8.11.10 EMPIRE film competition winner announced
Well done to all the people who entered the Empire/IndieMovies competition to design a poster for ‘The Killers’. There were some fantastic entries and today the winner was finally announced and that honour goes to Matthew Miles.
More info at Empire and IndieMovies.
Matthew’s winning entry is below. Click on the poster to download a larger image.
24.09.10 EMPIRE film competition
Today saw the launch of a great film competition run by Empire film magazine in conjunction with IndieMoviesOnline. The magazine is asking readers to design a film poster for ‘The Killers‘. The winning poster will be chosen by myself and IndieMoviesOnline to be used worldwide to promote the film. The winner will also have a big homepage promotion on the IndieMoviesOnline site. It will also very likely be used in print press advertising. So go on, have a go! All details here.
25.08.10 ‘The Killers’ gets record number of views
‘The Killers’, my debut no-budget feature available to watch for free at IndieMoviesOnline, seems to be going from strength to strength. Not only are we collecting some really nice reviews but I’ve just got the viewing figures in and for July and we had 3445 views of the film just in that month alone. Not bad.
16.08.10 ‘Smile’ at the East Dulwich Tavern
You really can’t keep an old dog down. ‘Smile‘, an early short of mine, is being screened this Thursday 19th August at the East Dulwich Tavern at an event called ‘Tavern Films’ which kicks off at 8pm and is the first of a regular screening night the bar is hopefully putting on. ‘Smile’ is being screened alongside some other great shorts so do try and come along.
14.07.10 Principal Photography completed on ‘The Man Who Stopped’
The lack of Latest News lately could imply that things have been rather quiet but it is actually the exact opposite. First of this website has had a facelift thanks to the help of Rob Langdon and over the last month or so I’ve also been hard at work getting a short film of mine to the screen. Aided by Antelope Sunday Screening collaborators, especially Damien Cullen, Phil Deguara and Andy Bate we completed filming on Sunday evening just in time to watch the end of the World Cup Final. The film was The Man Who Stopped and is a comic tragedy and a dark journey of the heart as one man faces ridicule and confusion for not conforming to the ‘normal grieving process’. More details to follow shortly!
21.05.10 ‘The Killers’ on DVD
‘The Killers’ is now available for sale and rental on IndieFlix. Indieflix is one of the largest online film distribution outlets in America and has a large following from the indie film community. So go on, buy a copy!
13.04.10 ‘Cut Loose’ read-through
Things are ticking along with one of my next projects, the feature length comedy ‘Cut Loose’. Next Monday there is a table reading at the Antelope bar in Tooting. For those of you unfamiliar with what a table reading is it’s when a bunch of actors read out the script whilst I take copious notes for another polish. An open discussion will also follow the reading so if you’d like to come along send me an email and I’ll let you know times.
25.03.10 ‘The Killers’ goes live
Check out my debut feature film at IndieMoviesOnline.
Indie Movies Online is fully legal: they license all the feature films they stream. When you watch free movies on Indie, you are supporting filmmakers. They pay royalties to people like me, which is why you see advertising on the site.
So go on, have a watch!
21.03.10 ‘Smile’ at the Antelope
First off a massive thanks to everyone who made the first Sunday Screening at the Antelope. The evening was a great success with some great shorts shown. The second event has now been organised and old favourite ‘Smile’ is to be screened at the Antelope Bar, 76 Mitcham Road, Tooting, SW17 9NG (Nearest tube: Tooting Broadway) on Monday April 5th (not a Sunday due the Bank Holiday). The event kicks off again at around 7pm and promises to be a chilled evening with great networking opportunities and some fantastic short films. Come along and enjoy!
17.03.10 ‘The Killers’ gets signed
‘The Killers’ has been signed to IndieMoviesOnline and you can watch the film for free when it goes live on Thursday March 25 so put that date in your diaries.
With more films than ever finding a platform through the internet, producers and directors are faced for the first time with an increasing array of choices of where to try and place their film to gain the widest audience. Indiemoviesonline.com not only offer the chance to platform your film to a very wide and very loyal audience base that is growing daily but their astonishing choice of films reflects their sophisticated tastes and challenging outlook in a market saturated with films very often aimed at the lowest common denominator. By daring to be different indiemoviesonline.com is becoming well known for showcasing some of the most interesting films from around the world and deserves to become the natural home of independent film.
06.02.10 ‘Safe Zone’ at the Antelope
‘Safe Zone’ is to be screened at the Antelope Bar, 76 Mitcham Road, Tooting, SW17 9NG (Nearest tube: Tooting Broadway) on Sunday February 28th. The event kicks off at around 7pm and promises to be a chilled evening with great networking opportunities and some fantastic short films. Come along and enjoy!
