLIC CONSULTATION 2009
The UK Film Council has launched a three month public consultation - UK Film: Digital innovation and creative excellence - into the most significant revision of its activities since it was created in 2000. The Council’s priorities are to protect current funding, to support filmmakers, to safeguard film culture and to promote digital innovation. It also aims to create two new funds, a £15m Film Production Fund which is focused on the pursuit of creative excellence and places a distinct emphasis on first- and second-time filmmakers, and a new £5m Innovation Fund, tasked with helping UK film companies across the value chain develop new business models for the digital age. The council will also be cutting their overheads by 20% in order to push as much money as possible into front-line film activity.
To read the full consultation, click HERE.
You can respond using the online survey HERE.
The consultation will close on Tuesday 9 February 2010. (09/12/09)
INTRODUCTION TO MEISNER TECHNIQUE FOR DIRECTORS - WITH STEPHEN BAYLY
Workshop - Saturday 21st November (London)
A one-day introduction to the methods of Sanford Meisner, as used by actor/director Sidney Pollack, writer/director David Mamet etc, to draw emotionally rich performances from their actors, whether on stage or screen. Find more information HERE.
JOHN-JACKSON ALMOND APPOINTED ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF SHAW THEATRE, LONDON
The Shaw Theatre is proud to announce, that under the new management of the Novotel London St Pancras, Directors Guild member John-Jackson Almond has been appointed as the new Artistic Director.
GUILD MEMBER IN FAKE DISMEMBERMENT SHOCK POLICE PROBE HORROR
Member Geoff Searle found himself in big trouble with the local police when he took a break from filming a short horror film in woods near Stevenage and a local lad found a hidden (fake) corpse. Read the full story here HERE. (19/09/09)
AN INTRODUCTION TO INDIAN THEATRE
Find journalist Priyal Sanghavi's background to Indian modern theatre under Articles or link directly HERE. (06/09/09)
EQUITY - PROGRAMME OF ONE DAY WORKSHOPS FOR MEMBERS
Equity are running a series of training days in Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, London and Newcastle on the following subjects: Copyright for Creatives, Freelance Survival Guide, Networking via the Web, Build your own Website. The courses are subsidised - the cost to participants is £25 per workshop. Details can be found HERE. (02/09/09)
DIRECT ACCESS UPDATE
Trailers are now online for two of the films with Direct Access candidate placements; Miranda Bowen observed Joe Johnston on The Wolfman, Sarah Grohnert was placed on Jon Amiel's Creation.
The Wolfman trailer is HERE
Creation trailer is HERE
Creation will open the Toronto Film Festival on 10th September 2010.
BAFTA will hold a special preview screening and Q&A on 13th September 2010.
(01/09/2009)
BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE & UK FILM COUNCIL TO MERGE?
Proposals to merge two of the UK’s flagship film bodies were put to the DCMS on 20th August. Plans for a single body to support film could benefit both the filmgoing public and the industry, said Film Minister Siôn Simon. The full DCMS statement can be read HERE.
Writers' Guild General Secretary, Bernie Corbett criticises the proposal HERE. (24/08/2009)
ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND'S THEATRE ASSESSMENT 2009
In 2008 Arts Council England (ACE) embarked on a widespread public assessment gather an up-to-date picture of theatre in England. In particular, they looked to identify changes that had occurred in the theatre sector and its environment since the Theatre Review of 2001 and the additional £25 million that ACE invested in theatre organisations from 2003 onwards. The Guild contributed to the assessment.
The findings have now been published as ACE's Theatre Assessment 2009, which identifies several emerging themes for ACE's attention including risk and innovation, talent development, diversity and touring. The Assessment can be read HERE. (22/08/2009)
CODE FOR THE PROTECTION OF COPYRIGHT MATERIAL
The Alliance for the Protection of Copyright (APC) has published a newly updated Code of Practice to protect those involved in both the submission and receipt of proposals for film, television and radio.
