Goodbye... until the Regional Tour!

As we go on, 

We remember,

All the good times,

We had together. 

Awful song, lovely message. 

Tonight the 29th St Kilda Film Festival waved goodbye to another year of innovative and inspiring short films from across Australia (and the world -- for the International section). We've loved seeing y'all at The Astor, The Palais, Town Hall and Forum Hall, supporting the industry we all love in such a quintessentially 'Melbourne' setting.    

Congratulations to all the winners at tonight's Closing Night Awards -- you all deserve the great prizes on offer (including a whopping $10,000 for Best Short Film). For everyone who was nominated for an award, you should be proud too -- it takes a lot to stand out from such a strong field of entrants. In other Closing Night comments, Bob Franklin was in fine form as MC, delivering a dry-as-gin routine in hilarious fashion, and the venue looked very swish with colourful table displays and watercolour lighting effects a treat for the eyes. 

Listed below is a list of the winning films and people: 

Best Achievement in Production Design: Cryo – KAREN MURPHY
Best Achievement in Sound Post Production: Nullarbor - MATT BAUER
Best Original Score: The Missing Key - MILES NICHOLAS, JONATHAN NIX, KATHRYN BROWNHILL
SBS Award Winner: THE WILDING, Dir Grant Scicluna / Prod Jannine Barnes
Under the Radar – Best Youth Short Film: THE TROUBLE WITH ALEXANDER – Dir & Prod Blake Borcich
Best Achievement in Indigenous Filmmaking: YAPAWARNTI PALU RIJIKARRIJANI – Dir. Kai Raisbeck / Prod. Kai Raisbeck
Best Documentary: THE GLOBE COLLECTOR – Dir. Summer DeRoche / Prod. Andrea Distefano
Best Animation: THE MISSING KEY – Dir. Jonathan Nix /Prod. Garth Nix
Best Comedy: BOO! – Dir. Rupert Reid / Prod. Matthew Reeder
Best Actor: ANGOURIE RICE – Transmission
Audience Choice Award: THE PALACE – Dir. Anthony Maras / Prod. Anthony Maras, Kate Croser, Andros Achilleos
Craft Award: INTO THE SUN – Dir. Amy Gebhardt / Prod. Allison Lockwood
Craft Award Commendation: TEN QUINTILLION – Dir. Romilly Spiers / Prod. Romilly Spiers, Daniel Gregg
Best Director: Transmission - ZAK HILDITCH


BEST SHORT FILM: Transmission – Dir. Zak Hilditch / Prod. Liz Kearney


Well that's all folks, for the St Kilda Film Festival 2012! All the team have had a great Festival and we look forward to seeing next year's Top 100 entries, along with a whole new array of SoundKilda clips, new and exciting forums, and a new international program. 


I hope that you're all as excited about the future of Aussie film as we are! 


Remember: I'll be back to bring updates about the Regional Tour later this year! 


Intern (Max) Over and Out 

Things got arty at the after party

Opening in FOUR HOURS!!!!

It's time to play the music. 
It's time to light the lights. 
It's time to turn on the projector 
-- for Opening Night tonight.

That's right, I'm a huge Muppets fan. I'm also a huge St Kilda Film Festival fan (if you've not noticed) -- speaking of which, it's time to officially OPEN THE FESTIVAL! Tonight The Palais plays host to an eclectic range of films -- a taste of the smorgasbord to come.

In its 29th year, SKFF is a uniquely 'Melbourne' event -- with over 100 films from some of Australia's best filmmakers screening over the week, alongside forums and special screenings, it all culminates in Sunday's Closing Night awards.

The films to be screened tonight are: 
Suspended -- A magical spectacle
Burn -- Epic skateboarding short
Am I OK -- A tongue-in-cheek existential crisis
Sidewalk Scribble -- A musical portrait of a city
Transmission -- The apocalypse with a twist
The Globe Collector -- Documentary making at its most inventive
Into the Sun -- An angel falls from the sky into deep water
Bonny Doon -- Comedy gold in a car

I hope that you're as excited as I am about all these fabulous films and catch glimpses of those who made them!

Also, yesterday I blogged a bunch of quotes from all the SKFF staff, minus the wonderful Amber Harris -- Program Development -- who was away from the office. 


In answer to my general question, 'What are you most excited about for Opening Night?' 
"Finally putting faces to the names of filmmakers and Industry folk I've been talking to over the past few months"

On that note, see you real soon!
I'm off to put my face on...

LOVE

Fancy Dress Intern

Tomorrow is LIFT-OFF!!

