- Derby Book Festival (May 31st – June 7th).
The first ever Derby Book Festival includes over 60 events and activities, including internationally celebrated, best-selling authors and a broad range of local writing talent. Highlights include Michael Morpurgo, David Nicholls, Sarah Waters, Katie Fforde, Simon Armitage, Penelope Lively and James Naughtie. - Flamstead Book Festival – Books in the Belfry, Hertfordshire (5th – 6th June).
With guests including Sophie Hanna and Jane Hawking. Check out the website for the full programme. Proceeds go towards restoration of the town’s church. 
Winchester Writers’ Festival (19th – 21st June).
The 35th annual Winchester Writers’ Festival; support for new and established creative writers from around the UK and overseas working in all forms and genres. The programme offers workshops, talks and informal socialising with literary agents, editors, authors and publishing experts.- Wigan Comic Con (13th June) – celebrities, cars, cosplay and much more.
- Lancaster Comics Day (14th June) – A day of comics and fun at Lancaster Library.
- Laydeez do Comics Graphic Novel Forum London (15th June) – “like a combination between a book club and a series of TED talks” Julie Davis 2013. A unique graphic novel forum with a focus on comic works based on life narrative, the drama of the domestic and the everyday.
- ELCAF, London (20th – 21st June) – the 4th East London Comics and Arts Festival; dedicated to showcasing all things related to comics, graphic novels, sequential art, illustration and storytelling based in East London.
- Cardiff Independent Comic Expo (27th June) – Cardiff’s only independent comic show returns in 2015 at Cardiff Masonic Hall, to showcase the very best in independent comic artists, writers, publishers, retailers, illustrators and more, from South Wales and beyond.
Follow Friday – Redshirt Films
Posted by Rich - 12th June 2015
It’s about time we mentioned some of our favourite filmmakers; Redshirt Films!
Jamie McKeller and his film company are based in York, in the north of England, where they have been producing videos since 2010. Their productions include hilarious mockumentary web series I Am Tim Helsing: Monster Hunter, table top gaming comedy Nights at the Round Table, Star Trek parody The Away Mission and many hilarious shorts.
Their most recent sketch piece is a heart rending look at the personal life of Phil Tippett – Dinosaur Supervisor. It follows Phil as he tries to rebuild his life after becoming the subject of the recently popular meme (based on the credits from Jurassic Park).
You can find all of Redshirt Films’ videos on YouTube and Dailymotion. We highly recommend binging on I Am Tim, which is very close to our monster hunting hearts. They have a whole bunch of new titles in production, including How To Kill Monsters, HenchGirl4Hire, Zombie Force and Dude Quest, so subscribe now so you don’t miss out on release day.
For updates and more you can follow Redshirt Films on Twitter (@redshirtjamie) and Facebook (/redshirtfilms), or check out their website, redshirtfilms.com.
Announcing our Flash Fiction Competition!
Posted by Chrissey Harrison - 8th June 2015
Flash fiction is the art of telling short, powerful stories. In celebration of National Flash Fiction Day on the 27th June, we’re inviting writers to share their flash fiction with us.
The Great Escape features genre fiction, with an emphasis on escapism. Other than this, there is no specific theme or special requirements for this competition; we want to hear the stories you want to tell.
Visit our Competitions Page for more information and full terms and conditions.
Follow Friday – Critique Circle
Posted by Chrissey Harrison - 5th June 2015
Critique Circle is an Icelandic based site where writers can share work for feedback. The site works on a credits system to ensure reciprocity. Each time someone provides a critique of another writer’s work they earn a credit which they can then spend on submitting their own work.
There are many different writer’s groups and forums out there, but it is often difficult to find somewhere where you know you’ll get the feedback you need. Unlike other sites like Absolute Write or the NaNoWriMo forums, where existing writer communities provide a place to exchange feedback, Critique Circle started as a place to exchange feedback and grew into a community.
The site has expanded over the years since it started way back in 2003 and now includes loads of extra features, such as writing and submission tracking tools, forum and community blog.
The main action takes place on the site itself, but you can connect with them on Twitter (@CritiqueCircle) or Facebook (/critiquecircle)
Coming up in June 2015
Posted by Chrissey Harrison - 1st June 2015
Coming this June on The Great Escape:
Wednesday 3rd June – Over the Edge – Two survivors find themselves stranded in the mountains after their bus goes over the edge of a ravine in this new short story by resident writer Chrissey Harrison.
Monday 8th June – Writing contest announcement! – We’re running a flash fiction writing competition in celebration of National Flash Fiction day on Saturday 27th. We’ll announce full details on Monday 8th and there will be two weeks until the deadline on the 22nd June. The best entries will feature on the site on Saturday 27th and could be featured in our next print/ebook anthology.
Wednesday 10th June – Breakout: 4K digital cinema cameras and indie film making (pilot episode) – Join us for our debut podcast on all things films, fiction and comics. This month’s pilot features a discussion about 4K in which we mostly get distracted talking about 3D.
The Great Escape team record the pilot episode of Breakout.
