Farewell Routemaster

About

The Challenge

Film Challenge Producers

Sponsors and Supporters

The Film Makers

The Judges

The Challenge

This film challenge was an organic response to the demise of the Routemaster bus service.

The objectives of the challenge were:

To preserve, in a unique way, the cultural heritage of this beautiful bus and to provide filmmakers an opportunity to say a proper good-bye to the bus that has been the definitive face of London in documentaries and fiction films for decades.

To celebrate the spirit of the Routemaster bus and of independent filmmaking.

ORIGINAL CHALLENGE POSTING

This is a copy of the original dispatch that was posting on the Shooting People Fillmmaking bulletin on 2nd December 2005. The dispatch was posted by Jane Saunders and Lucy Main.

Filmmakers Challenge - What are you doing for the next 7 days?

A London icon is about to die. There are just 7 days left for the Routemaster _(London red buses launched in 1950's) and the only Routemaster currently left in service is the 159 from Streatham to Marble Arch
London Filmmakers - YOU ARE HERE BY CHALLENGED to make a 5 minute film about or featuring the Routemaster.

You have just the next 7 days to get your film shot. Then what??
Send us your film, our film industry panel will choose the best ones, then you will get to see all the finalists at a special screening and prize giving night on the 30th January. Finished films must be received by 20th January - (because its Christmas we've allowed for longer editing time then normal for a challenge such as this).

Your film can take any style you like - drama, doco, comedy or whatever - the only rules are that it is 5 minutes long, that it features a routemaster bus in one form or another, That you have the required permissions for any actors and soundtracks that you use and that it is submitted in DVD format (or if you send your film in on video and it gets selected for the screening - it must be available to screen on DVD)

Why Enter? If the cultural heritage reasons of preserving the memory of an international icon aren't enough for you maybe the prizes will inspire you -we are currently putting together an AMAZING prize bag. To register and for more info please email: farewellroutemaster@hotmail.co.uk
Once you have registered you will be sent regular updates about The growing prize package.

This dispatch was posted every day over the next seven days – with slight variations.

Over the week 50 people registered for the challenge but only 25 completed a shoot. With the deadline for submission just 6 weeks away first the filmmakers had to make it through xmas and new year.

By the time the submission came around the 25 registered filmmakers had dwindled to just 10.

Whilst the filmmakers had been editing their films Jane & Lucy had been organizing a screening event for the challenge finalists.

Did you know....50th anniversary…………

Wednesday 8th February 2005 marks the 50th Anniversary_of the first ever Routemaster commuter service.
Route 2 from Golders Green to Crystal Palace, through Brixton, first entered passenger service in the snow on the 8th February 1956 - and would have celebrated 50 years of passenger service by RM's in 2006

WHAT BETTER WAY TO CELEBRATE -

On Tuesday 7th February 2006 Janice & Lucille Productions in association with The Ritzy Picturehouse in Brixton presented
The Farewell Routemaster Film Challenge films followed by a screening of the documentary Areana Little Platform Big Stage Directed by Zimena Percival

The event was attended by over 350 people and was a great mix ox bus enthusiasts, indie film makers, film lovers and "normals"

Film Challenge Producers

Jane Saunders

Jane Saunders is an Australian , resident in London for 3 years, is considering returning to Australia now that the Routemaster no longer carries her to work. She has worked in the film industry as a producer of short films and events. In Australia, She worked in cultural and environmental heritage projects.

Jane spent everyday of the last week on the 159 bus route - filming and collecting commuter stories but really just trying to satisfy her RM bus fix.

Lucy Main

Since graduating from University, Lucy has worked mainly in development and production for independant production companies in the UK. Having started her career in commercials, corporate films and then producing her own documentary series, she then decided to turn her talents and passion to film where she became involved with various film projects and then joined the management of the New Producers Alliance. During this time, she helped advise and support independant Producers with the development of their film projects as well as organise industry events, training and seminars. Since leaving, Lucy has become an executive board member of the NPA. In early 2005, Lucy joinned Baker Street Media Finance to assist with development and production of feature films. Although she is working for a film finance company, her interests and support are still firmly rooted in independant filmmaking.

Why I got involved with the Routemaster Challenge?
Apart from believing in community spirit, the power of film, and still in the honeymoon phase of my love affair with London, I am just one of the many ordinary folk that has a soft spot for these old buses.

I lived in the country as a child and only ever visited London in my holidays with my mum or on school trips. One of the most memorable experiences was seeing a routemaster and then realising we had finally reached London. If we had to take the bus my mum would shout and stress about me getting onto that platform and holding on tight before the bus left the stop. My mothers fear of her child tumbling out the back and ended up in the most horendous accident was my most favourite exciting game. I also remember sitting at the top of the bus, right at the front if we were lucky, it was like pretending to drive a space ship or a plane. I will always hold a special place in my heart for those old things, it may have gone but it will not be forgotten. This bus has serviced so many people in her life and has given such treasured memories as mine, what better way is there to say thankyou and goodbye. We hope people from all backgrounds who has had some sort of relationship with t
his bus will come share some thoughts, laughs and stories and enjoy our films...

Sponsors and Supporters

Arts Alliance : 2.500 UKP in post production support, 500 UKP in marketing support, screening support