News & Events // Winter
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Alternative Advent For an alternative advent calendar this year, look to The Reel or David Wilson over the festive period. A little treat awaits every day! |
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YMC16 You Must Create (YMC) have teamed up with Complete 16 to launch an exciting new film competition offering winners a complete 16mm film and processing package plus £1000 worth of YMC clothing ..more |
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Reed.co.uk Short Film Competition For their third year Reed have taken ‘The Boss’ as their theme. Enter your film for the the opportunity to win one of four cash prizes, including the Grand Prix of £10,000 ..more |
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3D Film Club Interested in 3D (stereoscopic) filmmaking? Check out 3D Club, the new online resource for this growing area of the industry ..more |
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LSFF Programme Launch LSFF will announce their full programme on Friday 9th December. We’ve had a sneak peak and there’s some great events in store for January. Keep your eyes on www.shortfilms.org.uk |
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Underwire Winners 2011 Congratulations to all the winners and to the Underwire team for putting on a great festival for a very successful second year. |
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Monkey With a Movie Camera An evening of peddle powered short films with plenty of added room for drinking, discussion, popcorn and prizes at Look Mum No Hands. On Wednesday 14th December. |
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Encounters Winners 2011 Another throughly enjoyable Encounters festival has come and gone (and we’ve just about recovered!). Congratulations to all the Brief Encounters and Animated Encounters winners. |
Big Dance Shorts – Get your film on Channel 4!
Big Dance and Channel 4 in association with BAFTA present an opportunity for choreographers and filmmakers to work together and create 5 short films to be broadcast on Channel 4 and screen to live audiences during Big Dance Week 2012.
In order to stimulate and encourage collaboration between the filmmakers and choreographers, Big Dance Shorts will offer the chance for filmmakers (directors or producers or teams thereof) and choreographers (or choreographic teams with filmmakers on board) to get their film idea commissioned.
After the initial application process, 10 projects will be selected to pitch to a panel of experts and the 5 strongest projects will receive £4,000 and a package of support to make their film, including support from a BAFTA mentor and guidance from an experienced Production Executive. (more…)
New London Film School Course in Editing
The Editor as Storyteller: Principles and Practice of Narrative Film Editing
This new and intensive 8-day workshop is for editors who are already proficient in the use of AVID or Final Cut Pro, but who have limited or no experience of drama editing. Barrie Vince (BAFTA-award winning editor of HILLSBOROUGH and long-time collaborator with Jerzy Skolimowski, Malcolm Mowbray et al.) will introduce the narrative and dramatic concepts which inform the appropriate selection of shot and where precisely to place the cut or other transition.
The course will consist of editing both a short film and also editing from original rushes a scene from the Oscar-nominated movie THE FRENCH LIEUTENANT’S WOMAN; and two illustrated presentations. (more…)
THE NATIVITY FACTOR
ITN Productions has launched a new festive competition to find the most creative interpretation of the story of the Nativity. (more…)
News & Events
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UK Jewish Film Festival Present Speed Pitching Join Head of NFTS Nik Powell and RSSF festival director Joe Bateman to get a unique insight into how to get your hands on £10k ..more |
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Aesthetica Short Film Festival ASFF takes place in York from 3rd – 6th November. In addition to four days of cross genre short film screenings, there will also be a series of talks with leading industry figures ..more |
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Big Dance Shorts 2012 In partnership Big Dance, BAFTA and Channel 4 are looking for outstanding collaborations between filmmakers and choreographers to create three minute films with up to £4K commissioning funds ..more |
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Underwire Festival Running 23 – 26 November at The Shortwave Cinema, Underwire is the UK’s only short film festival dedicated to showcasing the raw cinematic talents of women ..more |
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The Reel Presents… The Reel are back at Cafe 1001 for their next evening showcasing the best of creative short form work with a plethora of great work on November 7th …more |
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onedotzero_adventures in motion onedotzero’s 15th annual event at the BFI, 23-27 November, showcases some the best work in contemporary, international moving image. From short films and animations, to motion graphics, and digital installations …more |
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London Jazz Festival This years London Jazz Festival, 11-20 Nov, hosts a strand of programming that celebrates the relationship between music and the big screen …more |
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One Day on Earth On 11.11.11, across the planet, documentary filmmakers, students, and other inspired citizens will record the human experience over a 24-hour period for the second annual One Day on Earth |
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Watersprite Call for Submissions The Cambridge International Student film festival ‘Watersprite’ is now open for submissions, until the 9 December. Hit the link for further information about categories and eligibility …more |
Showcase and Speed Pitching event at the UKJFF
Join the UK Jewish Film Festival, NFTS and Rushes Soho Shorts for a special Showcase and Speed Pitching Event, and find out how you might get £10,000 to make your own short film. (more…)
Jazz meets Film in the London Jazz Festival
The intersection between jazz and film is explored in this year’s London Jazz Festival (11-20 Nov), with a strand of programming that celebrates the relationship between music and the big screen. In the opening weekend, they are screening a new Charlie Chaplin-inspired silent film, which re-imagines a young Louis Armstrong as he navigates his way through New Orleans – the quintessential jazz city. The film will be screened to a live score, composed by Wynton Marsalis, and performed by an A-list ensemble. Watch the trailer below:
In the second weekend, the Festival looks to two great film composers (more…)
News & Events
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The Televisual Factual Festival The festival for factual filmmakers takes place at BAFTA 19 – 20 October. Televisual also present 2 free seminars covering Long-form Broadcast Production Best Practices and Affordable Cinematic Production & Content Distribution. |
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ASFF Programme Launch The Festival will take place in the historic city of York from 3rd – 6th November. In addition to four days of screenings, there will also be a series of talks with leading industry figures. |
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Encounters Programme Launch Encounters Short Film Festival have announced their full programme and tickets are now on sale. We’re very much looking forward to our trip to the west country next month. |
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Screen Social The team behind Cannes in a Van take guerilla cinema back home, bringing DJs and movies together in one place. They’re open to submissions too. |
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Devise to Deliver A brand new digital/interactive media training scheme by Sheffield Doc/Fest for professional filmmakers to braoden their understanding and skills, is now accepting applications. |
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Creative England ‘Open for Business’ Creative England have started announcing their proposal for film funding in the regions outside of the London area. |
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Brain Wash Manchester Four Brain Wash will be hosted for the first time in their new manchester home The Cornerhouse on 28th Oct. Head down for great shorts from all over the world. |
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British Animation Awards // Call for Entries The British Animation Awards (BAA) covers all aspects of UK animation from student to professionals in every aspect of the industry. 2012 category and submission info here |
Rushes support straight 8 at Golden Drum
Kodak presents: straight 8 @ Golden Drum
Kodak is bringing straight 8 to Golden Drum for the first time with support from Rushes. Ed Sayers and Will Cummock of straight 8 will present a mind-blowing 60 minute selection of the straight 8 films as seen at Cannes film festival and Cannes lions over the years.
It’s happening on October 7th, 5.30pm, Golden Drum, Portoroz, Slovenia.
Golden Drum has grown into an important event, noticed throughout the world. From Trieste to Vladivostok and Helsinki to
Tel Aviv, the Golden Drum is the biggest and the most important advertising event of the year.
straight 8 and Kodak plan to inspire the creative community of new europe to take part in straight 8 2012 which is open now at straight8entry2012.blogspot.com
The 2012 Cannes Film Festival, Slamdance and Rushes Soho Shorts premieres are already confirmed and further exciting events are in the pipline and soon to be announced.
Anyone, anywhwere can enter … so what are you waiting for?
Be inspired.
straight 8 on Vimeo.
