News
THE SUMMER HOUSE STARRING R-PATZ IS ONLINE!!!
Posted on: Wednesday, 14th Jul 2010
The Summer House starring Talulah Riley ('The Boat That Rocked') and Robert Pattinson ('The Twilight Saga') is now available on iTunes.
Click here to download for £1.49.
SUBMISSIONS OPEN FOR BANG! SHORT FILM FESTIVAL IN NOTTINGHAM!!
Posted on: Monday, 5th Jul 2010
Bang! is a non-competitive festival of short films hosted and supported by the Broadway Cinema, Nottingham, UK, and mixes local, national and international films to create an original and exciting programme. Without filmmakers or an audience we would not exist, so we do it for them. Bang! looks at all short films, and has no genre restrictions whatsoever.
The festival runs once a year, usually in Autumn, the next being November 26th, 27th & 28th 2010. Each event featuring a range of films mixing no cash raw talent alongside big money slickness, documentaries and drama, comedy and musical, experimentation and madness!
So if you're a filmmaker who's looking for a fresh, exciting platform from which to launch your film, then get involved at this address.
Good luck!
NEW SHORT FILM THE SUMMER HOUSE TO BE RELEASED!
Posted on: Wednesday, 30th Jun 2010
Shorts International will release the short movie The Summer House featuring The Twilight Saga: Eclipse star Robert Pattinson on July 13. The film will be available to download from iTunes Movie Stores in the US, Canada, UK, France, Ireland and Germany.
The Summer House pairs the emerging British starlet, Talulah Riley (St Trinian’s, The Boat That Rocked) alongside international idol, Robert Pattinson.
It is Northern France and the swinging sixties are well underway. While mankind is landing on the moon, a young girl becomes a woman and learns that life on earth can prove to be just as alien as those famous first steps.
Head to iTunes from July 13th 2010 to download this romantic short film - a great way to start your summer!
FRANK SIDEBOTTOM (1955-2010)
Posted on: Friday, 25th Jun 2010
This week Great Britain lost a legend and as a special tribute to Frank Sidebottom we are broadcasting a special screening of his short film 'Magical Timperley Tour'.
Saturday at 11pm, Sky 342
CLERMONT FERRAND 33RD INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
Posted on: Thursday, 27th May 2010
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS! Follow this link to get involved.
4th - 12th February 2011
Entering your film to Clermont-Ferrand could result in having your film competing in one of the most sought-after selection of films. It also means that you will automatically, and at no cost, give your film visibility before, during and after the Short Film Market, where 3,000 pro delegates converge each year for tracking talent.
Having a film in Clermont-Ferrand is one of the most exciting experiences you can get for your film. All the filmmakers, producers and film crews who experienced the Festival’s thrill of venues packed with a passionate audience are unanimous.
So if you're interested in submitting your film, then follow the link provided above, or if you just want to know more about the festival in general, or take a look at last year's competition, click here to go straight to their website!
Best of luck!
THE 29TH UPPSALA INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL IS OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR ONE MORE MONTH!
Posted on: Monday, 24th May 2010
Founded in 1982, the Uppsala International Short Film Festival has since become Sweden's premier arena for short film, having attained both national recognition of the Swedish Film Institute and genuine international renown.
Taking place in the university town of Uppsala at four cinemas located in the city's classic cinema district, the Uppsala International Short Film Festival is a meeting place for audience, industry and media.
This year sees Uppsala's 29th International Film Festival and will take place between the 25th-31st October 2010.
To enter your film for the International Competition and/or the competition of the Children’s Film Festival, please fill in the online entry form which can be found when you click HERE.
After having gone through the four steps of the online entry, please send a printed version of the entry form, along with a preview dvd, to the address below. Should you have difficulties filling in the online entry form, please contact the festival office at info@shortfilmfestival.com.
Please note that we have a new postal address. The new address is:
P.O. Box 2104
SE-750 02 Uppsala
Sweden
Good luck with your entries, from Shorts International!
STOP PRESS!! YOU CAN NOW USE YOUR APPLE MOBILE DEVICE TO DOWNLOAD FANTASTIC SHORT FILMS!
Posted on: Wednesday, 12th May 2010
Yes, that's right - a huge range of the best short films available today are now ready to be downloaded through the iTunes store on your iPod Touch or your iPhone!
