Modern Films, in partnership with UK SAYS NO MORE, is holding an open call to female filmmakers from around the UK for submissions of short films inspired by 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, which runs from 25th November to 10th December, between International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and International Human Rights Day.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence is an annual campaign, which has run since 1991, and has 164 countries and 3,700 organisations involved. It uses the 16 days between International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25th November) and International Human Rights Day (10th December) to reinforce that eliminating all forms of violence against women is a human rights issue, and that the act of perpetrating violence against women is a human rights violation. The 2018 theme of 16 Days has been announced as ‘End Gender-Based Violence in the World of Work’.

Dates & Deadlines

September 2nd: Opening Date

October 25th: Regular Deadline

November 16th: Notification Date

November 25th – December 11th: Event Date

Click here for additional information on the campaign and how to submit.

Our friends at Creative England are seeking to expand their team in Birmingham. Have a look below at an outline of the role:

Project/ Partnerships Manager (Birmingham)

PT freelancer, 2 days per week, October 2018 to March 2019

Creative England discovers, champions and invests in world-class creative, tech and start-up talent. We nurture our sector through deep regional networks and partnerships. Business support is one of our key strengths and, in partnership with the Birmingham & Solihull LEP, we will be piloting a support programme starting in October 2018 running until March 2019.
We are looking for a part time (2 days per week) contractor to help deliver this activity. You must be a strong project manager capable of developing and running workshops to fit the programme. The ideal candidates will have experience coordinating events with an interest in the creative sector. You will support business development and be an advocate for Creative England in the region. There will be scope to develop this role subject to programme performance and further business development opportunities.

LOCATION: Birmingham central
REPORTS TO: Head of Business Development, Public sector
CONTRACT: Freelance, 1st October 2018 to end March 2019, average 2 days per week
FEE: dependent on experience £200-250 per day
TO APPLY: CV & cover letter to jobs@creativeengland.co.uk by 24th September* *we may close earlier subject to selection meetings*
Core responsibilities:
• Developing workshop content
• Project Management
• Events Management
• Partnerships
Person Spec:
• Significant experience providing similar services preferably within the creative sector.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and to manage and meet deadlines
• Strong administrative abilities and experience of public funded programmes
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to deal effectively with people at all levels
• Self-motivated, collaborative and engaging
• Excellent attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm under pressure
• Enjoys developing new ideas and strategies with ability to execute

Creative England promotes cultural diversity and equal opportunities for all

Perhaps you have unfinished business with your ex. Maybe you want to speak your mind to your former partner. Or, just maybe, you want to get back together with them. If this sounds like you: producers of a BBC show want to hear from you. Bafta-nominated series Eating with my Ex reunites former couples to sit down and have one last dinner with each other, and to discuss their relationship in an honest and open conversation. This is the perfect opportunity to reunite with a former flame and ask all the awkward questions

The series (10 episodes) has been commissioned after its short-form version went viral and racked up nearly 20 million views. BBC Three controller Damian Kavanagh said: “I’m delighted with the transformation of Eating with My Exinto a long-form commission and the incredible journey it has taken speaks to the flexibility of form that BBC Three affords. “We’re really excited it has been developed into a 10-part series which I’m sure audiences will love.” A spokesperson for Eating with my Ex said: “The experience isn’t as scary as it sounds and in fact the couples who do take part walk away with closure, answers to their questions and in some cases.. a rekindled romance! This is a genuinely heart warming and lovely format and we’re excited to give readers the opportunity to apply for it.”

Those interested in applying for the show do not need to contact their ex – in the first instance applicants will have a research chat with the casting team and following that, the casting team will then approach the ex on behalf of the applicant. If you want to have it out with your former love, you can apply by emailing casting@shotglassmedia.co.uk

Source: BirminghamLive.co.uk 

BBC One and Two are looking for city dwellers who are tired of the hectic city life, and long for the tranquillity of the countryside for the popular programme Escape to the Country. Alistair Appleton, Jules Hudson, Nicki Chapman, Jonnie Irwin, Sonali Shah, Ginny Buckley and Margherita Taylor help house buyers who want to swap city living for a home in the country.

