60 Seconds of Fame Competition Launched For Budding Film-Makers

The British Academy of Film & Television Arts has launched a new short film competition today – 60 Seconds of Fame, run in association with Orange.
This new BAFTA competition has the support of BBC Nations and Regions and the Regional Screen Agency network and is open to anyone aged 16 or over. Shortlisted films will be shown by each of the 15 BBC Nations and Regions and, following a public vote, one winner from each area will win two tickets to The Orange British Academy Film Awards in 2007. The overall winner will be announced and have their film featured as part of the BBC One broadcast of the ceremony.
As the name suggests, budding film makers are invited to submit a 60 second short film based on the theme ‘Celebrate’, to reflect BAFTA’s 60th birthday and Orange’s 10 year partnership with the Academy.
Designed to promote creativity, 60 Seconds of Fame is an innovative competition that aims to give the general public the tools and ‘know how’ to create their own 60 second short. Anybody aged 16 or over can enter the competition and, to help filmmakers achieve the right look, editing software, soundtracks and guidance can be found on the website:
www.orange.co.uk
The deadline for entries is 4 January 2007.
To drive this initiative, BAFTA has organised short film masterclasses to take place across the country. Hosted by exciting filmmakers and covering directing, producing and editing, these masterclasses will be filmed and video podcast on www.orange.co.uk to enable everyone to benefit from expert advice. All of the workshops are free but tickets are limited and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis by emailing:
60secondsoffame
Mobile phone experts will be on hand at the masterclasses to answer questions on filming on a mobile.
To support the competition, respected British directors Ken Russell and Martha Fiennes, along with newcomer Julia Jason will create exclusive 60 second films for the initiative.
David Parfitt, Chair of BAFTA’s Film Committee, said: “Every year we celebrate the very best in filmmaking at The Orange British Academy Film Awards. I am delighted that the general public will now have their chance to be part of the even. This is a fantastic opportunity to give the public the confidence to realise their creativity and to encourage them to actively participate in the filmmaking process. With workshops across the country being video podcast everyone has the opportunity to learn the techniques they need to make a short film.”
Hattie Evans, Head of TV & Film at Orange, commented: “We are giving all wannabe directors the opportunity to create a mini movie masterpiece of their own. It’s really exciting that the competition is open to everyone from budding directors with digital video cameras to students with video phones. This competition gives everyone the chance to be involved with BAFTA.”
Lord Puttnam CBE, added: “In an era in which user-generated content is increasingly ubiquitous, this is an important and very timely initiative which will help inspire new creative talent across the UK.”
(DS)