After months of organisation and hard-work, the SKFF team will kick off the Festival with the help of a huge audience of film practitioners and movie buffs, tomorrow night at the wonderful Palais Theatre. It will surely be a magical evening, so I asked team members what they're most excited about regarding Melbourne's most exciting Tuesday night this year...   

"Anyone who's thinking of going to the iconic Palais tomorrow night, this might be your last ever opportunity to see films there -- because with the quality of the program, we're going to lift the roof off the theatre" - Paul Harris, SKFF Festival Director 

"I can't wait for the filmmakers to finally see their films on the big screen" - Adele Denison, SKFF Festival Producer 

"Very excited! There's a lot going on, but Opening Night will no doubt will be a highlight of the festival" - Angus Macpherson, SKFF Production Manager 

"Excited as I am every year. I love seeing the Palais full and all the anticipation of the week ahead" - Annie Helps, SKFF Marketing

"Super excited! It will be one of the best opening nights yet -- the hype and the buzz this year is great. And we have such a great selection films -- some world premieres too" - Anthoula Ververis, SKFF Ticketing and VIP Manager  

"The mixologist, who'll be making daiquiris and the the signature Renault cocktail. Also keen to see the audience reaction to 'Bonnie Doon'." - Paul Shea, Business Development    

"Looking forward to the audience's response to the taste of the showcase to come" - Jake Brown, SKFF Festival Administrator 

"Seeing everyone dressed up and glamorous" - Sophie Fernandes, SKFF Program Support  

"Having the Palais at near-capacity is always a thrill" - Dean Mandaru, SKFF Business Development 

We look forward to seeing you dressed to the nines -- I've already dusted off my favourite 'dressy' jacket and am considering brushing my hair -- and being swept away by some of Australia's best new short films. I am actually dizzy with excitement! 

Watch this space throughout the week... Will update VERY soon, 

Excitable Intern


"Walk the yellow carpet at the magnificent Palais Theatre as we celebrate the triumphs of our local film industry. Featuring a selection of what's to come for the 2012 St Kilda Film Festival." 
OPENING NIGHT -- 7.30pm Tomorrow (!), May 22nd
  

FIVE DAYS plus FORUM FEVER (Last one)

With only five days to go, Opening Night is quickly approaching the SKFF office's front door. Final preparations are being made for the week, with the bells being polished and the whistles being cleaned. 

For your festival news fix, here are a few tidbits of forum info:  


DISTRIBUTING AND MARKETING SHORT FILMS
Presented by Open Channel and Shaun Miller Lawyers 

So you've spent years developing a film that you're finally happy with: the writing is snappy, the acting is powerful, the shots are spliced expertly, and the score is compelling. All there's left to do is show people your masterpiece. Simple? Only if handled in the right way...
     Shaun Miller moderates a panel of marketing and distribution experts who'll guide the forum's audience through the journey to get your film out there. The panel includes Steph McKenna -- Roadshow Films, Simon Britton -- MediaWaveTV, Katherine Thornton -- Sharmill Films, and Jannine Barnes -- Happening Films.

Forum Hall12.30 to 2pm -- Saturday, May 26th  

FOCUS ON EDITING 
Presented by the Australian Screen Editors Guild 


The standard of its editing can make or break a film, and knowledge of how to master this complex craft truly is powerful for any editor, producer or director. Each panelist will exhibit a piece of their work and deconstruct the elements which make the scene effective, due to its editing. The panel of editors includes Megan Voevedin (Into the Sun from 2012's Top 100, The Accident), Cameron Nugent (Spider Walk from 2012's Top 100, The Honeymoon) and Sasha Dylan Bell (Lemonade Stand from 2012's Top 100, December Boys).

Forum Hall 
2.15 to 3.15pm -- Saturday, May 26th 




ACT. WRITE. DIRECT. 
Those who do it all. 


Damian Walshe-Howling. Matilda Brown. Damon Gameau.
What do they all have in common?

They've all made the leap from in front to behind the camera. Learn how they did it in their forum, where the actor-writer-directors talk about the differences and similarities between directing and acting.

Damian Walshe-Howling's acting credits include Underbelly and The Secret Life of Us -- he's directed/written 2012 Top 100 film Suspended.

Matilda Brown's acting credits include Offspring and The Chaser -- her directing and writing credits include short films How Things Work and (2012 Top 100 film) Am I Okay.

Matilda Brown

Damon Gameau's acting credits include Balibo and Love My Way -- he directed TropFest winning short film Animal Beatbox.  

