 |
| Ralph has been entered for Britain's best Office Dog |
Britain’s Best Office Dog
Ralph's Life on Wordpress
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Britain’s Best Office Dog
Britain’s Best Office Dog
Ralph's Life on Wordpress
The Fitzroy...how you can help
You know when you've watched a film and you say "I could have done that better".....well here's your chance.....or at least the chance to help fund an independently made film and have the chance to feature in the title sequence of the film! The big question is.....what is the film?
The Fitzroy
What is The Fitzroy?
The Fitzroy is an independent, live action, feature film; a black comedy set in a post-apocalyptic 1950’s Margate. The world is covered in a poisonous gas and the Fitzroy Hotel (a beached submarine) is the last place for a traditional holiday.
The hotel is sent into chaos when one of the guests murders the hotel’s owner. It is left to Bernard, The Fitzroy’s hapless bellboy, to keep the hotel from falling apart as he struggles to hide the murders from the other guests and the ever-suspicious authorities.
Sci-Fi, post-apocalyptic, comedy, period setting… all in one film? Are you crazy? So what are you doing here?
We are trying to raise enough money to make The Fitzroy. To do this we need to raise £60,000.
So you are crazy!
No, not at all. Well maybe a little. But we are all experienced, having worked in media for a long time, on commercials, music videos and short films. The film has been planned to the nth degree and we already have many of the key elements secured; location, heads of departments, music etc.
No, not at all. Well maybe a little. But we are all experienced, having worked in media for a long time, on commercials, music videos and short films. The film has been planned to the nth degree and we already have many of the key elements secured; location, heads of departments, music etc.
Who are you?
We are: Andrew Harmer (writer/director) and producing team James Heath and Liam Garvo (Dresden Pictures). There are some links at the bottom of the page to some of our previous work.
Is it going to be good?
We hope so. Film is our passion, and we’re working our hardest to make sure The Fitzroy is as good as it can be. Blood, sweat and tears. In fact, those are our nicknames.
Okay, fair enough. Where can I learn more about the project?
Please visit our website. There you can find a wealth of information, or for an ongoing look behind the scenes, check out our blog - its free, frank and... er... fabulous!? Or just ask us anything you want to know.
Please visit our website. There you can find a wealth of information, or for an ongoing look behind the scenes, check out our blog - its free, frank and... er... fabulous!? Or just ask us anything you want to know.
The Rewards
If I donate, what’s in it for me?
The feel-good factor of making dreams come true and supporting independent film. Also one of the awesome incentives to the right! But here's a bit more info on a few of them.
The feel-good factor of making dreams come true and supporting independent film. Also one of the awesome incentives to the right! But here's a bit more info on a few of them.
Animated Title Character: The films titles will be an animated cartoon and will explain how the world of The Fitzroy came to be.
Designed by Marko Anstice (he did the illustrations on our website), the titles will be populated by a cast of characters... and you can be one of them!
Simply send us a couple of photos of yourself (or a loved one, this would make a great gift) and we will turn you into a toon. You'll feature in the title sequence to the film and we'll send you a one-off illustrated print of your mini-me to frame and hang.
UPDATE: The animated character now includes 2x tickets to the premier AND the 'Funding Producer' reward, with a credit on IMDB.
Beach Survival Kit: Ever tried having a holiday in a post-apocalyptic world? It's not easy. Luckily the government have issued these 'Beach Survival Kits'. Each one is handmade by the director and personalised. If you are going on holiday, remember - stay safe!
Poster: An exclusive series of posters just for Kickstarter. These will be strictly limited to the number of backers who request this reward. Heck if we want one we have to put the money in too! There will be five to choose from, all signed and numbered by the artist. We’ll email you at the end of the campaign and clarify which one you would like. Grab a piece of cinema history - they will be incredibly rare!
UPDATE: We've tweaked the pricing structure to make it more fair as we presume you won't want multiple downloads of the film and soundtrack!
One poster = £45
Two posters = £80
Three posters = £110
Four poster = £135
or you can be the envy of your neighbours and get the whole set for £150!
International P&P is £5 if you buy one or all five.
*NB We can’t change the ‘reward’ box on the right of the page so please ignore where it says ‘simply double or triple’. The above are the correct prices!