Just head to videos-genres-short film to browse through the roughly 150 short films that are at your disposal day and night. Whether you're on the tube to or from work or waiting for a friend, just pop to the store, choose from our wonderful selection of short entertainment and start downloading immediately. Come on, we know you want to...
Happy shopping!
CHANNEL 4 AND TOUCHPAPER TV PRESENT COMING UP 2011 SCHEME LAUNCH!
Posted on: Tuesday, 11th May 2010
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR COMING UP 2011
COMING UP is the only talent scheme currently in the UK where emerging film-makers have the opportunity to make an authored drama with a guaranteed network broadcast. Now in its tenth year, Channel 4 and Touchpaper TV, part of the RDF Media Group, continue their commitment to innovation, experimentation and new voices.
A word from the organisers:
We will make up to 7 eye-catching, innovative, challenging films from the best fresh talent in the UK. Each film will be for a half-hour C4 slot and we are looking for:
Bold, original and surprising ideas with strong voices - unafraid of ambition, wit, urgency and fearless entertainment.
Films that can be shot in 4 days on a limited budget
WRITERS: This scheme is open to all writers who have NOT had an ORIGINAL single, series or serial broadcast on UK television; writers who have contributed episodes to series or serials (e.g. a long-running soap) are eligible to apply.
DIRECTORS: The scheme is open to directors without a primetime TV drama credit.
WRITER / DIRECTORS: We will accept submissions from Writer/Directors (as above) but excellence in BOTH disciplines must be shown to be considered in this category.
The closing date for receipt of applications is:
WEDNESDAY 9th JUNE 2010
ALL applications are by POST ONLY:
COMING UP 2011, Touchpaper, 3-6 Kenrick Place, London W1U 6HD
Full guidelines and application forms are available on the Touchpaper and Channel 4 websites as below or email specific queries to ComingUp@touchpapertv.com
Alternatively, information can be found at Touchpaper TV or Channel 4 !
LIMELIGHT FILM AND ARTS AWARDS 2010 - £5,000 PRODUCTION AWARD!
Posted on: Wednesday, 28th Apr 2010
The Limelight Film and Arts Award 2010 is now open for submission.
Limelight is the ground breaking annual short film competition, followed by an Oscar style, red carpet awards ceremony held in the Capital, open to all living, working or studying in London. The event is visited by hundreds of film makers, as well as celebrities, distributor’s, funders, and people from the Film and TV industry.
The awards ceremony will see highlights from nominated films and winners from each category. This provides a unique opportunity for film makers and as the event is televised, we also open the stage for people to perform on the night.
The ‘Film of the Night’ award is £5,000 worth of production hire, covering HD kits, cranes, Lighting, sound and Avid post production, thanks to Limelight's sponsors Avid technology.
To submit your film, perform on the night or if you would like to get involved go online now by clicking HERE or contact Limelight at contact@limelightonline.org
GOOD LUCK FROM EVERYONE HERE AT SHORTS INTERNATIONAL!
BABELGUM ONLINE FILM FESTIVAL - WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Posted on: Tuesday, 27th Apr 2010
The Babelgum Online Film Festival, now in its third year, was created to celebrate and reward the very best in international independent short filmmaking by providing exposure and cash awards for emerging talent.
In case you haven't heard of it, Babelgum is a free to view online television platform that in 2007 created the first, global, online film festival. Its shortlist is selected by viewers (that is, we, the public) and the films are then passed on to an expert panel who select the winners.
Over 35,000 people viewed more than 275 films in the competition and over 10,000 votes were cast via the Babelgum web and mobile platforms during the twelve-day voting period. Approximately ten films in each of the four categories - Animation, Narrative, Non-narrative and Documentary - were shortlisted and made eligible for cash prizes totalling USD24,000 with the final decisions being made by the jurors.
Further to their fantastic cash prizes, the fortunate winners will have their films shown tomorrow (April 28th) at the Tribeca Film Festival, New York. What a coup!!
The winning films can be viewed on Babelgum's SITE, along with all the films entered in the BOFF3 competition, including the Audience Award winners.
