Want to make a short film?

Digital Shorts and Digital Nation 08/09 launched

Deadline: 12 noon, Monday 10 November 2008

Digital Shorts

South West Screen and the UK Film Council - in association with Exeter Phoenix Media Centre, Somerset Film and 4mations - are now looking to commission up to six short film ideas from individuals (and companies in relation to 4mations) based in the South West. If you have an innovative idea which you'd like to realise and you're interested in exploring new approaches to digital format, you can apply now either as a team made up of a writer and director or as an individual writer, director or writer/director. For applications under the 4mations strand, please see below for further information on how to apply.

What type of shorts are we looking to support?
Under Digital Shorts 2008/09, we want to support a mix of shorts (maximum 15 minutes duration for live action and documentary, and maximum five minutes duration for animation) from film-makers based in the South West. Budgets will range from £7,000 - £17,000 and any genre can be considered, although we are looking for ideas which are suitable for a range of distribution platforms.

There are four strands to the scheme this year and you will need to apply under one of them:

• Strand 1: working with Exeter Phoenix Media Centre, we are looking to support up to two projects from film-makers based in Devon (maximum 15 minutes duration, budgets circa £7,500)
• Strand 2: working with Somerset Film we are looking to support one project from film-makers wishing to work closely with the resources available at the Engine Room in Bridgwater (maximum 15 minutes duration, budget circa £7,000)
• Strand 3: working with South West Screen we are looking to support one project (maximum 15 minutes duration, budget circa £17,000)
• Strand 4: working with 4mations, the new nationwide animation scheme, we are looking to support one animation project (maximum 5 minutes duration, budget circa £7,000.)

NB: although duration has been given as 15 minutes maximum, in the case of animation projects, we are looking for projects of no more than 5 minutes duration.

Previous Digital Shorts film-makers can apply. Applicants may submit up to two projects (these could be to the same strand or two different strands). 

How do you apply?

• Read the eligibility guidelines.
• Complete the online application form.
• Attach an outline of your idea including a short synopsis, an indication on the length of the film, the style of the film and potential audiences.
• Attach an up to date CV.
• You may also send with your application DVD showreels or other visual material relevant to your application by the published deadline.

The deadline for applications is 12 noon, 10 November 2008

Please note:the 4mations strand will have its own guidelines and will open for applications on 10 October 2008. The deadline will be 10 November 2008. If you are an animator and you do not wish to apply to strands 1, 2 and 3 above, then you can apply through the 4mations website from Friday 10 October 2008.

Digital Nation

In addition to Digital Shorts, South West Screen is also able to offer Digital Nation, the scheme which replaces Digital Shorts Plus. Digital Nation invites applications from writers, directors and writer/directors who are ready to make the leap to more ambitious cinematic short films. You may have made a Digital Short or work of a similar level. For example, you may have a broadcast credit in drama or documentary or you may be an established theatre writer or director. Digital Nation will provide you with the opportunity to join a nationwide talent pool and participate in an intensive tailored development process designed to hone your script and your voice as a filmmaker. At the end of this development process the UK Film Council and Digital Shorts Strategic Partners* across the UK will choose 12 films over 2 years, each to be made at a budget of between £18, 000 and £20, 000.

How do you apply?
If you would like to be considered for the Digital Nation talent pool follow the application instructions for Digital Shorts and simply tick the Digital Nation box on the application form. You can apply to Digital Shorts and Digital Nation or just to Digital Nation.

Please note: This will be the only opportunity to apply to become part of the Digital Nation Talent Pool for the next two years.

MORE INFORMATION

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