SCREEN SOUTH DIGITAL SHORTS 2009-10
GUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS
Application Deadline: 5pm, Friday 23rd October 2009
What is Digital Shorts?
Digital Shorts is a nationwide short film scheme that enables emerging filmmakers to make innovative short films using digital technology. Since 2001 the scheme has given over 600 emerging filmmakers nationwide the opportunity to develop their skills and showcase their talent and vision to help progress their careers.
Digital Shorts is an innovative production and skills programme that champions creativity, new talent, storytelling ability and cutting-edge filmmaking, and which aims to create and support strong filmmaking teams that have the ability to make films that will entertain, inspire and challenge an audience.
Working with the UK Film Council’s New Cinema Fund, Screen South manages the scheme for the South East. Several previous Digital Shorts filmmakers in our region have progressed onto features, such as director Matthew Thompson whose short GONE won the BBC New Filmmakers Award in 2003 and who has gone on to direct the feature film DUMMY which premiered at Edinburgh International Film Festival in 2008; Alex O’Neal Produced the Digital Short film HARD LABOUR and went on to co-produce features ONE FOR THE ROAD (2003), BETTER THINGS (2008) and UNMADE BEDS (2009); and Elaine Wickham, who directed My MOTHER in 2007 and is currently in development with her first feature LOLLYPOP.
Digital Shorts 2009-10
Screen South’s Digital Shorts programme for 2009-10 is now open for applications. We’re looking for directors, producers and writers living in the Screen South region who have a story to tell and want to make a great short using digital technology – whether it’s a drama, documentary or animation.
Up to 12 shortlisted projects will take part in our development workshop and tailored development programme. Following this Screen South will commission four to six films, from five to 15 minutes in duration. Selected filmmakers will then take part in a national Skillset approved training course and will be awarded a production budget of between £7000 and £13000 to make their film with the support of Screen South. These short films will be completed and delivered by August 2010.
What kind of films are we looking for?
We’re looking to make films that:
§ Take the characters and the audience on a journey – your film could tackle big dramatic stakes
or portray the smallest of moments – but it must move us
§ Create a world we haven’t seen before or show us a familiar setting in a new or surprising way
§ Challenge, inspire or surprise the audience
§ Pack an emotional and visual punch
§ Have a strong concept. Big ideas don’t have to mean big budget!
§ Or, that drops us into a moment and explores it
§ Are inventive: shorts are wonderful terrain for originality and risk. Be bold and playful with your
ideas!
§ Use digital technology in an interesting way that is integral to or enhances the storytelling
§ Have an understanding of who their audience is and how they will watch the film
§ Express your personal vision: life as you see it (or dream it)
Who can apply to Screen South Digital Shorts?
§ Directors, producers, writers, and writer/directors with projects
§ Directors and producers looking for a project
§ Applicants from other fields: i.e. games, promos, TV
§ Applicants must be 18 years or over and NOT in full time education
§ Applicants must NOT apply for any other regional Digital Shorts Scheme
§ Teams or individuals can apply - it is not essential that the whole team needs to be from the Screen South Region but directors MUST be from the Screen South region*
§ The main applicant must be from the Screen South region*
The UK Film Council’s New Cinema Fund and Screen South have a strong commitment to supporting work from groups that are currently underrepresented in film, and particularly welcome applications from those with a black, minority or ethnic background and people with a disability.
*You can check whether you are in our region by consulting our postcode list here:
http://www.screensouth.org/documents/Screen%20South%20Regional%20Postcodes.pdf
SCREEN SOUTH SHORT FILM WORKSHOP, BRIGHTON
Monday, 29th September 10am – 2.30pm
Places are limited – please register by emailing
We are hosting a free half-day workshop for potential applicants of Digital Shorts. Designed to inform and inspire, this will include a short film story workshop led by renowned story editor Kate Leys, an overview and Q & A of the Screen South Digital Shorts programme and guidance for applicants, with executive producer Nicole Dade and production executive Clare Bradfield, a screening of some seminal short films and a panel discussion on making and distributing short films - to get you thinking not only about what makes a great short but who and how they will see it.
SCREEN SOUTH DIGITAL SHORTS ROAD SHOWS
We will also be holding a series of road shows to give potential applicants a chance to find out more about the scheme, what type of films we’re looking for and how to apply. They’re also a great opportunity to see some top notch short films and meet other filmmakers who could become future collaborators!
MAIDSTONE
Monday, 28th September 6.30pm @ Hazlitt Arts Centre
Earl Street, ME14 1PL www.hazlittartscentre.co.uk
OXFORD
Thursday, 1st October 6.30pm @ OFVM
54 Catherine St, OX4 3AH www.ofvm.org
SOUTHAMPTON
Monday, 5th October 6pm @ Harbour Lights Picturehouse
Ocean Village, SO14 3TL www.picturehouses.co.uk
SLOUGH
Tuesday, 6th October @ the West Wing Art Centre
Stoke Rd, SL2 5AY – www.slough.gov.uk/mytown/articles/12408.aspx
Places are limited – please book by emailing and state which roadshow you would like to attend.