ENCOUNTERS SHORT FILM FESTIVAL - BRISTOL
Posted on: Tuesday, 13th Apr 2010
Encounters Short Film Festival celebrates new talent in filmmaking and provides a platform for emerging filmmakers to screen their work. In 2009 over 150 films screened in competition over five days to over 500 delegates and 6,500 audience members. The films and animations were a selection of the best new dramas, comedies, music videos, documentaries and animation from 58 different countries.
This year, join thousands of film aficionados to delight in some of the strongest creative talent that Short Film has to offer. Shorts International, in conjunction with the Watershed Media Centre, will be screening the Oscar nominated shorts - both Live Action and Animation - on Sunday the 18th in a one-off double screening, so this is your chance to catch these inspiring, Academy nominated shorts for 2010.
To book tickets, click here(for animation) and here(for live action)
Explore the fertile world of short film with us at Encounters Short Film Festival, Bristol.
We'll see you there!
GET INVOLVED WITH THE INTERNATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN FILM SCENE!
Posted on: Wednesday, 24th Mar 2010
In case you hadn't heard already - from the 17th - 31st March 2010, the BFI are hosting their 24th Lesbian and Gay film festival - for scheduling and links to buy tickets, click HERE .
The festival opens with the world premiere of the new British drama, The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister, and closes with the European premiere of Children of God. Centrepiece screenings include The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls and there are over 70 feature length films and documentaries scheduled for the festival.
With short films, club nights, late bars, events and networking opportunities over the course of two weeks, there’s a huge variety on offer and, as ever, the BFI only offer the highest quality of work.
Follow this link for more information.
FILM NATION - OLYMPIC CINEMA
Posted on: Tuesday, 23rd Mar 2010
So, having been left with a gut after watching back to back films during your adolescence you believe that your childhood dream of taking part in the Olympic Games is all over. We beg to differ, though it may not be exactly what you think...
LOCOG (The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games) has joined forces with Panasonic to offer burgeoning filmmakers, between the ages of 11 and 25, a chance to have their films screened during the 2012 Olympic Games.
Panasonic will provide state of the art equipment to the overall winner of annual regional and national awards ceremonies between now and 2012 and the best of the best will be screened nationwide as well as on the official 2012 Olympic Games big screens.
For the deserving winner, the prestige and publicity alone should be enough to garner a unique launchpad into, what can often be, an impenetrable industry.
For more information on how to get involved with such an incredible scheme - follow THIS link.
Shorts International wishes you the best of luck!
WINNERS OF THIS YEAR'S ACADEMY AWARDS FOR SHORT FILMS
Posted on: Monday, 22nd Mar 2010
Well done to all the short film nominees, but as ever there could only be one winner for Best Live Action Short and one winner for Best Animation Short...
The Oscars went to:
Best Live Action Short
The New Tenants , Denmark
Directed by Joachim Back, this film is a romantic, yet surreal, delve into the lives of a gay couple who have just moved into a new flat together. Beautiful cinematography and a script worthy of Tarantino rendered this film the Academy's Choice for the Oscar.
Best Animation
Logorama, France
With a handful of Directors (H5 [François Alaux, Hervé de Crécy et Ludovic Houplain]) and 6 years worth of intense work, this animated short was well deserved. Spanning an apocalyptic afternoon in a city made up of the corporate brands and logos with which we are all so familiar, Logorama explores, in an original and humorous way, themes of modern mass consumerism and humanity's tendency towards self-harm.
To see clips of all the Oscar Shorts, please click here. However, if you would like to buy any (or all) of these fantastic short films, please go to iTunes, where you will be able to purchase them for a mere £1.49, to watch at your own perusal.
CELEBRATING WOMEN FILMMAKERS, THE BIRDS EYE VIEW FILM FESTIVAL KICKS OFF ON THURSDAY
Posted on: Monday, 1st Mar 2010
Birds Eye View is back for its 6th annual Film Festival of celebrating, championing and showcasing women filmmakers.
This year's edition features a curation of varied short films made by emerging women directors from around the world.
Kicking off the short film portion of the festival, multi-talented actress Jane Horrocks will officially open the festivities on 4 March, presenting a showcase of the world's best new shorts by women including Juanita Wilson's freshly Oscar nominated The Door.
Featured short films:
THE ODDS Dir. Paloma Baeza, UK 2009
A suspicious casino floor manager confronts a very successful punter. He knows the odds of cheats but can he handle the bizarre truth of this one?
