Deadline Looms For iFeatures

Less than two weeks remain until the deadline for ideas submissions for iFeatures, a brand new filmmaking scheme which will help Britain's brightest filmmaking talent make the leap to feature films.
iFeatures is a microbudget digital filmmaking scheme which has been developed by South West Screen with the support of BBC Films and Bristol City Council. The initiative is open to filmmakers across the UK and will see three full-length theatrical features developed and shot in Bristol over the next eighteen months.
Under the scheme, applicants have until December 8 to make their film submission ideas. Twelve teams of three (Writer, Producer, Director) will then be chosen for the first stage of development, to be overseen by experienced industry professionals and supported by Skillset and NESTA. Finally, three teams will be selected for their feature film ideas to be greenlit for production in summer 2010. The finished films will premiere in early 2011 with the BBC pre-buying UK TV rights.
Christopher Moll, iFeatures Executive Producer, said: "iFeatures has really captured the imagination and interest of filmmakers from across the UK so we are expecting a deluge of submissions as the deadline approaches. We are all really looking forward to this next stage - selecting the best ideas to take forward."
iFeatures aims to tape into Bristol's burgeoning cultural confidence in the wake of such high profile offerings as the recent Banksy exhibition, TV shows Being Human and Skins and the acclaimed Encounters International Short Film Festival.
Bristol's filmmaking talent was recognised at this year's BAFTAs with the city's Esther May Campbell and Aardman Animations winning in the Short Film categories.
Encouraging collaborations between the wealth of local talent - writers, directors, producers, composers, designers - and the nation's most exciting up-and-coming filmmakers is a key part of the initiative, as is finding the stories that capture the essence of this vibrant city and its peoples.
A dedicated website, www.ifeatures.co.uk, contains full information about the scheme, how to apply, as well as hints and tips about Bristol to inspire and inform. Special networking functionality also enables filmmakers from across the UK to link up and share ideas.
(KMcA/BMcC)