Hi, it’s been a long time coming but
Blur the Line is back baby! The
filmmaking workshops that blurred the line between productions and workshops.
Blur the Line
This time, we be firmly in productions as Fabstir will be
funding films, providing equipment and technical expertise. Fabstir is a
brand new video streaming network and streams to audiences and to
cinema where the revenue goes directly to the filmmakers. See the next
article on how we beamed to a private cinema in Soho.
I will be
managing the workshops through The Croydon Filmmaking Meetup where I’ve recently
taken over as organiser. Please feel free to join the Meetup group to be kept up to date with the
productions and workshops.
Let’s meet up over a drink or two at a local
pub to discuss. Be great to
hear what you’ve been up to, projects you have. Your chance to say what
you want from the group at The Croydon Filmmaking Meetup AGM Meetup. You’ll hear about the plans for the film productions
that I hope that you will be involved in and we hope to support as many of you as
possible in your filmmaking endeavours.
An Evening of Award-Winning Short Films Films in the
City
Fabstir has launched its innovative Media Player specifically
designed for cinemas, creating a vital new pathway for community-driven films
that typically struggle to reach the big screen through traditional distribution
channels. The
Fabstir Network captures blockchain-verified proof of audience
engagement—from social media interactions to sales data—enabling cinemas to make
informed screening decisions based on actual community interest. Our goal is to
connect cinemas worldwide with local filmmakers whose work resonates with nearby
audiences, creating opportunities for meaningful community screening events.
Award-Winning Screening in London’s Soho
At our recent
Fabstir co-organised event with Non-Multiplex Cinema’s “Films in the City” on 20th February
in a private cinema at Karma Sanctum Soho, London, we
showcased several outstanding short films using the Fabstir Media Player. The
audience choice award went to the stunning audio-visual art film “We Dance for
Life” – a powerful creative interpretation of pioneering cancer research.
“We Dance for Life”: Art Meets Science
Fabstir has launched its
innovative Media Player specifically designed for cinemas, creating a vital new
pathway for community-driven films that typically struggle to reach the big
screen through traditional distribution channels. Commissioned by Sutton
Council, “We Dance for Life” beautifully captures the groundbreaking cancer
research taking place at the
London Cancer Hub. Director Ian Sciacaluga and
Victor Films created this remarkable piece featuring choreographed dance
sequences that creatively interpret scientific concepts, enhanced by striking
aerial footage. The film was shot across iconic Sutton landmarks, including
Mayfield Lavender fields, Manor & Beddington Parks, the Benhill Estate and
Sutton High Street. Dozens of local volunteers participated in the energetic
dance sequences, which are intercut with scenes of scientists at work at The
Institute of Cancer Research, London. The film showcases how Sutton is not only
rich in heritage and culture but also a world-class centre for scientific
research that’s spearheading advances in cancer treatment.
The London
Cancer Hub: A Global Centre of Excellence
The screening held special
significance as the
London Cancer Hub featured in the film is already Europe’s
leading cancer research district. Recent landmark investments are transforming
it into a global centre of innovation in cancer research and drug discovery.
The Hub represents one of London’s most significant regeneration projects and,
once completed, will make Sutton home to the world’s largest cancer life science
district. The economic impact is projected to be substantial, with contributions
of approximately £1.2 billion to the UK economy, a £12 million increase in
business rates, and the creation of 13,000 jobs across health, science,
education and construction sectors.
A Personal Testament to Life-Saving
Work
The evening took on an especially poignant dimension when an audience member
spontaneously delivered a heartfelt speech praising the Royal Marsden hospital,
which partners with the London Cancer Hub. He shared his personal journey of how
the hospital had saved his life, and spoke movingly about his ongoing recovery
from a recent cancer operation. This powerful testament underscored the
real-world impact of the innovative research being conducted at the London
Cancer Hub and celebrated through “We Dance for Life.”
Through
initiatives like this, Fabstir continues its mission to empower creators and
communities while building stronger connections between filmmakers and their
audiences through blockchain-verified engagement on
Base and
S5/Sia Tech.
