Perth City | Perth Words... exploring possibilities.

Archive for the ‘Perth City’ Category

Advanced

Posted in COMMUNITY, MOVIES, Perth City, Screenwriting, WA Writers, Workshops, Writers, Writing, tagged Avon Valley Writers Festival, screenwriting, Society of Women Writers, Women Writers, Workshops, writing, Writing for the Screen, Writing Workshop on April 21, 2015| 1 Comment »

Being introduced at the Avon Valley Writers Festival, 2012.

Talk about booking well in advance: the West Australian branch of the Society of Women Writers asked me at the beginning of the year, to run a workshop ‘Writing for the Screen’ in October.

I’m told they expect around 60 people to attend the General Meeting and stay for my presentation – so I’m looking forward to the challenge. 🙂

Well used to presenting to an audience either in person, on a stage or on screen, I’m not really worried about showing a short film made from my script then talking about my experience.

Some of the audience for my Avon Valley Writers Festival workshop having a go at a one pager, 2012.

The intention is to also get them to have a go at a one pager, then pick a couple to read out and critique. A similar workshop during the inaugural Avon Valley Writers Festival in 2012 was very successful.

So if you’re around on the 20th October – a Wednesday lunchtime and are interested getting an IDEA – because it’s a HUGE subject, of writing for the screen… why not book your place now by contacting the WA branch of the Society of Women’s Writers.

@FrancesMForde #FrancesMacForde #AvonValleyWritersFest #SocWomensWritersWA #WritingForScreen #WritingWorkshop #Workshops #Writing #Screenwriting #WomenWriters

Read Full Post »

Sphinx Productions, 1985

Posted in Film Friends, MOVIES, Perth City, Scripts, Sounds, Writing, tagged FilmTVInstitute, Mid-WesternTV, PeterAquilina, VIDEO:ShatteredWindos on April 9, 2015| 2 Comments »

In 1985, I met Peter Aquilina through production & direction courses at FTI and set up Sphinx Productions to gain professional experience in our chosen careers of film and video.

We worked well, Pete was technically amazing I had loads of admin experience but both of us wanted the freedom to direct and produce our own stuff. On our ‘zero’ budget, we knew we had to start small.

As Functions Manager of the Riverton and Kelmscott Hotels and High Road Tavern in the early 80’s, I ran a talent quest ‘Best in the West’ to attract patrons into the venues. On top of the $1000 cash prize, I offered the winning talent a promotional video – a big deal in those days.

So, the first music video I wrote, produced and directed was named for the song called ‘Shattered Windows’ – remember, this was 1985 and music videos were all the rage.

The song was written and performed by two excellent (and very cute according to my 8 year old daughter) Break-Dancers. But they didn’t want a dance video, they wanted to showcase their music.

I wrote a script, weaving a visual story but also to work professionally with a blueprint. Over about 5 or 6 weekends spent with friends and borrowed equipment, we got it all shot and edited just in time to enter the FTI Film Awards.

While shooting the zero-budget video, we used four locations; a street in North Perth, The Old Perth Railway Station, the burnt-out Swan Brewery (with permission) and the Mid-West TV studio where Pete worked at the time.

Although it’s not a perfect copy I’m still pretty proud, all these years later. I’d love to know what happened to the talented Break Dancers.

My film-partner, 18 year old Peter Aquilina won the FTI Young Filmakers Cinematography Award in 1985.

He’s producing amazing screen work all over the world but with much bigger budgets, now…

@FrancesMForde ##FrancesMacForde #PeterAquilina #VIDEO:ShatteredWindows #FilmTVInstitute #Mid-WesternTV

Read Full Post »

Lost Perth Sensational 70’s

Posted in COMMUNITY, Other blogs, Perth City, tagged LostPerthSensational70's, PerthCity, WhenWe's on March 21, 2015| 1 Comment »

10987398_810979495639773_8754861324573753268_n

Actually taken by my family of our family in 1975. (Don’t know who ‘Andy Parry’ is at all?)