FAQS
Can I apply if…
I am a writer in the Screen South region; I don’t have a Producer or Director attached? YES
I am a producer living in the Screen South Region; my Director lives in another region? NO
I am a director living in the Screen South region: my Producer and Writer live in another region? YES
I am a writer living in the Screen South region and I have a producer who lives in another region and no director attached? YES
I am a director or producer living in the Screen South region but I don’t have a project? YES
I’m working in another field (i.e. games design, promos, digital artist, TV)? YES
I have made a Digital Short before? YES
I have an existing short film story/script that I would like to apply with? YES
However, you will need to apply with a story outline – we cannot accept an existing script – and be aware that all shortlisted projects will be developed with us.
I have more than one project that I’d like to submit?
YOU CAN – however, we strongly recommend that you choose one project that you feel suits the Digital Shorts scheme and that you are most committed to.
Can I send any other materials with my application? NO
As you can imagine we get many applications to Digital Shorts. Make your application stand out - but try to do this concisely! Unfortunately we will not be able to assess any materials that we have not requested.
How will the Scheme work?
Screen South and two external assessors will select up to twelve projects for shortlist. The writer and/or producer and/or director will spend two days at a Screen South development workshop in Brighton. Led by industry recognised tutors this workshop will help develop writing skills and will include a story masterclass, group workshops and 121 sessions with a script executive and the Screen South executive producer.
A number of director and producers will also be invited to attend the workshop and will have an opportunity to pitch for projects that do not yet have directors or producers attached. Following the development workshop further development to script stage will take place with the shortlisted teams. Screen South will then commission a minimum of four films to be produced.
How do I apply?
All applicants with a project should submit a ‘Project Application Form’ and the following materials:
§ 25 word synopsis
§ Maximum of one page (A4) story outline
§ Two page writing sample/script sample of previous work
§ Maximum of one page (A4) biography/filmography
§ Two proofs of address (Utility bills or bank statements) dated within the past 3 months
If the application is for an animation please submit:
§ One page storyboard
If there is a director attached or for writer/director applications please also provide:
§ A showreel (on DVD)
§ One page director’s notes on your vision for the film
§ Two proofs of address (utility bills or bank statements) dated within the past 3 months
If there is a producer attached they should also provide:
§ A showreel (on DVD)
§ Maximum of one page (A4) on your ideas for how to reach an audience
Directors or Producers without a project should submit:
§ A Digital Shorts ‘Talent Pool Application Form’
§ A showreel (on DVD)
§ One page biography/filmography
§ Two proofs of address (utility bills or bank statements) dated within the past 3 months
Application and Supplementary Materials Checklist
Digital Shorts applications should be submitted both electronically via email and also in hard copy.
Electronic Submission – please give documents clear film names
Please email the following (where applicable) to :
§ Application form
§ 25 word synopsis
§ One page story outline
§ Two page writing sample of previous work
§ One page biography/filmography
§ One page storyboard (animations only)
§ One page Director’s notes on your vision for the film
§ One page Producer’s audience plan
Hardcopy Submission – do not staple any of your application
Please send three paper copies of the above and one copy of the following (where relevant):
§ Two proofs of address (utility bills or bank statements) dated within the past 3 months
§ Director’s showreel (on DVD)
§ Producer’s showreel (on DVD)
Please send your paper application to:
Digital Shorts 2009-10
Screen South
The Wedge, 75 – 81 Tontine Street
Folkestone, Kent
CT20 1JR
Applications must be submitted to Screen South as both hardcopies and electronically to be received no later than 5pm on Friday, 23rd October 2009.
Please ensure that ALL of the requested paperwork (with the correct number of copies) is included in your Digital Shorts application.
Incomplete or late applications will be considered ineligible and will NOT be accepted.
SOME TIPS FOR YOUR APPLICATION
Your Synopsis
Tell us your idea in 25 words or less. Your synopsis should be a compelling but simple summary of your story.
Your One-Page Story Outline
Your outline should describe to us what your story is about. Tell us about the world of your story, its plot (significant events, you don’t need to give us a scene by scene breakdown) and your characters – their motivations, their connections and conflicts. Tell us how your story resolves and what you think its theme is. Convey the style of your story and its genre. Show us your passion and vision for your story and why you have to tell it.
Your Director’s Notes
We want to know your vision for your film. Tell us about the themes you want to explore and visualise, the camera style, use of digital technology, production design, sound and music, etc. You can mention film references and work that inspires you. You may also want to tell us how you intend to realise your vision on a low budget.
Your Biography/Filmography
Tell us about yourself. What is your relevant experience so far? What have you made? Where has it been seen and what direction would you like your career to take? We are also keen to find out what training you have already undertaken and how a Digital Short commission may fit into your plans for the future. If you think it’s relevant, put it in.
Your Showreel
Showreels must be on DVD and should be clearly labelled with ‘Screen South Digital Shorts 2009-10’; your name; a contents list; and the role you had for each example of your work. Please send at least one complete film to illustrate that you can tell a story on screen.
If you would like your showreel returned please send an SAE and we will return it after the full shortlist and selection process is complete.
Watch Short Films!
To write a great short film it’s likely that you’ve watched them - to know what you think makes a film great or not! It’s also worth knowing what short films have been made in the past few years so that you can be sure your story can be considered innovative and original! (See our list of websites).
Please note: Screen South is not able to enter into dialogue about the specific nature or details of individual applications before the application deadline.
IMPORTANT DATES AND TIMELINE
Digital Shorts Road Show (Maidstone) Monday, 28th September 6.30pm
Pre-application Workshop (Brighton) Tuesday, 29th September 10am-2.30pm
Digital Shorts Road Show (Oxford) Thursday, 1st October 6.30pm