SLAVES Dir. Hanna Heilborn and David Aronowitsch, Sweden 2009
Avuk, 9, and Machiek, 15, tell their true stories of abduction and enslavement by the Sudanese
militia in this powerful animated documentary.
THE DOOR Dir. Juanita Wilson, Ireland 2008
A heartrending portrayal of one father’s desperate attempt to come to terms with the devastating effects of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.
THE CONSERVATORY Dir Matilda Tristram, UK 2008
What to do on a quiet afternoon when you are upset but you don't know why? The unspoken takes shape in this gorgeous model animation by RCA grad Tristram.
HEAT Dir. Debbie Tucker Green, UK 2009
In one corner of London on the hottest day of the year, Donna wonders how to reveal her
astonishing secret to her family.
National Film Theatre, 8.10pm, 4/3/2010
UK SHORTS
Stirring drama, delightful documentary and painterly animation in this celebration of
some of the UK’s hottest new filmmaking talent.
THE PARK Dir. Destiny Ekaragha, UK 2009
Three teenage boys are living with secrets they do not dare to share with each other. As the sun sets they leave the park and their true stories unfold.
TAD’S NEST Dir. Petra Freeman, UK 2009
A dreamlike animation with a central metaphor of the Tad’s Nest –the place where eels mature and are sent on their journey back home using only memories of sensations to guide them.
HOME TIME Dir. Natalie Brady, UK 2008
At the end of a school day, one young girl doesn't want to go home. She imagines an identical self to accompany and comfort her.
KIRRAN AND THE HATCHMAKER Dir. Amy Rose, UK 2008
Kirran, 13, chicken breeder extraordinaire, nurtures a new brood on his small farm in Wales and dreams of his future.
WHEN THE RAIN COMES Dir. Jade Bell, UK 2009
Anna (Dervla Kirwan) suspects her once-unfaithful husband is having another affair and takes their 11 year old daughter Sam (Holly Gibbs) out one night to discover the truth.
BFI Studio, Sun March 7, 4.15pm
ICA Cinema 1, Mon March 8, 8.30pm
INTERNATIONAL SHORTS
Malaysian Clermont-Ferrand winner, post-Chenobyl drama, superheros in South Africa and Scandinavian contemporary dance - experience the variety, quality and energy of women filmmakers around the world today.
EVERYDAY EVERYDAY Dir Tan Chui Mui, Malaysia 2008 UK Premiere
Won Grand-Prix at the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival-2009. Soon Chen quits her job and
dreams of a completely different life in Peru. Her husband, Ma, is losing her through his inability to understand why.
26.4 Dir. Nathalie Andre, Belgium 2008
A biker girl struggles with nature in this clever drama that combines lush cinematography with
innovative sound design.
ANNA BLUME Dir. Vessela Dantcheva, Germany/Bulgaria 2009
Kurt Schwitters’ romantic poem of desire of the same name is adapted into a stunningly evocative animation.
MANDARIN PEEL Dir. Anna McGrath, Australia 2009
An exploration of childhood dreams and memories through a short tale of two girls sharing a
mandarin on a scorcher of an Australian day.
MEMOTEKID Dir. Rannvá Káradóttir and Marianna Mørkøre, Denmark 2009
Minimalist choreography is performed against the awesome nature of the Faroe Islands in this
experimental dance film.
SUPERHERO Dir. Hanneke Schutte, South Africa 2009
Can an amnesiac in a superhero outfit be real? One little boy ponders this question upon meeting the eponymous character.
ICA Cinema 2, Fri March 5, 8.30pm
BFI Studio, Sat March 6, 4.15pm
SHORT DOCS
Birds Eye View and 4docs have teamed up to present an international programme of award-winning short documentaries to excite your mind and affect your heart. The programme includes two tales set in China; one a consumerist cautionary tale, the other a beautifully shot documentation of a small struggling rural community. Plus an artfully told doc about the ground-breaking avant-garde queen of electronic music, the story of a Ugandan's boy struggle to learn and an exploration of the lives of Japanese women who dive for a living.
CLICK HERE to find out more.
ICA Cinema 1, March 5, 6.30pm
For more festival info or to book tickets CLICK HERE.
