Extended Deadline for Applications: FOCUS Will Be Joined by the Master Production Designer Ludovica Ferrario

Extended Deadline for Applications: FOCUS Will Be Joined by the Master Production Designer Ludovica Ferrario

The deadline for the application of emerging cinematographers and production designers has been extended to 1 May 2017. The selected participants will also benefit from the rich film experience of the second internationally renowned trainer, the Italian art director and production designer Ludovica Ferrario. 

As an art director and production designer, the trainer for production design Ludovica Ferrario, who holds a university degree in architecture, has in recent years worked closely with the Oscar-winning director Paolo Sorrentino. After cooperating on The Great Beauty (2013), she was nominated for several guild awards for her work on Youth (2015). At the moment, she is preparing the second season of The Young Pope (2016–), HBO’s new hit series starring Jude Law. The Young Pope was the first series in the history of the Venice Film Festival to be included in the festival programme. In the past, she also worked with directors such as Wim Wenders and Abbas Kiarostami. Interplay of light and shadow and emotion through aesthetics are the major elements used to give her service to narration.

As a cinematographer, the trainer for cinematography Christian Berger is known for working with directors such as Michael Haneke, Angelina Jolie and Terrence Malick. Michael Haneke’s long-time and current co-worker and the inventor of the CRLS (Cine Reflect Lighting System) was nominated for an Oscar for his work on The White Ribbon (2009).

Part of the FOCUS programme will be open to the broader professional public. The master classes by the trainers Christian Berger and Ludovica Ferrario will thus also be open to the holders of the festival PRO passes. On Saturday, 3 June, in the afternoon, there will be a roundtable on good practices in the field of film crews working on international co-productions and a showcase of the twelve FOCUS participants intended for the interested public, especially directors and producers.

PRO Otok: FOCUS on Cinematography and Production Design
Izola, Slovenija, 2–4 June 2017
OPEN CALL FOR PARTICIPATION –  extended deadline: 1 May 2017

The event starts on Friday, 2 June, and ends on Sunday, 4 June 2017. Participation in the FOCUS event is free-of-charge for selected candidates from Slovenia, Croatia and Friuli Venezia Giulia (Italy). Accommodation, meals, and festival passes will also be covered by the organizers. It is essential for all participants to be fluent in English.

Who can apply?

We are calling for emerging cinematographers from Croatia, Friuli Venezia Giulia (Italy) and Slovenia with moderate previous filmmaking experience. A degree from a film academy is not obligatory, while a cinematography credit on at least two short films or one feature film is expected.

Additionally, we are calling for emerging production designers from Croatia, Friuli Venezia Giulia (Italy) and Slovenia with moderate previous filmmaking experience. A degree from a film academy is not obligatory, while a production design credit on at least one short or one feature film is expected.

Application procedure

The extended deadline for applications is 1 May 2017. The participants selected by the committee consisting of the project team and the representatives of respective professional associations will be notified by e-mail and publicly announced by 11 May 2017. To apply, please submit the following documents in English to pro@isolacinema.org:

– Completed application form (available below / in attachment).

– CV

– Letter of motivation: Why do you want to participate in the FOCUS event? Max. 1 page.

Online link to selected filmography: at least two short films (cinematographers) or one short film (production designers).

FOCUS, the new international training and networking event for emerging film professionals across Croatia, Friuli Venezia Giulia (Italy) and Slovenia, will take place in Izola, Slovenia, during the 13th international film festival Kino Otok – Isola Cinema. The FOCUS event will provide opportunities for participants to reflect on their own method, to learn from renowned senior colleagues, and to publicly showcase their vision through their work to the audience of directors and producers. Furthermore, it aims to spark cross-border co-production collaboration in the near future.

FOCUS is an original programme of Otok Institute and the first of its kind in the region, organized in collaboration/support of Croatian Audiovisual Centre (HAVC), FVG Audiovisual Fund (Italy), Institute Motovila/Creative Europe Desk Slovenia, Slovene Association of Cinematographers and Association of Slovenian Film Production Designers, Costume Designers and Make up Designers.