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WHAT IS IT?
TURING is an intensive filmmaking project that seeks to experiment with new models of filmmaking and
will be developed through an open call process. Cornerhouse invites expressions from filmmakers and
video artists, one of whom will be shortlisted and required to produce a film inspired by the life and work
of Alan Turing.
The resulting film will be completed and will premiere at the Abandon Normal Devices Festival 2012 (2224 June), and will be supported through a dedicated distribution platform.
ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY
The 22nd-24th June 2012 marks the centenary of English mathematician and computer scientist
Alan Turing’s life (23 June 1912 - 7 June 1954).
Turing made a unique impact on the history of computing, computer science, artificial intelligence,
developmental biology, and the mathematical theory of computability. Most famously, Turing
introduced the idea of the Turing machine in 1936 and later the Turing test, which was built to distinguish
man from machine.
Dramatic events, both in early computer development and in Turing's personal life, marked his years
living in Manchester as significant. New directions in his research, particularly his seminal work on
morphogenesis, were tragically cut short at his house in Wilmslow on June 8th, 1954. There are still a
number of people living in Manchester who have close links to Turing, in at least one case through joint
research work.
His personal life is equally famous, if not tragic after being put on trial for his homosexuality (which was
then illegal) he was faced with "chemical castration". Two years later, he committed suicide with an apple
poisoned with cyanide in 1954.
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
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We are looking to work with a video artist or filmmaker who has bold ideas and an experimental
approach to working with digital or celluloid. We don’t want a straight up conventional
documentary.
We are also looking for filmmakers who hold a track record of putting ideas into action, but who
would like to either take their work to the ‘next level’ or in a completely different direction
altogether, through collaborative, digital and experimental modes of filmmaking and exhibition.
We are thinking of filmmakers who wish to extend beyond the traditional confines of cinema
exhibition, and who possess a progressive approach to film production and dissemination, in the
light of digital and technological developments.
Who may be interested in mixing it up with archive and new footage.
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Project Producers: Bren O’Callaghan and Gabrielle Jenks
OUTPUT
To produce a cutting-edge experimental short film which also can be used online.
THE PROCESS
1. An open call will begin in 31st August and will close on the 23rd September. By the end of September, a
panel will select 3 filmmakers for its short list, for interview first week in October.
2. The shortlisted filmmakers will be interviewed Cornerhouse where they develop and respond to the
filmmaker and producer’s creative stipulations.
3. From this pool of 3 filmmakers, a panel will select one filmmaker who will produce a film, which will
premiere at the Abandon Normal Devices Festival 22nd-24 June) and which will be offered dedicated
distribution support.
WHO ARE THE PANELLISTS?
Panel 1// Will Massa (New Talent Executive, Vision + Media), Bren O’ Callaghan (Producer),
tbc (Mentor/Filmmaker), Sarah Perks (Programming Director, Cornerhouse) (TBC)
Gabrielle Jenks (Festival Manager/Producer AND festival)
TIMELINE
Open Call
Selection
R&D
Production
Post-Production
Film Preview
Film Premiere
31st of August 2011
23rd September
October-December
January-March
March- April 2011
May 2011
June 2011
ADDITIONAL NOTES AND GUIDANCE
The project rules will continue to change throughout the development and production process
This will be a challenging and rigorous experience
Visual Artists with a track record in the moving image are encouraged to apply
Filmmakers applying must hold a track record of production
The resulting project will adopt a trans/cross-media element
Filmmakers must be from Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Lancashire
APPLICATION PROCEDURE (IMPORTANT)
FILL IN THE ATTACHED APPLICATION FORM (ALL FIELDS ARE REQUIRED)
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INCLUDE A BRIEF STATEMENT (NO MORE THAN 250 WORDS) OF WHY YOU WOULD LIKE TO
MAKE THE FILM
SEND IN 2 COPIES OF A SAMPLE OF YOUR MOVING IMAGE OR FILM WORK. THIS SHOULD BE ON
DVD FORMAT
INCLUDE A CV/STATEMENT OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
RETURN BY POST BEFORE THE DEADLINE OF 23rd September 2011 AT 18:00.
SEND YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Bren O’Callaghan Cornerhouse •
TURING FILM ON THE FRONT. PLEASE NOT APPLICATION MATERIALS CANNOT BE RETURNED.
APPLICATION FORM
ABOUT YOU
Name [or group]:
Date of birth:
Contact Address:
Contact Number:
Email Address:
ABOUT YOUR FILM/VIDEO SAMPLE
Title:
Did you make this film
Did you have a budget for
this film?
( ) Independently OR ( ) With a production
company/Organization/Collective
( ) YES ( ) NO
I have read the guidelines (see below) and agree to them.
FILMMAKER’S AGREEMENT
I have read the guidelines and my film complies with them.
FILMMAKER’S SIGNATURE_________________________ DATE__________
( ) Tick here if you would like to be contacted about Cornerhouse events.
Please return by post to Bren O’ Callaghan
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-------------------------------------------------------------------Conditions of application:
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Applicants are required to hold a track record in film production, filmmaking, or in
experimental video production as either a video artist or filmmaker.
You must agree, if shortlisted, to participate in any required professional development
training
You must, if commissioned, agree to cooperate by the contract of rules and regulations that
are set out in the filmmaker’s official challenge and contract.
You agree that Cornerhouse cannot take any liability for damaged or lost materials that you
supply in the post, and materials cannot be returned.
The applicant gives permission for the supplied materials to be archived by Cornerhouse for
research purposes only.
There is however, full time students are ineligible to apply.
Fluency in English is essential.
Applicants are expected to have a practical knowledge of digital technology
The decision of the jury panelists is final.
You understand that Cornerhouse cannot engage in a dialogue regarding any specific
application, nor can it offer feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
Notification of the jury's decision will be in email writing.
TURING FILM
ENTRY GUIDELINES
RULES FOR SUBMISSION
CHECKLIST: PLEASE TICK
You hold a proven track record in film, video or experimental
production, either as a video artist or filmmaker
You must be aged over 16.
You are not a Full Time Student
You are willing to commit to dedicated development and training
sessions
You are willing to cooperate to the stipulations that will be set out in
the filmmaker’s challenge and contract
You must be resident within Greater Manchester, Cheshire or
Lancashire
If you have ticked all of the above then go ahead and enter the challenge!
HOW DO I ENTER?
Read the guidelines, tick off the checklist, fill in the submission form and sign and date it. Enclose
two clearly labeled film or video samples on DVD and send it, before the
Submission deadline of 23rd September 2011 at 18:00 to:
Bren O Callaghan
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Cornerhouse
70 Oxford Street
Manchester, M1 5NH,
United Kingdom
0161 200 1515
If there are questions regarding your submissions, which have not been addressed within this form,
then please use the contact details below:
Email: [email protected] OR [email protected]
Visit: www.andfestival.org.uk
ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED ABOUT THEIR APPLICATION IN THE FIRST WEEK IN
OCTOBER
THE TURING FILM IS A DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION SCHEME SUPPORTED BY
VISION+MEDIA, AWARDING FUNDS FROM THE UK FILM COUNCIL, AND PRODUCED BY
CORNERHOUSE, MANCHESTER