Short Sharp Shots Sept 07

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

EVER fancied being a filmmaker, but not sure where to start? Well here’s the answer! In an exclusive competition being organised by the region’s screen agency, 18-24-year-old mobile phone users are being encouraged to get creative - and get caught on camera.

“Lots of people take clips on their mobile and don’t even realize they’re making films. But our Short Sharp Shots competition gives them the opportunity to show off their skills, and learn new ones,” says Helen Bingham, Head of Production for Northwest Vision and Media, which works on behalf of the TV, film, radio and digital content industries.

With 10 cash prizes of £250, film training and top-of-the-range videophones on offer, anyone who has ever wanted to make a movie is being encouraged to get involved.

“You don’t have to be brilliant – we’re searching for raw potential, not a polished finished product,” explains Helen.

“What we’re looking for are clips that show wit and speed, snippets that hint at your style and your voice. If you’ve got that, then we’ll be able to help you develop your filmmaking skills even further.”

Mobile phone filmmaking is all about action and an eye for a good shot. “If you’ve got a good idea, then now is the time to create a short film, documentary, or animation. Just keep it short, keep it moving and get it seen!” adds Helen.

Short Sharp Shots is a competition for Northwest 18-24-year-olds. Clips of three minutes or under are needed, shot on mobiles to be screened on mobiles. The best 10 submissions will be awarded funding of £250 each, and a place on a mobile filmmaking bootcamp to help them produce their next movie. They’ll also be given a top-of-the-range video mobile, to help them produce even better films in future.

“The ten short-listed films will be screened on the Short Sharp Shots website, and made available for audiences to download to their own mobile phones so people can vote for their favourite,” explains Helen.

Full submission information, access to other filmmakers and mobile filmmaking tips on how to shoot, edit and send mobile video clips, can be found at www.shortsharpshots.co.uk.

Deadline for submissions September 21 2007.