The Perth Film Network - what's it all about?

One thing I often get asked here in Production Support is "how can I connect with other filmmakers in Perth?" Well, Debbie Thoy was in that predicament herself, until she started up The Perth Film Network. Read on to find out more.

• Tell us a bit about yourself  Debbie.

Well I am a little nutty, but then I am a  filmmaker and that goes without saying.....but seriously......

Currently, I work as a Producer and am Managing  Director of my Production Company "Wizard Corporation Productions".  My  main strength however, is in marketing and promotion as that is something I  have pursued within the entertainment and sporting industry since I was 15  years of age.  It was a skill that came naturally and something  I seem to keep gravitating back to, no matter which direction my life  goes.
 
I have been involved in entertainment or  performing in some form since I was 3 years of age, starting as a  dancer.  I have been performing pretty much my entire life. I signed my  first autograph at 15 years of age and after many years of signing them, I  still ask "Why the hell would anyone want my autograph?" For me signing  an autograph was actually a reality check for me.  What! Movie stars are  normal people? How rude that was to find out at 15 years of age, back in the  80's when my bedroom wall was plastered in Film stars and the USA and  Hollywood was just the greatest place on earth. From that point on, I  never got star struck again, not that I ever really did. But I still had my  idols.
 
I have had a video camera in my hand since I was  15 years of age.  I used to pinch the school camera, having a video  camera in 1985 was a bit of a novelty and I started my film career making  education videos for the Heart Foundation and also for The State Basketball  League both of which, I was very involved with. I would edit them on two VHS  video recorders in my lounge room and I am SO grateful we have progressed from  there.  I was a performer, however, what was happening behind the  scenes, organising and creating the films or performance, always fascinated  me. I always found myself in the thick of it and always ended up in charge of  running the show. The main organiser, plus I would perform as  well.  I never was one to do things in halves.
 
I grew up during a time where acting and  entertainment were kind of frowned upon as a career and I was groomed to  have a "REAL JOB" which, I am eternally grateful for.  However I am  tremendously ambitious and creatively driven, so my "REAL JOB" was driving me  insane.  After becoming very ill, I made a decision to just go for  it.  So I took all my skills, all my experience and put them  together.  Went out and found out more about Australia's, particularly  Perth's, Film Industry.  I studied and did market research  of Perth's film scene for three years, attending workshops and  meeting as many people as I could.  I became a producer, a director, a  writer, an editor, an actor and a DOP. Unfortunately usually at the same  time.  I like to understand what every job entails, how it affects people  and the skill involved.  To do this I need to experience it and develop  that appreciation and understanding. It also of course, makes me a better  Producer.  Being a Producer is my job, however to become a Director is  probably my passion, however everyone wants to be a Director.  I am lucky  that I have some pretty great mentors in Mark DeFriest and James Bogle to help  me along.  I am continuously learning, no actually, I am speed learning  and of course I will never stop.  I am hoping this year I will find a  little time to actually make a film...just a short one!  

I worked out what Perth was desperately missing  in it's goal to have a strong and functioning Film Industry and I formed the  Perth Film Network to provide that service.

• What is the Perth Film Network and how long has it  been running for?
  

The Perth Film Network has been running since  March 2009.  I decided to do a marketing exercise back in March by  starting a facebook group and then holding a Networking Function to test my  theory. I didn't really advertise it in a big way, so I didn't really expect  many people on the first event.  I was more than a little surprised and  excited when I found people where actually lined up outside.  We  ended up with about 150 people for our first event, which was a fantastic  turnout and well, it's been full steam ahead since then.

The Perth Film Network is a place  for everybody involved in the Film Industry from the Executive  Producer right down to the runner on set, from the student to the veteran  professional.  If you contribute to the Film Industry, you are welcome to  join the Perth Film Network.  The Perth Film Network is a place to connect with other people of all levels in the industry.  You could  say it is a Social and Networking Club, however it really is  much more than that.   

The Perth Film Network summed up, is a major  marketing tool for everyone in the Industry.  Everyone can access it and  it can be used and adapted to suit everyones individual needs. We are currently working on a major Networking Website.  Everything we run whether it be Networking Functions, Actor  Training or Workshops is geared to help people prepare for the Professional  Film Market and all our lecturers etc are Industry Professionals.

• Why did you feel the need to start up the Perth Film  Network?

Perth has some fantastic Film/Television  and Acting institutions in WA. Screenwest, FTI and PAC Workshops to name a  few, who have been around for a long time and continue to provide excellent  courses and support. However, when I was looking to establish myself  and find great crew to work with, I found it very difficult.  There was  no real social and networking base for people in Perth to meet or  communicate.  I also found that most actors and filmmakers were well  trained, but had absolutely no idea where to go from there, how to  market themselves.  So after 3 years of research, I formed the Perth  Film Network offering that exact service.  Also it's a place where  people can feel welcome and be a member, no matter their level of  experience.

• What usually happens at the  events?
  