Each programme explores why they want to move, what they’re looking for and which part of Britain they’ve set their heart on. In their chosen area, they are three idyllic country properties that match their search criteria and their budget. The last option is the ‘mystery’ house, a property that challenges our buyers’ perceptions about what they really want.

During their journey, buyers also have the chance to enjoy country life. They might visit beautiful local towns, tour iconic British homes and monuments or gain hands-on experience of traditional rural crafts and pursuits. At the end of the programme, our house hunters discuss all the properties they’ve seen and decide which one is the best option for them.

If you are seriously thinking of moving, apply now via the link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/takepart/escape

The BBC is launching a new rival to Channel 4’s Great British Bake Off and it wants West Midlands bakers to apply to be contestants. The new show, called “Celebration” will begin later this year and it is now casting for people to screen test in a bid to become the nation’s next big baker.

The start date for Celebration has not been released but it has been confirmed that the show will air on BBC2. Hungry Gap Productions who will produce the show is now recruiting amateur cooks to apply for the new programme. The casting call said: “We would love to hear from amateur cooks and bakers who would like to be part of an exciting prime-time food programme all about celebration food.”

The closing date for applications is Friday September 28.

Click here to find out more about how to apply.

Source: coventrytelegraph.net

September 24th will be an important day for many thinking about a career in TV or the media! Creative Skillset will be hosting Open Doors Careers, aiming to connect talented people with local opportunities in Birmingham.

A series of events will be kicking off at 6pm in The Bond, Fazeley Street, Birmingham during BBC Digital Cities 2018.These two-hour events are a great opportunity for individuals interested in a career in film, TV and media to find out more about the industry. You will be able to meet professionals, network, get career advice and enjoy pizza in a friendly and welcoming environment. There will also be information on their Trainee Finder Programme so that you have an in-depth understanding of this unique industry-recognised scheme before applications open in November.

This year, come along and meet industry experts who really know what it is like to work in non-scripted TV and media production. We have so far confirmed attendees from Full Fat TV, Vermillion Films, Crew Birmingham, On the Tools, Producers Forum, BBC Academy, Flix Facilities, BBC Studios and North One.

Tickets are now available for £5 on a first-come-first-served basis. Look for the opportunities near you listed below, secure a place and we look forward to meeting you there!

Click here to book a place

Want to know more about blogging or podcasting? Fancy writing comedy for Facebook? Want to make the most out of your mobile films? This day of FREE training from the BBC Academy on September 24 at the Bond Company, Fazeley Street is for both experienced professionals wanting to brush up on their digital skills and new entrants to digital production.

Get involved with the exciting range of free talks, workshops and creative sessions, each exploring the latest in digital content and how to tell fantastic multi-platform stories. The workshops are suitable for both experienced professionals wanting to brush-up on their digital skills and new entrants to the business.

Sessions on the day explore:

• BBC Writers Room: Short-Form Storytelling – Invaluable tips on short form storytelling and writing compelling short drama or comedy for social media
• BBC Academy: APPSolutely Amazing Content – Get hands-on with the latest apps that can enhance your content with animated text and graphics for a professional finish
• Google Garage: Build a Digital Marketing Plan – Learn how to create a bespoke digital marketing plan for your business
• BBC Academy: Filming and Editing on your phone – Learn basic principles of how to use your smartphone to create broadcast quality sound and video
• Google Garage: Intro to Digital Advertising – This session is designed to help small business owners or aspiring digital marketers understand how to use Search, Social and Display advertising using a simple, straightforward approach
• Amrit Singh: How to build a Brand using Social Media – Join Livestreaming influencer and artist Amrit Singh, as he gives you the inside story about building a brand using Twitter, Livestreaming, Facebook and Instagram
• Mark Steadman: Murder in Podcastville – Join Podcaster Mark Steadman founder of Birmingham Podcasting Festival on this journey and find how to create your own podcast
• Ting @ The Ting Thing: Blogging Workshop – Join beauty, fashion and lifestyle blogger Ting from the TingThing and start your blogging journey
• Google Garage: Writing for Social Media – In this session you’ll learn how to create content with confidence, across key social platforms while learning how to define your brand and tone of voice

A ticket gives you access to the day. You are asked to choose your sessions in the morning and afternoon via the order form when you book (sessions that are struck out are fully booked). To book your Digital Skills Day on Monday 24 September, click here.