Northern Film & Media and BALTIC to deliver artist film talent development programme

Two Gateshead based creative enterprises have partnered to launch a national programme after securing Arts Council funding.

The collaboration between development agency Northern Film & Media and the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art will enable artists to develop narrative work.

The Artist’s Cut will consist of a series of developmental workshops and mentoring for two artist filmmakers, resulting in the production of two short narrative films.

Participants will undertake an intensive mentoring programme covering script development, cinematography, directing and distribution.

Confirmed mentors include leading script editor Kate Leys (formerly head of development with Film4 where she developed The Full Monty, Four Weddings and a Funeral and Trainspotting), and producer Samm Haillay (Better Things, Self-Made, Bypass).

Inspired by the recent success of films by directors such as Steve McQueen, Sam Taylor-Wood and Gillian Wearing, the initiative will be delivered with a view to developing longer form film or television propositions.

NFM and BALTIC have just completed a series of ten Random Acts commissions for Channel 4. The Artist’s Cut builds on the success of this innovative creative partnership.

Northern Film & Media previously invested in Self Made – the directorial debut from Turner Prize winning artist Gillian Wearing. Self Made was shot in the North East and co-produced by Newcastle-based indie Third Films. The film was released theatrically and was shown at leading contemporary art galleries across the globe.

The Artist’s Cut is aided by a £28,000 grant from the National Lottery through Arts Council England and by support from the ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13.

The ERDF programme is bringing over £300m into the North East to support innovation, enterprise and business support across the region.

John Tulip, managing director, Northern Film & Media said: “The Artist’s Cut will provide a structured, industry-focused development opportunity for artists keen to explore the intersection of art, film, TV and digital media. We’re confident that the funding received from Arts Council England will deliver breakthrough results for new creative talent.”

Agnes Wilkie, Deputy Director, BALTIC commented: “Artist’s Cut marks another exciting milestone in the unique partnership between BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and Northern Film Media and clear evidence of the value and tangible benefits of arts organisations working hand in hand with the creative industries to mutual advantage.

“I’m delighted we are able to create this opportunity to identify creative talent, nurture and develop it and give it a platform to flourish and be celebrated.”

The deadline for submissions is 18 November at noon (12pm). Please contact roxy@northernmedia.org or 0191 4404563 to discuss your application. To apply and find out more see here.