The COFILMIC festival rolls back into Manchester later this month and will once again be showcasing the best in new short comedy films, sitcoms and sketches. Taking over the Manchester Comedy Store on the 29th and 30th of October, the festival has been inundated with entries who will be fighting it out to win a coveted COFILMIC award.
The two day festival will also include a number of events and talks led by industry experts including producers, filmmakers, actors and programmers.
These Include:
Writing and Selling TV Comedy : An exclusive opportunity to hear Jason Cook, local comedian and writer, talk about his amazing experience in writing and selling his first sitcom, Hebburn – due to be aired on BBC2 in October and starring Vic Reeves. He will be in discussion with Matt Tiller from Channel X, who co-produced the show.
The Future of Comedy Feature Films : Some of the freshest new talent in comedy feature films share their views on the current state of the British independent film market and its attitude towards comedy. Featuring clips from British comedy drama Black Pond. The panel will include Andy Riley, writer of Black Books, Little Britain, Hyperdrive and Gnomeo & Juliet and Black Pond writers Will Sharpe and Tom Kingsley.
Local Talent Spotlight : A screening of Photoshopping, directed by local director Mark Davenport and starring Joan Kempson (Early Doors and Coronation Street) and Fern Britton (of morning TV fame), followed by a chance to speak to both Davenport and Kempson in a Q+A session.
Digital Comedy Content – Live Pitch Event! : Six, pre-selected, digital comedy pitches will be presented live to a panel of industry experts. Hear the pitches, and the feedback and see who is selected for a face to face meeting with The Digital Fiction Factory at MediaCityUK. The judging panel will include the likes of Will Saunders, executive producer of BBC Comedy Online.
Sketch Writing Competition : The best of Sketch in the City scripts, performed live to a judging panel, including live comedy and an audience vote. The panel includes the likes of Sarah Farrell, director of content at Comedy Central and Catherine Higson, producer of Extras and Life’s Too Short and Derek.
Both evening sessions will see the festival focus on its Film Programme where shortlisted comedy short films, sitcom pilots and comedy sketches will be shown. There will also be several top live comedy acts performing as well.
Admission for the daytime events is either £3 or free and the evening film programme sessions are £8 or £6 for concessions. A full festival pass which allows access to all events is also available for £15.
For more information visit the COFILMIC website : http://www.cofilmic.co.uk/2012-programme-and-events/