Damian Walshe-Howling

Damon Gameau

Moderated by Festival Director and occasional actor, Paul Harris (Love and Other Catastrophes and Dogs in Space).

Exciting Update!

Oh hi, Festival Followers!

We've recently received more great news for a Top 100 short film. 'The Globe Collector' (see below) and Amy Gebhardt's summer-themed 'We Were Here' has been selected to screen at the Sheffield Doc/Fest -- an event which showcases some of the best documentary talent from around the world. They're two of only three Australian documentaries to show, so The Globe Collector's director Summer DeRoche and producer Andrea Distefano are heading over to the UK with the support of Screen Australia, to take advantage of this opportunity. Much like SKFF, the Sheffield Doc/Fest not only screens great films, but has opportunities to partake in workshops/forums and networking events.

Big congratulations to all of them! The trailer for 'We Were Here' is below...

In other news...

We're only ONE WEEK (and a day) from St Kilda Film Festival 2012 and we couldn't be much more excited/anxious. Corman At Ya! is looking in fine B-movie form; our doyennes of ticketing are tapping frantically at their keyboards, arranging seats for the fast-filling sessions of Australia's Top 100 Short Films; ears are being flushed in preparation for SoundKILDA and Blaze of Glory; and this little intern should be writing some more 'Forum Fever' updates...

Adios for now!

Many Apologies,

In Turn
  

FORUM FEVER: Update #2

From Shorts to Longs 

Wednesday, May 23rd 

8pm to 9.30pm

How does a filmmaker make the transition between making short and feature films? Can I use my short film as a trailer for my feature? Find out the answers to these confounding questions with a series of anecdotes and helpful hints from some of the freshest film industry talents.

Making a Music Video --

Everything You Need to Know 

Thursday, May 24th

6.30pm to 8pm

'Thriller', 'Bohemian Rhapsody', 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' and 'Single Ladies'... What do all these songs have in common? They all have very memorable music videos. Not only is it a great marketing tool -- it's another level of artistic expression. Learn tips for effective music video production from industry pros like Natasha Pincus, who directed Australia's most-viewed online video, Gotye's 'Somebody That I Used To Know' (nearly 200 million views). Darren Middleton, from seminal rock band Powderfinger, will also be talking about his experiences with both film and music.

'Making a Music Video' will be the perfect lead-up to SoundKilda music video competition -- which follows straight after, at The Astor.  

Get Animated -- Annecy and Beyond

Friday, May 25th

6pm to 7.30pm

Join Oscar nominee Anthony Lucas (The Mysterious Geographic Explorations of Jasper Morello),Oscar winner Adam Elliot (Harvey Krumpet, Mary and Max) and advertising and stop-motion guru Glen Hunwick in their discussion of the Annecy International Animated Film Festival and the ever-expanding world of animated cinema. This forum is moderated by Robert Stephenson, who teaches at the VCA and has a film in this year's Top 100 -- the satirical animation Paris Lakes (which was screened at Annecy last year).

NEWS 08.05.12

As the Festival gets closer, more success stories are flooding in regarding our Top 100 films.  Excitement!

The Palace is Picture Perfect

Another win for Australian-Cypriot co-production of The Palace (the film won several awards at the South Australian Screen Awards), Nick Matthews has been awarded Best Cinematography in the short film category.

A tense and stark film, set during the political and social unrest in 70’s Cyprus, The Palace has been widely acclaimed since its release last year.   

The Palace screens at SKFF in Session 8 of the Top 100 program, Saturday May 26^th 3pm – 4.30pm

VCA Wins Youth Spirit

Victorian College of the Arts graduate Andrew Kavanagh has won the national Spirit of Youth Award thanks to his efforts on two short films, Men of the Earth and At the Formal – the latter of which will be screening at SKFF. Originally from North Carlton, Kavanagh will be travelling to Los Angeles and receive mentorship from Australian-born director Robert Luketic (of Legally Blonde fame) on Hollywood film sets.

At the Formal is a surreal thriller, with a darkly humorous twist, screens at SKFF in Session 13 of the Top 100 program, Sunday May 27^th 2pm – 3.30pm

AFTRS Cannes Do

 Australian Film, Television and Radio School is screening six of the school’s most outstanding short films in the Aus/NZ focused ‘Cinema des Antipodes’ program at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Two of the exhibited, ‘Emily’ and ‘Moth’ films will be in competition in the Top 100.

