22/01/2008

Cyfle Teams Up with Boomerang to Run High Level Film Training Programme

Four highly promising producers have been selected from a record number of applicants for the Cyfle Boom Films Producer Development Scheme - one of whom, Vivien Muller Rommel, is a very recent graduate of the MA Film Producing and Business Management at SSAW.

The selection of the emerging producers was based on their vision and drive to turn a story into a viable cinematic film for the global market. In return, they will be provided with a unique opportunity to develop their own ideas for Boom Films’ latest film projects.

The Producer Development Scheme plays a part in Cyfle’s impressive and extensive portfolio of professional development activities. Others include a slate of industry relevant short courses and intensive workshops delivered by a pool of internationally renowned expert tutors and specialist industry practitioners. Cyfle also offers invaluable financial support for freelance workers and company staff in Wales through the Cyfle Skills Wales Fund.

“The television and film industry is extremely vast” explains Shân Gwenfron Hughes, Cyfle CPD Manager.

“It is therefore vital to ensure suitable training and financial support is available for staff and freelance workers of all fields. Through Cyfle’s Skills Wales Fund, Cyfle has seven years of experience in providing a unique service which offers tailor made training to meet individual and company needs. Cyfle dedicated staff can arrange specialised short courses, company attachments and can also financially assist individuals and companies to attend courses within the U.K. In fact, freelance workers in Wales can claim up to 80% funding and staff can claim up to half” says Shân.

“The full time Boom Films Producer Development Scheme, in collaboration with one of Wales’ most prominent media companies, is yet another approach to ensure talent within Wales continues to develop and flourish.”

Boom Films is the new innovative film arm of the Boomerang group with the aim to produce bold, imaginative and story driven pieces that will punch above their weight in a changing and highly competitive market. A series of 12 TV Movies has already been commissioned by S4C, all in various stages of production. The four Trainee Producers will receive a training allowance and will start with Boom Films in February 2008.

Antony Smith, Boom Films’ Senior Producer explains the importance of the programme: “The ever changing landscape of film-making demands a more robust and entrepreneurial focused Producer” he explains. “We are extremely proud to be part of this initiative in partnership with Skillset and Cyfle, and to be at the heart of the future of film-making. This is the genesis of a new wave of talent who will have the necessary platform to exploit their projects on the global stage” he says.

Gwawr Hughes, Director of Skillset Cymru, is delighted that funding has been made available from Skillset’s Film Skills Fund to run the high level training programme. “Skillset is very pleased to be sponsoring the Cyfle Boom Films training programme in partnership with Cyfle and Boomerang. Producers with some film experience will be able to progress into feature films provided with the necessary training and a commercially-focused grounding in high-level micro-budget feature film production.” Recruitment for the programme will start on 18 October until 8 November 2007. Applicants are encouraged to visit www.cyfle.co.uk for further details.

Details of the trainees selected:

Vivien Müller-Rommel 
After graduating from the Universitat Duisburg-Essen (in Germany) with a BA in Economic and Cultural Studies, Vivien then went on to further her education by completing an MA in Film Producing and Business Management at SSAW (University of Glamorgan). During her time in Glamorgan, she had the opportunity to produce four short films with different production teams, including one shot on location in India as part of the SSAW exchange.  She started her career by working for Fan TV Bremen, as an assistant in the camera department, and has also worked for Public Toons Entertainment as a marketing assistant.   During the last year, Vivien has worked on ‘It’s My Shout’ as a production and location manager, where she was able to learn from professionals in the film industry, and also worked as a trainee on Justin Kerrigan's recent feature I Know you Know. 

Quirine Robbins
Quirine graduated from Cardiff University, with a First Class Hons in English Literature (BA).  Over the last few years she has worked as a researcher, firstly for Alfresco TV, and then for Green Bay Media.  She has been able to gain experience in the development and production of both drama films and factual TV and radio.  Quirine has also been working as an Assistant Producer on various BBC documentaries, as well as working as a producer for ‘Poems People Love’, for BBC Radio Wales.  As well as working full time, she has been attending a scriptwriting night class at Cardiff University, and has also shadowed a producer from Green Baywhen they attended Cannes Film Festival. 

Iwan Benneyworth
Iwan graduated from Bangor University in 2003, with a 2:1 in Modern and Contemporary History.  He started his career by running his own corporate video company, called Red to Green Media, and worked as a producer and director of corporate and promotional videos (and still does this to the present day).  Iwan has worked for Sky Sports as a Production Runner for Ford Ranger TV Spots, and then went on to work for Leapfrog Entertainment as a special effects assistant.  Recently, Iwan had the opportunity to work as a 1st Assistant Director for Carr Films, on the short film, ‘Twisted’, and also as a production runner for Stena Line television adverts (Onward Film Co).  He has edited and directed two digital feature length films, and self-funded these projects. 

Ceri Morris
After graduating from Cardiff University with a 1st in Welsh and English Literature (BA), Ceri stayed in Cardiff and went on to further her education with a MA in Welsh.  She has also worked for Cardiff University as a tutor for scriptwriting and drama, and has also worked for the Urdd as a judge of acting and public speaking.  Ceri has worked as a runner for the following companies – Boomerang, Opus, Cwmni Da and the BBC.