Wednesday 17th June – Interview with Mike Allwood – We chat to Mike, organiser of Cardiff Independent Comic Expo, to find out more about one of the friendliest events on the comic convention circuit. This year Cardiff Expo takes place on 27th June at Cardiff Masonic Hall.
Wednesday 24th June – Faith Healers: The Flesh Angel – a new instalment in our continuing tale of the nephilim nurses’ investigation of the mysterious flesh crafter. Read the story from the beginning.
Saturday 27th June – National Flash Fiction day – We’ll be featuring the best entries to our flash fiction competition here on the site.
Catch new instalments of our web comic, Business Bear, from comic creator Kristian Griffiths, on Thursday 4th and 18th June.
Friday Follows – every Friday we’ll be featuring a site, service or person we think is worth following. Check out our past suggestions here.
Monday is News day – Every Monday our blog will feature news and updates from the worlds of indie films, fiction and comics.
Follow Friday – Bristol Creatives
Posted by Chrissey Harrison - 29th May 2015
Bristol Creatives is an artist-led networking and marketing initiative for visual and applied artists in the city. This website acts as a friendly and informal meeting place and information centre for anyone interested in the arts in Bristol.
The Bristol Creatives site features a Creative Directory with listings for all types of creatives based in the Bristol area, including artists, illustators, animators and more.
Their What’s On section features exhibitions, arts trail and open studios events happening in the city, so you can check out the work of local creatives. It also features workshops and courses for those keen to learn new skills, get creative or to try something new.
Other site features include news, jobs listings and extensive resource links.
So if your work involves creativity in any form and you are interested in meeting and networking with other creative people in the Bristol area, then Bristol Creatives is one to follow. You can find them on Twitter (@bristolcreative) and Facebook (/bristolcreatives)
Events News – June 2015
Posted by Chrissey Harrison - 25th May 2015
This is the Great Escape’s guide to things happening in the world of indie films, fiction, comics and the arts. We’ve pulled together a bunch of events for you to check out in June…
In the World of Indie Film
VidUKon, Cardiff (12th – 14th June) – A fan run convention for fan vidders and vid watchers, including screenings, panels and workshops.
Edinburgh International Film Festival (17th – 28th June) – Intimate in its scale, ambitious in its scope, and fueled by pure passion for cinema in all its manifestations, the EIFF seeks to spotlight the most exciting and innovative new film talent.
Secret Cinema – The Empire Strikes Back (from 4th June) – Secret Cinema are seeking rebels from across the Earth’s territories to join the Rebel Alliance in their fight against the Galactic Empire.
This Month in Fiction
National Flash-Fiction Day – 27th June 2015 – Now in their fourth year, National Flash Fiction Day aims to celebrate all that is exciting and bold and, above all, brief in the world of flash-fiction. They’ll be highlighting the work of writers and groups currently active in flash-fiction. Check out their website for details of events. (Twitter @nationalflashfd)
Book and Writing Festivals happening this month include:
For more book fairs and literary festivals, check out literaryfestivals.co.uk.
Comic Events
It’s a busy month on the comic convention scene. Here are some of the events happening:
Other Cool Stuff that’s Happening
BIANCO is back. Bigger, better and more beautiful than before. Cardiff’s No Fit State Circus will be back in their home city from 12th – 27th June where you can catch BIANCO before they take the show on tour around the world.
Brite Theater Presents: Richard III (A one woman show) – Emily Carding stars as the entire cast in Richard III, touring throughout the South West and wider festival scene this summer.
Follow Friday – Thrill Writing / Fiona Quinn
Posted by Chrissey Harrison - 22nd May 2015
This week’s Follow Friday goes out to Fiona Quinn and her blog Thrill Writing – Helping writers write it right.
Thrill Writing brings together resources and articles on the types of things writers need to know in order to write good thrillers, but that are hard to experience first hand. Maybe you need to study up on the features of a particular drug habit, learn the inner workings of a hand gun, or take in a crash course on forensic entomology.
The site contains some articles from experts in their field, often presented as interviews. Other posts are compiled by Fiona herself and these are usually packed full of links to other resources, so you can use them as a starting point for your research.
Follow Thrill Writing via Twitter (@ThrillWritingFQ) or Facebook (/ThrillWriting)
Fiona is also an author of Romantic suspense. Her new series starts with Weakest Lynx, which is available now. You can also follow Fiona via Twitter (@FionaQuinnBooks) or Facebook (/FionaQuinnBooks)
TGE News – Convention Appearances in 2015
Posted by Chrissey Harrison - 20th May 2015
Over the rest of 2015 we’ll be attending a few comic conventions. If you’ve got tickets to any of the following, make sure you pop by our table and say hello!
Cardiff Comic Expo – Saturday 27th June
For one day only we will be celebrating and sharing our love of comics. Cardiff Expo is all about showcasing the very best in independent comics from South Wales and beyond, their creators and their talent. Tickets are on sale now.
Melksham Comic Con – Sunday 30th August
Melksham Comic Con – the little convention with a lot of power!
Melksham Comic Con is a non-profit event that celebrates and promotes comic books and sequential art in its many forms, from web comics, independent works, publishers, printers, retailers and so much more! We’re the perfect convention for people who have never been to one, or want to see what it’s all about – taking place in the heart of Wiltshire, surrounded by beautiful countryside!