The code can be found in PDF format HERE. (21/08/2009)
DIRECT ACCESS UPDATE
Direct Access candidate, Celia Galan has begun her placement observing Director Louis Leterrier (The Incredible Hulk) on his remake of Clash of the Titans (Warner Brothers & Legendary Pictures) starring Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes. Celia will observe Louis at work during the shoot and right through to post-production, gaining that coveted insight into the workings of high level feature film making, thereby giving her the tools to better helm her own feature.
If you would like more information on the scheme, or to make a donation to the DGT to keep this valuable scheme running ensuring another round of emerging directors can benefit from this unique training, please contact the Guild. (04/08/2009)
NICOLAS ROEG IS NEW TRUST PATRON
The Guild is delighted to announce that veteran director and cinematographer Nicolas Roeg joins Sir Alan Parker as a patron of the Directors Guild Trust. (30/07/2009)
DIRECT ACCESS NEWS
Direct Access Candidate Celia Galan is confirmed to start observing a feature film director in the latest placement of the scheme; more details to follow.
Celia's placement marks the last in this round of the Direct Access Director Training Scheme - run by the Directors Guild Trust, in association with Skillset and Film4. The Scheme has seen a string of successful placements; Miranda Bowen observed Joe Johnston on The Wolfman, Sarah Grohnert was placed on Jon Amiel's Creation and Yann Demange is currently being mentored by Adrian Shergold. The first round of this hugely successful apprenticeship style observer scheme is now drawing to a close, and the Directors Guild Trust is currently seeking new funding in order to launch the next round.
| 'The only way to learn about directing is to direct, the next best thing is to watch somebody else do it' Sir Richard Eyre For more information on the scheme, or if you are interested in being involved or would like to make a donation to the Trust in order to extend this valuable scheme, please email mailto:%20directaccess@dggb.org. (24/07/2009) |
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IAN EMES: IT WAS A THURSDAY NIGHT
June @ The Horse Hospital
Unseen Pink Floyd 'Dark Side of the Moon' animation and artwork exhibited.
Art/Music collective STOMPER present a one night event, Ian Emes: It Was A Thursday Night, showcasing the work of filmmaker and DGGB member Ian Emes. This is a rare opportunity to view the works of Ian Emes, one of the foremost British animators of our time. Ian Emes is a pioneer in the visualisation of music and his internationally renowned work helped usher in the era of the music video.
More info: http://www.stomper.org.uk/ianemes.html
GENDER EQUALITY FORUM - NATIONAL THEATRE 16th JUNE 2009
Sphinx Theatre Company is convening a forum entitled VAMPS, VIXENS AND FEMINISTS - The Elephant in the Room, examining the issues around women's employment in theatre, film, radio and television. The conference is supported by the Directors Guild, the Writers' Guild, Arts Council England, Women in Film and Television and Equity. Speakers already confirmed are: Kate Buffery, Katherine Rake, Beatrix Campbell, Tanika Gupta, Tracy Brahin and David Edgar.
The conference will take place in the Olivier Theatre at the National Theatre on 16th June 2009 from 10 am to 1.30 pm. Tickets are free but places are limited - to receive an e-invitation please email
mailto:info@sphinxtheatre.co.uk?subject=Vamps,%20Vixens%20and%20Feminists with the subject line "Vamps, Vixens and Feminists" including your name, contact details and, if applicable, the professional body to which you belong before Friday 5th of June. Alternatively, please ring Sphinx theatre on 020 7401 9994.
For details in a printable PDF click here. Further news and information at: http://www.sphinxtheatre.co.uk/
SIMON CHANNING WILLIAMS Please click here to read Jack Gold's personal tribute to producer Simon Channing Williams, who died on 20th April 2008. (30/05/09)
SCI-FI LONDON FILM LAB and DIRECTORS GUILD OF GREAT BRITAIN PRESENTS
“THE PROBLEM OF SCI-FI / FANTASY FILMMAKING” Money, money, and of course, money – this is often the main reason why many Directors tend to stay away from sci-fi and fantasy film projects. But do sci-fi movies need mega-budgets? And how do you pitch the idea for a sci-fi film without making it sound expensive? This panel discussion will talk to directors with genre filmmaking experience and try to extract the pearls of wisdom and the magic wand that will get your film off the launch pad, looking at casting, crewing, creative and post production challenges you may be faced with.