The Soundtrack: The Fitzroy is going to rock! Unlike most films, we are taking a slightly different approach. We have teamed up with the awesomeGreen Rock River Band, who will not only be composing an original score, but starring in the film as ‘the band’ - a ragtag touring band holed up in one of The Fitzroy's rooms. Their music will literally echo through the submarine.
Described as ‘doom folk’, The Green Rock River Band is definitely going to bring a unique sound to The Fitzroy.
NEW REWARD! Have GRRB play at your party.
Green Rock River Band will play at your next party, wedding, office shindig, Bar-Mitzvah, country fair, funeral… well maybe not the last one.
They’ll come play for you – which is a hell of a deal! Travel covered anywhere inside the M25, outside of that you will have to add transportation costs in.
To give you a taste, here is what went down when they played at our Fitzroy shindig.
Dates are flexible but give us a shout to see if they can do the night you want. Oh and you also get the 'Funding Producer' reward!
NEW REWARD! The Call Action reward.
Ever wanted to feel the power of an egomaniac? Well now you can. Come down to set, a real Russian submarine! Be treated like a king, call action on the very first shot of The Fitzroy and have your day filmed so you can share your experience with your friends and family (if you want).
You also get your very own personalised directors chair signed by the entire cast. AND the ‘Premier Tickets’ package with Funding Producers credit on IMDB.
What more could you want?
You have to get yourself to the shoot, this will be around in April but we will give you as much warning to the exact date as possible.
What if I want more than one reward?
Awesome! Simply add the totals together (plus p&p) and we will email you at the end of the campaign to clarify which rewards you require.
Awesome! Simply add the totals together (plus p&p) and we will email you at the end of the campaign to clarify which rewards you require.
What if I don’t want the incentive, I just want to support?
You are wonderful! Not a problem. Once you hit ‘Back this Project’ there is a button you can select if you don’t want a reward.
You are wonderful! Not a problem. Once you hit ‘Back this Project’ there is a button you can select if you don’t want a reward.
Other Important Questions
What happens if you don’t reach your target?
Kickstarter is an all or nothing model! If we don’t reach our target no-one gets charged and we don’t make the film. That’s why we need you… and your family and friends! So please, even if you can’t donate, help us by spreading the word on Twitter, Facebook or word of mouth.
Kickstarter is an all or nothing model! If we don’t reach our target no-one gets charged and we don’t make the film. That’s why we need you… and your family and friends! So please, even if you can’t donate, help us by spreading the word on Twitter, Facebook or word of mouth.
Can you exceed the goal?
YES! This would truly be amazing. Exceeding our goal would allow us to make a better movie. Kickstarter allows projects to go over their targets. If we do go over our target, every penny will still go into making the project as good as possible.
YES! This would truly be amazing. Exceeding our goal would allow us to make a better movie. Kickstarter allows projects to go over their targets. If we do go over our target, every penny will still go into making the project as good as possible.
Is my pledge amount publicly displayed?
Nope. Only you and the project creator will be able to see your pledge amount.
Nope. Only you and the project creator will be able to see your pledge amount.
Can I increase my pledge once it’s been made?
YES! Once you donate to our campaign, you may want to change your reward to a different one, or increase your pledge amount. To do so, go to Kickstarter and sign in. If you go to our campaign page, the green “Back This Project” button has been replaced with a blue “Manage Your Donation” button. Click it and you can enter a new amount, or choose a new incentive.
YES! Once you donate to our campaign, you may want to change your reward to a different one, or increase your pledge amount. To do so, go to Kickstarter and sign in. If you go to our campaign page, the green “Back This Project” button has been replaced with a blue “Manage Your Donation” button. Click it and you can enter a new amount, or choose a new incentive.
Can I gift a Reward?
YES! Definitely. In fact we tried hard to create rewards that would make brilliant gifts. Christmas is coming up! Donate through all the normal processes of making a donation in your name. For billing purposes, this action must be in your name. After our deadline, we will send you a message. We will request things like your address from you at that time. Please reply with all the recipient’s information and let us know it’s a gift (we might throw in a little something extra!).
YES! Definitely. In fact we tried hard to create rewards that would make brilliant gifts. Christmas is coming up! Donate through all the normal processes of making a donation in your name. For billing purposes, this action must be in your name. After our deadline, we will send you a message. We will request things like your address from you at that time. Please reply with all the recipient’s information and let us know it’s a gift (we might throw in a little something extra!).
