SYMPOSIUM ON CREATIVE POST-PRODUCTION, NFTS, U.K., 8-11 April 2010

Nik Powell and Roger Crittenden, NATIONAL FILM & TELEVISION SCHOOL

Beaconsfield UK

SYMPOSIUM ON CREATIVE POST-PRODUCTION

Award winning leading professionals and educators to meet at NFTS

THURSDAY APRIL 8TH TO SUNDAY APRIL 11TH 2010
With the recent publication of 'Fine Cuts' edited by Roger Crittenden,
we have a background document, which pulls together the life and work of
25 film editors from across Europe. No other book has brought together
such a distinguished group of collaborators with the finest filmmakers
in Europe.

From Godard to Bergman, Truffaut to Wenders, Tarkovsky to Bertolucci,
Erice to Angelopoulos, Fassbinder to von Trier as well as working with
the new generation, these editors represent a snapshot of the last fifty
years of the best of European cinema culture. Sadly since the book was
published, we have lost Agnes Guillemot- editor for Godard on eleven of
his films, but the others are available and we are inviting a core
group, to provide the backbone to this symposium. They will be further
enhanced by specialists in sound and music in order to encompass the
whole of post-production. The event would also include demonstrations of
the latest technology and informed speculation about future
developments.

TEACHING AND LEARNING THE PRACTICE OF FILM POST-PRODUCTION
The following is a list of proposed topics that will form the core
agenda for this event. Keynote speakers are being approached to address
each topic and delegates will be encouraged to make contributions,
either in writing for dissemination to delegates or during the open
debate after each topic has been presented.

BEYOND THE CURRICULUM
What do we need to do in the digital age to ensure that education for
post-production is relevant and biased towards the creative input of
editors, sound designers and composers rather than being taken over by
technical processes? This is intended to open our minds to thinking
beyond our current educational strategies.

IT ALL BEGINS ON THE PAGE
How a good script implies and even assumes the best use of every aspect
of post-production- an examination of some prime examples from
historical and contemporary cinema.  Discussion with eminent
screenwriters and producers.

SPECIALISATION V INTEGRATION
Should Film Schools ignore industry norms and educate all
post-production students under one department- what advantages
/disadvantages can this provoke and how do we ensure the overall result
is positive? An opportunity to share the different approaches current in
our Schools.

SPREADING THE WORD
Leading filmmakers often acknowledge that they only began to learn the
real magic of cinema when they spent serious time in the edit suite: how
much more should our curricular strategies incorporate post for all
courses? A debate with directors, some who started in the cutting room
and some who discovered its value later.

GETTING IN ON THE ACT
Understanding performance as the keystone of editing- a perspective on
acting from directors and actors and how post-production supports and
extends this contribution to films. To include screened examples and a
preview of a new film.

LIMITING VISIONS
The implications of learning practice through the work of other
students- many forms and genres remain untouched by the spectrum of
student-originated work- how do teachers in post compensate for this
narrow basis for learning the craft? A chance to share curricular
strategies that address this core problem.

BEYOND THE PLOT
Learning to follow the emotional journey of a film- how do those in post
learn to avoid being mere mechanics and concentrate on moving the
audience? This will be the subject of a keynote address from a world
renowned practitioner.

Alongside these presentations and discussions there will be special
guests and other activities, including the opportunity to see the NFTS
post-production facilities in operation.

The NFTS opened its new building in January 2008. For the first time in
its history the School has on its premises a facility suitable for
hosting significant international events. With a state of the art cinema
seating 150, a modern and comfortable restaurant, and a number of
seminar rooms for break-out sessions, Beaconsfield is ready to offer
colleagues from at home and abroad the chance to share their experiences
with each other.

At a time when digital techniques and new platforms are changing the way
we conceive and realise our movies it is singularly appropriate that
NFTS should offer a symposium that examines past, present and future
models of the practice.

All member institutions of CILECT may send a delegate, please register
your interest before 28 February.

Accommodation has been reserved within walking distance of the School
and the registration fee* covers both bed and breakfast, and the
catering that will be provided at the School. However there are only
thirty two rooms so early booking is encouraged. If we find that the
demand is excessive we will give consideration to finding and securing
additional rooms. On the other hand if delegates prefer to make their
own arrangements to stay in Central London and travel by train each day
to Beaconsfield, we would be able to cover the fares involved but NOT
the room costs.

Email ncowee@nfts.co.uk to reserve your place, please state which
institution you are representing. Invoice for the fee will be sent to
confirm your place.

* 280 euro

National Film and Television School
Beaconsfield Studios
Station Road
Beaconsfield
Bucks, HP9 1LG
Direct line: +44 (0)1494 731472
Switchboard: +44 (0)1494 671234