North West Vision launch search for 2005's aspiring filmmaking talent

North West Vision is looking for the Northwest’s freshest new filmmaking talent with the launch of its ‘Digital Shorts 2005’ scheme.
Innovative filmmakers are being invited to apply for the scheme that will provide the top applicants with funding and ongoing support to make 12 short digital films. Four filmmakers will receive the maximum amount of funding (£9000 per film) as part of the Maxi Digital Shorts scheme, and a further eight people will receive £3000 as part of the Mini Digital Shorts scheme.
The one thing that England’s Northwest is not short on is talent and the funding team at North West Vision have a great eye for the rising stars of filmmaking. This is proved by the solid track record of past Digital Short schemes. In 2004 distribution company Short Circuit took more of North West Vision’s digital short films up than any other screen agency in England. Several films will be promoted and distributed by Short Circuit Films and taken on a touring circuit of national and international festivals. 'Daylight Hole' one of the shorts made last year has also just been selected for screening at this summer’s Edinburgh Film Festival.
The success of the digital shorts scheme comes from the fact that a whole package of support is offered on top of funding. It allows talented groups and individuals to learn about how to market and distribute their film and also enables them to make contacts and progress up the filmmaking ladder. Three of the digital short directors from year two have gone on to direct their first low-budget features.
North West Vision’s Chief Executive, Alice Morrison, said: “The Digital Shorts scheme is not just about making the film. We offer training, advice and support to develop filmmakers. The films are premiered regionally then produced on DVD and filmmakers receive further training about distribution and exhibition. Once the film is made we also offer bursaries to promote the films at the Cannes Film Festival. The whole package is an excellent experience for an aspiring filmmaker.”
Commenting on his experience of the Digital Shorts 2004 scheme, executive producer John Maxwell said: “Via two consecutive years producing the North West vision digital shorts, I was given the opportunity to assemble a network of new talent to work on ten films. As a result of this, every project I am now developing includes talent I have worked with during the process of these schemes. The only way to form lasting working relationships like this is to hit the ground running and make a film. This is a major feature of the digital shorts, which I would like to see continued and developed for years to come.”
The scheme will run throughout June and July and the deadline for submissions will be Friday July 29 2005. Short-listed candidates will then have the opportunity pitch their project to a panel. There will be briefing sessions at Shoreline Films in Cumbria on July 6.
If you would like to attend the event, please call Kerry or Sarah at Shoreline Films on 01229 839983 or e-mail your name, address and phone number to [email protected]
(SP/GB)