28.10.09 ‘Safe Zone’ gets television debut
‘Safe Zone’ will be broadcast on Propeller TV at 10pm on Tuesday 3rd November. Propeller TV, on Sky 195, is a channel dedicated to showing the best short films from around the world.
23.10.09 Think-Shoot-Distribute
This week Carlo Ortu has been on the prestigious Think-Shoot-Distribute scheme. Organised by The Times BFI London Film Festival, supported by Skillset and Film London and sponsored by Adobe, 25 talented and experienced filmmakers, seeking to develop their feature film career, are selected to take part in Think-Shoot-Distribute for a 5 day intensive programme with leading film professionals in a series of workshops and master-classes exploring the international film industry – from financing to exhibition. Janine Marmot, director of film at event funder Skillset, said: ‘It was clear from the exceptionally high calibre of applicants this year that over the last few years Think-Shoot-Distribute has evolved into one of the most highly regarded training schemes for emerging filmmaking talent in the UK.’
9.9.09 ‘Safe Zone’ at TAKES
‘Safe Zone’ has been selected as part of the program of TAKES – a monthly screening of short films from around the globe. Secure yourselves a spot upstairs in the cosy North London Tavern this Sunday September 13th, grab a glass of wine, some tasty nibbles and sit back for a night of great entertainment. Doors open at 7.30pm.
17.7.09 Interview with Carlo Ortu
IndieFlicks, a website dedicated to the goings on of independent films being shot by filmmakers from the UK caught up with Carlo Ortu for an interview to discuss ‘The Killers’ and his work in film. Read the interview here.
22.6.09 ‘Safe Zone’ on tour
Just had a lovely email from the organisers of the Marbella International Film Festival:
” I am delighted to inform you that your film ” Safe Zone” has been selected to be screened as part of the “world tour of the Marbella International Film Festival”, in London. This event will take place at 8.30 pm on 16th July at “Institut Francais” in London. Your film is among 8 short films selected from hundreds of submissions from the previous Marbella Film Festival award winners.”
Hopefully see some of you there.
28.5.09 ‘The Killers’ trailer available to view
The trailer for ‘The Killers’, Carlo Ortu’s debut feature film, is now available to view here.
22.5.09 ‘Safe Zone’ at the 7th In The Palace International Short Film Festival
Just heard that ‘Safe Zone’ is part of the Official Selection of the 7th In The Palace International Short Film Festival. ‘Safe Zone’ was one of 4000 films to compete in the Main Programme so it’s nice to know we’re appreciated in Bulgaria and well done again to the team.
The festival takes place in Balchik, Bulgaria, June 20-27, 2009 at one of the most beautiful places on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast – The Palace of Maria Alexandrina Victoria de Edinburgh – the granddaughter of the legendary Queen Victoria.
7.5.09 ‘The Killers’ screening
Last night was the cast, crew and friends screening of ‘The Killers’, Carlo Ortu’s debut feature film. The screening took place at the new Shortwave Cinema in Bermondsey Square and was a great success. Also in attendance was Carlo’s three week old son, Matteo, who at times seemed somewhat indifferent to the film.
26.3.09 ‘Safe Zone’ on the web
‘Safe Zone’ finally has a home on the internet. You can view the short at myspace.
6.3.09 ‘Safe Zone’ at the Vibe Bar
‘Safe Zone’ is to be screened at the Vibe Bar in Brick Lane this Sunday 8th March at 6pm. The film is one of a number of shorts being screened and the event has been organised by Rotoreliefs. For more information pay a visit to their website.
24.2.09 Join ‘The Killers’ Facebook group and see the trailer
The last few months have been busy with post-production continuing on ‘The Killers’, Carlo Ortu’s debut feature film that he wrote and directed and is being produced by Andrea Farrena. To get a chance to view the trailer join the ‘The Killers’ Facebook group and be kept updated on news on the film.
16.12.08 ‘Safe Zone’ gets a distribution deal
A three year non-exclusive distribution deal was recently signed with Ouat Media for theMovieola-The Short Film Channel.
Ouat Media specialises in worldwide distribution of international short films. Based in Toronto, Canada, it is part of the Channel Zero Inc. family of companies which also includes Silver Screen Classics, and Movieola- the Short Film Channel.
Movieola-The Short Film Channel presents the very best of action, drama and comedy films that can all be enjoyed in under 40 minutes. From celebrated Academy Award® and global film festival winners to cult favourites, Movieola-The Short Film Channel gives viewers an opportunity to experience the excitement, energy and emotion of cutting-edge entertainment through the world of short films. Movieola is to short films what MTV is to music.