Films in the City An Evening of Award-Winning Short Films
Dear Film Enthusiast,
We’re thrilled to invite you to
‘Films in the City’, an exclusive screening of four remarkable short films at
the prestigious Karma Sanctum Soho on Thursday, 20th February 2025.
Our carefully curated selection includes:
“A Bear
Named Wojtek” – An Academy Award-shortlisted animated masterpiece that brings to
life the extraordinary true story of a Syrian brown bear adopted by Polish
soldiers during World War II. This touching tale of friendship and resilience
has already garnered multiple international awards, including a British
Animation Award.
“Witch” – A gripping adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s short
story, this unsettling tale transforms an ordinary train journey into something
extraordinary through compelling performances.
“Dragunov” – A powerful anti-war film set during the
coalition war in Afghanistan, following the complex dynamics between a local
hunter and two stranded mercenaries. This debut from Kilgore Films has earned
acclaim across international festivals for both ‘Best Short’ and ‘Best First
Time Director’.
“We Dance for Life” – An innovative blend of dance and
science, this film creatively interprets groundbreaking cancer research at the
London Cancer Hub. Featuring stunning aerial photography across Sutton’s iconic
locations, it masterfully combines choreographed sequences with scientific
concepts.
Schedule: 18:00 –
Arrival and Welcome Drinks 19:00 – Film Screenings 20:30 – Filmmaker Q&A
20:50 – Audience Choice Award 21:00 – Networking
The evening will take
place in a state-of-the-art private cinema that perfectly balances vintage
glamour with modern digital projection technology, streamed from Fabstir
network. The venue’s sophisticated bar
provides an ideal setting for networking with fellow filmmakers and industry
professionals.
The evening centred around my presentation of how Fabstir streaming network enables filmmakers and
distributors to forge meaningful connections with their audiences while
maintaining complete control over their content. It was a deep-dive into Fabstir’s
UI, its different revenue models and more.
Fabstir: Key Benefits
FAIRNESS
90%+ revenue direct to creators
Flexible partnership terms
Creator-chosen royalty rates
SPEED
Payments within minutes
USDC on Base blockchain
Seamless transactions
CLARITY
Transparent onchain analytics
Immutable transaction records
Real-time earnings data
EMPOWERMENT
Full content ownership
Automated smart contracts
Equal negotiating power
What stood out was the depth of questions from attendees, revealing genuine
interest in breaking free from traditional distribution constraints. Filmmakers
were particularly excited about:
Building direct relationships with their audience
Receiving revenue instantly to fund new projects
Setting their own pricing and partnership terms
Using AI-powered search to help viewers find content they’ll love
The evening demonstrated how onchain technology
can amplify rather than dilute creative vision, enabling a new wave of
community-driven content that doesn’t need to follow conventional industry
playbooks. Watch the presentation:
For those who couldn’t attend or would like to learn more: Overview (3 mins) – Key features of Fabstir’s streaming network video 1
Full Presentation (1hr 35mins) – In-depth exploration of how Fabstir
can transform content distribution and monetisation in the entertainment industry video 2
This event was
organised by Fabstir and supported by Base (an Ethereum layer-2 blockchain incubated by Coinbase)
Happy New Year and hope 2025 is off to a great start for you.
Most recent Non-Multiplex Cinema events
On 23rd January in Soho, London, I’m organising a special industry event supported by the Base team from Coinbase at the prestigious Karma Sanctum Soho.
I spent more than four years development of Fabstir, a revolutionary streaming network that puts control back in the hands of filmmakers and distributors is ready to launch. Its aim is to reshape how we distribute and monetise film in the digital age.
