York Writers

Only a decade ago, the cost of cameras and of film made amateur movie making too expensive for most aspiring film makers. Now technology has made it possible to create movies on a zero budget using a digital video camera and editing software downloaded free from the web. The only extras are enthusiasm and a basic knowledge of film production technique.

Budding movie makers will need to supply the first themselves, CITYsj Productions, the commercial film production wing of York St John University, will provide the second. Over the summer a series of weekend courses will teach movie makers how to get started on screenwriting and filming.

The tutors will be James Richards and Alasdair Beckett-King, both of whom have won awards for their films. The courses are open to everyone, of any age and background. No previous experience is needed. Training will be done using equipment that anyone can operate and afford.

The York based course will be held at Miller’s Yard off Gillygate and will happen on the weekend of 2-3 August 2008. The morning sessions will run from 10.00am–1.00pm, the afternoon sessions from 2.00pm–5.00pm. The cost of a two-day course will be £50.

The courses will cover planning and scripting, filming and lighting and editing and post production. CITYsj Productions can’t promise to turn you into Martin Scorsese or Shane Meadows over a weekend, but we can demystify the film making process and give you the confidence to plan and make their own movies. There will also information available on next steps and where to find out more.

York St John University, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York. YO31 7EX.
Tel: 01904 624624 Fax: 01904 612512

Richard Young will be reading form his book of humorous poetry, A Feather Down a Mineshaft, at 6:30pm on Thursday 5th June at Borders bookshop in York. Refreshments are provided and all are welcome. Further details can be obtained by telephoning: 653300

An open poetry hour will by hosted by Ox Hardwick at the Black Swan pub on Peasholme Green in York this Sunday, 1st June, between one and two in the afternoon. The poetry hour is part of the City of York Folk Weekend.

Mike Pannett will be at Wastertones in York on Friday 29th May between noon and two o’clock in the afternoon to sign his book Now Then Lad, which is a story about a policeman from London’s crime-rife streets who sees North Yorkshire from his own unique point of view, comparing his life in the inner city and that of his new life in the Yorkshire countryside.

Further details of the event can be obtained by phoning: 01904 628740