Bristol Con – Saturday 26th September
BristolCon is a one-day convention organized by the BristolCon Foundation, a charitable foundation set up to support and promote speculative fiction writing, art and related activities in the South West.
Guests of Honour in 2015 will be writers Jasper Fforde and Jaine Fenn, with a possible artist GoH to be confirmed.
The convention will consist of panels and talks, an art show and small group sessions including kaffeklatsches and workshops. Books, comics and merchandise will be available in the dealers’ room and authors will be available for book signings. There will also be a games room and other entertainment in the evening.
We’ll be unveiling the first novel tie in to the Gabriel Cushing Series: Mime by Chrissey Harrison. Get a sneak peek and pre-order before the official release a few weeks later at Bristol Horror Con.
Bristol Comic and Zine Fair – Saturday 3rd October (TBC)
The Bristol Comic and Zine Fair celebrates the world of DIY and independent publishing. The fair brings together artists, writers, and publishers from across Bristol and further afield for a one-day market. 2015 will be their fifth year.
Bristol Horror Con – Saturday 17th October
The expo will celebrate horror in literature, film, music, games and art. Expect traders, guests, cosplay competitions, workshops, gaming and more! Early Bird tickets are currently on sale at £6.66.
Join us for the launch of Mime by Chrissey Harrison. There will (fingers crossed) be drinks, nibbles and freebies.
Also watch out for announcements about video screenings at our convention appearances and elsewhere later in the year.
Film Industry News – The new YouTube Subscription Model and the Indie Filmmaker
Posted by Rich - 18th May 2015
YouTube have recently announced a new initiative to offer subscriptions to users to watch content, in return for viewing YouTube ad-free – akin to their music subscription offer ‘Music Key’. This was announced in a letter to all YouTube content creators, and was widely publicised in the media. But will this new scheme benefit the content creator, or undermine the already unreliable revenues YouTube creates?
Replacing adverts with subscriptions is nothing new: Spotify notably has offered the option to go ad-free since their public launch back in 2008, so it seems no surprise that YouTube are offering such a deal to their users.
Also, as many people use YouTube as an alternative music player – essentially queuing up playlists of music videos and using them as a way of listening over using a music streaming service or radio – it seems to make sense that having a system akin to Spotify would be the perfect solution to listening interruption-free.
The letter from YouTube announcing to Creators the subscription plan
Whilst music videos may be the bread-and-butter of advertising revenue for YouTube, and so Music Key is a logical idea, the question some in the indie film industry wonder is what effect this will have on money coming into the service with a subscription-based YouTube, and more importantly to the content creators.
YouTube have repeatedly assured creators that this method is positive; there will be more money available to creators and there will be assured revenue, as there will be a fixed income for batches of views unlike the current mechanism of advertisers paying every time an advert s shown (which is not perfect due to a combination of adverts not always being shown before every view, some advertisers only paying per clickthrough, and a percentage of users using advert-blocking software such as AdBlock Plus).
This could likely mean that for content creators like ourselves, whose annual revenues from YouTube are barely in the double digits, could see a significant increase in the amount of money raised.
However, for some creators they may see their revenues decline as a result of this move – unsurprisingly, the revenues created for 100 advert streams is expected to be less than the revenue return for 100 views from subscribers. In addition, users repeatedly viewing the content on repeat (for instance, someone who really enjoys the musical stylings of Ylvis’ The Fox) only provide a fixed amount of content to the content creator per day, potentially less than someone seeing an advert every time.
Often schemes that YouTube introduce that claim to be for the benefit of the creators don’t work to expectations (such as their switch from view-based video ranking to engagement-based ranking, which caused a massive drop in views for many content larger creators as subscribers and searchers no longer saw some of the more popular content).
The Game Theorists discuss the effects of YouTube’s switch to engagement-based ranking which affected a large percentage of content creators
Only time will tell whether this scheme will be beneficial to creators. On the one hand, there might be a positive effect on revenue. On the other, it may turn out that the only one who benefits from this new deal is YouTube themselves.
Follow Friday – UK Comics Creative
Posted by Rich - 15th May 2015
UK Comics Creative is an independent printing company specialising in the production of comic books, graphic novels, anthologies, art prints and magazines, as well as t-shirts, posters, flyers, badges and more.
What makes them special is they handle small print runs whilst maintaining their excellent print standards. As such, they have become a very big name in the UK Small Press Comic market with a very high percentage of comic creators using their services to handle all their printing needs. They also have exceptional turnaround rates, helping you to get to print faster than it’s European rivals.
They have also in the past delivered stock directly to conventions and events, allowing their customers to reduce the amount of stock being lugged through crowded train stations.
More recently, they have moved into the distribution and sale of content they print through their sister site, UKOnDisplay, which holds a fantastic stock of small-press and indie comics which can’t be beat!
Find out more at www.ukcomicscreative.co.uk, follow them on Twitter ( @UKCOMICS ), or Facebook ( facebook.com/UkOnDisplay )
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