The team at Workshop have been developing the idea the ‘filmmaker’s film network’ for a while now and Monday saw the new network get off to a great start. The great turnout from filmmakers from all over Lancashire and Cumbria were treated to a panel discussion with representatives of the film industry and representatives from major organisations, North West Vision and Media and The North West Development Agency. The topics covered in this first event were centred on the issues of funding / finance for films in the North West region and The Future of Film in the North West.

Despite a known irritant in the filmmaker community attempting to use the event for some ill-conceived public rambling, the panel covered a great deal of questions and the majority of the attendees found it both enjoyable and enlightening. The atmosphere was engaging and very friendly with ample opportunities for people to network and enjoy a drink at the NICE bar at The Storey.

Reel Vision has thrown open the doors for ideas for future events and programs to the filmmaking community. Please get in touch if you have any ideas or suggestions.

This is just the launching pad of Reel Vision, with so many enthusiastic and talented filmmakers operating in the North West region, I have no doubt that Reel Vision will go from strength to strength.

The Reel Vision ‘Question Time’ evening is going to the a ‘reel’ good time, lots of local filmmakers and people involved in the wider film industry have signed up to the event. Its going to be a great opportunity to see what everyone is up to and an excellent opportunity to make contacts. As well as having your questions answered by the panel.

Please visit the Facebook page for details and the Eventbrite page to sign up for the event – its FREE!

Tara Cook – Head of Film at North West Vision and Media.

Iain Bennett – Sector Leader for Digital and Creative Industries at the North West Regional Development Agency.

Mark Strange – Star and producer of British films ‘Underground’ and ‘Bodyguard: A New Beginning’.

This is a great opportunity for filmmakers and people working in the wider film industry in the north west to pick the brains of some of the industry’s regional leaders.

Sign up for the event at the Reel Vision Eventbrite page. Also fill in the Surveymonkey questionnaire and get a FREE copy of Capture Anthologies: Volume 1, Fables and Fairytales.

At last check the event was filling up fast so sign up soon to avoid disappointment!

Friday the 29th January saw The Storey VIP launch party at oddly enough, The Storey. The event officially opened the building that has been ‘unofficially’ open for quite a while now. Workshop Productions was well represented with a full team turn out including our latest work experience recruit. Other attendees included residents, representatives of ‘the board’ and officials from the BBC and various official media bodies.

The night was a great success with everyone enjoying the atmosphere of the grand old building, which is now alive again with all kinds of activities going on.

Check out the program of events at The Storey or drop in for a cup of tea or a pint.