In tune with today’s fast paced lifestyle, Movieola-The Short Film Channel provides viewers with an ever-changing stream of great films, accessible over multiple media platforms.
17.11.08 Hero and Friend loses his life
Tragic news came through last week of the death of Neil Dunstan, Royal Marine and part of UK Landing Force Command Support Group. He was killed along with another Marine, Robert McKibben, on Wednesday 12 November by an explosion in the Garmsir District of southern Helmand, Afghanistan.
As well as a brave soldier he was also a good friend of Carlo Ortu’s and helped with the making of ‘Safe Zone’. Neil read the script prior to shooting to give some tips and also viewed the film after completion. Much to Carlo’s relief he enjoyed the film.
There is a lovely tribute to him on the Ministry of Defence website and a great Facebook tribute page.
Sympathies go out to his family and fiancé.
You will be sadly missed mate.
10.11.08 Principal Photography completed on ‘The Killers’
A long and tiring two week shoot came to an end this weekend as filming wrapped on ‘The Killers’, Carlo Ortu’s debut feature film that he wrote and directed and is being produced by Andrea Farrena. With a fantastic cast and crew expectations are high as the film now enters the post-production phase.
09.11.08 ‘Safe Zone’ at the Rex
‘Safe Zone’ is to be screened at the Rex Bar and Cinema on 21 Rupert Street, Soho, W1V 7FE (Nearest tube: Piccadilly) on Friday November 14th. The event is being organised by the Non-Multiplex Cinema Group. The evening promises a number of quality short films so get yourselves on the guest list here. Thanks goes to Julian Bushell and the Non-Multiplex team.
14.10.08 ‘Safe Zone’ nominated for Best Drama by the NPA
‘Safe Zone’ has been nominated for an NPA Short Film Award… shortlisted to the final 6 in the Drama category. For those who are unaware, the NPA is the New Producers Alliance, an organisation representing producers across the UK, supported by the UK film Council.
The screening at the ICA on the Mall on October 27th from 18:00-20:00. Hope to see you there.
2.10.08 ‘Safe Zone’ on the net
In conjunction with the Raindance Film Festival, Tiscali are showing ‘Safe Zone’ on their site for the next month or so so check it out here.
22.9.08 ‘Safe Zone’ at the Hollywood Film Festival
‘Safe Zone’ has been selected as part of the Official Selection of the Hollywood Film Festivaland will be screened at the Arclight Cinema in Hollywood on Sunday October 26th at 7pm. Thanks goes out to everyone involved in the film.
15.9.08 ‘The Killers’ now fully cast
We’re pleased to announce that ‘The Killers’ is now fully cast as Matthew Jure, Anna Acton and Michael Gilroy join the team after auditions this weekend.
05.9.08 ‘The Killers’ goes into pre-production
Pre-production kicks off today on ‘The Killers’. Written and to be directed by Carlo Ortu and being produced by Andrea Farrena ‘The Killers’ is a feature length black comedy about two hit-men first staking out their victim and then trying to kill him. Things do not go to plan.
With crewing and casting currently taking place we can already say that Ian Attfield and Colin Holt are on board with further casting announcements to come over the next week or so. Shooting will kick off on October 25th in the London area. This will be both Carlo’s and Andrea’s first feature film.
29.8.08 ‘Safe Zone’ at the Marbella International Film Festival
‘Safe Zone’ has been selected as part of the Official Selection of the Marbella International Film Festival taking place this October in Spain. The festival boasts an eclectic line up on international shorts and features. More good news for the team.
15.8.08 ‘Safe Zone’ at the Portobello Film Festival
Leading on from last year’s London Film Makers Convention ‘Safe Zone’ has been chosen to be part of the Official Selection of this year’s Portobello Film Festival and will be screened on the last day of the festival on 14th September at around 5pm at the Westbourne Studios. Good news for the team.
09.8.08 ‘Smile’ at roughcut
O-region, a company based down in Cornwall, have organised a night of music and film called roughcut on the 14th August and will be screening ‘Smile’. The screening will take place at the Sandsifter Bar in Gwithian and starts at 7.30pm. The evening promises a fantastic line up of short films and DJs.
05.7.08 ‘Safe Zone’ at the West Hollywood International Film Festival
‘Safe Zone’ has been selected as part of the Official Selection of the West Hollywood International Film Festival which promises to feature cutting edge shorts and innovative features from over 20 countries. Good news for the team.
17.6.08 ‘Safe Zone’ at the Sardinia Film Festival
Writer/Director and half Sardinian Carlo Ortu is pleased to announce that ‘Safe Zone’ has been selected to be screened at the Sardinia Film Festival at 9 p.m. on the 26th June in Sassari, Sardinia. Of 120 films in the festival 36 have been especially selected and ‘Safe Zone’ is one of those films.