News & Events
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straight 8 // Golden Drum Kodak are bringing straight 8 to golden drum for the first time with support from Rushes. They’ll be showcasing some of the best work screened at Cannes and RSSF this year. |
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The Reel Presents… The Reel are back at Cafe 1001 for their next evening showcasing the best of creative short form work with a Virgin Media Shorts special on 3rd Oct. |
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55th BFI London Film Festival Public booking is now open for the London Film Festival. Including some great programmes of shorts premiering at the festival. |
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Flatpack Festival // Call for Entries Flatpack Festival have put out a call for entries for their sixth festival in March 2012. Shorts up to 20min in length can be submitted. |
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London Short Film Festival // Call for Entries Renowned for daring cross-arts programming, LSFF showcase the very best of the country’s raw talent. Entry criteria and everything else you’ll need to know on their website. |
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Virgin Media Shorts The 2011 shortlisted films have been announced and are now online. Watch and vote for your favorites from a selection of some great work. |
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Mindful Arts Festival Rushes Soho Shorts and Arthetrz present a night of shorts as part of MINDFUL, an exhibition and arts festival at the Old Vic Tunnels, to raise money for a new creative therapies fund within Mind. |
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Filminute Check out Filminute, the online one minute film festival, on MUBI. Plenty of good shorts to watch, plus you can still submit your sub one minute masterpieces… |
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London Design Festival 2011 Alongside a plethora of great events and talks taking place during London Design Festival (17-25 Sept) they are running their own short film competition. |
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Alpha-ville 2011 Running from 22-25 September, Alpha-ville 2011 is on a mission to explore the intersection between art, technology and society. Check their website for full programme details. |
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The Smalls Festival 2011 Every year, The Smalls Short Film Festival tries to bring you something new. This year is no exception, their 5th annual event takes place on on the 21 & 22 September. |
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Underwire Film Festival // Call for Entries A short film festival dedicated to showcasing the raw cinematic talents of women in all kinds of film – Underwire accepts drama, animation, documentary, music video and artist film. |
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Bornshorts Film Festival On Thursday 15 September, the 4th Bornshorts Film Festival officially opens. So why not have a weekend away on a small Danish island watching short films? |
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Hackney Film Festival The Hackney Film Festival (15-18 Sept) is a not-for- profit organisation and a collective of local filmmakers and artists. They aim to celebrate and provide a platform to the wealth of creative talent in the borough. |
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Renderyard // Call for Entries Held in Spain, the 7th Renderyard Short Film Festival (26-27 Nov) supports the screening of new Short Films, Animations, Documentaries, Music Videos and Features. |
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Branchage Jersey International Film Festival Branchage (22-25 Sept) is an annual vibrant, boutique film festival, combining exciting, engaging features, live music events and loads of great shorts. |
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Encounters Short Film Festival 2011 We’re looking forward to the imminent Encounters programme launch. Expect some of the best shorts from the UK and beyond, plus a whole host of other events and screenings. |
Ereomala Presents: RSSF 2011 Awards & Closing Night Party
We were delighted to have Ereomala Presents come down to our Rushes Soho Shorts Festival 2011 Awards and Closing Night Party this year. For those of you who couldn’t make it down on the night, allow the ever charming Ereomala to give you a flavour of the evening via his video reportage.
RSSF 2011 Finalists & Winners
Rushes Soho Shorts are very excited to announce the winners & runners up for this year’s festival.
The results have been whittled down from over 1200 films initially submitted, to the 148 films selected for competition, to the final three finalists in each category and then ultimately to our 9 winning films of 2011.
A huge thank you to the judges, 120 long standing industry professionals, who have viewed and reviewed the productions. And, of course, a MASSIVE thank you to all the filmmakers who’ve entered their work. We very much enjoy watching all entries and really appreciate the support we get.
Here are the 24 final films:
THE NEWCOMER AWARD
- WINNER -
WORSHIP
directed by Calum MacDiarmid
Worship tells the disturbing story of a young man who dares to look deep into his own dreams to confront the oppressive religion of his father. Based on extracts from A Century of Insight by eminent psychotherapist Dr Derry Macdiarmid, the film explores the impact of Nietzsche, Freud and Jung on the mind of a young man struggling to keep the faith. A Century of Insight was Dr Macdiarmid’s life work, completed on his deathbed in 2005. The book brings the history of psychotherapy to life through the author’s own dreams and revelations. In Worship, Calum Macdiarmid translates his father’s vision into moving imagery, weaving together some of the most significant of those dreams and ending with the final, poignant words which were in reality his father’s last.
- RUNNERS UP -
GOD VIEW
directed by Billy Lumby
From an unusual perspective, we follow Philip around his neighbourhood in Hackney, East London. He is mentally unwell and misses his wife and daughter very much.
STARCROSSED
directed by Tactful-Cactus at Tactful-Cactus
A scientist, frustrated by his loneliness, sets about discovering an equation to locate the girl of his dreams. He spends a week embarking on a series of failed rendezvous, which only compounds his feelings of isolation. Despite these setbacks he’s determined to find her so he goes back to the drawing board. She has to be out there somewhere.
THE SHORT FILM AWARD
- WINNER -
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
directed by Michael Davies at Spellbound Films
Do you believe in love at first sight? When Arthur spots Ruth he knows in his heart that it’s true… Winner of the RTS Best Short Award 2011. (Regional South West RTS), this short film was made with the support of a Wellcome Trust People Award. It stars John Hurt and Phyllida Law.
- RUNNERS UP -
CAPTURING SANTA
directed by Peter Cattaneo at Sprout Pictures
Irish comedian Chris O’Dowd (Dinner With Schmucks) never liked Santa. His own childhood Christmas traumas inspire this urine-soaked tale of Yuletide treason.
COLOURBLEED
directed by Peter Szewczyk at Light + Mathematics
A young girl, creative and idealistic, dreams of brighter days in a forgotten Eastern European city. Her fate is inextricably sealed when she crosses paths with a scheming, and enigmatic old woman, who harbours a dark secret. What seems like a small act of cruelty between strangers, will fracture the very foundations of a city. In association with BBC Film Network and BBC HD.
THE INTERNATIONAL AWARD
- WINNER -
TWO LAPS
directed by Owen Trevor at Lanky Boy and Luscious International
Val and Pete have been swimming together every morning for the past 17 years. Once a year, on the twelfth of June, they have a race: two laps, up and back. This short by Owen Trevor featured in Shots and had its World Premiere at South by South West 2011.
- RUNNERS UP -
COCKRAOCH
directed by Luke Eve at More Sauce
Cockroach is a romantic, black comedy. When Charlie is accidentally run over by his own wedding car, he is given another chance at life. Reincarnated as a cockroach he does everything in his power to convince his grieving widow that he has returned. He must woo her back or risk losing her forever.
VIA GORI
directed by George Barbakadze at Iluminar Pty ltd.
As Russian planes begin to bomb Georgia, a Russian woman and her daughter board a bus to escape – but will they be discovered?
This film is based on the real events of summer 2008 – the war between Russia and Georgia over Georgia’s province of South Ossetia. The film’s writer and director was caught in the conflict in August of 2008 and had to flee the country under the Russian bombing of Gori, Tbilisi and nearby regions and towns.
THE LONG FORM AWARD
- WINNER -
RITE
directed by Michael Pearce at Digicult
Mike takes his estranged son out for his birthday; desperate to prove he’s a reformed man. But drink and the simmering violence of match day threaten to bring out the worst in him. Rite premiered at the 54th London Film Festival and had a BAFTA nomination.
- RUNNERS UP -
HERMANN
directed by Hana Geissendorfer at GFF KG
Hermann is 67 years old and lonely. He does have Gloria – but she is only a budgie. Then he meets Jörg. Hermann won the ‘Best Live Action over 15 minutes’ Award at the Palm Springs International Shortfest 2010
DEEPER THAN YESTERDAY
directed by Ariel Kleiman at The Victorian College of the Arts
After three months submerged underwater, the men have become savages. Oleg fears that losing perspective may mean losing himself. Ariel Kleiman produces here a surprising short, shot on a submarine. It won many awards and prices.
THE BROADCAST DESIGN AWARD
- WINNER -
THE CHASE – Venables and Bell and Intel
directed by Smith & Foulkes at Nexus Productions
Nexus directors, Smith & Foulkes, have created a dynamic new spot for Venables and Bell and Intel’s incredible new Core i5 processor – a breakneck, all-action chase scene which is the perfect showcase for the new processor’s amazing capacity. Using a dynamic mix of live action and animation, Smith & Foulkes used every trick in the action movie book and got some hot insider tips from their DOP, Oliver Wood, of Bourne trilogy fame, to create this thrilling spot.
- RUNNERS UP -
AIDES ‘SMUTLEY’
directed by Againstallods at Passion Pictures
Smutley is a happy cat because he’s got nine lives – but you only have one. This commerical is part of the AIDES ‘Protect Yourself’ campaign.
THIS UNPREDICTABLE LIFE – Honda
directed by Smith & Foulkes at Nexus Productions
‘This Unpredictable Life’ is a breathtaking mix of volumetric lighting and magical particles bringing to life a beautiful fantasy world through which we take an amazing trip. Cleverly playing out the central premise of the ad, that life is an unknowable journey, the film combines simplicity and sophistication with an uncomplicated but engaging central character starkly contrasted against a series of deliciously complex and abstract backgrounds. Set to a cinematic poem, we follow our hero as he swoops and wheels through life’s journey.
THE MUSIC VIDEO AWARD
- WINNER -
ISLES // Little Comets
directed by Aoife McArdie at Agile Films
Greasy spoons, caravan sites, grey skies, terraced backstreets, bordered-up shops, empty seaside towns and their inhabitants…. all painting a poetic if stark picture of modern Britain through the eyes of director Aoife McArdle. The project required a month of intensive research and a week of filming around the UK and Northern Ireland. Mixing genuine photojournalism with tilt- shift footage, every image tell its own poetic story of British idealism and loss. The overall effect is an emotional, evocative mini-epic.
- RUNNERS UP -
MARCHING SONG // Esben & The Witch
directed by Peter King & David Procter at Agenda Collective
A hypnotic, visual exploration of physical degradation.
