Deadline approaches for Film London Microwave submissions

The submission deadline for Film London's Microwave project, which seeks to develop ten micro-budget feature film projects in the capital, is approaching.
Microwave challenges film-makers to shoot a full length film for up to £75,000 with the option of raising additional in-kind support taking the budget to a maximum of £100,000. The scheme will provide an intensive approach to film-making, with an emphasis on tightly focused scripts, short production schedules and commercial potential.
Backed by the BBC, the scheme provides up to £75,000 of direct funding per project together with a unique professional mentoring scheme from leading industry figures including directors Stephen Frears (Mrs Henderson Presents), Gurinder Chadha (Bride and Prejudice), and John Akomfrah (Seven Songs for Malcolm X); and producers Sandy Lieberson (Rita, Sue and Bob Too), Jeremy Thomas (Sexy Beast) and James Schamus (Brokeback Mountain).
Film London and its partners will also offer a range of assistance including in-kind support from leading facilities and service companies, including Ascent Media and AFM Lighting; waived locations fees from many of London's local authorities; and a 'revenue share' model which will return a generous percentage of any revenue back to the film-makers.
Completed projects will have the opportunity to showcase at the annual London UK Film Focus sales event as well as at major international markets.
The first deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 30 June 2006. There will also be a second call for applications on 1 September 2006 with a deadline of 1 December 2006.
Director Stephen Frears said: "I wholeheartedly welcome and support the ethos Film London is trying to develop, to make London a good city to make films in, and look forward to seeing bright young talent emerging from this scheme."
Microwave is a Film London initiative, in association with the BBC, supported by the London Development Agency through Creative London and the National Lottery through the UK Film Council.
(GB)