It’s time to review the NAFA year of 2007.
Our opening line declares that NAFA is “a networking group of actors, screenwriters, and filmmakers renowned for being creative and productive”. We certainly followed this maxim this year!
As we keep growing up fast, we have become aware that being a very visible and transparent group attracts both advantages and challenges. However, with the support of a solid CPT committee, the best decisions were made to guide NAFA into the future. This year we consolidated on all the facets that everyone has come to love about our proactive group.
Choc Tops in the Attic
We held 10 Choc Tops meetings from February to November. Monthly topics switched between writing, acting, and filmmaking.
Many thanks to our great guest speakers, who gave their time freely and shared their wonderful insights with the group. The two meetings worth a special mention were the Tech Ed Workshop (showcasing JVC’s HDV cameras, accompanied by Apple’s Final Cut Studio 2) and also the Great Debate #3.
A big thank you is due to our two major sponsors The Arthouse Hotel and Darlinghurst Theatre for their ongoing support.
In 2008, more of the same with some great speakers already pencilled in.
Show-Fest (April/ May) & Action-Fest (August)
In order to showcase great short films by actors and filmmakers, NAFA established two ‘Show & Tell’ short film festivals four years ago. These have proven to be great opportunities to compare notes and acknowledge mistakes, interacting with an audience that is both entertained and inspired. Giveaways and prizes help make it a great night. Thank you once again to all our sponsors, judges, entrants, attendees, and supporters.
The Cinema Experience
In 2008, both fests will be held as single-day events, relocating to the Greater Union Cinemas at Bondi Junction. This will give us great vision and sound (and popcorn)!
NAFA Productions
Created in Oct 2003, NAFA Productions is an experienced filmmaking machine. To date, it has been involved in making more than 30 shorts and one feature.
In 2007, the films shot crediting NAFA Productions (in part or in total) were: Running with the Boys, In the Genes, SOS, Be My Valentine, A Difficult Patient, and Lunch. Three more films are to be completed in 2007: Harmless, Housemate(Nov) and Three Days (Dec).
In 2008, the slated films are: Blind Date (Jan) and Messenger (Feb). Other short films under consideration are: Android Update and Lucky Seven.
FEATURE FILM: I have also strongly declared my intention to direct/produce a feature film. To this end, I am very keen to encourage writers to keep working away at their feature scripts, looking to activate the right one –- so stay tuned.
Script Development Workshops
Guided by two film producers, these monthly workshops have been the success of this year. Run up as cold reads, writers pitch, roles are cast, actors directed, and valuable feedback given. Most importantly, filmmakers in attendance give practical advice on whether projects are doable, or not ready yet. A big thank you for the ongoing support of The JNC at Maroubra.
In 2008, more of the same. Some scripts are already booked in for the restart in February.
Membership
Longstanding Members can attest to the many opportunities that joining as a NAFA Member has given them. The best one is being on the Members’ email list. There is a huge amount of interest by outside groups looking for actors and crew from the NAFA group.
Of special note, we secured ongoing paid work for actors from the University of Sydney’s Westmead Hospital campus.
Other in-house benefits include free admission to all our NAFA meetings, workshops, and film festivals. The external benefits are growing every year.
In 2008, we expect Membership numbers to grow steadily as more people realise the benefits.