HASSLE-FREE FUNDING LAUNCHES FOR YOUNG FILMMAKERS
Posted on: Friday, 19th Feb 2010
IdeasTap has launched Ideas Fund Shorts, £40,000-worth of funding to help young people realise their short film projects. Eight awards of £5,000 are being offered to anyone aged between 16-25 to create a five minute short film.
Recognising the lack of funding for young people within the arts, and the endless application forms and hassle to secure what funding there is, IdeasTap created the Ideas Fund to make it easier for young people to get their creative projects off the ground. Along with the website, www.ideastap.com, IdeasTap is dedicated to providing opportunities for up-and-coming creative talent.
Alongside the launch of Ideas Fund Shorts, IdeasTap is also launching the second round of Ideas Fund Innovators; ten awards of £1,000 for creative ideas from any discipline. The deadline for both funds is 29th March 2010.
For more information, visit www.ideastap.com
BAFTA 2010 NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED
Posted on: Tuesday, 26th Jan 2010
Amongst the glitz and the glamour of the 2010 BAFTAS some excellent short films have been recognised. This years Short Film Nominations are:
14 - Asitha Ameresekere
I DO AIR - James Bolton, Martina Amati
JADE - Samm Haillay, Daniel Elliott
MIXTAPE - Luti Fagbenle, Luke Snellin
OFF SEASON - Jacob Jaffke, Jonathan van Tulleken
Click here to find out more about the BAFTAS.
HOTHOUSE – CALL FOR APPLICANTS
Posted on: Wednesday, 20th Jan 2010
The London Film School has been selected by Skillset to run an emerging talent programme, aimed at UK screenwriters, directors and producers.
HOTHOUSE provides an opportunity for nine individuals or teams who have already had some success in an expressive medium – film, performance, theatre, visual arts, broadcasting, new media, literature, etc – to develop a signature film and make it ready for financing, production and its audience.
Rather than working in isolation, participating filmmakers are given a calendar of group seminars, individual meetings, delivery dates and feedback, case studies and mentoring built on the specific challenges of each proposed project. Over 15 months, from idea through structuring and revising, to scheduling, budgeting and packaging options, participants will emerge with workable projects, tied to realistic finance plans.
HOTHOUSE has been created by LFS senior lecturer and award-winning screenwriter, Margaret Glover, in consultation with LFS Director and producer, Ben Gibson, and an advisory group of producers Chris Collins (My Summer of Love, Brick Lane) and Kate Ogborn (The Unloved, One for the Road), producer and writer Peter Ettedgui (Kinky Boots, Unmade Beds), and writer-director Udayan Prasad (My Son the Fanatic, Gabriel & Me).
Neil Peplow, Skillset's Director of Film, comments, "Story telling is at the very heart of our industry, and so it is essential that we nuture and encourage new talent into the industry. Hothouse is an innovative scheme that will identify and nurture the next generation of UK screenwriters and equip them with the skills that will help them develop long term careers.”
Places will be limited to nine projects for the initial launch. The programme will run from April 2010 and the first deadline for applications is 1st Feb. For more information www.lfs.org.uk/hothouse or click hereclick here
To support the running of HOTHOUSE, we will be looking for a production manager and development interns -click here
SHORTSTV PLACEBO FILM FESTIVAL WINNER ANNOUNCED
Posted on: Wednesday, 16th Dec 2009
The votes have been cast and the results are in - Le Petit Dragon Wins!
Over 15,000 fans voted and last night Placebo announced at their concert in Dublin that the winner of the ShortsTV Placebo Film Festival was the short film Le Petit Dragon, directed by Bruno Collet from France. Congratulations to Bruno he has won the chance to pitch for Placebo’s next music video.
The 8 films that were in the competition are still available to download from iTunes Stores (www.iTUNES.com) in the UK and Germany. DVD compilations of the films are available online through the Placebo World store, with a share of the proceeds supporting the Somaly Mam Foundation.
Click here to visit the store:http://www.placeboworldstore.com/productdetail.jsp?productPK=unittest-qDKqa1FOLFy2rgEyqN3IEb-1
SHORTS TV PLACEBO FILM FESTIVAL
Posted on: Friday, 4th Dec 2009
During the Placebo Winter tour dates of 2009 you will not only be able to watch the incredible show by Placebo and the support bands, but you will also get the chance to see a Short Film Festival that will be screened before the gig and during the artist changeovers, on the mainstage screens.
