Broadcast News

Bookmark and Share
15/06/2007

Twelve Filmmaking Teams Make It To 'Digital Departures' Shortlist

Twelve Liverpool-based filmmaking teams are one step closer to reaching the filmmaking destination of their dreams, by making it to the short-list of Digital Departures, the prestigious micro-budget filmmaking initiative, created by Northwest Vision + Media, together with its partners the Liverpool Culture Company, the UK Film Council and the BBC.
Some of the industry’s most well known, and internationally-renown filmmakers are among the exciting line-up now waiting in the digital departure lounge.
One award-winning director (who will be revealed at the Digital Departures Press Call on Monday June 18, 5pm, outside the School of Art, Hope Street, Liverpool) is hoping the Digital Departures initiative will provide him with the opportunity to explore Liverpool’s history, in his first non-fiction film, described as 'a visual poem'.
One of the writers short-listed is currently enjoying huge success and acclaim, with his latest feature film currently showing in cinemas across the country. In addition, there are several other, high profile and established filmmakers included on the short-list, as well as the most exciting emerging talent from the region.
Digital Departures will see three feature films being made in Liverpool over the next 14 months, and is the premier film project of the 08 Capital of Culture celebrations. Each film will have a budget of £250,000.
Councillor Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council, says there is great excitement about the impact of Digital Departures within the city: "We are delighted to be part of this extremely important project which will deliver three new feature films premiering in the city in 2008."
Jason Harborow, Chief Executive of the Liverpool Culture Company, added: "The commissions will engage the creativity of Liverpool's film-making community and also draw in emerging and established film making talent from across the UK and the world. The commissions will be an important addition to the cultural legacy of 2008."
The 12 finalists have been drawn from over 155 entries received and have been selected by a panel of seasoned industry professionals.
"We were immensely impressed by the calibre of entrants, and I think everyone will be truly excited and enthused when we reveal the short-list on Monday June 18,” said Chris Moll, Head of Funds for Northwest Vision + Media, and chairman of the panel.
Lisa Marie Russo, the recently-appointed Executive Producer for Digital Departures and responsible for overseeing the development and production of the films, says the panel had to make some hard choices.
"It was extremely difficult narrowing down to 12, but what we found exhilarating is the knowledge that there is such a huge wealth of talent in the city, which in turn has teamed up with people new to industry, and together they promise to create something truly extraordinary."
The 12 short-listed teams will complete a three-day development workshop in Liverpool from June 16-18, which will help them devise a development plan to take their early synopsis through to treatment.
The three feature films which are eventually greenlit for production will each be developed, shot and post-produced in Liverpool and will premiere in the city in the autumn of 2008, as part of the city’s Capital of Culture celebrations.
The films will then be distributed nationally and internationally across a variety of digital platforms including the UK’s rapidly-expanding Digital Screen Network. The BBC is taking UK broadcast TV rights.
(DS)
Solidmate Ltd Memory Card Hire London

Top Related Stories
Click here for the latest broadcast news stories.

17/08/2023
Palmer Digital Group Unveils New Line Of On-Wall Outdoor Digital Menu Boards
Palmer Digital Group has announced a new line of on-wall outdoor digital menu boards for the restaurant industry. The new series targets QSRs and fast
12/03/2015
Celebrating The Durability Of Film...
Cinelab London is one of the most comprehensive and accomplished film labs in the UK. Supporting clients who acquire or distribute on film, the compan
25/06/2007
Digital Departures Announces Stunning Short List
A world-class group of film and TV professionals have been selected as finalists in the Digital Departures micro-budget filmmaking initiative, created
23/05/2023
SFL Appoints Origiins Digital As Its Digital Partner
Origins Digital has been chosen by the Swiss Football League (SFL) as its digital partner for two projects aimed at advancing the SFL's online ecosyst
17/11/2009
Film Council 'To Steer Film Through Recession'
The UK Film Council has launched a three-month public consultation into the most significant revision of its activities since it was created in 2000.
14/03/2023
Visix Adds Digital Designs To Its epaper Product Line
Visix has added digital desk signs to its epaper line of products to further support hybrid workplaces. The new EPS 42 epaper desk sign is small, ligh
07/12/2012
UK's Future Film Industry Boost
The BFI today announces the 24 regional partners that will help deliver its pioneering BFI Film Academy Network programme in 2012/13. The BFI Film Aca
20/03/2007
London Celebrates Local Film-making Talent
ITV Local London, ITV’s regional broadband TV service in the London area, is entering into a partnership with Film London, in order to raise the profi
18/02/2005
World's first digital cinematography feature film commences shooting
A unique feature film project, a co-production deal between companies in the UK and Lithuania, began principle photography late in December 2004, 'Sil
04/08/2006
Skills schemes set to boost new talent in London more investment in training and development
Film London today announced the launch of two new rounds of funding schemes to develop the capital’s film, TV and animation professionals and support
10/05/2007
UK Film Council Announce Funding And Policy Priorities
The UK Film Council published its new funding and policy priorities from April 2007 – March 2010. The document, Film in the Digital Age, includes the
11/05/2005
Liverpool Film Office heads to Cannes Film Festival
Liverpool City Council's Film Office will be meeting with international film industry professionals at Cannes this year, to promote Liverpool's divers
18/02/2005
Filming boom continues in Liverpool
Liverpool's film and television industry is continuing to boom - bucking the national trend. New figures from the city council's Film Office reveal th
21/05/2003
‘Virgin of Liverpool’ premiered at Cannes
A feature film shot and set entirely in Liverpool recently premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The film ‘Virgin of Liverpool’ - starring Ricky Toml
23/10/2008
Mayor Of London Pledges His Support For Film In The Capital
Mayor of London Boris Johnson has held his first meeting with prominent figures from the film, television and production industries. The film summit h