IRON // Woodkid
directed by Yoann Lemoine at Caviar / HSI London
Quite simply a stunning labour of love by director Yoann Lemoine for his own musical project, Woodkid. Yoann set out to make a statement about heroic fantasy – and even months of hard work later “Iron” was completed. As well as composing, singing and directing, multi-talented Lemoine also had a hand in the editing and the 3D work. Models Agyness Deyn and Willy Cartier feature in this highly stylised, beautifully photographed and lovingly realised piece.
THE ANIMATION AWARD
- WINNER –
NOKIA ‘DOT’
directed by Sumo Science at Aardman Animations
Dot is a tiny 9mm girl who wakes up in a magical, magnified world to discover her surroundings are caving in around her. She escapes the encroaching wave of destruction as her world unravels via a path made up of tiny, familiar objects. The film set a new world record for the smallest stopmotion animated character in a film.
- RUNNERS UP -
THE EAGLEMAN STAG
directed by Mikey Please at The Royal College of Arts
Mikey Please’s BAFTA award winning short animation concerns itself with a botanist’s fear of the passage of time.
A MORNING STROLL
directed by Grant Orchard at Studio AKA
Based loosely on a real life event recounted in Paul Aster’s brilliant book ‘True Tales or American Life‘, Grant Orchard’s ‘A Morning Stroll’ tells the story of one New Yorker’s early morning encounter with a chicken, an event that plays out over 100 years.
THE DOCUMENTARY AWARD
- WINNER -
PS YOUR MYSTERY SENDER
directed by Benjamin Wigley at Artdocs & Scottish Documentary Institute
For the past 20 years Paul Smith the world renowned fashion designer from Nottingham has been receiving an avalanche of odd and quirky unwrapped objects which have had a remarkable effect on his life, and all have been sent from a Mystery Person. This film takes us on a ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ in and out of Paul Smith’s ‘fashion factory’, as we discover the secret behind his endless inspiration and worldwide success.
- RUNNERS UP -
SKATEISTAN: TO LIVE AND SKATE KABUL
directed by Orlando Von Einsiedel at Grain Media
Skateistan: To Live And Skate Kabul is a beautiful and moving short film that follows the lives of two young skateboarders from Afghanistan who attend the Skateistan charity project. Juxtaposing the harsh reality of life in Kabul with the hopes and ambitions of the country’s children, the film is a touching ray of light from a country only ever in the news for all the wrong reasons.
MANUEL DE LOS SANTOS
directed by Peter Montgomery
Manuel de los Santos is one of sport’s most inspirational figures. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, he played baseball from a young age and by 2003 was planning to turn professional. But a motorcycle accident changed his life forever when he lost his left leg above the knee. Following this accident, he moved to France and on seeing the film, ‘The Legend of Bagger Vance’, he was inspired to take up golf. Now 26 years old, Manuel lives in Paris and plays to a handicap of just three, competing in high profile tournaments all around the world. His extraordinary golf swing has become instantly recognisable. Peter Montgomery read about Manuel and his remarkable story at the end of 2009 and had the idea of making a film about him. This short documentary portrait is the result.
THE AUDIENCE AWARD
- WINNER -
HERMANN
directed by Hana Geissendorfer at GFF KG
Hermann is lonely and not getting any younger. Although he has not given up hope of finding a partner, Hermann tries to distract himself from his solitude through friendship to his budgie Gloria. But an accumulation of events lead to a tragic end as Hermann starts to believe that Gloria is to blame for his situation.
- RUNNERS UP -
FLOTSAM & JETSAM
directed by Sam Walkerdine
Flotsam & Jetsam is a documentary based around the beachcombers of Texel, one of the largest Frisian islands north of Holland. Due to Texel’s geographical position, tidal system and strong winds, an estimated two tons of Flotsam & Jetsam washes up on its beach each day. The film follows the lives of the beachcombers (or Jutters as they are known), exploring their relationships and history as extraordinary people in extraordinary situations.
REVELATIONS
directed by Matthew Docherty at Big Feast
Chris has been dreaming of the desert, Louis is obsessed with Chris. When they meet in the street all hell breaks loose.
The Festival Programme
Rushes Soho Shorts Festival, celebrating its 13th year, is proud to announce the Official Festival Programme for 2011. The non-profit event, which will take place from 20th to 29th July, is recognized as one of UK’s best Short Film Festivals, with an equal focus on emerging and established talent.
The festival will open with feature documentary POM Wonderful presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, directed by Morgan Spurlock. The documentary explores the potential for product placement in financing films, a source of funding that is increasingly applicable for short format work. The film will be one of three features presented during RSSF 2011, all of which relate directly to short format filmmakers.
148 new short films from 27 countries have been selected for this year’s eight competitive categories: Long Form, International, Newcomer, Short Film, Documentary, Animation, Music Video and Broadcast Design.
The Official Competition Screenings will be held at The Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), with tickets now on sale. These will be joined by Fujifilm Shorts nominee’s with all winners being announced at the Awards Ceremony will be held on Thursday 28th July 2011.
The Festival Diary
Films In Competition
The competitive selection was chosen from over 1200 entries from 53 countries. 148 films produced across 27 countries have been selected to compete at this year’s Festival. The RSSF 2011 Official Selection is joined by the Fujifilm Shorts competition, with awards being announced at a ceremony on Thursday 28th July 2011.
Films this year include the sensational teaser trailer for the gore-flecked zombie game, Dead Island and the mesmerising newcomer God View, whose shock ending isn’t the only thing that contributed to its win at the East End Film Festival. The short film, Dust, propels us up into space while the animation, Four, burrows into the soil of changing seasons and Deeper Than Yesterday takes us to the depths of the ocean and of the human condition. Featuring actors this year include John Hurt (Alien, the Elephant Man), Phyllida Law (Much Ado About Nothing), Tim McInnerny (Black Adder, Notting Hill) Dexter Fletcher (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels), John Atterbury (Gosford Park), and Peter Capaldi (The Thick of It), among others. Elsewhere, you’ll find fashion designer Paul Smith, vampires stalking the streets of Shoreditch, and performances in the music video category from David Lynch, Gorillaz, Jessie J, The xx, Take That, and many, many more.
You can see the RSSF 2011 films in competition HERE.
You can book tickets for the Official Screenings at the ICA HERE
The Hospital Club Presentations, Deluxe Soho Seminars, Apple Store Panels:
Experienced filmmakers and leading figures from throughout the industry feed back their opinions and advice on everything from pitching, financing, marketing and distribution, to the more technical aspects of sound and film production, working with actors and script writing. In a range of free weekday seminars, moderated panel events offer practical solutions and discussion in five key areas of creativity in short form media: Advertising, Documentary, Animation, Short Film and Music Video.
Come and hear what the experts think, with panels comprised of representatives and leading lights from throughout commercial sector, including Nexus Co-Founder Chris O’Reilly, DDB Creative Director Neil Dawson, Studio AKA Creative Director Philip Hunt, Agile Films Head of Development Kristian Brodie, and more from Pulse, Blink, Passion Pictures, and Ridley Scott Associates.
We’ve got the best of the creative talent around with the likes of Michael Please, Ian Barnes, Johnny Hardstaff, Luke Snellin and Chris Sheppard, sharing anecdotes and imparting wisdom from lessons learned
BAFTA & Rushes Short Filmmakers’ Market:
We’re also combining with BAFTA for a third year of collaboration, presenting a day of discussions, debates and declamations, with all-day screenings, talks and seminars and an industry market featuring top media and film organisations from the UK and beyond.
A sell out each year, the event is an opportunity to meet people at every level across the production industry and will include 15 seminars/screenings through the day plus a trade fair. BOOK HERE
So whether you want to find out about how a Cannes Lion award winning campaign comes together, if shooting your next project in 3D is worth it, how to establish yourself as a commercial or music video director, make the jump from short films to features, what the future holds in your field or just how best to raise your game, then there’s an event for you.
Plus you could learn a thing or two from our panellists from institutions including the Royal College of Art (RCA), National Film and Television School (NFTS), London Film Academy (LFA), London Film School (LFS), Kingston University, and Skillset.
Festival Events
A plethora of seminars and presentations from the likes of Adobe, Raindance, Digicult, RADA, Skillset, APA, The Reel, RADAR Music Videos, Vision Pictures, Directors UK, Mosaic Networking, Fujifilm Recorded Media, DGGB, Deluxe142, Towergate Camerasure Insurance, LFA, LFS, NFTS, Sergeant Disc, Sheffield Doc Fest, Shooting People, Edinburgh International Film Fest, OneDotZero, SciFi-London, Raindance, Arthertz, London Short Film Festival, Satusfaction, Tenderpixel, Encounters Film Festival, The Smalls, Rotoreliefs and of course UK Screen.
Guest Screenings
Non-competitive programmes will feature UK and international selections from Philips’ Parallel Lines, Aesthetica Shorts, Curtocircuito (Spain), Hollyshorts (USA), Kerry Film Festival (Ireland), Renderyard (UK/Spain), Shorts Film Festival (Australia), Cinefiesta (Puerto Rico), Noche De Los Cortos (Peru), Cine Las Garzas (Panama), Dazzle Films (UK),View Festival (Italy), Reed.co.uk (UK), DC Shorts (USA), Bornshorts (Denmark), Kirin Short Cuts (UK), Digicult/ Creative Scotland, straight 8 and Streetwise Opera:Fables (UK).