Emily, a psychological thriller (which was recently nominated for a Student Academy Award) screens at SKFF in Session 7 of the Top 100 program, Saturday May 26^th 1.30pm – 3pm

Moth, a story of escapism, screens at SKFF in Session 15 of the Top 100 program, Sunday May 27^th 6.30pm – 8pm

CONGRATULATIONS to the above films. Talent is emerging from everywhere and we’re thrilled to showcase some of Australia’s best right here, in St Kilda, in 14 days!

Xoxo

(Gossip) Intern  

FORUM FEVER: Part 1

In 2011 SKFF asked filmmaking enthusiasts what they'd like to see more of at the Festival. The overwhelming response to this question was MORE FORUMS! So the wonderful program developers answered with double the forums - which address subjects from music video production to pitching to editing and beyond.

The first in the series is 'Pitch Clinic'...  

It's a well-known fact that pitching an idea to funding bodies or production companies can be very intimidating. To guide film practitioners through the process of pitching, from emerging talents to established auteurs, the Pitch Clinic's panel of industry experts will assess five shortlisted pitches and give feedback. 

If you've got an idea for a film project, we encourage you to submit a one page outline to the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre at Victoria University, email: ESP@vu.edu.au

Wednesday, May 23  

6pm to 7.30pm 

  

The Wonderful World of Annecy

Eclectic. Exciting. Bizarre. Whimsical. These are some of the words you could use to describe the animations to expect at Annecy, the world's premiere animation festival. Since its 1960 inception, the Festival has continually supported the emergence of new creative talent. To celebrate this institution, St Kilda Film Festival is offering its patrons the opportunity to explore the world of Annecy through two sessions, showcasing some of the best of the Festival between 1997 and 2011.

Best of Annecy: Program One (1997 to 2004) 
Elderly monks in love, and surreal train stations, revolutions of crustaceans and gender transformation. Sounds like the surreal lyrics of a B-52s song.


Best of Annecy: Program Two (2004 to 2011) 
Clever visual trickery, innovative stop-motion techniques and elegantly crafted stories - the love of animation is clearly evident in these films.

For more information about Annecy, you can visit the website at http://annecy.org/home or to read more about the films selected for SKFF's special programs, visit http://www.stkildafilmfestival.com.au/2012/flipbook.html

Program is OUT!!!

That's right. The program for the St Kilda Film Festival was officially launched at last night's Film Buff's Trivia and is ready for your perusal. Highlights of 2012's stellar line-up include the much-mentioned Australia's Top 100 Short Films, SoundKilda Music Video Competition, Cork Film Festival showcase, Annecy animation showcase, Industry Open Day, and Blaze of Glory. The festival kicks off in 19 days and 6 hours (according to the clever countdown thing on the website) with all the bells and whistles of Opening Night which will give audiences a tantilising teaser of the standard of film fare to come. World premieres for Suspended, Am I Okay and Bonny Doon on the night will surely bring an air of antici...pation and the mysterious compere will shock and delight (maybe not shock) throughout the evening... All for $30!! Definitely one of the best things to do on a Tuesday night!

Will update soon!

Cheery regards,

Copywriter2000

Ticketing and program details are available at  http://www.stkildafilmfestival.com.au/2012/flipbook.html

DIRECTOR PROFILE: BEN MATTHEWS

SKFF Festival Director, Paul Harris, had the opportunity to interview Top 100 participant, Ben Matthews, who was recently nominated for a 'Student Oscar'. The interview can be heard at http://www.rrr.org.au/program/film-buff-s-forecast/ and here's a brief profile of the young director: 

Graduate of AFTRS (Australian Film, Television and Radio School), Ben Matthews wrote the first story outline for his short film Emily while living in Los Angeles. Prior to his directorial debut, he studied acting at New York's Atlantic Theatre Company. Treading the boards gave him an appreciation of the importance of a strong story, which he notes as being "really revered in theatre, [but] it isn't always in Hollywood."
    Emily is a psychological thriller about the homecoming of the disturbed title character. Originally written as a drama, it evolved into a rain-drenched, Polanski-esque character study. The sparse set design and slow, lingering shots coupled with the powerful performances result in palpable tension -- not a film for the faint-hearted. The focus on character in 'Emily' might be a reflection of Matthews' background. The actors are the driving forces in the film -- an approach that results in the personal intensity.
     When asked by Paul Harris about the production's success, Matthews described his Oscar nod as a "huge thrill", citing his cinematographer Joshua Flavell and cast member Roxanne Wilson as being  integral creative contributors.
     This particular intern has a feeling Mr Matthews has an interesting future awaiting him, no matter what the outcome of the Student Oscars will be.

