On Thursday Jack Marshall (
JM films) and I took a trip to witness the crowning of EPIC’s "
TV Programme Pitch of the Year" winners at the EPIC studios in Norwich (see earlier blogs for the rest of this thread). Whilst enjoying the evening it did re-enforce some obvious things about TV production. Unless you are an insider, think cheap, think lowest common denominator, think Game Show, think Reality TV, think Celebrity Challenge, think Very general interest (e.g. Home-made Dog Kennel of the year), think Talent Show and think 360 (i.e. spin-offs such as merchandising, Gaming platforms etc). The one drama short-listed got praise from the panel, but without a sample script they were unable tell if it could fly… and they considered the projected cost (@ £1.5m for three episodes) a "difficulty". Of course the other point to note is that you actually have to pay people for TV work! With micro/small budget films almost everyone is on a deferment so you only need cash for catering, communications, locations, studios and accommodation etc. Having said all this well done to EPIC, £10,000 worth (note the word worth!) of facilities and support is not to be sneezed at and last year winners are close to signing their first TV deal (albeit outside the UK!).
I’ve just completed another draft of
The Bloodline feature, my Producer wanted me to include some of the back-story, with modifications, into the script (a common request I understand?). However, it’s my view that this project is stuck in the mud and will remain so unless we get a really high tide. In the meantime he wants to have a look at my historical drama Alice De Lacy, so watch this space.
I’ve had another editing session with JM and my short
AQOC is now very close to completion.
The
Babbage feature is progressing nicely and we (
Frame On Frame) have a development meeting on Friday to discuss the next draft.
Be Part Of The Miracle!!
email:-
brokenarrowfilms
I've just completed a paper for Frame On Frame outlining what I believe were some of the reasons why Difference Engine #1 was never completed. The picture here is actually Difference Engine #2, two of which were built between the late 1980s and 2002. They include Babbage's amazing printer. One engine is in the Science Museum in London, the other is owned by a private collector in the USA (Nathan Myhrvold). Both were built in the UK, but funding for both printers and the second DE#2 was from the private collector. For the nerd in us all I've collected below a few videos which you may find of interest? 