Guests include:
MARC CARO (Delicatessen, Dante 01)
RICHARD JOBSON (A Woman in Winter, The Purifiers)
CORY MCABEE (American Astronaut, Stingray Sam)
GERALD MCMORROW (Thespian X, Franklyn)
Moderated by Alex Fitch.
SAT 2nd MAY 4.15 PM / £4 DGGB Members / £6 Non-members
Booking Online: APOLLO CINEMAS Piccadilly Circus or ring 020 7451 9944
'GETTING PERFORMANCES FROM ACTORS' WITH HERBERT WISE '
FULLY BOOKED - Thursday 30th April 2009
The Directors Guild Trust is honoured to present this highly practical one day workshop designed to de-mystify the process of directing, demonstrating ways of getting to the heart of a good performance. Booking: call Vanessa 0207 580 9131. Please click here for more information. (23/03/09)
OSCAR 2009 CONGRATULATIONS from the Guild to Danny Boyle (Best Director), James Marsh (Best Documentary Feature), Kate Winslet (Best Actress), Christian Colson (Best Film), Anthony Dod Mantle (Best Cinematography), Chris Dickens (Best Film Editing) and all the British Oscar winners this year - a bumper crop for UK Film.
HAROLD PINTER Please click here to read Sir Richard Eyre's obituary to friend and colleague Harold Pinter, who died on 24 December 2008. Pinter was a member of the Guild for almost 20 years. (29/12/2008)
DIRECT ACCESS NEWS Jon Amiel is the latest Director to provide the opportunity for a Direct Access Candidate to observe a Director at work. As part of the scheme run by the Directors Guild Trust in association with Skillset and Film 4, Sarah Grohnert will shadow Jon Amiel from pre production right through to post on his latest film Creation, starring Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelley. (09/12/08)
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Click Here to read more |
MOBILE TV BOOST FROM EUROPE The European Commission has published recommendations to boost mobile TV across Europe. Brussels made clear that mobile operators as well as broadcasters should be able to compete on a level playing field to develop new TV services with the potential of spreading EU-wide services, products and standards far beyond European borders, as with the successful GSM standard for mobile telephony. European digital industry lobbies attacked the Commission for pursuing indirect tax increases for mobile handsets, and, by favouring EU industry, the move could increase prices for consumers and hamper the spread of new mobile TV services.
More here. (11/12/2008)
FILM PARTNERSHIP LEASING The Government has outlined measures to counter avoidance of taxation by film leasing partnerships through the use of long-funding leases. Under standard sale and leaseback partnership arrangements, films are acquired or produced and leased to other companies over a period of up to 15 years. The rents are taxable, but the effect of the sale and leaseback arrangements allows a deferral of tax for up to 15 years. The new anti-avoidance rules are aimed at arrangements under which the existing leases are replaced with new leases designed to qualify as long funding finance leases of plant and machinery. The effect was to replace taxable income with income that was largely free of tax.
The effect of the new rules is that rentals are taxable in full to the extent that they are payable after 13/11/08 and relate to periods after that date. For more information click here.
THE COMMONWEALTH INSTITUTE & THE UK COALITION FOR CULTURAL DIVERSITY staged a short conference on Thursday 6th November 2008 on International Development and the Diversity of Cultural Expression. The Directors Guild attended the conference and supports the outcomes. Find a conference report at the Commonwealth Institute website. (6/11/2008)
THE ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND THEATRE ASSESSMENT 2008 closed on 31st of October 2008.
The Directors Guild response to the Assessment can be read here.