27.5.08 ‘Safe Zone’ and ‘A Man In The Crowd’ screenings
Back from what turned out to be an excellent trip to Cannes we are pleased to announce that ‘A Man In the Crowd’ has been accepted to be part of the Official Selection of the International Festival of Cinema & Technology and will be screened at their Seattle event on Saturday and Sunday July 5th and 6th. More details available at their website.
Furthermore, Cannes in a Van, who kindly screened ‘Safe Zone’ in Cannes, are also screening the fim as part of their line-up for the first Cannes in a Van Independent Film Festival at The Movieum of London which will run between 1-3 June. The festival coincides with the launch of The Movieum Club, a new space dedicated to people in and around film.
11.5.08 Short Film Corner Program Selection in Cannes
‘Safe Zone’ has been selected as part of the program ‘Shorts “R” Us’, presented by Danny Lennon (NFB Canada, www.nfb.ca). This program will be screened in one of the Marché du Film screening rooms (Palais F, in the Palais des Festivals, level 3), at 11:30 am on Sunday May 18th. This screening will be opened to all persons with a Festival de Cannes or Marché du Film badge. The ‘Safe Zone’ team will be in attendance so come and find us if you are around.
05.5.08 ‘Safe Zone’ at Shortwave
‘Safe Zone’ was screened yesterday at 93 Feet East in Brick Lane, London as part of the award winning Shortwave showcase and was also voted favourite film by the audience. Thanks goes to the organisers for what was a great event.
31.3.08 ‘Safe Zone’ at the Cannes International Film Festival
We recently received confirmation that ‘Safe Zone’ will be screened this May as part of the Short Film Corner at Cannes. The ‘Safe Zone’ team will be in attendance at what promises to be an exciting event.
12.3.08 ‘Safe Zone’ at the Hull International Short Film Festival
‘Safe Zone’ has been accepted to be part of the Official Selection of the Hull International Short Film Festival. More good news for the team.
04.3.08 ‘Safe Zone’ at the Newport Beach Film Festival
Just heard from the organisers that ‘Safe Zone’ has been accepted to be part of the Official Selection of the Newport Beach Film Festival.
25.2.08 ‘Safe Zone’ at the Bradford International Film Festival
‘Safe Zone’ will be screened this Sunday March 2nd as part of the festival. The film will be screened before ‘A Month In The Country’ starring Colin Firth, Kenneth Branagh and Natasha Richardson. The ‘Safe Zone’ team have their fingers crossed one of these actors will turn up.
21.2.08 ‘Safe Zone’ at the 2nd Annual Show Off Your Shorts Film Festival
Writer/Director Carlo Ortu and Lead Actor Ian Attfield returned yesterday from a successful trip to L.A. for the screening of ‘Safe Zone’ at the 2nd Annual Show Off Your Shorts Film Festival. The screening was held at the prestigious Raleigh Studios in Hollywood. Other highlights of the trip included sipping drinks poolside at the Sky Bar, making the most of the favourable exchange rate and driving around Beverly Hills and looking at how the other half lived.
18.2.08 ‘Jimmy’s 15 Minutes’ screened by Final Cut in Brighton
‘Jimmy’s 15 Minutes’ with Matthew Jure and Colin Holt was screened last night at the Studio Bar in Brighton by the Final Cut team. Word is the screening went well and thanks goes to organiser, Jim Lee.
4.1.08 ‘Safe Zone’ at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Part of the Official Selection of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, ‘Safe Zone’ was screened twice over the weekend at two venues in Santa Barbara, California.
24.1.08 ‘Safe Zone’ at the Bradford International Film Festival
Just got word from the organisers that ‘Safe Zone’ has been accepted to be part of the Official Selection of the Bradford International Film Festival.
15.1.08 ‘Safe Zone’ at the Sacramento International Film Festival
Good news. ‘Safe Zone’ has been accepted as part of the Official Selection of theSacramento International Film Festival.
14.1.08 Split Focus At The BFI
In the first of bimonthly sessions at BFI Southbank for 2008, Film Director Ben Blaine hosted a retrospective of work from two up and coming Shooting People members. The hope is not just to show some great films but to get behind those to see some great filmmakers as their style develops.
One of those filmmakers was Carlo Ortu.
For Ben’s generous words leading up to the night please check out his blog.
7.1.08 5th London Short Film Festival
‘Safe Zone’ was screened at the Institute of Contemporary Art during the ‘God’s Lonely Young Men’ section as part of the London Short Film Festival. The film was also nominated for the UK FILM COUNCIL AWARD FOR BEST FILM.