Last night, a new TV show hit Perth screens; Lost Perth Sensational 70’s debuted on Channel 9. And it all started with their Facebook Page!

And what a sensation it has been! So many loved being taken down memory lane, seeing shots of Perth from way back when… we’re all ‘when-we’s at heart, hey?

I was one of many thousands who sent in a photo now included on the site. Mine was taken when I first arrived here in 1975, playing mini-golf with some of my family in Scarborough.

Next week, (same time, same channel) the episode will be ‘Lost Perth Sensational 80’s’ and I can’t wait!

Here’s the link to view the program: http://www.9jumpin.com.au/show/lostperthsensational70s/episodes/season-1/episode-1/lost-perth-sensational-70s/#autoplay

@FrancesMForde #LostPerthSensational70’s #ScarboroughMiniGolf #PhotosWayBackWhen #WhenWe’s

Read Full Post »

Observations on a train…

Posted in Perth City, Prose, Rail Tales, Writing on February 5, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Avail. ‘For Sale’.

Melissa

Another routine journey before ‘vibrate’ became the norm.

Muffled music begins and everyone near searches in pockets and pouches for their mobiles. Melissa speaks loudly and I observe.

So busy performing, she appears to ski over life!

What people wear and what they say seem more important than any action.

Melissa looks sixteen, but is probably twenty-odd. Her eyes hold age, but not on first impression, you have to look deeply.

She is the sort who falls madly and passionately in love with the best looking guys who orbit her world. But it never lasts.

The falling ~ the flirting ~ the first act of sex… The games, are enough.

She doesn’t really like sex, but knows how to use it, anything after that pales, and Melissa exits without even a backward glance.

Sometimes, she’ll tell them, sometimes not. Often left wondering what they’ve done wrong they’ll question, “Was it my performance?”

The world is slowly becoming populated by good-looking, emasculated guys asking each other “Why?”

Melissa flits happily between her trendy unit in Scarborough Daddy pays for, the city where Mum lets her use her own Gold Visa card and University; a playground of fresh meat every new semester.

Swapping courses frequently, she dabbles in a little bit of every discipline, not concerned with marks, just passing to keep the coffers open.

Melissa has no intention of finishing anything but wants to stay in her young world. She doesn’t intend changing her life and enjoys being looked after.

Daddy’s little Princess.

She has no ambition other than to decorate her reality and be seen and heard in all the right places.

For most people, it’s easier to let her have her own way – her tantrums are awesome.

Because she demands it, she always gets exactly what she wants!

@FrancesMForde #FrancesMacForde #BOOK:RailTales #ObservationsOnATrain #PeopleWatching

Read Full Post »

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!

Posted in COMMUNITY, Other blogs, Perth City, Writing, tagged AustraliaDay2015, PerthDailyPhoto on January 27, 2015| Leave a Comment »

My sister-in-law does a Perth Daily Photo (Travel) blog and has just posted a wonderful series of photos and a link to a video showcasing our Australia Day Celebrations on the Swan River.

Enjoy!

#AustraliaDay2015 #PerthDailyPhoto

Read Full Post »

Bookshops

Posted in Books, COMMUNITY, Ireland, McAlpine Bell Publishing, Perth City, Poetry, WA Writers, Writers, tagged BoffinsBookShop, books, Bookshops, Elizabeth'sBookshop, FrancesMacaulayForde, MillStBookshopCaffe, POEM:TheBoffin, poems, poetry, SalmonBookshop, SalmonPoetry, writers on January 17, 2015| 3 Comments »

For lovers of books, bookshops will always entice.

I’ve mentioned my favorite bookshop, nestled in Ennistymon, County Clare, Ireland is also a Literary Centre, run by Jessie Lendennie, publisher of Salmon Press. A meeting place for those in the poetry scene in Ireland where Jessie is both necessary and influential.

