Now in its third year, Virgin Media Shorts is the only short film competition to give British film makers the opportunity to have their work showcased to millions of people across the country on 214 cinema screens, on TV, on mobile and online. Open for entries from today, the competition encourages film makers to upload their films for the chance to win a Grand Prize of up to £30,000 film funding, and the opportunity to work with Virgin Media to make their next short film.
This year, the prestigious judging panel comprises BAFTA and SAG award winning actress Thandie Newton; director of the critically acclaimed, multi-award winning Moon and winner of the 2010 BAFTA for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer, Duncan Jones; award winning director of films such as Donnie Brasco, Four Weddings and a Funeral and the forthcoming summer blockbuster Prince of Persia: Sands of Time, Mike Newell; BBC Radio 1 film critic and broadcaster James King; executive director of digital entertainment at Virgin Media and former Managing Director of Disney Internet Group EMEA, Cindy Rose; plus as always, a lucky member of the public.
Submissions are open now until midday, June 28th. After this point, entries will be whittled down to the final 12 shortlist, all of which will screen in cinemas across the country as well as on television, mobile phones and the internet. One film will also go on to win the Grand Prize.
Last year’s competition attracted over 2,000 entries from film makers who uploaded their film through the Virgin Media Shorts website, and previous winners have already begun to make their mark on the film industry. Luke Snellin, winner of Virgin Media Shorts 2009, was nominated for a BAFTA this year for his winning entry, Mixtape. 2008 winners, Phil Sansom and Olly Williams, turned heads in Cannes with their winning film, The Black Hole.
So, if you think you have an exciting, innovative and cinematic story to tell, and can manage it in two minutes and 20 seconds including credits, head on over to http://virginmediashorts.co.uk/ and submit your film by midday on June 28th 2010.
Good luck!