We  run Networking Events bi-monthly, people are able to register to come along.  The events are very laid back, relaxed and not formal or  structured in anyway.  Everybody comes along for one reason and that is  to meet new people and get new contacts.  We don't push people into  anything they don't want to do.  We have volunteers who are a part of the  Perth Film Network and assist at Functions.  They are myself, Naomi D  Lynch, Matt Zappala, Cazzandra James and Damian Vucic.  These people are  on hand to answer questions and help those who are not quite confident, make  connections with the right people.

I have  also started up the Actors Lounge, which I am hoping will kick off next month.  The Actors Lounge creates a safe and inviting environment where actors can come along and practise their lines with other actors, practise  cold read techniques and participate in showcases.  Actors assisting  Actors. Of course Directors, Producers, Casting Agents/Directors etc, are  welcome to come along and meet some great new talent in  Perth.

• Who is it mainly aimed at - key creatives, all  crew?
  

The Perth Film Network is for  absolutely everybody who contributes to the Film and Television  Industry.  It doesn't matter what level of experience you have, Whether  you are a Director or a Runner, a professional filmmaker/actor or an  amateur.
  

• What is in store for the Perth Film Network for  2010?
  

2010 will be  a huge year for the Perth Film Network as well as our regular Networking  Functions and the launch of the Actors Lounge.  We are running professional workshops such as "Break It Down, 2 Day Intensive Film Workshops"  with Director Mark DeFriest (18th &25th April).  These workshops give  everybody, no matter what position they hold or are thinking of doing, the opportunity to see a professional set in action, where Mark and a  Professional crew, film and break down a film scene in real time. Also  "Showreels Elite Scenes" where actors can get a scene filmed, directed by  either Mark DeFriest or James Bogle. Noel O'Neill and myself will be running  an acting/marketing course commencing next month over 8 weeks called  "Acting for your Type". New Action Film workshops where actors,  directors etc can learn how to shoot a gun for film and perform stunts  etc.  Finally a major event which I can't tell you about, because it is  all hush, hush. But it will be exciting. 

The biggest event will be the creation of a major  Networking Website that everyone can access.  We are holding a  fund raising event "Strategy Painball" on the 27th March to raise money for  this Website and also a talent up and coming Stunt Man, Mark Bentley to help  him get into the Australian Stunt Academy.

• How can people get  involved?
  

The best way to know what is happening is to join the Perth  Film Network.  You can join the mailing list which is free or become an  official member and enjoy FREE entry to all Networking Events and discounts on  all Perth Film Network Events and also discounts from selected businesses  around Perth on presentation of your memberships card.  Star Membership  is $35.00 per year (individual) or StarBiz Membership is $85 per year (small  business) in which businesses can offer discounts and services to our members  and be listed on our website.  They can register online at the Wizard  Corporation Website, temporary web home for the Perth Film Network, www.wizardcorpproductions.com.au <http://www.wizardcorpproductions.com.au>  . 
We also have a Fan Page and a group on Facebook and that  is a great source of networking.

• The creative team is very important when it comes to  FTI funding grants. What advice can you give to lonely writers or directors  looking to meet with producers or others to form  teams?
  

Ah see that is easy.  Get out, meet and get  involved with Perth's very talented Film Community. Meeting people can be  quite a daunting prospect, particularly going to regular events where many  people have already formed friendship cliques or work teams. That is one  thing that I have always been very aware of. 

The Perth Film Networking Functions are good  because everyone comes to them for one purpose.....to meet new people. It is a  friendly  inviting and set in a social environment and there is no  pressure what so ever to do anything.  You will be quite amazed at the  amazing network that forms almost instantly, as one person will know someone  that could help you and they know someone who can provide something else you  need. I have had feedback of actors scoring auditions, new film teams forming  and even paid jobs being picked up.  The best advice I can give people is  to remember to be yourself and confident with who you are.  Don't pretend  to be something you are not, people will see straight through it and it's  really hard to keep up an act and you will eventually be found out.  I  always encourage everyone to have a professional attitude towards their  film career, nomatter what level they are at.  The word business is  in "Showbusiness" for a reason.

• I hear these events fill up very quickly - have you  a new-found respect for the RSVP?
  

Ah the RSVP.  This is one thing I have  always had respect for.  The RSVP is an interesting one, people don't  realise how important it is, particularly in an industry where reputation is  so critical and first impressions count.

Not responding to an invitation is one thing,  however confirming attendance and not showing up is not only  simply rude and disrespectful, it also reflects tremendously on that  person's character and it's remembered.  I remember who doesn't turn  up to events or extra's who don't turn up on set, to me these people are  instantly unreliable and I think twice about considering working with them on  a project or employing them.  This also applies to people who don't RSVP  and just turn up, again disrespectful.  Unfortunately at our Networking  Functions we can only have 200 people and we cater, unfortunately on one  occasion 60 people didn't bother showing up or advising they would not be  attending.  That's 60 places that other people could have filled that  were on waiting lists and also we over catered. Unfortunately now the  Networking Functions are no longer completely free to attend due to  this.  In saying that there are the wonderful people who actually are  very courteous and professional and I most certainly remember them.   Those people I would employ and recommend.