From 22 – 31 July 2013, the Cross Channel Film Lab is offering a free programme of online Open Sessions recorded at our UK labs. To join all or any of these sessions, you’ll need to first register here.

The online lab features a diverse programme of expert speakers from the UK and France, and explores different aspects of VFX, animation, Stereo 3D and screenwriting for low to medium budget feature films. Speakers explore audience expectations and impact, opportunities for experimentation, cinema history, scientific research, career paths, film and TV case studies, and the implications of creative choices on budgeting and scheduling.

Featured speakers include writer/director Marc Caro (Delicatessen), Francois Garnier and Josephine Derobe (Wim Wenders’ Stereo 3D team), cameraman Pierre Souchar, VFX specialists Paddy Eason (VFX supervisor, Grabbers) and Peter Bailey (senior VFX artist), producers Fabienne Tsaï (A Droite de la Lune) and Huberta Von Liel (Vertigo Films), representatives of Film Four, Creative England, the BFI and BBC Films, and script consultants Pippa Best and Antoine Le Bos.

Sessions will be conducted in English and you are welcome to join in from wherever you are in the world. Each session will include a recording of a talk from the Cross Channel Film Lab followed by a chance to ask questions of some of the speakers featured in the videos – see detailed info on who will be available to chat after the sessions in the full programme below.

From an introduction to the basics to more in-depth discussion, there is a session to suit every level of experience and interest. Recreate the lab experience and watch them all, or just join us for one session, whatever suits you best.

Course content

Monday 22 July : 7.30pm start (UK time)

CCFL: The Distributor, Financier and Developer’s Perspective

Part 1:
Distribution and Exhibition Executive at the BFI, Alex Stolz, gives an overview of the Stereo 3D audience in the UK and shares his thoughts on future trends.
Part 2:
Panel discussion: Tom Leggett (Film4), Wendy Bevan-Mogg (Creative England), Huberta Von Liel (Vertigo Films) and Charlotte Lee (BBC Films) discuss what they’re currently developing and why: what kind of budgets and talent do they want to work with, and where are the opportunities for new film-makers? What does the future hold for low budget film? The panel also discuss what they look for in a Stereo 3D film and what kind of supporting material can help illustrate the potential of Stereo 3D or VFX. Listen in on questions from the Cross Channel Film Lab project teams, VFX Supervisor Paddy Eason, and others.
Followed by live chat: Q & A with Huberta Von Leil and Charlotte Lee
Tuesday 23 July: 7.30 pm start (UK time)

An Introduction to 3D cinema with Francois Garnier
Francois Garnier takes us on a journey through the history of Stereoscopy: from Leonardo DaVinci and Sir Charles Wheatstone to the 3D cinema we experience now. Francois goes on to explore our spatial and visual perception – how do our brains and bodies sense the world around us, understand perspective and motion, and thus Stereo 3D cinema?
An introduction to Optics with Pierre Souchar
Followed by live chat: Q & A with Pierre Souchar
Wednesday 24 July: 7.30 pm start (UK time)

A European Perspective on Shooting Stereo 3D – budgeting and scheduling implications with Josephine Derobe, Fabienne Tsai
Followed by live chat: Q & A with Fabienne Tsai
Thursday 25 July: 7.30 pm start (UK time)

New narrative approaches to low budget VFX and Stereo 3D
A session for screenwriters interested in exploring how VFX or Stereo 3D might help them connect with audiences differently.
Script consultants and Cross Channel Film Lab Co-Directors Pippa Best and Antoine Le Bos present examples of lower budget VFX techniques; explore spatial perception and philosophy as a route to understanding the narrative potential of Stereo 3D; and take a quick look at games engines as a development tool. Including discussion between participants at the original open session, and an opportunity to share your own script ideas with other participants.
Including and followed by live chat with Pippa Best and Antoine Le Bos
Monday 29 July: 7.30 pm start (UK time)

Crossover Careers in VFX, Animation and Gaming
Animator turned VFX Artist Peter Bailey, Game Designer turned Film Director Mondo Ghulam, and Animator and lecturer Andy Wyatt share their career development advice on the benefits of moving between genres.
Getting Creative Within Limitations: VFX and Animation
Panel discussion featuring Paddy Eason (VFX Supervisor: Grabbers, I Give it a Year), Peter Bailey (modelling/ lighting/ animation specialist), Mondo Ghulam (Animation Director, formerly of Rockstar North) Andy Wyatt (Falmouth University) and Peter Comninos (Bournemouth University)
Followed by live chat: Q & A with Peter Bailey, Andy Wyatt and Mondo Ghulam
Tuesday 30 July: 7.30 pm start (UK time)

The Fundamentals of 3D Grammar with Josephine Derobe
Pina: A Low Budget Stereo 3D Case Study with Francois Garnier
Followed by live chat: Q & A with Josephine Derobe TBC
Wednesday 31 July 7.30 pm start (UK time)

Writing and Directing Stereo 3D: A New Frontier with Marc Caro, Josephine Derobe, Francois Garnier
Marc Caro, Josephine Derobe and Francois Garnier discuss the new opportunities offered by Stereo 3D to innovate in story and direction.
Followed by live chat: Q & A with Antoine le Bos and Josephine Derobe TBC
These sessions are selected from the Open Sessions programme recorded in March 2013 at the first Cross Channel Film Lab workshop, supported by Creative Skillset Film Skills Fund as part of A Bigger Future 2, and INTERREG IV A France (Channel) –England, co-funded by the ERDF.

www.crosschannelfilmlab.com