We’ll also be teaming up with Addictive TV: the boys will be hosting an event at The Apple store, Regent Street as well as appearing as guest VJ’s for an awesome closing night party.
Orbital London
Alongside the 2011 festival, Rushes Soho Shorts have also created Orbital London. Teaming up with Nokia, Fujifilm, Adobe and StarNow, along with some of London’s top Short Film societies, to present a challenge open to all filmmakers: write, shoot and edit a three minute film, based on the premise of a journey between specific start and end points around the edge of London. 90 filmmaking teams have signed up so far and completed works must be handed in by 1st July.
For more information, please visit www.orbitallondon.com
Festival Magazine
You can read about all the goings on in our Festival Magazine.
Click on the image below to download your copy.
Festival Daily Diary // Wednesday 20 July
Morgan Spurlock (Director)
POM WONDERFUL PRESENTS: THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
Director: Morgan Spurlock
United States 2011 89 min
He’s given his body over to fast food, and searched in vain for Osama Bin Laden. Now gonzo documentary maker Morgan Spurlock brings his unique brand of tongue in cheek film-making to investigate the pervasive use of product placement in movies. Spurlock became intrigued by the ever more blatant branding aimed at teenagers driving Hollywood blockbusters, and decided to investigate. Typically he eschews a traditional talking heads and archive format, and opts instead for the Supersize option: the $1.5 million film about product placement is exclusively financed through product placement. He takes us behind the scenes to the pitching process, as he tries to convince big companies to back him, making them and their products the stars of the show. Volkswagen and Nike declined, but luckily for us, many others said yes, including Pom Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice. Mmmmm, tasty.
(Synopsis courtesy of Carol Nahra, Sheffield Doc/fest)
Morgan Spurlock (Director) and Quentin Tarrantino. Photo by Daniel Marracino
Morgan Spurlock (Director), Mane n’ Tail Photo by Daniel Marracino
Festival Daily Diary // Thursday 21 July
| 10:30 | Seminar | Pitching Panel with Vision Pictures | Free | Hospital Club |
| 12:00 | Guest Screening | Hollyshorts (USA) | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 12:30 | Seminar | Film London: Microwave | Free | Deluxe Soho |
| 14:00 | Guest Screening | DC Shorts (USA) | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 14:30 | Seminar | Fujifilm Shorts: Secrets of Cinematography | Free | Deluxe Soho |
| 16:00 | Guest Screening | Shorts Film Festival (Australia) | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 17:00 | Seminar | Future of Advertising | Free | Apple Store |
| 18:15 | Official Screening | Broadcast Design Category | Free | Deluxe Soho |
| 19:00 | Screenings | Orbital London | TBC | |
| 19:00 | Reception | VIP Reception | Invite | Rushes |
| 19:30 | Official Screening | Broadcast Design Category | Free | Deluxe Soho |
10:30 | The Hospital Club | Pitching Panel with Vision Pictures
With funding increasingly scarce it has become even more essential that filmmakers are able to deliver the perfect pitch. In association with Vision Pictures, this event will give an in-depth look at the pitching process. Filmmakers will pitch live to an industry panel, giving you, as an audience, a rare glimpse into the dynamics of this process and an insightful listen to the fed back on offer.
More Info Book Tickets http://visionpictures.org
12:30 | Deluxe Soho | Film London Presents: MICRO-BUDGET MOVIE-MAKING – The Microwave Road
This session will focus on feature filmmaking on a micro-budget, using the Film London production scheme ‘Microwave’ as a template. Created in 2006, the Microwave scheme challenges filmmakers to shoot a feature film for no more than £120,000 with cash and in-kind support. Recent alumni of the scheme include director/writer Eran Creevy, Shifty – who is now working on his second feature, Welcome to the Punch, Ridley Scott exec producing – and currently in post-production is Ben Drew’s (aka Plan B) first feature film Ill Manors. This session will illustrate the journey from Script to Screen of the latest Film London feature to complete: Strawberry Fields – in particular focusing on the script development and the practical production issues the film had to face. The film’s director/writer Frances Lea will be in conversation with Film London’s Microwave Creative Executive Mia Bays.
More Info Book Tickets www.microwave.filmlondon.org.uk
14:30 | Deluxe Soho | FUJIFILM SHORTS: SECRETS OF CINEMATOGRAPHY
Meet the Directors of Photography from previously shortlisted FujiFilm Shorts. Screening their work from previous years, the DPs will discuss their role in the creative process and the choices they made in the production with the director and production designer. The seminar looks at the inner workings of cinema to entertain and emotionally move an audience and the issues for a Director of Photography working in the highly collaborative process encompassing performance, editing and music.
FANATIC with DoP Paul Robinson
Photographer turned Cinematographer, Paul, shot this short on location in Barcelona. He used the ‘Bleach Bypass’ technique at the film processing stage to great effect.
SKATEISTAN with DoP Franklin Dow
A documentary about a skateboarding school in Afghanistan which was shot on 16mm film.
A ROAD APART with Writer & Producer Olivier Kaempfer.
Olivier wrote, produced and even has an editing credit on this road movie which was shot entirely on location in Switzerland.
THE BUSINESS TRIP with DoP Angus Hudson.
Winner of the Best Film award for Fujifilm Shorts 2010, Angus explains why simplicity is sometimes the winning formula when trying to tell a story.
More Info Book Tickets www.fujifilmshorts.com
17:00 | Apple Store | THE FUTURE OF ADVERTISING
Hosted by APA
The TV commercial is still at the heart of advertising’s future. Brands are recoginsing this by creating a commercial as the centre of campaigns, something which communicates the idea in a way that achieves the maximum impact. Advertising in other media then builds on the impact and knowledge of the message the commercial has delivered. Virgin Atlantic is a brand that has been at the forefront of that approach.
In each of the last two years they have set out to produce one fantastic commercial to define their service to consumers. Of course, the starting point, creating a brilliant commercial, is not easy to achieve.
This film created by the Advertising Producers Association provides a unique insight into the creation of a brilliant commercial, Virgin Feeling Good, through interviews with the creatives behind it and the producers who realised their vision.
Steve Davies from APA will be joined by Jody Alison, Producer at Rainey Kelly and David Steward, Head of Production at Partizan, who both worked on the Virgin commercial.
Watch the official Virgin Atlantic Advert here
More Info Book Tickets www.a-p-a.net
19:00 | MYSTERY LOCATION TBC | ORBITAL LONDON SCREENINGS
Hosted by RSSF, Rotoreliefs, The Smalls and The London Short Film Festival
From humble beginnings screening at a warehouse in Barking in coldest January, Orbital London has blossomed into a pan-metropolitan, all-encompassing journey through and around our city, documenting the most fascinating and eclectic elements of London life. A selection of three minute films, all depicting journeys made around the edge of the London, all screening in secret locations, each one hosted by one of London’s top short film bodies. Join Soho Shorts as we go guerrilla and discover the vast breadth of stories that this city has to offer. At the time of writing, the location(s) of the Orbital London screening(s) are still a secret. However, by the time that this text is in your hands or on your screen, details will have been revealed at www.orbitallondon.com
Festival Daily Diary // Friday 22 July
| 10:30 | Seminar | Raindance Presents: 99 Minute Film School | Free | Hospital Club |
| 12:00 | Guest Screening | Kerry Film Festival (Ireland) | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 12:30 | Seminar | Amps Presents: Sound Production | Free | Deluxe Soho |
| 14:00 | Guest Screening | Dazzle Films (UK) | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 14:30 | Guest Screening | Shorts Film Festival (Australia) | Free | Deluxe Soho |
| 16:00 | Guest Screening | Bornshorts (Denmark) | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 17:00 | Guest Screening | An Audience with Addictive TV | Free | Apple store |
| 18:15 | Official Screening | Long Form Category // Programme 1 | £6-£10 | ICA 1 |
| 20:45 | Official Screening | Music Video Category | £6-£10 | ICA 1 |
10:30 | The Hospital Club | Raindance Presents: 99 MINUTE FILM SCHOOL
In just one morning you can emerge from this special Raindance session with your head bursting with useful facts about the different aspects of filmmaking.
Elliot Grove, the founder of Raindance will be teaching and advising on how to acquire a practical yet intriguing script, finding the most fitting actors to fill the character roles and crew to assist you in bringing it all together. The issue of money is also tackled, how to get sponsors and how to get paid are of high priority, and this can often be the most challenging task.
In addition to all that, getting your movie out there and distributed for the largest number of people to see is often every filmmaker’s ultimate goal and every resource should be taken advantage of. With modern social networking tools such as facebook and twitter, drawing attention and creating hype for your film is more facilitated than ever before.