Why This Matters to You:
Direct-to-Consumer Distribution: Launch your own branded streaming platform with complete control over pricing, presentation and audience engagement
Transparent Revenue Model: Receive 95% of all sales within minutes – whether through subscription streaming, digital purchases or direct audience tips
Flexible Distribution Options: Choose to handle distribution yourself or collaborate with established distributors through our transparent, automated payment system
New Investment Opportunities: Explore innovative funding mechanisms through tokenisation (pending regulatory frameworks)
The evening will feature:
Introduction to Base team from Coinbase and its role in transforming creative and community industries
Presentation of Fabstir’s innovative streaming platform
Extended networking with industry professionals
Complimentary canapés and welcome drink
Private cinema room and dedicated networking space
This collaboration represents a significant opportunity to bring mainstream attention to independent film and distribution.
I’d be delighted to see you there and discuss how these innovations could benefit your projects. Feel free to forward this invitation to colleagues who might be interested in the future of film distribution and streaming.
Required Disclaimers: This event is supported by Base but organized by Fabstir.
Coinbase Data Use Notice: By registering for an event, you agree that any information you provide, including but not limited to your name, email, and wallet address, may be used by Coinbase for purposes of supporting the event and contacting you for event follow-up. Additionally, wallet address information may be used by Coinbase to view public blockchain activity for purposes of gathering onchain insights and trends.
Event Photo Release: By attending this event, you agree to be included in photographs and/or footage that may be taken and used by Coinbase for marketing and publicity purposes, on its website, blog and in social media or in any third party publication.
Join us for an exceptional evening of networking and knowledge-sharing at the prestigious Karma Sanctum Soho, where leading industry figures will share their experiences and insights into the current UK film landscape.
Event hosted by
Non-Multiplex Cinema.
Featured Speakers
Michael Wright – Producer/Director, “The Undertaker”
Fresh from winning Best Feature at the Marbella International Film Festival, Michael Wright will share his journey of bringing “The Undertaker” to screens across the UK. With Paul McGann and Tara Fitzgerald leading the cast, Michael will discuss the challenges and triumphs of funding, casting, and distributing a sub-£1m British feature film. Drawing from his 30+ years of industry experience, including work with Aardman and his recognition at Cannes, Michael offers invaluable insights into navigating the independent film landscape.
Urvisha Patel & Presh Williams – Founders, Cinnect
Meet the innovative minds behind Cinnect, a groundbreaking platform revolutionising film distribution. Urvisha and Presh will demonstrate how their AI-powered technology is transforming the way independent films reach their audiences. Drawing from their experience with Big Picture Film Club, they’ll share insights into maximising commercial viability and connecting with distributors in today’s competitive market.
Event Schedule
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Welcome & Networking
7:30 PM – 8:15 PM: Speaker Presentations
8:15 PM – 9:30 PM: Further Networking
Venue Features
Private cinema room with state-of-the-art screening facilities
Dedicated networking space with private bar
Serving a full range of drinks including beers, wines, cocktails and soft drinks
Event Details
Date: Thursday, 14th November Time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM Location: Karma Sanctum Soho, 20 Warwick Street, London W1B 5NF
Ticket Information
Early Bird: £6 (Limited availability)
Standard Entry: £11-£12
Spaces are strictly limited to ensure quality networking opportunities. Secure your place now for this intimate gathering of film industry professionals.
Fabstir is groundbreaking technology for instant revenue generation streams, innovation in fundraising and audience discovery where you can stream straight to consumer or with resellers.
We are excited to announce the list of speakers for this premier film and media networking event:
Nidhi Gupta transitioned from being a doctor to a successful filmmaker. She has produced over 70 hours of medical education content and 12 hours of factual entertainment, including “Celluloid Dreams” for Cambridge TV. Nidhi’s work has received funding from prestigious organizations. Will be explaining how to make a living in the film industry as well as showcasing some of her work.
Jules Lai the founder of Fabstir, have developed a new economic model and technology for the film and music industry that allows content creators to receive instant payment, analytics, audience discovery and take back control of their content and career. He will be showing you how.
Robin Kirwan is an actor from London who has appeared in over 50 productions across Europe, including “Eggsistence” and the acclaimed sci-fi film “Darkwave”. He also wrote and directed the film “Dragunov”, which won awards for ‘Best First Time Director’ at international film festivals. Will be showcasing some of this work. We’ve bagged ourselves a prime venue, again in the heart of Soho, where we can enjoy some top-notch drinks and nibbles while we network.
