FILM FUND (EXCLUSIVE)
Bitpix TV and Myco have partnered on a feature film development fund. Open to filmmakers worldwide, the fund, which was launched on Friday at the Cannes film market, aims to support three films a year each with a budget of up to $2 million per feature.
Bitpix TV is the official streaming arm of HollyShorts Film Festival while Myco is a decentralized content ecosystem formerly known as MContent
A number of short-form genre films will be showcased on Myco’s streaming platform where viewers can vote on their favorites, which will be selected for feature film development with the fund’s help. Among the package of help available is funding, consulting, mentorship, and production support from finance and production company Goldfinch.
The finalists and winners will be unveiled at this year’s HollyShorts, which is set to run from Aug. 10-19 at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
Pictured above: Steven Adams and Theo Dumont of Bitpix TV
TALENT PROMOTION
The 19th Zurich Film Festival (Sept. 28-Oct. 8) has revealed details of its 2023 talent programs. The ZFF Summit Climber supported by International Screen Institute is a three-day initiative targeted to European junior executives from film sales, distribution or acquisition. The program’s primary focus is on key topics of film financing and packaging. Taking part during the Zurich Summit weekend, there will be an emphasis on facilitating transatlantic connections and fostering collaborations. Eight selected participants will benefit from intimate breakout sessions with Hollywood talent who are attending the Zurich Summit conference. Applications are open now and close on Aug. 7.
The long-running ZFF Academy is looking for 20 emerging producers, directors and screenwriters from around the world. The program offers participants a bespoke experience, including masterclasses where they have the opportunity to interact with and learn from internationally acclaimed filmmakers and guests. The five-day program also offers a platform for international networking and serves as a launching pad for future collaborations among participants. Application are open now and close on July 24.
RETIREMENT
Dawn McCarthy-Simpson, MD for business development and global strategy at U.K. producers union Pact is set to retire at the end of October.
McCarthy-Simpson, who has been at the org. for 16 years, oversees Pact’s international work and was also responsible for opening the Leeds office. Her role will be split into three after she steps down, with two facets of it going to existing Pact execs. The org. is now recruiting externally for someone to cover McCarthy-Simpson’s role as head of internationals and projects. A full job description can be found here.
“Of course we wish Dawn much happiness in her retirement, but I know I speak on behalf of all our members when I say that she will be greatly missed,” said Pact CEO John McVay. “Working closely with Dawn has been a pleasure as she has always focussed on the needs, ambitions and dreams of Pact members helping them to grow their businesses and have fun doing it.”
SALES
Metro International has sold U.K. and Irish rights to Carol Morley’s “Typist Artist Pirate King” to Modern Films. Morley (“Out of Blue”) directed from her original screenplay and Monica Dolan (“The Dig”) and Kelly Macdonald (“Operation Mincemeat”) star alongside Gina McKee (“My Policeman”).
Drawing from the archives of forgotten artist Audrey Amiss, the film is a road movie of her life using real events and actual dialogue from Amiss’s letters and diaries to create an imaginary trip.
It is produced by Cairo Cannon of Cannon and Morley Productions with Jane Campion, Anne Sheehan and Reno Antoniades as executive producers. Ameenah Ayub Allen (“Rocks”) is also a producer. The film is financed by the BFI, BCP Asset Management, MBK Productions, LipSync and Genesis Entertainment with support from the Wellcome Trust and development financing from BBC Films and the BFI.