'Emily' will be screening at 1.30pm on Saturday 26th of May, The Astor Theatre as part of SKFF's ' Australia's Top 100 Short Films'   

Roger Corman: King of the B’s

If you’re a mainstream movie fanatic, you might be surprised to find out that one of the most influential people in Hollywood is the prolific master of B-movies, Roger Corman.

‘Who? What? Why?’ asks a man wearing a ketchup-stained Transformers t-shirt. Well, Transformers fan, Corman is one of the great pioneers of modern cinema. Without his groundbreaking efforts in guerrilla filmmaking and expansion of genre pictures into adult territory, the first blockbusters – Jaws and Star Wars – might have been made differently, or not exist at all.

In a career spanning over 50 years, Corman has produced and/or directed around 400 films, including a series of Edgar Allen Poe adaptations, the ‘first LSD movie’ The Trip, and a bikie movie starring Nancy Sinatra and Peter Fonda (Wild Angels). His influence on directors such as Martin Scorsese helped bring counter-culture into the light, and out of the shadows of post-war US conservatism.

Another indelible mark he made on the cinematic landscape was his distribution of art house films to the American masses through his small studio ‘New World Pictures’. Akira Kurasawa and Ingmar Bergman (among others) finally gained exposure and the potential of art house was recognised by other industry movers and shakers. 

But it wasn’t all subtle and arty cinemaaahh. Exploitation films of every variety, brimming with sexual liberation and advocating civil rights, were produced by Corman – a fact not lost on Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez, who recently paid homage to the legend in their ‘Grind House’ double feature. 

 ‘Corman At Ya’ is the late night showcase of Corman’s very best bits – a collation of ‘B’ cinema in ‘A’ form. Compiled by Mark Hartley (director of brilliant ‘Ozploitation’ documentary Not Quite Hollywood) and Jamie Blanks (who recently remade the classic Aussie thriller Long Weekend), trailer after trailer will inspire you to raid garage sales in search for trashy treasure. 

For some interesting facts about Corman’s impact on modern Hollywood, check out this link: http://www.wired.com/underwire/2011/12/roger-corman/all/1

What? Corman At Ya!

When? Friday 25^th of May – 11pm 

Where? The Astor Theatre

Check the St Kilda Film Festival website for updates on ticketing information in early May!

News Update?!!?

Hilarious and interesting feature articles are coming, but for the meantime here are a few bits of St Kilda Film Festival-related news…

‘The Palace’ Victory

Congratulations to one of this year’s Top 100 films ‘The Palace’, which has won big at the South Australian Screen Awards, taking home four awards including Best Short Film and Best Director for Anthony Maras. The 1970s Cyprus-set drama is an intense short about home invasion and confronting enemy forces face-to-face and will surely be a highlight of this year’s program. Intrigued to see what all the buzz is about…

Campfire Inspiration

Campfire Film Festival is to be held on May 12^th at ACMI. With an emphasis on philosophy and spirituality it’s aimed at high school students, teachers and film practitioners alike. Featured films include an anti-bullying animation and Chris Lilley-style mockumentary.

For those who are hungry for a taste of festival atmosphere before SKFF, check out the website at http://www.campfire.org.au/cff2012

Oscar Loves Emily

Earlier in the week, Festival director Paul Harris got an exciting email informing us here at SKFF HQ, that Top 100 short film ‘Emily’ is up for a Student Academy Award (Oscar Junior). Although not as renowned as its older brother, Oscar Junior has helped launch the careers of industry greats Spike Lee and Robert Zemeckis.

We congratulate director Ben Matthews and look forward to him and all other filmmakers in competition for the Top 100. It’s going to be tough to separate all the strong entries this year.

Finally…

The trailer is finished and is simply beautiful. Be among the first and see it below ;D

Lots of Kind Cheers and Sincere Regards

<Insert Witty Pseudonym>

LE TRAILER: 

Happy Friday Everyone!

It’s the end of another week at St Kilda Film Festival HQ and what a week it has been! The Top 100 Short Films in Australia list has been finalised; the logistics of Opening Night are being fine-tuned; exciting speakers for the filmmaker development program are already doing their vocal warm-ups; sponsorship and marketing plans and deals are in the final stages of negotiation; and I got to finally speak one-on-one with Paul Harris, the festival director.