What is the money going to be used for? It's not just development money?
No not at all. If we raise our target we can shoot and deliver the completed film (with a little held over to enter the film into festivals).
No not at all. If we raise our target we can shoot and deliver the completed film (with a little held over to enter the film into festivals).
You’re not going take all the money and fly away to Hawaii are you?
Every penny (minus the fees for Kickstarter’s involvement) will go directly into The Fitzroy’s budget - i.e. your money goes directly to the funding of this film. And trust me, we are making every penny stretch as far as we can. And no, we won’t skip off to Hawaii: 1) All we have ever wanted to do is make films and 2) We burn very easily.
Every penny (minus the fees for Kickstarter’s involvement) will go directly into The Fitzroy’s budget - i.e. your money goes directly to the funding of this film. And trust me, we are making every penny stretch as far as we can. And no, we won’t skip off to Hawaii: 1) All we have ever wanted to do is make films and 2) We burn very easily.
I'm not in the UK. Can I still pledge?
Yes. You can pledge from anywhere in the world. All you need is a debit or credit card. It’s dead easy.
Yes. You can pledge from anywhere in the world. All you need is a debit or credit card. It’s dead easy.
How do we contact you?
Through hello@thefitzroy.com or in the Kickstarter comments, or via our Twitter and Facebook pages.
Through hello@thefitzroy.com or in the Kickstarter comments, or via our Twitter and Facebook pages.
If you have any questions or suggestions for rewards that you would like, please just leave us a comment.
Links
RISKS AND CHALLENGESLearn about accountability on Kickstarter
As with anything in life, there is a risk and making films is no different.
Our biggest challenge will be in turning the film around by September. Although we feel it is a realistic date, quite often schedules change due to weather, crew/cast not being available for certain dates. So even though we are aiming for a September completion, this date might slip by a month or two.
Similarly, depending on demand, delivery times for rewards may be affected. For example, if the title character animation is very popular, it will take Marko our illustrator a while to create them all. We will obviously deliver every reward as quickly as we can and will keep you up to date with any changes in delivery. Your patience will be very much appreciated.
FAQ
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
One-Pot Mexican Chilli Beef.....
This delicious one-pot Spicy Mexican braised beef recipe is a real crowd pleaser. Not only is it easy to make, delicious, spicy and filling.....it's stress free! This recipe is enough to feed 14 - 15 so it's perfect for a party or to feed the family and freeze the rest or needless to say just reduce the amounts by half. Ingredients:
- up to 6 tbsp sunflower oil
- 4kg stewing beef
- 4 white onions , sliced
- 4 tbsp chipotle paste
- 8 garlic cloves , crushed
- 50g ginger , grated
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp plain flour
- 2l beef stock
- 3 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 5 x 400g cans pinto or kidney beans , drained
Heat a small drizzle of the oil in an extra-large flameproof dish. Brown the meat in batches, adding a drop more oil, remove from the dish and set aside. Add 1 tbsp oil to the dish, then the onions, and cook for 7-10 mins or until caramelised.
Stir the chipotle paste, garlic, ginger, cumin, cinnamon and flour in with the onions and cook for a couple of mins. Gradually add the stock, stirring all the time, so it's fully mixed in with the other ingredients. Add the tomatoes and oregano, season and simmer for 10 mins.
Now tip in the beef, cover and simmer very gently for about 1 hr 45 mins until tender, removing the lid and adding the beans for the final 15 mins. If the sauce is thin, let it boil down for a further 5-10 mins with the lid off. Before serving, adjust the seasoning. Serve with the garlic bread and salsa.
Bradford One Community Group...fighting for the future of The Bradford Odeon
Bradford One Community Group
Here’s some background on Bradford One Community Group…..
WHAT IS BRADFORD ONE?
A newly launched community interest group seeking to take the Save the Odeon campaign on to the next level by organising and overseeing the redevelopment of this much loved building at the heart of Bradford.
They aim to do this by engaging and involving the people of Bradford throughout the process.
Ultimately the aim is an economically viable venue with an assured future. They are ordinary Bradfordians with no vested interests other than that they care about the building, about Bradford and its future.
They’ve chosen a community benefit vehicle, similar to a co-operative, which will include an asset lock on the site so that it will remain in the ownership of the people of Bradford.
WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?
