60 Seconds of Fame Short Film Initiative

60 Seconds of Fame was launched by BAFTA and Orange in 2006 and attracted more than 300 entries. This year, budding filmmakers are invited to submit a 60 second short film, based on the theme ‘unite’.

 BAFTA juries will choose the shortlisted films in each of 15 UK regions and the public will vote for their favourite film in their area. The winner from each region will win two tickets to the Orange British Academy Film Awards on Sunday 10 February, 2008. The overall winner will be chosen by a BAFTA jury and announced at the ceremony. The winning film will feature as part of the BBC One broadcast of the event.

The purpose of 60 Seconds of Fame is to encourage creativity and to actively encourage the public to participate in the filmmaking process. The website supports the film-loving public by giving them the tools and technical guidance to create their own short film. Anybody aged 16 and over can enter. The 60 Seconds of Fame site at www.orange.co.uk/bafta is live and the deadline for entries is 5pm on 4 January, 2008.

Supporting the initiative is actor Andy Serkis, (The Lord of Rings trilogy and Sugar House), who will be making his directorial debut next year with Freezing Time.

Andy comments: “I’m delighted to be involved with this initiative as I know how hard it is to get your foot on the filmmaking ladder. I’ve worked on a lot of effects heavy films but you don’t need millions of pounds to make an entertaining feature. At the heart of it you only need a good idea, a camera and a passion to share your vision.”