Fast Forward scheme for low-budget films launched

A new low budget film scheme, Fast Forward Features, has been launched by Scottish Screen, BBC Scotland, BBC Films and ContentFilm.
This special initiative will aim to fully fund three low budget features with a target budget of up to £1.2 million per film. Fast Forward Features is intended to enable emerging talent to take that crucial step into feature production with support from BBC Films, BBC Scotland, Scottish Screen and ContentFilm plc. ContentFilm plc will also handle international sales and UK distribution, thus ensuring worldwide exhibition for all three films.
The new scheme follows on from the success of Tartan Shorts, the short film scheme that has nurtured some of Scotland's top filmmaking talent, seeking contemporary popular projects across all genres, with the aim of appealing to mainstream audiences.
This initiative is open to teams of Scottish based writers, producers and directors as well as individuals. While the scheme is designed primarily for new feature film talent, applications will also be considered from those who have previously had a very low budget feature produced.
The application, development and selection process is expected to take twelve months and the first film to be produced under this new scheme will be announced at Cannes 2005.
(KmcA)