The Bradford Odeon is clearly important to local people as the long running campaign to save it has demonstrated. Alongside organisations such as the Bradford Odeon Rescue Group BORG (who I’ll be featuring soon), the voice of the community has played a massive role in ensuring that the initial plans for demolition and re-development as New Victoria Place were rejected.
The Bradford One group includes campaigners who met through the fight to save the building, via online and offline activities. Their aim is to now transform this campaign into a constructive way of securing a solution with as much input from the people of Bradford as possible.
They believe that a redeveloped Odeon that retains the essential characteristics of the building will have far reaching benefits for Bradford city centre and the wider district, drawing people back into Bradford and helping to show what Bradford and its people really have to offer. It will complement perfectly the area around Centenary Square with the Alhambra, Media Museum and City Park.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS?
To create a multi-purpose cultural venue and a home for creative entrepreneurs.
It will include a modern, well-equipped auditorium for mid-scale touring live acts and events surrounded by managed workspace, learning facilities and co-working spaces to encourage collaboration and innovation.
Incorporating restaurants, café-bars and independent retail outlets will help to make Bradford One a sustainable proposition in the heart of Bradford city centre.
WHAT CAN PEOPLE DO TO GET INVOLVED?
Initially, They plan to engage with the community in two ways:
A consultation exercise to let the people of Bradford decide what happens to the building
A community share issue to let the people of Bradford take ownership of the building – shares will be available at a very low cost and will give you voting rights
A community share issue to let the people of Bradford take ownership of the building – shares will be available at a very low cost and will give you voting rights
This will very much be a community led process at each stage, with the ultimate aim being a renovated building everyone can enjoy.
The public needs to demonstrate their support as this will strengthen the campaign.
You can register your interest now on the website www.bradfordone.com
HOW WILL YOU FUND THIS?
A mixture of sources, including:
- public funding through issuing shares to the public
- grants, gifts and donations and community funding
- investor funding and loans
ARE THEY MEMBERS OF BORG?
No, they are a separate group to BORG, although they have shared a common aim with them in their campaigns to save the building.
WHO DO YOU PLAN TO WORK WITH?
All interested parties.
Nothing is ruled out at this stage and they’re exploring all possible options as to funding, developers, tenants and use of the spaces around the main auditorium.
They want to engage the people of Bradford throughout the whole process – as a community led group they want to listen to and reflect the wishes of the community.
One of Bradford’s best resources is its people and they believe that giving the people a voice and a choice is the best way forward to work towards the renovation of the building and the regeneration of Bradford city centre.
WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP?
Now the group has been formed they can start to explore the various funding opportunities available at different stages.
First of all they will formally examine the viability of the scheme and put together a business planTheyWe also plan to pursue funding for a feasibility study.
They will continue to liaise closely with Bradford Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (who currently own the building) and look forward to the completion of the structural survey Bradford Council have agreed to provide for all interested parties.
This will be an open process, and they encourage and welcome the involvement of the people of Bradford.
Love Bradford…Love The Odeon
Friday, 23 November 2012
Café bocboc.....the perfect place to meet and eat.....
Opened in 2010 and situated in Eccleston, St Helens Café bocboc's aim was to provide a European style coffeehouse with an enjoyable and relaxing atmosphere for their customers to enjoy, and boy have they succeeded!
Café bocboc is a unique business in itself and proving to be a destination venue to eat and meet. It's the first and original coffeehouse, ice cream parlour and patisserie to be established in St Helens and the surrounding area.
The image and décor is based on creating a modern cosmopolitan establishment, providing something exclusive, elegant, yet still achieving a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for their customers to enjoy.
Their concept is unique in this area as they combine specialty Italian coffees, fresh cuisine made from the finest fresh (locally sourced where possible) produce by two qualified Chefs, Luxury ‘Award Winning’ Ice Cream (the Rum 'n' Raisin is to die for) and irresistible desserts.
They use a selection of local suppliers to provide fresh produce and ingredients. They constantly search for other suppliers and give other business the chance to offer their produce, which in turn helps them to regularly change the menu and to provide excellence with 'elan. That, combined with the qualified Chefs provides the perfect match to offer creative and delicious food, a selection of beverages, old fashioned drinks and the luxury desserts on offer.