Paul Harris is a film buff. I might be stating the obvious, but I’m being serious. He is freakishly fit, in the filmic sense – hence the name of his radio show, Film Buffs Forecast, on Triple R. Over his years of experience in the local film industry, he has been an exhibitor of films, member of the AFI, programmer at MIFF, and radio broadcaster extraordinaire. All of these roles have afforded him the opportunity to convey his wide knowledge of cinema and to understand the nature of the often unpredictable beast that is Australian cinema. 

The St Kilda Film Festival is Harris’ baby, and he is as enthusiastic as ever about the festival. He describes it as a unique Melbourne institution because it is a “community-based festival” which is targeted at people who are very ‘into’ film culture. He also sets apart the SKFF from other Melbourne film festivals, because this festival is “focused on shorts” and showcases such a diverse range of local talent.

One thing that has Harris particularly excited for this year’s festival are the venues. The famous 3000-seat Palais Theatre is the location for St Kilda Film Festival Opening Night – a splendid setting for a night of cinematic diversity and Industry mingling. The Palais opened as picture theatre originally and has been used for many purposes since, but to have SKFF in its cavernous space annually is a fond nod to the past.

Post-Opening Night, the 75-year-old Astor Theatre will be the primary venue for screenings.  This cinema has the biggest cinema screen in the Southern Hemisphere and will allow newcomer filmmakers to see their works on a truly ‘big screen’.  New projection technology also allows the films to be exhibited in near IMAX quality, allowing an experience trumping prior festivals.

He describes the audiences for the SKFF not unlike those at comedy clubs – ready to judge critically, but with an open mind.  With the festival’s emphasis placed on short film, Paul Harris has some handy tips on short film making for future auteurs and cinephiles alike:

-          The shorter, the more commercially viable – therefore the more attractive to media outlets

-          Think of your short film as being a person on the street in a crowded city, trying to get noticed. In order to stand out, you need to have something different about the way the film looks and seems. If it’s immediately ‘something else’, you’re probably on the right track.

-          A short film doesn’t need to be technically brilliant – what it needs is to be engaging. It doesn’t matter how much you’ve spent on your production, it’s the idea and the way in which that’s presented, that matters.

-          If it’s your first attempt at short film, consider starting with an autobiographical work. Much like the rule of writing (write what you know), make something that reflects your life and world. It will be more empathetic and believable.

-          Remember that short films are a training ground from which your filmic style naturally emerges. David Michôd’s Animal Kingdom didn’t come out of nowhere; he worked on his style for years through short film making.

The excitement in Harris’s voice is palpable and contagious (especially when talking about the screen at The Astor). I’ll be talking to him as the festival approaches about the program highlights we can expect. As for now, I should be off. I’ve got to catch a train.

Cheers,

Mr. Intern

  

  

Previous Festival Photos

SKFF 2012 - Cinematic wonder inside the Palais

SKFF 2012 - Film folk gathered in celebration of Australian film

Antici... pation

Good Afternoon!

With just over two months to go, the preparation for the St Kilda Film Festival 2012 is fully underway and excitement (anxiety) for opening night is quickly building in the office. Paul (Festival Director), Adele, Jake, Amber, Angus, Annie, Sophie, Malcolm, Anthoula and Paul (other Paul - sponsorship guy) are the dynamic team at the heart of SKFF. Each has an area of expertise to contribute, from production management to marketing to programming, that I'll investigate in the coming week(s).

The 'Top 100 Short Films' list is being finalised, the 'International Programme' is being fine-tuned and the choice of seating for Opening Night is being heatedly debated. The main energy sources for staff are sushi and strong coffee - a winning combination in any scenario. The harsh fluorescent office lights don't distract from the wonderful array of shorts being scrutinised by staff.

Most recently (at noon today), a team of graphic designers spoiled the staff for choice with an eclectic range of St Kilda Film Festival artwork which will be prevalent on the festival website, Facebook, Twitter, and on this little ol' blog in the coming week (I speculate).  So follow and comment on the upcoming material! I assure you it will be sufficiently urbane (with a trimming of grunge). You WILL want to buy the t-shirt!

Lots of love Kind Regards,

Internbot186

Welcome!!

Oh, how lovely of you stop by!

Welcome to the 2012 St Kilda Film Festival blog, the 'personal' side of the festival where all the behind-the-scenes theatrics are revealed in explicit detail (well, partially anyway). During the lead-up and festival itself, this blog will be flooded with all kinds of trivia, attempts at humour and interviews with glamorous film folk.

Visit us at the Twitter and Facebook links for vital information... all the FUN stuff will be coming to the blog!

Cheers,

Anonymous Intern