12:30 | Deluxe Soho | Amps Presents: SOUND PRODUCTION
All too often nowadays sound is considered something that can take a back seat during pre-production and shooting, more and more thought of as an element that can be remedied in post. Aimed at producers and industry professionals, this seminar will layout a best practice approach to getting sound right on your production, highlighting key steps and tips.
Giving consideration to all the elements of the sound department, the seminar will guide us through the workflow of sound designers, editors, mixers and composers via case studies from within the profession.
There will be a Q&A session for the last part of the seminar where the professionals can offer general opinions and specific advice in response to the audience’s questions and queries.
14:30 | Deluxe Soho | SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL
Shorts Film Festival stands alone as Australia’s only national film festival and competition entirely dedicated to championing the specialist art of storytelling through film.
Founded by acclaimed Australian producer David Lightfoot, Shorts offers its filmmakers one of the country’s most lucrative and largest prize pools including a coveted first prize trip to Cannes Film Festival. Selected on the basis of outstanding storytelling in 20 minutes or less, this year’s program offers a showcase of the winning films from the 2011 Shorts Film Festival.
Previous Shorts winners have continued on to be awarded or nominated for the Australian Film Institute Awards and Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or, among others, and have also gone on to work on Academy Award winning films. Shorts entries are judged by up to 50 respected practitioners across the film and media industries.
17:00 | Apple Store | An Audience with ADDICTIVE TV
When it comes to sampling films and remixing audio and video, London based artists Addictive TV have been leading the way for a number of years now, with their winning mixture of bootlegs and commercials. Having officially remixed films for nearly all the major Hollywood studios as alternative trailers, including the Oscar winning Slumdog Millionaire, Addictive TV have certainly broken new ground in their time – in 2008 they even remixed the Olympics Games live for television!
Having just played last month in post-revolution Tunisia, the guys have now clocked up performances all over the globe from the Glastonbury Festival to Shanghai’s Museum of Contemporary Arts.
Playing an exclusive short set of their work from over the years, the guys will treat the Applestore audience to favourites past and present before opening up to a Q&A with screenings of one or two rare unseen treats.
Festival Daily Diary // Saturday 23 July
| 12:00 | Guest Screening | Reed.co.uk (UK) | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 13:00 | Guest Screening | Fujifilm // Programme 1 | £6-£10 | ICA 1 |
| 13:30 | Guest Screening | Silent Film Screenings | Free | Tenderpixel |
| 14:00 | Guest Screening | Curtocircuito (Spain) | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 15:30 | Official Screening | Animation Category | £6-£10 | ICA 1 |
| 15:30 | Guest Screening | John Matthews’ King Arthur | Free | Tenderpixel |
| 16:00 | Guest Screening | View Fest 2011 (Italy) | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 16:30 | Screening + Q&A | Parallel Lines | Free | Hospital Club |
| 17:30 | Guest Screening | Tenderflix Premiere | Free | Tenderpixel |
| 18:15 | Official Screening | Documentary Category | £6-£10 | ICA 1 |
| 20:45 | Official Screening | Newcomer Category | £6-£10 | ICA 1 |
All Day | Cecil Court | Flicker Alley Day
Tenderpixel is pleased to present: T E N D E R F L I X : A week of experimental film screenings
From 23rd to 30th July
Tenderpixel is, for the fourth year running, collaborating with Rushes Soho Shorts, providing visitors with an opportunity to view some of the most intriguing contemporary experimental films from all over the world. There are multiple creative ventures occurring in the gallery and on Cecil Court throughout the festival, so be sure to stop by to catch a flick from talented emerging short filmmakers.
From 13:30 / Cecil Court / Free
Hosted by Tenderpixel At the dawn of this new decade Cecil Court looks towards the future by embracing the flickering memories of its past. This summer it will host a Flicker Alley themed series of events; a festival that will both explore the heritage of this unique British thoroughfare and celebrate its contemporary presence. Flicker Alley was the nickname given to Cecil Court during the time it was the central hub of the early British film industry (early 1900’s). In the decade leading up to the First World War almost 40 film-related businesses had premises on the street including many famous names in early cinema: Hepworth, Nordisk, Gaumont and American Vitagraph. Today, Cecil Court is known worldwide for its independent, experienced and knowledgeable shop owners. This enchanting Victorian thoroughfare hosts an eclectic selection of specialist shops that trade in first edition books, antiques, art, prints, engravings, and maps. Present day Cecil Court remains an indispensable destination for a variety of ‘one-of-a-kind’ objects and precious collector items.
15.30 KING ARTHUR: John Matthews (a world expert on King Arthur) will talk about King Arthur’s representation in film, and will show several clips
17.30 TENDERFLIX PREMIERES
16:30 | The Hospital Club | PARALLEL LINES
In spring 2010 Philips revealed their campaign “Parallel Lines”. The concept and creative hook behind the film series revolved around a single piece of dialogue, with no direction or setting, timescale or language. This piece of dialogue was composed to form the basis of the five short films, serving as the glue that binds the films into a truly unique experience, proving there are many ways of interpreting a story.
In this session, we will be joined by Parallel Lines directors and members of DDB.
Festival Daily Diary // Sunday 24 July
| 10:30 | Event | BAFTA DAY // Short Filmmakers Market | BAFTA | |
| 12:00 | Guest Screening | La Noche De Los Cortos (Peru) | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 14:00 | Guest Screening | Fujifilm // Programme 2 | £6-£10 | ICA 1 |
| 14:00 | Guest Screening | Cinefiesta (Puerto Rica) | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 16:00 | Guest Screening | Las Garzas (Panama) | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 16:30 | Official Screening | International Category | £6-£10 | ICA 1 |
| 19:00 | Official Screening | Short Film Category | £6-£10 | ICA 1 |
BAFTA DAY // SHORT FILMMAKERS MARKET
10:00 – 19:00 | BAFTA | £5 and Various Free Screenings | Book through BAFTA
BAFTA and Rushes combine for a third year of collaboration, presenting a day of discussions, debates and declamations, with all-day screenings, talks and seminars and an industry market featuring top media and film organisations from the UK and beyond. Come early for a breakfast presented by Skillset, and stay late for drinks brought to you by YouTube. Read on for details of the rest of the day’s exciting possibilities.
THE METAFILM SCHOOL IN THE DAVID LEAN ROOM
Financing the Short Film
10:30 – 12:30 | BAFTA, David Lean Room, BAFTA | £5 | Book through BAFTA
Presented by the London Film Academy
A discussion that will provide inspiring and practical advice on the best ways in which to get your short film financed. The London Film Academy assemble a roster of professional film financiers to give you tips from the front line on what they’re looking for in a short film, and how to make the most of your search for a budget.
www.londonfilmacademy.com
Performance Anxiety: Getting the Best out of Actors
13:30 – 15:00 | BAFTA, David Lean Room, BAFTA | £5 | Book through BAFTA
Presented by the National Film and Television School
How does a director get the best from their cast? From working with casting directors and managing casting sessions, to tips on directing performance on set, The National Film and Television school will give an insight into improving your directing skills in this crucial, but often overlooked area.
www.nftsfilm-tv.ac.uk
Distribute It!
16:00 – 17:30 | BAFTA, David Lean Room, BAFTA | £5 | Book through BAFTA
Presented by the London Film School
The London Film School explores the expanding world of film distribution, from online screenings through to guerrilla tactics and more traditional methods of getting your work out there. Incorporating elements from their MA in Film Curating, this promises to be an illuminating event for any short filmmakers easing their work out of post-production.
www.lfs.org.uk
GET TECHNICAL IN THE PRINCESS ANNE THEATRE
Play It Up: Innovation, Films and Gaming
11:30 – 13:15 | Princess Anne Theatre, BAFTA | £5 | Book through BAFTA
Videogames and films are quickly converging, with films becoming increasingly interactive, and many videogames seeking to emulate the narrative sophistication of the movies. With this event, onedotzero are taking videogame making and filmmaking back to basics, looking at bedroom innovators in both mediums, and showing us what we can learn from people creating great work on low budgets.
www.onedotzero.com
The Dimension Debate: Is 3D Worth It?
13:45 – 15:15 | Princess Anne Theatre, BAFTA | £5 | Book through BAFTA
Presented by Sci Fi London
Sci Fi London is going to kick up a storm here, interrogating both pro and anti 3D pundits, in an attempt to get to the bottom of one of the most divisive issues in modern cinema. Encapsulating 3D from both a technological and an artistic perspective, and giving time to critics and filmmakers alike, this event is not to be missed.
By Popular Demand: Crowdfunding Your Films
15:45 – 17:30 | Princess Anne Theatre, BAFTA | £5 | Book through BAFTA
Presented by Shooting People and Sheffield Doc/Fest
Crowdfunding is becoming an increasingly popular way to finance a film, especially for short filmmakers. BAFTA and Soho Shorts are pleased to be to giving this space to Shooting People and Sheffield Doc/Fest, who will discuss and debate the technique with a panel of industry experts.
www.shootingpeople.org www.sheffdocfest.com
SHOWCASE IN THE RUN RUN SHAW SPACE
Please note that the events taking place in the Run Run Shaw Space will be ticketed at the door, on a first come, first served basis.
