Million Dollar Movies is a new low-budget initiative launched by Focus Films to complement its existing flagship productions arm.
The recent success of various micro-budget schemes shows what can be achieved on a small budget, where particular emphasis is placed on originality of voice and vision.
Million Dollar Movies specifically targets emerging screenwriting talent and represents a key opportunity for writers looking to build a reputation in feature film.
The stories we are looking for should demonstrate original, distinct voices, with a strong UK flavour. They must also demonstrate they can be written to, but not limited by, budget. And they must have a clear sense of identity and audience.
Primarily these will be stories that focus on character, that have the ability to stand out from the crowd, but they will also be interesting and novel takes on traditional genres.
Paloma Baeza was born in England in 1975, moving with her parents to Mexico shortly afterwards. On her return to London, she started acting classes and appeared soon after in theatre and TV roles. She studied English and performing arts at Bristol University. Paloma combines her writing and directing with a successful acting career. Roles include: Mary Magdalene in THE PASSION, Bathsheba in ITV's FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD, Kitty in Channel 4's production of ANNA KARENINA, and roles in REBEL HEART, THE WAY WE LIVE NOW and THE PROJECT.
Films written:
Watchmen, Short Film, 2002
Shortlisted for the Turner Classsic Shorts prize at the NFT.
Screened on FilmFour and Sky Shorts.
Selected by BFI shorts.
Festival selections include:
Edinburgh International Film Festival, Galway Film Fleadgh, Cork Film Festival, Brief Encounters, Foyle Film Festival, LA Shorts.
Films directed:
The Odds, Short Film, 2009
Festival selections -
London Film Festival, BirdsEye Film Festival, Foyle FF, Santa Barbara FF, Atlanta FF, LA Shorts
The Window, ½ Hour Drama for CH4's Coming Up strand.
Screened on Channel 4 in 2006
Watchmen, 2002
Who we are
David Pupkewitz - Executive Producer
Marsha Levin - Script & Development
Adam Polonsky - Development Producer
Susie Rose: Presentation & Brochures
contact: adam_focusfilms.co.uk
