WIREDGOV

Screen Yorkshire is hoping to attract upcoming talent with fresh and exciting approaches to filmmaking as it launches a scheme aimed at developing the next generation of writers, directors and producers. The Digital Shorts scheme, run in partnership with The UK Film Council, brings together individuals from across the region to form creative teams and has played a vital role in progressing filmmakers’ careers since its launch in 2003.

Applications are being sought for three different strands of the Digital Shorts scheme: CAUGHT SHORT will commission four films on a budget of £10,000 and two films on a budget of £16,000. One of these six films will be commissioned under a new strand aimed at Animators: 4MATIONS. The third strand, DIGITAL NATION, will give filmmakers who are ready to make the leap to more ambitious cinematic short films an opportunity to participate in an intensive tailored development process, at the end of which The UK Film Council and Regional Screen Agencies will select a total of 6 films to be made at a budget of between £18, 000 and £20, 000.

Prospective applicants can find out more about Digital Shorts at two forthcoming events: An Insight into The Digital Shorts Scheme will take place at The National Media Museum, Bradford as part of the Bite The Mango film festival programme, on 20th September (1.30 – 2.45pm). Tony Dixon, Emerging Talent Manager at Screen Yorkshire, will talk about the scheme, alongside Susan Everett, writer/director and script development executive and Matt Taabu, writer/director of Into The Woods, which was commissioned on last year’s scheme. The talk will be followed by a preview screening of Matt's film. Places should be booked in advance through The National Media Museum box office (0870 7010 200).

Screen Yorkshire is holding a Find a Filmmaker networking event on 2nd October at Chilli White, Leeds from 6 - 8pm for individuals who are looking for other filmmakers to make up their creative team. This will be an opportunity for prospective applicants who have a script but need someone to bring it to the screen, or a burning desire to produce something but haven't found the right project, to find collaborative partners. The event is free, but places are limited. Individuals should register at www.screenyorkshire.co.uk, where they will find full details of the scheme.

Bradford based writer / director Dominic Leclerc’s film Protect Me From What I Want was commissioned on last year’s scheme. The film stars Shameless actor Elliot Tittensor as Daz, who has a chance encounter with the young and vulnerable Saleem, sparking a romance that has a profound effect on them both.

Dominic says:

‘’The Digital Shorts scheme enabled me to make my first short film. Screen Yorkshire supported me right from the initial idea, through the development of the script, to the editing process and final stages of post production. I think it’s a wonderful scheme and a fantastic opportunity for all Yorkshire-based filmmakers.’’

Tony Dixon, Emerging Talent Manager at Screen Yorkshire says:

“We are delighted to be running Digital Shorts again this year and we’re hoping to support filmmakers to follow on from the success of previous years’ participants, who have seen their films screened at festivals worldwide from Edinburgh to Cannes. The scheme has proved to be a great success and really opens doors for filmmakers who are committed to working in the industry. ‘’

**The deadline for applications to Digital Shorts is 12.00pm, Friday 24 October 2008. Full guidelines and application details for the Digital Shorts scheme can be viewed online at www.screenyorkshire.co.uk. Animators should apply to 4mations through the 4MATIONS website www.4mations.tv. Films produced on previous year’s schemes can be seen online at: www.screenyorkshire.co.uk/showcase    



Screen Yorkshire media enquiries
Rachel McWatt, Marketing & Communications Officer

Screen Yorkshire

t. +44 (0) 113 236 8224