Satusfaction: Films
11:00 – 12:30 | The Run Run Shaw Space, BAFTA | Free
Presented by Satusfaction
Satusfaction bring us the second year of their unique screenwriting competition, in which a winning screenplay is filmed twice, by two production teams. Here, they’ll screen the final films, get the screenwriter’s (hopefully ecstatic) reaction and discuss such questions as how to turn the tables on an editor and get them to direct a film themselves.
www.satusfaction.com
Shooting People: Film of the Month
12:45 – 14:00 | The Run Run Shaw Space, BAFTA | Free
Presented by Shooting People
Each month, Shooting People honours one of their members’ films as Film of the Month, with a celebrity guest judging the finalists. Here, they present a 70 minute compilation of the best of these shorts, in a varied and compelling programme of work.
www.shootingpeople.org
Documentary Shorts
14:15 – 15:15 | The Run Run Shaw Space, BAFTA | Free
Presented by Sheffield Doc/Fest
Hot from Sheffield, this screening will be of the best work from this June’s Doc/Fest.
www.sheffdocfest.com
NFTS Screenwriters’ Short Films
15:30 – 16:15 | The Run Run Shaw Space, BAFTA | Free
Presented by the National Film and Television School
A selection of short films ranging from fifteen minutes to 5 minutes, from Time Travel drama to dramatic monologue. What they all have in common is that each one has been authored by a first year screenwriter at National Film and Television School – an enthralling demonstration of a range of talents.
www.nftsfilm-tv.ac.uk|courses|screenwriting
Spiritus Sancti and Ghost Radio
16:45 – 17:45 | The Run Run Shaw Space, BAFTA | Free
Presented by ArtHertz and Branchage
Rounding out the day in the Run Run Shaw Space is a unique event, presented by London Short Film Festival: a screening of Sonus Spiritus, a short film by ArtHertz, depicting a secret society. This will be accompanied by content programmed by LSFF, and followed by an audiovisual extravaganza by Spacedog, entitled Ghost Radio.
www.arthertz.com www.shortfilms.org.uk
MEET THE PRO IN THE BOARDROOM
The Board Room will be host to the Meet the Pro sessions, informal roundtable discussions with some of the UK’s most senior and experienced industry insiders. Each session will seat only 25, so it’ll be restricted to a first-come-first-served format, but it’ll be worth arriving early, for audiences with YouTube, Sargent-Disc, as well as sessions hosted by Production and Location Managers who have worked on some of the UK’s biggest features.
An Audience with YouTube
12:30 – 13:45 | The Board Room, BAFTA | £5 | Book through BAFTA
Presented by YouTube
YouTube host a roundtable session, in which they demonstrate how filmmakers can make the most out of distributing their work on the world’s most watched video-streaming website. Includes an introduction to YouTube’s Partnership Programme.
www.youtube.com
Location Management
14:00 – 15:00 | The Board Room, BAFTA | £5 | Book through BAFTA
A Location Manager with several big-budget features under their belt hosts questions from filmmakers on good location managing practice.
Budgeting and Scheduling
15:15 – 16:15 | The Board Room, BAFTA | £5 | Book through BAFTA
Presented by Sargent-Disc
One of the UK’s leading payroll service providers for the film industry join us to talk through how to use Movie Magic for more efficient budgeting and scheduling. Key to managing any film shoot.
www.sargent-disc.com
Production Management
16:30 – 17:30 | The Board Room, BAFTA | £5 | Book through BAFTA
A Production Manager with several big-budget features to their name shares tips on good production management practice.
THE SHORT FILMMAKERS’ MARKET
12:30 – 16:00 | Various Locations, BAFTA | Free
Please note that entry to the market will be ticketed at the door, on a first come, first served basis.
Throughout the main part of the day, we will also host an expansive market, in which will be represented all of the major contributors to the event, along with other festivals, groups and companies; the perfect place to do a bit of networking.
Festival Daily Diary // Monday 25 July
| 10:30 | Screening + Q&A | Shorts and Features, Make Both | Free | Hospital Club |
| 12:00 | Guest Screening | TenderFlix Programme | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 12:30 | Seminar | Towergate Presents: Insurance for Shorts | Free | Deluxe Soho |
| 14:00 | Guest Screening | Dazzle Films | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 14:30 | Screening+ Q&A | RADA: Shorts | Free | Deluxe Soho |
| 16:00 | Guest Screening | Aesthetica Magazine Shorts | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 17:00 | Seminar | Future Of Documentary | Free | Apple store |
| 17:30 | Official Screening | Long Form Category // Programme 2 | £6-£10 | ICA 2 |
| 18:30 | Event | Brain Wash Presents: A Special Form of Denial | Free | Sugarlesque |
| 18:15 | Official Screening | Newcomer Category | £6-£10 | ICA 1 |
| 18:30 | Seminar | UK Screen Presents: VFX Meets MGFX | Free | UK Screen |
| 20:00 | Official Screening | Music Video Category | £6-£10 | ICA 2 |
| 20:45 | straight 8 | straight 8 // Programme 1 | £6-£10 | ICA 1 |
10:30 | The Hospital Club | SHORTS AND FEATURES, MAKE BOTH
Paul Campion’s 2008 short film Eel Girl came second at that year’s RSSF. This year, he blasts back onto the filmmaking scene with The Devil’s Rock, his debut feature, a claustrophobic WW2-set horror, featuring Nazis, demonic possession and copious amounts of gore. On the morning of Monday the 25th of July, Soho Shorts welcome Mr. Campion to the Hospital Club, where we will screen Eel Girl, before diving head first into the deep end with a screening of The Devil’s Rock. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Paul, in which we’ll get to the bottom of that nagging question: just how did he go from a successful short to a distribution deal on a feature in just three years? Taking in work with Peter Jackson and digital effects roles on features such as Sin City, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Clash of the Titans, we’ll chart Paul’s inspiring success story for what promises to be an unmissable event.
12:30 | Deluxe Soho | Towergate Presents: INSURANCE FOR SHORTS
Insurance: Get the right protection for your next production
Every film production is unique, but many of the risks faced remain constant. From covering equipment to cast, crew and locations; every filmmaker must consider what they could be made liable for should disaster strike.
This session will provide a guide to the essential covers that should be considered, and will offer a fascinating insight into what claims have been made when things do go wrong, and how they were handled.
Presented by Towergate’s entertainment insurance experts, topics will include ‘understanding your risks’, ‘selecting adequate cover’ and ‘minimising your claims exposure through effective risk management’. A Q & A with insurance experts will follow the presentation.
14:30 | Deluxe Soho | RADA: SHORTS
Presented by Edward Hicks (Head of Film, TV & Radio)
A chance to see a selection of short films from both experienced playwrights and new emerging writers featuring the latest graduates from the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. If you want to see some of the brightest emerging acting talent from the coming generation, this is the place to be. This event will be followed by a Q & A with Edward Hicks.
17:00 | Apple Store | THE FUTURE OF DOCUMENTARY
Presented by Documentary Filmmakers Group
Integrated, cross-platform media is a Holy Grail being sought across most genres of filmmaking but how does that effect documentary filmmakers? Does hard-hitting documentary filmmaking on serious subjects hold a place in the changing media landscape or will it be overtaken by ‘constructed reality’ and mockumentary? How will independent documentary find a home among branded entertainment? Indeed, what can documentary filmmakers learn about engaging audiences from their entertainment-led competitors? Just perhaps, some of these questions will be answered.
Director Orlando von Einsiedel will be joining the panel along with one of the producers of The Only Way is Essex is 99% confirmed. and the director of the Gypsy Weddings series.
18:00 | Sugarlesque | Brain Wash presents: A Special Form of Denial
Short film body Brain Wash has teamed up with lingerie boutique Sugarlesque and Rushes Soho Shorts to present a series of shorts by acclaimed filmmaker Marc Blackie. Taking inspiration from Japanese erotic art and nudey shows of yesteryear, Blackie delves into the beautiful and twisted world of voyeurism, exhibitionism and erotica, with sometimes disturbing and comic visual metaphors in his series titled A Special Form of Denial.
More Info tbc
18:30 | MPC | UK Screen VFX meets MGFX: Visual effects creating an identity
Presented by UK Screen
A look at the recent history and future of motion graphics and VFX
Revisiting the decade that gave birth to digital compositing, a panel of leading VFX/MGFX specialists share their experiences of an evolving VFX industry and how the scale of that industry has grown and continues to do so grow. Covering both long and short form projects they will delve in to the inspiration and creative thought process behind the scenes while considering the change in budgets and technological development.
The event forms part of Onion Training Sessions – a series of educational events created by UK Screen Association for members starting out their career in the industry.
20:45 | ICA | STRAIGHT 8
straight 8, which has become one of Rushes’ most popular events, puts filmmakers into the unique position of seeing their own rushes at exactly the same time as the audience.
