Film-poems are adaptations of poetry which are intended as an assembled programme, a collection of work in various forms of short film, that are meant to exhibit the myriad ways of interpreting and illustrating that which is originally expressed in verse. The project has already encompassed narrative storylines and dramatic performance, documentary-styled character development, animation, experiments with sound and, always, the careful analysis of rhythm and metre. The film poems are a South Yorkshire Filmmakers Network project that is intent on accomplishing several things.

It is an experiment in the adaptation of a specific untapped medium, and a follow-up project that stems from a part of Dr. Rob Speranza's PhD thesis on the relationship between film and poetry. We are attempting the filmic construction of poetry, working chiefly with the inherent rhythm in poetry, and working with several directors' inspirations and visions that have risen from their interpretations of the poems. We are studying how poems inspire narrative action, camera and editing techniques, voice-over, the placement of text and the creative use of textual media, musical arrangement (both diegetic and non-diegetic), and countless cinematic elements, from the most minute sound clip or shot, to the most obvious on-screen elements: cinematic devices, character behaviour and other elements of mise-en-scene.

Secondly, these film poems are intended as a kind of ‘pitching document', a tableau to attract major directors towards the adaptation of poetry at a level of broadcast quality. This would comprise the second phase of the project. The visual presentation of poetry is a trend that needs to be visible on television and in film. This project would serve as a model of such possibility.

Lastly, the film poems have inspired the Network members to work with each other and actively make films, learning each other's styles and signatures, all the while based within a challenging medium.

The following are the guidelines for the project. All interested members have been directed to read and understand these before selecting a poem for adaptation.

1. The film should be your truest interpretation of the experience of the poem. We don't want to use the term ‘based on'.

2. You do not need extra background information from the poet. You are making this film because the poem struck you in a personal way and you want to translate that onto film.

3. There is no absolute restriction on length, but try to aim for about three minutes.

4. Feel free to use any format of filming or use of sound, graphics, intertitles, aspect ratios. To achieve a consistent feel, each film will be introduced by a logo: ‘A Film Poem by...'.

5. The final format is to be exported to DV.

6. All films when finalised will be the property of the SYFN and Rob Speranza.

7. Rob Speranza will be Supervising Producer (and Resident Poet) for the project. You should seek to direct your own poems for the most part but financial support and advice on content will be provided from Rob in most cases. Each relationship with each individual director/adaptor will be different in each case, so Rob's role and its particulars will vary.

Current Stages of Development of Film Poems (Phase 1), April 2005

Olivia Merriman - 'Flight' - film completed

David Maloney - 'Start Now' - film completed

Cat Seymour - 'Gorgeous' - film completed

Ed Cartledge - 'Lost Thoughts' - film completed

Dave Neale - 'Walking Stories' - film completed

Deveril - 'Crevice' - film completed

Liam Connolly - 'SW' - film completed

Ben Richards - 'Keeping You In' - film completed

A further three film poems are currently in development. If you are interested in making a film poem, please get in touch with Rob Speranza - rob@syfn.org