Bocboc are confident that their great food and quality coffee, served by trained and friendly staff will make Café bocboc a special place to meet, eat, relax and socialise with family and friends. Light breakfast, Seasonal salads, homemade soups, luxury sandwiches created from fresh, in-house baked bread served with hand carved meats are just some of the highlights from their menu.
Not forgetting the kids, as they have a selection of meals dedicated to providing healthy, yet appealing choices. Always looking to take advantage of seasonal produce, this is reflected in the menu and so as the seasons change, you’ll see the menu and specials board updated on a regular basis.
Their blend of coffee is unique as it's roasted to their specification and provided fresh on a regular basis to give that perfect elegant flavour to suit all. The result, a warm fresh flavoured espresso produced from high quality coffee beans and is the perfect selection to suit the wide range of coffees on offer.
They have a local award winning ice cream supplier – Cheshire Farm Ice Cream and the brand name speaks for itself as Cheshire farm take pride in producing fresh, high quality ice cream in a range of flavours to suit all.
In the café they offer an extensive range of Cheshire farm products. Traditional vanilla, strawberry and chocolate, sit alongside luxurious honeycomb, Maltese and toffee fudge – adult favourites include stem ginger, mango and Bailey’s.
So, you can complement your choice of coffee and keep the children happy with an excellent selection of ice cream!
The selection of patisseries are as exquisite to look at as they are to taste. They're elegant, delicious and comparable whith any found in a fine dining restaurant. Dressed to perfection with cream and seasonal fruits, they're a truly luxurious accompaniment to a coffee or the perfect way to end a meal.
If that's not enough they have luxury collection of ‘flowerpot’ muffins, rich fruit filled granola, sweet pastry chocolate twists and traditional scones served with cream and jam. This list goes on, but what you can be certain of is that they'll have an indulgent treat to satisfy everyone!
Apr 14, 2012 by Danielle Whitby
Bright, friendly and gorgeous food :-) perfectly located and very handy for a Saturday treat or catch up with friends after the school run!
My children love it .. Even my 2 year old asks to go! Love it and would tell anyone who would listen to me :-))
Response: thank you very much for your comments
Superb
Nov 24, 2011 by clare
superb cafe and we like it so much that we will come back a again and again and agian
Response: thank you
Fresh food on offer
Sep 06, 2011 by M Scott
Excellent choice of fresh, succulent meals, pleasant decor and friendly enagaging staff - well done. Provides a stylish and vibrant focal point which amalgamates good food and good conversation.
Response: Once again, its so rewarding to hear nice comments like this. Thank You
Community Love this place
Aug 31, 2011 by A Stahler
Excellent, staff always helpful. Nice place to walk to and have lovely food. Regenerated the Eccleston community ...provided a heart to the village. Long awaited.
Response: We appreciate your kind words and our aim is to provide a place for the community to socialise. Thank You
Excellent Place
Aug 09, 2011 by S Tabern
Lovely, lively place to enjoy lunch/snack, friendly staff, superb food, excellent choice and value for money. Provides the community with an upmarket venue which caters for all ages.
Response: Thank you for your valuable visit and see you again soon.
Excellent Place to Eat
Aug 01, 2011 by I Swift
Excellent, good value/service, pleasant surroundings and a godsend....somewhere decent and child friendly for the people of Eccleston. Made the district more attractive and appealing to all ages - nice surroundings and good value and quality food.
Response: Really glad you enjoyed the visit to cafe bocboc. Thank you
bocboc is the place to be
Jul 26, 2011 by H Miller
I really enjoy coming to Bocboc, its a welcoming place, lovely, clean and stylish. Food and service are excellent. A really nice meeting place giving Eccleston a 'village feel'. Easy to find from the A580..St Helens needs more quality cafes and restaurants.
Response: Glad you enjoyed it and hope to see you again. Thank You
Really Nice Place
Jul 23, 2011 by J Beech
Wonderful, Staff and service are very good and friendly. The food is very good, the ambience is just right and the decor is bright , fresh and contemporary. Its a great meeting place to meet with friends and relax.
Response: Your comments mean a lot to us as a business.
thank you
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Cafe bocboc has launched Junior Masterchef 2012, open to Young People in senior school years 7 – 10 in the St Helens Area. They're working with What's on in St Helens to promote this great competition.
They'll be sending the information to all St Helens High Schools to get involved and encourage young children to produce a healthy dish that they would be proud of and a chance to include it on the menu.