The event takes palce at a prime venue, in the heart of Soho, where we can enjoy some top-notch drinks and nibbles while we network.
Karma Sanctum Soho
A brilliant chance to forge new partnerships and make some fantasticconnections. You’ll be rubbing shoulders with professionals from acrossthe sector so should be something for everyone.
Book now to get your early bird tickets at 50% off here. Normal entry will be £10-£12. So don’t miss out! Date and time: Wed 2 October 2024, 6.30pm Drinks and Networking 6.30pm – 9:30pm
Location: Karma Sanctum Soho, 20 Warwick St, London W1B 5NF For event tickets, click here
Fabstir is groundbreaking blockchain technology for instant revenue generation streams, innovation in fundraising and audience discovery where you the film community own the network.
The film industry networking event for creatives, industry professionals and beyond.
Welcome to the second networking event after the recent successful reboot. Our first had some really talented people attending
and it was great to meet you all.
We’re back at The Little Scarlet Door in the heart of Soho, with its fun, cool and creative vibe where even the quietest voices can be heard. Helps to get everyone comfortable, mingling and talking about projects, learning from each other and spawn new collaborations etc. The venue has excellent bar service and snacks too.
Learn about my project to unlock the film industry. Fabstir, groundbreaking blockchain technology
for new revenue generation streams, innovation in fundraising and audience discovery.
Early bird tickets all gone. Limited amount of standard tickets at only £10. Don’t miss out! Click here
Date and time: Thu 15 August 2024,
6pm
Drinks and Networking 6pm – 9:30pm
Location:
The Little Scarlet Door, 12-13 Greek Street, London, W1D 4DL
Non-Multiplex Cinema Networking
Party Thurs 18 July 6.30pm @ The Little Scarlet Door (Soho)
Join us at The Little Scarlet Door, a unique and quirky basement
studio in the heart of Soho, for our exclusive film networking event.
This vibrant venue, known for its creative and laid-back atmosphere,
provides the perfect setting for filmmakers to connect, collaborate, and
inspire one another. With its eclectic decor and cozy vibe, The Little
Scarlet Door promises an unforgettable evening of mingling and
idea-sharing. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of an
exciting community of film enthusiasts in one of London’s most dynamic
locations.
Come celebrate Non-Multiplex Cinema’s launch of a truly groundbreaking video streaming ecosystem called Fabstir. Introducing the world’s first direct-to-consumer business hub for film creators, musicians and artists where everyone owns their work, gets paid fairly and learn about our fundraising innovation for your projects; built with next generation tokenisation blockchain technology.
Hear news too about our plans to open a futuristic community film
studio and we want to work with you. Come build an exciting
future together!
Date and time: Thu, 18 July 2024,
6:30pm
Drinks and Networking 6:30pm – 9:30pm
DJ Afterparty from 9.30pm – ’till late
Location:
The Little Scarlet Door, 12-13 Greek Street, London, W1D 4DL
We are operating a guest list, space is limited. Entry is *free*.
Non-Multiplex Cinema has expanded to the 22nd century…
New name Fabstir. Meaning fabulous + stirring → a filmmaking revolution is coming!
I am restarting community filmmaking with a different approach. For starters, we have our brand new Discord Server, come join, invite here: https://discord.gg/cpe7crbrj4
We will be opening a virtual production studio this year asap. If you know Unreal Engine 5.x, the software used for shows like The Mandalorian, or can help in any other way then get in touch with me (@Jules L#5370) on Discord.
The productions will be financed, payments in digital money.
We have A.I. specialist on our team, to use tools to speed up production and give that multi $$$ look. Plenty of cool tech emerging for filmmakers.
Will distribute on our own video streaming platform. More info https://fabstir.com/. It’s not exclusive so can publish on over platforms too.
Look forward to working with you to make cool ground-breaking films.
We invite discussions with all sectors in the film industry