Further details can be found at the Theatre Assessment 2008 website. (5/11/2008)
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THE DIRECTORS GUILD AT THE TIMES BFI 52nd LONDON FILM FESTIVAL 2008 - This year's festival saw a Directors masterclass with Director Atom Egoyan and another successful DGGB annual party. Click here to read more. |
JOAN LITTLEWOOD TRIBUTE AT BFI - ON STAGE AND SCREEN 6 October 2008 To mark the 50th anniversary of Joan Littlewood's groundbreaking 'A Taste of Honey', the BFI pays tribute to one of Britain's greatest theatre directors and late DGGB member. On Monday 6th October you can attend a celebration of her life and work on both stage and screen, mixing reminiscences from her friends and colleagues with rare footage. The same evening there is a screening of 'Sparrows Can't Sing', Littlewood's only feature vividly portraying East End life. More info (03/10/2008)
ROEG AT
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CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE GUILD TO THE BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE The BFI celebrate their 75th Anniversary with a wide range of special events, films, workshops and much more. Read more |
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RUSHES SOHO SHORTS 2008 |
BFI YouTube CHANNEL: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BFI NATIONAL ARCHIVE The BFI has launched its official channel on YouTube where people can watch a collection of 150 archive films that date back as far as 1896, completely for free: Go to BFI YouTube Channel. The BFI is digitising as much as possible so that it can be more widely seen by new audiences. (21/07/2008)
MANIFESTO FOR CHILDREN'S ARTS: 21 July 2008 (London) This ACA conference to launch the Action for Children's Arts marks the beginning of a national campaign and is aimed at anyone with a professional or personal interest in the arts for children aged 0-12. Venue: Unicorn Theatre, London. Date: 21 July 2008, 10.00am - 4.30pm. Tickets from the Unicorn Theatre. Further information (08/07/2008)
DIRECTORS
BRIGHTON FESTIVAL 2008, A SELECTIVE MEMORY - by Guild member Faynia Williams and Richard Crane: "A white horse stands silent and dangerously huge in a crowded basement, occasionally turning its long face to look at us looking at him then turning back again to watch the wall. This is the living backcloth to Fevered Sleep’s An Infinite Line, specially commissioned for the Brighton Festival 2008, and in one image sums up the incongruity and relaxed power of the indefinable arena for all the arts that this extraordinary Festival has become...” Click here to read the complete article. (11/06/2008)
DIRECT ACCESS NEWS The Direct Access Observer Scheme places it's first candidate, Miranda Bowen, on Joe Johnston's 'The Wolfman', starring Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Hugo Weaving and Emily Blunt.
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Please click here to read more. (29/05/2008) |
BLUE PLAQUE FOR SIR DAVID LEAN - 17 APRIL 2008
As part of the David Lean Foundation Centenary Celebrations, on the 17th April 2008 the Directors Guild Trust unveiled its new blue plaque for Sir David Lean at his birthplace, 38 Blenheim Crescent, Croydon, with founder Guild member Sir Alan Parker CBE presiding. This was followed by an evening of celebrations at BAFTA, including a chapagne reception and a private screening of the BFI's newly-restored print of David Lean's 1949 film The Passionate Friends, and a message from Lean's editor Anne V. Coates via BAFTA/LA. Live tributes to David Lean given by James Fox OBE, Saeed Jaffrey OBE, Art Malik, Sarah Miles, Leslie Phillips OBE, Prunella Scales CBE and Rita Tushingham were hosted by producer of the day's events Shevaun Wilder. Later, the cast of the current West End hit stage adaptation by Kneehigh Theatre of Lean's Brief Encounter (1945) performed selected extracts. (17/04/2008)
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The Directors Guild would like to thank the David Lean Foundation, the British Academy of Film & Television Arts, the British Film Institute, the Grade Organisation, the cast and management of the West End stage production of Brief Encounter - and everyone else who helped make the day's events possible. Please click here to read more (18/04/2008) |
NSDF 2008: DIRECTORS GUILD AWARD WINNER Congratulations to Guy Unsworth, who won the Directors Guild Award for Best New Director with his outstanding play Proof - a New Theatre production - at this year’s National Student Drama Festival (28 March – 3 April 2008) Guy, a student at Nottingham University, will be awarded with a year’s complimentary Associate Membership to the Directors Guild Trust. If you wish to contact Guy, please contact the Guild office (21/04/2008)
ANTHONY MINGHELLA Please click here to read Sir Alan Parker's moving tribute to friend and colleague Anthony Minghella, who died on 18 March 2008 (02/04/2008)
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