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UK independent production company Signature Pictures today announced that it has partnered with independent film financier Red Rock Entertainment, digital cinematography and broadcast hire facility Procam, and Film London, to launch Signature Shorts 2016.
Under the programme, a minimum of 30 young unemployed people will be recruited through Jobcentre Plus’ client base in the north and south of the UK. With their help, three short films will be developed and produced that incorporate Signature Pictures’ unique training ethos. Continuing its partnership with the UK’s Jobcentre Plus, Signature Shorts 2016 aims to expand the opportunities open to young people who wish to gain vital training and work experience in all aspects of film production.
Jon Max Spatz, founder and creative director of Signature Pictures, said: “By introducing new filmmaking talent to our method of production, our aim is to expand and embed our training ethos into many more future film productions. We hope that, with this year’s programme, trainees in different regions will benefit from being provided with the opportunity to work in the industry. With more industry professionals becoming part of the scheme, our long-term goal is to drive a change of thinking towards how social enterprise benefits the film industry on many different levels.”
Brian Mc Keown, Employer and Skills Lead at Jobcentre Plus, added “Jobcentre Plus are pleased to be building on previous successes working in partnership with Signature Pictures to help support young, talented people secure employment and establish careers in the film industry.”
Procam Group CEO John Brennan said, “Procam believes in playing its part in improving the equality and diversity of our industry. As part of this focused effort, we are proud to partner again with Signature Productions as a technical sponsor, and support their movement in empowering young people to becoming successful, future leaders in the industry through key training and invaluable work experience.”
Gary Collins, CEO of Red Rock Entertainment, added: “The continuing success of our business relies on partnering with the best of British independent film to provide our investors with the best possible return. In line with this, along with our commitment and belief in social enterprise, our long-term view is to tangibly invest in the nurture and support of the most diverse range of emerging talent. This initiative fits that bill exactly.”
In addition to the provision of investment, Red Rock Entertainment will facilitate a series of on-set practical work-experience projects in disciplines including directing, make-up and camera work. Red Rock, which has financed 11 film and television projects in the last year, is going into production this summer on Shakespeare’s Heroes & Villains and Tell Tale Heart. Both projects star actor and playwright Steven Berkoff who is reprising two of his most successful theatre productions on film. The company is also working with a big-screen adaptation of NJ Crisp’s 1996 stage play ‘That Good Night’ which ended filming in Portugal this month starring veteran actor John Hurt (Alien; Hellboy; The Elephant Man), Charles Dance,Erin Richards (Gotham) and Sofia Helin (The Snowman; The Bridge).
Each of the three short films, which will be filmed in different locations around the UK, will feature new directing and writing talent. Alongside providing opportunities for new entrants into the industry, the Signature Shorts 2016 slate has been designed and developed to provide emerging British talent, including producers, writers, directors and crew, with a platform from which to make daring and dynamic films.
The first of the three projects to go into production is ‘We Love Moses’ from writer/director Dionne Edwards, 2016 BFI Flare LGBT Filmmakers’ Mentorship mentee and alum of Working Title Films’ Action Internship. Produced by Georgia Goggin and supported by Film London’s highly competitive London Calling Plus scheme, the film is a sensory look through the eyes of twelve-year-old Ella whose obsession with her brother’s best friend Moses leaves her with a secret to take to the grave. ‘We Love Moses’ shoots at the end of May and will be completed in August.
Film London’s Jo Cadoret, Producer of Short-film Schemes, said of the project: “Film London is pleased to be supporting and working with Signature Pictures on the upcoming production We Love Moses, which will be part of the Signature Shorts programme, and are delighted that it will provide training opportunities to young people throughout production.”
We Love Moses is the story of 12-year-old Ella and how her obsession with her older brother best friend Moses results in her first fight, her first sexual experience and a secret that she will take to her grave.