The brief is to shoot a film on one three-minute cartridge of super 8mm cine film. No editing is allowed, and the cartridge containing the film must be handed over exposed but undeveloped, along with a separate original soundtrack.
Because there’s no creative brief the resulting selection of films is always wildly diverse and the quality of the best films is astounding.
“There are no other film screenings that I know of where the audience sits with the directors, actors and crew to watch their film for the first time”, says straight 8 founder Ed Sayers, “apart from looking at the film through a viewfinder, they haven’t seen their work yet. Watching your film this way feels like both the fastest and slowest three minutes of your life at the same time. And it’s brilliant that Rushes share our whole enthusiasm for that rawness of approach: ironic and refreshing coming from an organisation that’s all about technically polishing film.”
straight 8 is open to anyone anywhere – more details and past films are at www.straight8.net
Festival Daily Diary // Tuesday 26 July
| 10:30 | Seminar | Script to Screen: Workflow for Film/TV/Adverts | Free | Hospital Club |
| 12:00 | Guest Screening | Kirin Beer Films | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 12:30 | Seminar | DigiCult Presents: New Talent, New Possibilities | Free | Deluxe Soho |
| 14:00 | Guest Screening | Hollyshorts (USA) | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 14:30 | Screening | Scottish Shorts Showcase | Free | Deluxe Soho |
| 16:00 | Guest Screening | Reed.co.uk (UK) | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 17:00 | Seminar | The Future of Animation: Creative Advertising | Free | Apple store |
| 17:30 | Official Screening | Animation Category | £6-£10 | ICA 2 |
| 18:30 | Event | Brain Wash: Special Form of Denial | Free | Sugarlesque |
| 18:15 | Official Screening | Short Film Category | £6-£10 | ICA 1 |
| 19:00 | Party | RSSF Networking Night | Invite | Tattershall Castle |
| 20:00 | Official Screening | International Category | £6-£10 | ICA 2 |
| 20:45 | straight 8 | straight 8 // Programme 2 | £6-£10 | ICA 1 |
10:30 | The Hospital Club | SCRIPT TO SCREEN: WORKFLOW FOR FILM/TV/ADVERTS
Presented by Adobe
Take your creative idea to the next level. Adobe’s video products are being used on everything from national soap operas to international feature films (and everything in-between). In this seminar we’ll show how to get your ideas from Script to Screen in a seamless Adobe workflow that allows your creativity to flourish every step of the way. Whether your focus is script writing, editing, effects, sound or delivery (or all of the above) this seminar might just change the way you do things forever!
12:30 | Deluxe Soho | DigiCult Presents: NEW TALENT, NEW POSSIBILITIES?
With the new look BFI taking shape, Rushes opens the lid on talent development and short film production across Britain. Hosted by DigiCult – the home of Digital Shorts, Incubator and the Story Room in Glasgow – an exciting panel of creative executives and independent film-makers will wrestle with the thorny questions faced by every person aiming to make their mark on UK cinema. How do I get myself noticed? How do I get my hands on some funding? … But are people asking the right questions? DigiCult’s panel will discuss the qualities which set the successful film-maker apart from the wannabee. And what makes one film great and another forgettable.
Paul Welsh will be joined by Lizzie Francke, Senior Production and Development Executive at BFI’s Film Fund, Marc Boothe, Creative Producer at B3 Media and Jessica Ashman and Anna Odell from BAFTA winner Animation Fixing Luka.
14:30 | Deluxe Soho | SCOTTISH SHORTS SHOWCASE
Digicult presents some of the best recent shorts from north of the border. Partnering with Creative Scotland, Screen Hi, VMS and GFF in 2011, over the last ten years, Digicult has established itself as one of the longest running and most successful independent talent development organisations in UK film. This showcase features some of the Cult’s recent award winning films plus other exceptional live action, animation and documentary shorts from the best emerging Scottish talent.
17:00 | Apple Store | THE FUTURE OF ANIMATION: CREATIVE ADVERTISING
Hosted by Encounters Animation
The production of commercials continues to be the ‘bread and butter’ for many animation companies and often provides the only revenue that funds other productions such as short form and experimental work. With the prevalence of CG work expanding alongside traditional forms such as hand-drawn and stop-motion what are the pressures and constraints facing commercial animation production in today’s market especially with the need to consider a multi-platform approach? Our panel of established and creative professionals will consider implications in choosing CG over stop frame, cost vs creativity, and deliberate on what commercial agencies want and what school’s are providing.
www.encounters-festival.org.uk
18:00 | Sugarlesque | Brain Wash presents: SPECIAL FORM OF DENIAL
Short film body Brain Wash has teamed up with lingerie boutique Sugarlesque and Rushes Soho Shorts to present a series of shorts by acclaimed filmmaker Marc Blackie. Taking inspiration from Japanese erotic art and nudey shows of yesteryear, Blackie delves into the beautiful and twisted world of voyeurism, exhibitionism and erotica, with sometimes disturbing and comic visual metaphors in his series titled A Special Form of Denial.
19:00 | Boat Party | RSSF NETWORKING NIGHT
Celebrating 10 years of Mosaic Networking
In association with Mosaic Networking, Directors’ Guild of Great Britain, Skillset, WFTV, we bring you an evening of revelry on board the Tattershall Castle. As well as celebrating mosaic 10th anniversary this is the perfect opportunity to meet new contacts as well as catch up with old ones. This informal networking could help you get your next project up and running. Stands from key sectors of the industry will be offering essential advice and information on various aspect of filmmaking. Or, if you want to relax and enjoy the view from the banks of the River Thames, you can do that too!
www.mosaicnetworking.com www.wftv.org.uk www.fujifilm.co.uk www.dggb.org
20:45 | ICA | STRAIGHT 8
straight 8, which has become one of Rushes’ most popular events, puts filmmakers into the unique position of seeing their own rushes at exactly the same time as the audience.
The brief is to shoot a film on one three-minute cartridge of super 8mm cine film. No editing is allowed, and the cartridge containing the film must be handed over exposed but undeveloped, along with a separate original soundtrack.
Because there’s no creative brief the resulting selection of films is always wildly diverse and the quality of the best films is astounding.
“There are no other film screenings that I know of where the audience sits with the directors, actors and crew to watch their film for the first time”, says straight 8 founder Ed Sayers, “apart from looking at the film through a viewfinder, they haven’t seen their work yet. Watching your film this way feels like both the fastest and slowest three minutes of your life at the same time. And it’s brilliant that Rushes share our whole enthusiasm for that rawness of approach: ironic and refreshing coming from an organisation that’s all about technically polishing film.”
straight 8 is open to anyone anywhere – more details and past films are at www.straight8.net
Festival Daily Diary // Wednesday 27 July
| 10:30 | Seminar | The Reel: Breaking in to Commercials | Free | Hospital Club |
| 12:00 | Guest Screening | Renderyard Live Action | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 12:30 | Seminar | The Smalls Shorts Stories | Free | Deluxe Soho |
| 13:30 | Guest Screening | TenderFlix Programme | Free | Tenderpixel |
| 14:00 | Guest Screening | Bornshorts (Denmark) | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 14:30 | Screening | DC Shorts Showcase | Free | Deluxe Soho |
| 15:30 | Guest Screening | Renderyard Music Videos | Free | Tenderpixel |
| 16:00 | Guest Screening | Fables: Streetwise Opera | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 17:00 | Seminar | The Future of Short Film | Free | Apple store |
| 17:30 | Guest Screening | Renderyard Docs | Free | Tenderpixel |
| 18:00 | Guest Screening | CFPE Young Directors Award Reception & Screening | Free | Framestore |
| 18:15 | Official Screening | Long Form // Programme 1 | £6-£10 | ICA 1 |
| 19:00 | Screening + Q&A | Rotoreliefs | £3 | The Roxy |
| 20:45 | Official Screening | Long Form // Programme 2 | £6-£10 | ICA 1 |
10:30 | The Hospital Club | The Reel Presents: Breaking into Commercials
This seminar hosted by The Reel will take a look at how to break into the world of advertising.
With a panel made up of leading practitioners in the commercial field including Nexus co founder Chris O’Reilly, director Dougal Wilson, Jamie Clark, Head of Talent at Pulse and Kristian Brodie, Head of development for Agile Films, The Reel’s Editor Jamie Mdge will examine what it takes to get noticed when starting out and how best to propel your career from there on.
We will take a look at how to break into the world of advertising and anser the following questions:
What do you look for in a new signing; Skills, Technique, Portfolio.
Where do you find them; Online, Festivals, Student
How competitive is the market?
Once signed, what’s next for directors?
How important is working outside of the ‘advertising’ market?
Three key things potential directors should know/do?
12:30 | Deluxe Soho | The Smalls Shorts Stories
Hosted by The Smalls
In this creatively packed show and tell session TheSmalls.com brings together a panel of successful short filmmakers and within the typical duration of a short film gives them 10 minutes each to share their ‘making of’ stories and filmmaking experiences.