Across the oceans, here on the Cafe Strip in Fremantle, Elizabeth’s Bookshop has long been a place to fall into soft couches with a favorite tome and lose yourself for a while.

MillPointCaffeBookshop in South Perth serves coffee and is a favorite haunt for a writer friend who literally immerses himself in words, while he creates.

While Boffins Bookshop in Williams Street in Perth City specialize…

The Boffin

Bookshops are like lovers,

they numb in black & white

then seduce you with colour,

titillate and tempt your soul

until you finally let go,

find the courage to close

the book ~ pages which leave

you gasping The breath of air

on your face feels like a slap.

Finalist “Inner City Life” Literary Competition 2004.

@FrancesMForde #FrancesMacForde #Bookshops #POEM:TheBoffin #SalmonBookshop #SalmonPoetry #Elizabeth’sBookshop #MillStBookshopCaffe #BoffinsBookShop #Writers #Poetry #Poems #Books

Read Full Post »

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot.

Posted in nature, Perth City, Poetry, Writing, tagged FrancesMacaulayForde, PerthSweltered, POEM:SunKissed on January 5, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Today Perth reached 44.4 degrees just before 2pm – 36.7 degrees by 11am and the 3rd hottest day for January on record.

I’ve copied one of my sister-in-law’s excellent beach photos to show you what is just down the road from here… but you won’t find me there – I don’t go out in extreem heat!

Everything in the garden is wilted – I’ve just replenished the bowls of water for the birds again and given all my pot plants a good soaking. I know the birds will find the bowls and take a dip later… to cool down. Whether I can save my plants is another thing entirely… that sun was brutal today.

Sun kissed

Like a cobra,

I am coiled

ready to strike

any who dare

limit my growth.

Germinating new

species hidden

deep in the earth

waiting to bloom

coloured with sun.

Tensioned taut,

fire ravaged, I am

nature harnessed

before springing

back to life.

@FrancesMForde #POEM:SunKissed #PerthSweltered

Read Full Post »

Bench space…

Posted in COMMUNITY, Love, Perth City, Short Stories, Writing, tagged FrancesMacaulayForde, PerthDailyPhoto, ShortStory on November 17, 2014| Leave a Comment »

There’s something about Perth people. Although our beautiful sprawling city feels like a small town, our people think internationally.

So I wasn’t at all surprised to see my sister-in-law had unearthed another ‘treasure’ here in Perth – one I was familiar with through the romcom (one of my all-time favourites) “Notting Hill” and that garden scene.

Like my sister-in-law, I am also intrigued to find out who ‘Rodd and Nicole 2002′ are or were. So, I let my imagination fill in words:

Bench space…

Rodney. What makes you think I’d want a rotten wooden bench with tombstone writing on it? Ewwww. A scabby reminder of old people who sat together in some cold and miserable place in England, years ago? And it must have cost thousands to get over here…. why didn’t you just go to Tiffany’s in King St? You know I like new stuff… not crappy used things that no-one else wants anymore. Really Rodney – get a life!

Where’s the romance in that, Nicole?

Who wants romance – bling’s the thing Rod. I love it when you introduce me to your friends, like at ‘Muse’ the other night. Everyone loved my outfit – I’m a Perry girl through and through!

I thought we had a ‘life’, together or were at least were building one. You’re not just – and why were you smoking again? Who was that bloke outside? You could be pregnant…

Roddy, Roddy, Roddy, chill already. Speaking of Alex – do you want to come watch me try on my Perth Cup outfit? I have to order early… he’s making it in blue, to match my eyes. Perhaps we could visit Tiffany’s again, something Sapphire-ish?

Nicole, we don’t seem to be on the same page – if we ever were. Did I tell you, I bumped into an old friend? Her name is Alex too…

About the preggers thing, Roddy… I got the injection when I went to the doc about a boob job.

You don’t need one!

It’s my body! Just increase my card limit and I’ll surprise you one day, hey?

Yes, about the card. I’ve cancelled it.

