FILM COUNCIL CREATE NEW SHORT FILM SCHEME

THE FILM Council's New Cinema Fund and FilmFour Lab have partnered up to create a number of stimulating new short film schemes to develop and nurture emerging UK filmmaking talent.
As part of their commitment to new and inventive filmmaking, the New Cinema Fund and FilmFour Lab are each investing £250,000 a year into four major schemes encouraging directors, producers and other creative talent to push the boundaries of film production and distribution.
The aim of the New Cinema Fund/Filmfour Lab shorts scheme is to create a series of short films targeting filmmakers working to specific themes that may change from year to year. The first stage of the new venture is to source production companies, industry organisations and executive consultants to work with the New Cinema Fund and FilmFour Lab in managing and delivering the scheme which comprises:
Cinema Extreme - aims to create an environment in which directors can let loose their imaginations and redefine new British cinema with the use of extreme narrative and dynamic shooting techniques. The scheme will produce around five films a year budgeted at a maximum of £50,000 per film.
Comedy Shorts - targets those with a keen interest in the comedy genre. In its first year the scheme intends to make five comedy films at around £30,000 per film.
Internet/Viral Shorts - With the explosion of virals over the internet and the growth of interest in internet-based exhibition methods world-wide, this scheme aims to invest £50,000 into a number of films influenced and inspired by the creative and distribution possibilities the internet now offers.
Completion Fund - This scheme, with a total budget of £50,000, will provide finishing finance to films that have already been shot and show outstanding potential.
The New Cinema Fund in collaboration with FilmFour Lab is the third initiative for short filmmaking to be funded through the Film Council. Already underway is the £1 million Lottery funded First Light project managed by Hi8us First Light which is encouraging young people to learn about and experience filmmaking.
The New Cinema Fund have also announced a new scheme for digital shorts to be run with 11 industry partners located throughout the UK. (CD)