The session hopes to provide inspiration and insight for aspiring short filmmakers through the ‘making of’ stories, anecdotes and filmmaking experiences of the panel. The panel will be chaired by Andi Granger from the Smalls who will introduce each of the panel members and their film or films that they wish to talk about. Each panel member will then be given 10 minutes to talk about how they made their films and the things they learned along the way.
14:30 | Deluxe Soho | DC Shorts Showcase
The DC Shorts Film Festival (September 8-15, 2011) turns the spotlight on truly independent short films, created by new and established filmmakers in an era when the art of filmmaking is opening to all. They select films of every genre and niche for their competition screenings — with a special focus on films created by metropolitan Washington, DC- based directors and writers.
17:00 | Apple Store | THE FUTURE OF SHORT FILM
Hosted by Directors UK
Why make a short film? With advancements in digital technology and the explosion of the internet, both the making and watching of short films are more popular than it’s been for decades but what role do short films have in the industry? And what are the benefits of making a short for filmmakers working today?
Once your short has been completed the strategy for putting it ‘out there’ can vary greatly depending on what outcome a filmmaker is hoping for. Should you publish it online for free straight away? Or hold back and send it to festivals first? Short films can bring a director attention through online plays or prestige from festival awards, get them signed to a commercial production company or help them progress towards a feature project or a career in television. Some shorts can even turn a tidy profit in their own right from downloads or receive cinema and television plays via being picked up by distribution companies. This session will take a look at the various distribution and exhibition options open to filmmakers and ask what are the pitfalls and benefits of these varied strategies, via case studies and with a panel professionals.
Tricia Tuttle from BAFTA will be in discussion with Luke Snelling (multi-award winning writer/director), Tom Vaughan (Distribution Manager for Future Shorts), Amy Neil (award-winning director, whose accolades include a BAFTA and BIFA nomination) and Ian Barnes (writer/director of the controversial short Swing)
18:00 | Framestore | CFPE Young Directors Award, Reception and Screening
The Advertising Producers Association returns once again to Rushes to screen the CFPE/Shots Young Directors Award Programme. This Award offers outstanding new directors a significant boost to their careers. Entries come from all over the world and showcased directors are provided with an excellent promotional platform for their work. This is the first showing of the YDA following its premiere in Cannes Lions and is now an established and very popular part of Soho Shorts.
www.a-p-a.net www.shots.net www.rushes.co.uk
19:00 | The Roxy | Rotoreliefs
On Wednesday Rushes Soho Shorts will be joining forces with Rotoreliefs to showcase a choice selection of film submissions from this year’s festival, from some of the UK’s most exciting emerging film talent. All the filmmakers will be present to give a short Q&A about their films, and share ideas and industry experiences. Rotoreliefs is a networking platform dedicated to supporting the independent film sector through a series of events designed to promote and inspire emerging talent, break down industry barriers, showcase great short films and create an ongoing dialogue between audience and artist.
Festival Daily Diary // Thursday 28 July
| 10:30 | Seminar | RADAR Music Videos: How To Get Representation | Free | Hospital Club |
| 12:00 | Guest Screening | TenderFlix Programme | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 12:30 | Seminar | Makers: Our Story | Free | Deluxe Soho |
| 13:30 | Guest Screening | Curtocircuito (Spain) | Free | Tenderpixel |
| 14:00 | Guest Screening | Kirin Beer Films | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 14:30 | Screening | Hollyshorts Film Festival Showcase | Free | Deluxe Soho |
| 15:00 | Guest Screening | Kerry Film Festival (Ireland) | Free | Tenderpixel |
| 17:00 | Seminar | The Future of Music Video | Free | Apple store |
| 17:30 | Guest Screening | La Noche De Los Cortos (Peru) | Free | Tenderpixel |
| 19:00 | Ceremony | THE RUSHES AWARDS | Invite | TBC |
| 20:00 | Party | CLOSING NIGHT PARTY | Invite | Studio Valbonne |
10:30 | The Hospital Club | RADAR Music Videos Presents: How Do I Find Representation?
This session will take a look at how to progress your career as a music video director through getting representation via being signed to a production and/or distribution company. With a focus on those involved in the distribution and exhibition of music videos, this seminar is an opportunity to hear from a panel formed of leading industry professional’s including agents and production companies, plus you’ll also have the opportunity to hear from, and ask questions to, directors who’ve recently been through the process of being ‘signed up’.
The following panellists will be joining RADAR: Otis Bell (OB Management), Mikey Lavelle (Shameless), Dave Grahamn (Crossfire Productions) and Caroline Clayton. The discussion will evolve around these questions:
From the dirctor’s point of vue:
Where do you start making a plan to get representation?
What do you do to get attention apart from writing to production coompanies?
If you are writing, how to do you get their attention?
How do you get representation if you’re abroad and you want to pitch in the UK?
From the Production Company, Representant and Manager point of vue:
Practically speaking, how interested can they be in new talent?
What do they want to see in reels? Do they want to see reels?
What’s the difference between being represented by a production company and an agent?
From the commissionner point of vue:
Are directors better off going direct to commissioners?
How do they find directors?
12:30| Deluxe Soho | MAKERS: OUR STORY
Presented by Renderyard/ AMO Productions
A celebration of UK creative talent, this uplifting documentary shows the passion and commitment of a generation of new and existing filmmakers as they share their experiences working in a challenging industry. The documentary gives a rare insight into the work of the indie filmmakers who work outside of the Hollywood studio syndicates whose films are watched by millions all around the world.
The trailer is now available to view online at www.renderyard.com
14:30 | Deluxe Soho | HollyShorts Film Festival Showcase
HollyShorts Film Festival (HSFF) features over 200 projects and highlights a host of stars and filmmakers including David Arquette, James Caan, John Dahl, James Franco, and Kirsten Dunst. The 7th Annual HSFF will take place August 11-18, 2011 in Hollywood and will feature a marquee opening night, short film, webisode, music video, documentary, commercial and feature film screenings, industry panels and exclusive parties.
17:00 | Apple Store | THE FUTURE OF MUSIC VIDEO
Hosted by Radar Music Videos
Exciting things are happening in the world of music videos. For starters, there are more bands around and nearly all of them needs or wants a music video. However, with labels working harder to make ends meet and less money being spent on most bands now, you can be sure music video directors are not making any kind of living from making music videos.
But we’re about to enter the era of connected TV, when our living room/bedroom/kitchen screens will also broadcast from the internet. Music videos are already one of the most popular forms of content on the internet and platforms such as Spotify have proven people can put up with advertising alongside their music consumption.
Are music videos about to become an important source of revenue for labels and artists – and maybe even music video directors? Caroline Bottomley from Radar Music Videos will be talking to the new distributors and content platforms, looking at what they are already bringing to the table and what the future holds for the music video.
Panellists including Jon Pike (Head of Music atVidzone), Richard Wheeler (Head of Music and Content Aquisition at VirginMedia) and Ciaran Bollard (CEO, MuzuTV) will be answering the following questions:
How important is music video on their platform – what prominence does it have?
Who is their market? – who is their competition?
Do rights owners earn from the promotion?
What are their objectives in regards to music video?
What is their selection process?
How do people get their music videos to them if relevant?
Where do they think the future of music video promo lies?
Festival Daily Diary // Friday 29 July
| 10:30 | Official Screening | RSSF 2011 Winners | Free | Hospital Club |
| 12:00 | Official Screening | RSSF 2011 Winners | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 13:00 | Official Screening | RSSF 2011 Winners | Free | Deluxe Soho |
| 13:30 | Guest Screening | DC Shorts (USA) | Free | Tenderpixel |
| 14:00 | Official Screening | RSSF 2011 Winners | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 15:30 | Guest Screening | Las Garzas (Panama) | Free | Tenderpixel |
| 16:00 | Guest Screening | TenderFlix Programme | Free | Curzon Soho |
| 17:30 | Guest Screening | View Fest 2011 (Italy) | Free | Tenderpixel |
Last chance to enter the First Cut Short Film competition – deadline 30th June
Have you already got a short film that could fit the creative brief of “First Press”, in one of the many ways that this could be interpretated? Well if so, grab your last chance & complete the entry form by the deadline of 30th June this Thursday!
Japanese beer, Kirin Ichiban is running its inaugural First Cut short film competition and wants entries of all standards and formats, with the one stipulation that the film should be themed around the concept of “First Press”. Anything from 1 minute to 10 minutes in length and either live action, animation, narrative/experimental or documentary.
For full details on how to enter, visit www.kirinfirstcut.co.uk.
The Prize
The overall winner will receive £3000 cash and the career boosting prize of having their film shown at a series of prestigious short film festivals in the Capital including the 55th BFI London Film festival in partnership with American Express, The Rushes Soho Shorts Festival (July) and The London Short Film Festival. 2nd place will receive £1000 cash, 3rd place will receive £500 cash and the final runner up will win a year’s supply of Kirin Ichiban beer
