IMMERSE YOURSELF IN SCREEN & STORY
A NATIONAL CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
FESTIVALS
Mercury CX transforms and supports the Adelaide Fringe, West Village, GuitarFest, OzAsia Film Festival and more.
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SCREEN AWARDS
Mercury CX and the Mercury Cinema are the home of the South Australian Screen Awards.
This annual celebration showcases the best of emerging storytellers from South Australia.
EXPMTL – MONTREAL EXPERIMENTAL CINEMA
MARCH 24 2023
EXPMTL is a programme of 16mm short film works made by artists in and around Montréal, Canada.
In collaboration with the Mercury Cinema, the programme is presented in person by Benjamin R. Taylor, artist, creative director of VISIONS and co-director of la lumière collective in Montréal.
Made possible with the financial support of the Canada Council for the Arts and the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec.
6pm-9pm Friday 24th March 2023. Tickets at the door.
HEAPS GOOD CINEMA
MAY 2023
What happens to a short film after a couple of years? Some wind up on YouTube or Vimeo, but most simply disappear. Considering how many people work on these films and the sheer amount of effort that goes into them, this seems like a real shame.
Similarly, how do filmmakers find the collaborators who might best share their vision and approach? Most industry mixer events simply see people interact with the people they already know.
Could there be a way of creating mixer events where people actually talk to new people, while also giving new life to old shorts?
Yes there is and it’s Heaps Good.
Starts May 2023.
Heaps Good Cinema is a program where we select some of the best but forgotten shorts produced by local filmmakers and present them in the context of a party.
Each fortnightly session will feature a handful of curated selections with filmmaker Q&As and drink specials at the bar.
If you have a film you’d like to submit for the BIG SCREEN then drop us an email at heapsgood@mercurycx.org
BEHROUZ – Special Event Screening + Q&A
April 29th | 7:00pm
The film directed by Simon V Kurian, follows Behrouz as he navigates the life in detention, and leads the resistance to indefinite detention. And finally, his life in Christchurch, New Zealand as a free man, after over 6 years of detention on Manus Island.
This event will include a Post Screening Q & A with Behrouz Boochani (joining via live video link), and the film’s director Simon V Kurian.
“This film is about a long struggle to expose and challenge a system which is designed to dehumanise people who flee dictatorship and war.” – Behrouz Boochani
General admission $22
Concession $18
PURCHASE YOUR TICKET AT: https://www.trybooking.com/
FAQS
I am an emerging producer, what support can The Mercury offer me?
As a Mercury member, you’re entitled to a one-hour professional consult once per year. Additionally you will be eligible to attend our development programs including labs, workshops, production funding and more.
What types of production does The Mercury fund?
The Mercury funds short-form projects through the annual Quicksilver production fund. Applications open mid-year for creative teams.
Can I apply as an individual for production funding?
The Mercury funds projects that are production-ready through the Quicksilver fund. This usually means that key creatives will be attached to the project already. Contact us to discuss your specific project.
Do I have to be a member to access production support and funding?
Yes, this is a benefit of The Mercury Membership.
Does The Mercury work with the screen associations and guilds?
Australia’s screen industry is a significant creator of jobs and contributes to Australia’s financial and reputational presence. The Mercury works closely with all federal and state agencies to ensure we are creating programs that support a vibrant and growing screen culture.
We welcome the members of our industry guilds including Screen Producers Australia, Australian Directors Guild, Australian Writers Guild and Actors Equity along with the screencraft guilds and associations.
Can I apply for production funding outside the Quicksilver fund?
Except for specific initiatives, no. However, membership with The Mercury will include access to equipment and resources that can facilitate a production funded by other means. From time to time, The Mercury will have other production initiatives, sometimes in partnership with other agencies and organisations such as The South Australian Film Corporation and Adelaide Film Festival.
Where can I learn more about the technical aspects of production?
From time to time, The Mercury will run production workshops. Subscribe to keep up to date on our latest offerings.
In South Australia, AIE and TAFE SA have a number of foundation level technical courses for production skills. There are also private training providers.
Is The Mercury a registered training organisation (RTO)?
No. Our courses and workshops are developed and delivered by industry experts with a range of teaching experience across different institutions both in South Australia and Australia-wide.
Is The Mercury affiliated with any educational institution?
No. However across specific initiatives we work with a range of institutions across our different initiatives including Flinders University and UniSA.
Will The Mercury give me feedback on my feature film script?
With a core purpose of supporting emerging screen creatives, The Mercury focusses on short-form projects (including short films, web series, documentary and animation). Our script assessment service is limited to 15 pages/short projects.
Where can I learn about film-making in South Australia?
The Mercury is the right place! We are a pathway between study and professional practice for emerging practitioners.
The South Australian Film Corporation provides support for screen professionals and productions within South Australia. The Mercury works closely with SAFC to provide emerging and early-career screen makers pathways to production.
https://www.safilm.com.au/other-support-resources/
We recommend the Screen Australia guide to getting started in the Australian screen industry
Is HECS or Fee Help available for The Mercury courses and workshops?
No. Our major programs offer a range of payment options. The Mercury does have provision to ensure individuals from under-represented groups have the maximum opportunity to participate in the screen economy. Speak to us if you feel your circumstances may mean you need assistance.
What are short documents and how should I format my script?
Short documents refers to a range of different documents used in the development of screen productions. It might be a one-page synopsis, a treatment, a show bible, or a full script.
Screen Australia has a very useful guide to short documents.
Can I sign up and become a member today?
Our membership program is goin through an exciting transformation! As a result we are not currently taking on new members but do keep an eye out for details on our socials – information on the new membership system, price and benefits to be announced by mid 2023.
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