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WHAT IS IT?

TURING is an intensive filmmaking project that seeks to experiment with new models of filmmaking and will be developed through an open call process. Cornerhouse invites expressions from filmmakers and video artists, one of whom will be shortlisted and required to produce a film inspired by the life and work of Alan Turing.

The resulting film will be completed and will premiere at the Abandon Normal Devices Festival 2012 (22-24 June), and will be supported through a dedicated distribution platform.

About this opportunity

The 22nd-24th June 2012 marks the centenary of English mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing’s life (23 June 1912 - 7 June 1954).

Turing made a unique impact on the history of computing, computer science, artificial intelligence, developmental biology, and the mathematical theory of computability. Most famously, Turing introduced the idea of the Turing machine in 1936 and later the Turing test, which was built to distinguish man from machine.

Dramatic events, both in early computer development and in Turing's personal life, marked his years living in Manchester as significant. New directions in his research, particularly his seminal work on morphogenesis, were tragically cut short at his house in Wilmslow on June 8th, 1954. There are still a number of people living in Manchester who have close links to Turing, in at least one case through joint research work.

His personal life is equally famous, if not tragic after being put on trial for his homosexuality (which was then illegal) he was faced with "chemical castration". Two years later, he committed suicide with an apple poisoned with cyanide in 1954.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

·  We are looking to work with a video artist or filmmaker who has bold ideas and an experimental approach to working with digital or celluloid. We don’t want a straight up conventional documentary.

·  We are also looking for filmmakers who hold a track record of putting ideas into action, but who would like to either take their work to the ‘next level’ or in a completely different direction altogether, through collaborative, digital and experimental modes of filmmaking and exhibition.

·  We are thinking of filmmakers who wish to extend beyond the traditional confines of cinema exhibition, and who possess a progressive approach to film production and dissemination, in the light of digital and technological developments.

·  Who may be interested in mixing it up with archive and new footage.

Project Producers: Bren O’Callaghan and Gabrielle Jenks

OUTPUT

To produce a cutting-edge experimental short film which also can be used online.

THE PROCESS

1. An open call will begin in 31st August and will close on the 23rd September. By the end of September, a panel will select 3 filmmakers for its short list, for interview first week in October.

2. The shortlisted filmmakers will be interviewed Cornerhouse where they develop and respond to the filmmaker and producer’s creative stipulations.

3. From this pool of 3 filmmakers, a panel will select one filmmaker who will produce a film, which will premiere at the Abandon Normal Devices Festival 22nd-24 June) and which will be offered dedicated distribution support.

WHO ARE THE PANELLISTS?

Panel 1// Will Massa (New Talent Executive, Vision + Media), Bren O’ Callaghan (Producer),

tbc (Mentor/Filmmaker), Sarah Perks (Programming Director, Cornerhouse) (TBC)

Gabrielle Jenks (Festival Manager/Producer AND festival)

TIMELINE

Open Call / 31st of August 2011
Selection / 23rd September
R&D / October-December
Production / January-March
Post-Production / March- April 2011
Film Preview / May 2011
Film Premiere / June 2011

ADDITIONAL NOTES AND GUIDANCE

The project rules will continue to change throughout the development and production process

This will be a challenging and rigorous experience

Visual Artists with a track record in the moving image are encouraged to apply

Filmmakers applying must hold a track record of production

The resulting project will adopt a trans/cross-media element

Filmmakers must be from Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Lancashire

APPLICATION PROCEDURE (IMPORTANT)

FILL IN THE ATTACHED APPLICATION FORM (ALL FIELDS ARE REQUIRED)

INCLUDE A BRIEF STATEMENT (NO MORE THAN 250 WORDS) OF WHY YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THE FILM

SEND IN 2 COPIES OF A SAMPLE OF YOUR MOVING IMAGE OR FILM WORK. THIS SHOULD BE ON DVD FORMAT

INCLUDE A CV/STATEMENT OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

RETURN BY POST BEFORE THE DEADLINE OF 23rd September 2011 AT 18:00.

SEND YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Bren O’Callaghan Cornerhouse •

TURING FILM ON THE FRONT. PLEASE NOT APPLICATION MATERIALS CANNOT BE RETURNED.

APPLICATION FORM

ABOUT YOU

Name [or group]:
Date of birth:
Contact Address:
Contact Number:
Email Address:

ABOUT YOUR FILM/VIDEO SAMPLE

Title:
Did you make this film / ( ) Independently OR ( ) With a production company/Organization/Collective
Did you have a budget for
this film? / ( ) YES ( ) NO

I have read the guidelines (see below) and agree to them.

FILMMAKER’S AGREEMENT

I have read the guidelines and my film complies with them.

FILMMAKER’S SIGNATURE______DATE______

( ) Tick here if you would like to be contacted about Cornerhouse events.

Please return by post to Bren O’ Callaghan

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Conditions of application:

·  Applicants are required to hold a track record in film production, filmmaking, or in experimental video production as either a video artist or filmmaker.

·  You must agree, if shortlisted, to participate in any required professional development training

·  You must, if commissioned, agree to cooperate by the contract of rules and regulations that are set out in the filmmaker’s official challenge and contract.

·  You agree that Cornerhouse cannot take any liability for damaged or lost materials that you supply in the post, and materials cannot be returned.

·  The applicant gives permission for the supplied materials to be archived by Cornerhouse for research purposes only.

·  There is however, full time students are ineligible to apply.

·  Fluency in English is essential.

·  Applicants are expected to have a practical knowledge of digital technology

·  The decision of the jury panelists is final.

·  You understand that Cornerhouse cannot engage in a dialogue regarding any specific application, nor can it offer feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

Notification of the jury's decision will be in email writing.

TURING FILM

ENTRY GUIDELINES

RULES FOR SUBMISSION / CHECKLIST: PLEASE TICK
You hold a proven track record in film, video or experimental production, either as a video artist or filmmaker
You must be aged over 16.
You are not a Full Time Student
You are willing to commit to dedicated development and training sessions
You are willing to cooperate to the stipulations that will be set out in the filmmaker’s challenge and contract
You must be resident within Greater Manchester, Cheshire or Lancashire

If you have ticked all of the above then go ahead and enter the challenge!

HOW DO I ENTER?

Read the guidelines, tick off the checklist, fill in the submission form and sign and date it. Enclose two clearly labeled film or video samples on DVD and send it, before the

Submission deadline of 23rd September 2011 at 18:00 to:

Bren O Callaghan

Cornerhouse

70 Oxford Street

Manchester, M1 5NH,

United Kingdom

0161 200 1515

If there are questions regarding your submissions, which have not been addressed within this form, then please use the contact details below:

Email: OR

Visit: www.andfestival.org.uk

ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED ABOUT THEIR APPLICATION IN THE FIRST WEEK IN OCTOBER

THE TURING FILM IS A DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION SCHEME SUPPORTED BY VISION+MEDIA, AWARDING FUNDS FROM THE UK FILM COUNCIL, AND PRODUCED BY CORNERHOUSE, MANCHESTER