What? Did you get me another one? American Express is better, I’ve heard.

Alex is a lawyer. We met at UWA. Did I tell you…

My bum’s numb from this friggin’ bench. Can we go back to the hotel now?

I wanted you to see what I’d done with it – wanted to let other people enjoy it, feel the romance, like I did.

Great idea, Roddy. Can we go now?

Go where, Nicole? You won’t even give me bench space…

#FrancesMForde #PerthDailyPhoto #ShortStory

Read Full Post »

Desertification

Posted in Books, Favorite Writers, nature, Perth City, Poetry, WA Writers, Writers, Writing, tagged Australia, DennisHaskell, Desertification, Environment, FrancesMacaulayForde, GlenPhillips, JohnKinsella, poems, poets on October 7, 2014| 1 Comment »

ACT 1: This poem “Desertification” 1st appeared in the 2007 anthology of Fellowship of Australian Writers WA “Lines in the Sand”, on page 28.

ACT 2: Also that year, I was flattered to be asked to read it at the launch of John Kinsella‘s “Shades of the Sublime and Beautiful” published in 2008 by Fremantle Press, together with Dennis Haskell and Glen Phillips, in the University of WA bookshop. There was a video taken that night but I can’t get it to upload here…

ACT 3: This poem inspired a young poet Marlia Douglas to write her own poem with the same title. I found all this out when Marlia turned up at one of my Poets Corner events.

She just happened to be in the State Library when it was on, and poked her head in to listen. As host I was constantly looking out for new poets and convinced her to read in the Open Mic section.

Marlia said her poem had been inspired by Frances Macaulay Forde’s poem of the same name and didn’t even realize I had just introduced her to the audience. They were mostly regulars and applauded loudly when they heard her comment knowing she didn’t know who I was.

Her version of the poem later appeared in INDIGO JOURNAL Vol3 (2010) which also included another of my poems “My Life as a Sari”.

ACT 4: This is a recording of the poem I did a few years ago.

desertification

before cultivation the water flowed

bouncing on leaves falling falling

to pool on fertile forest floor below

before cultivation the water flowed

flora bursting with life and clean air

jostling for sunspace canopy flirting

before cultivation the water flowed

we didn’t listen as we ploughed

clearing tree roots to feed fields

before cultivation the water flowed

now encrusted salt lusts after land

no sweetness here just bitter dry sand

#FrancesMacaulayForde #Desertification #Poems #Environment #Australia #John Kinsella #Glen Phillips #Dennis Haskell #poets

Read Full Post »

Red Hat Society

Posted in Crafts, Perth City, Poetry, Writers, Writing, tagged FrancesMacaulayForde, Poem:wARNING, rEDaNDpURPLE, RedHatSociety, SueEllenCooper on October 2, 2014| 3 Comments »

Each month, hubby and I peddle our wares at Kalamunda Village Market.

It has an old-fashion market feel with music from my era (60’s & 70’s) piped around the park by good quality HD speakers and I often find myself grooving to the beat between customers.

Used to be that you could only have a stall if you made everything yourself, locally. Nowadays they seem to have slackened that rule, more’s the pity…

What really cheers up my day is when the crowds suddenly turn red and purple with the arrival of the ladies from the “Red Hat Society”.

The movement stated in America with Jenny Joseph’s poem, “Warning.” given to Sue Ellen Cooper of California with a red Fedora as a birthday gift.

Now 40,000 PLUS chapter in the US and many in 30 different countries later, members certainly brighten up any market! Good on them!

Red Hat Society

I don’t have to wait – to get old before

they let me in to their secret society.

Not to wear the red hat – I must wear pink

until I reach that exalted time. I must be

content to wait, but practice I may, so as

not to shock those close with the changes.

When I finally get to the place where there

is fun after fifty* and I can make up for the

sobriety of my youth.* Here’s my heads-up,

my ‘Warning’ – an ode to non-conformity.*