The UK tour will reach the following cities:
Birmingham LG Arena (8/12/09)
London O2 Arena (9/12/09)
Bridlington Spa (11/12/09)
Manchester Central (12/12/09)
Glasgow SECC (14/12/09)
Click here to visit the official website and vote for your favourite short film.
If you like to get the chance to see the films again you can purchase the DVD.
The films being shown are:
'Le Petit Dragon' Directed By Bruno Collet
Thirty-five years after Bruce Lee’s death, his soul is reincarnated in the form of a toy action figure.
Click here to watch a clip.
'Motel' Directed By Thor Freundenthal
A traveller checks into a mysterious motel; has he really found a road-side oasis?
Click here to watch a clip.
'This Way Up' Directed By Smith & Foulkes
A.T Shank & Son have had a bad day at the funeral parlour when a falling boulder flattens their hearse. Emotional and literal pitfalls lie in wait for them as they make their way cross-country with just a coffin for company.
Click here to watch a clip.
'Gone Underground' Directed By Su Turhan
A beautiful young woman gets on a train. In a tunnel, suddenly, the lights go off. No words are spoken, but what happens next shows us in a shocking way to obey the signs.
Click here to watch a clip.
'Killing Time At Home' Directed By Neil Coslett
Isolated from the outside world, all that’s left to do is kill time. For some, the only way to make friends is to grow them.
Click here to watch a clip.
'JoJo In The Stars' Directed By Marc Craste
BAFTA Winner Jo Jo in the Stars is a story of love, self-sacrifice, and jealousy played out against a black and white world that is both nightmarish and hauntingly beautiful.
Click here to watch a clip.
'Maestro' Directed By Geza M. Toth
Five minutes before the big performance Maestro is getting ready behind the curtains. Time is slowly ticking away...
Click here to watch a clip.
'Chyenne' Directed By Alexander Meier
In a deserted housing estate, a little girl – Chyenne – sneaks up to a raven and starts a game, approaching him unseen. The odd duel ends up in a struggle, whose winner isn’t decided til the very end.
Click here to watch a clip.
OUR ENCOUNTERS SHORT FILM PICKS
Posted on: Monday, 16th Nov 2009
With the Encounters Short Film Festival kicking off its 15th year in Bristol tomorrow, we take a glance at some of the tremendous short films that will be showcased at the event.
THE SHUTDOWN
Scottish author Alan Bissett (Boyracers, The Incredible Adam Spark) recalls the intense experience of growing up next to one of Europe’s largest petrochemical plants and the harrowing experience of an explosion that temporarily deformed his father.
Scottish Showcase | Fri 20 Nov – 16.00 | Watershed Cinema 1
KID
A boy finds himself becoming too involved in the world of his father.
Best of British 1 | Wed 18 Nov – 10.00 | Watershed Cinema 1
Best of British 1 | Sat 21 Nov – 11.00 | Watershed Cinema 2
KINGSLAND #1: THE DREAMER
The moon looks down. A stranger arrives in the city looking for work, love and respect. We travel with him; briefly dipping into other lives, treading a tragically inevitable road that leads us back to the beginning. Written and directed by Tony Grisoni (The Red Riding Trilogy, Tideland)
Best of British 3 | Thu 19 Nov – 16.00 | Watershed Cinema 1
Best of British 3 | Fri 20 Nov – 13.00 | Watershed Cinema 2
AFTER TOMORROW
Returning to the village of his estranged wife, James grows increasingly concerned when the sinister owner of his guest house refuses to let him leave. A psychological suspense with a surprising yet moving denouement.
Best of British 5 | Thu 19 Nov – 13.00 | Watershed Cinema 2
Best of British 5 | Sat 21 Nov – 16.00 | Arnolfini Cinema
MEGATRON
It's Maxim's birthday. He's 8 years old. He lives together only with his mother in a village not so close to the big city. For his birthday, his mother will take him to Bucharest, to McDonald's. There, Maxim hopes to meet his father. Winner of the Palm d’Or for Best Short Film at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival.
International Panorama 6 | Fri 20 Nov – 14.30 | Watershed Cinema 3
International Panorama 6 | Sat 21 Nov – 17.30 | Watershed Cinema 2
LOVE HATE
Is it really ever wise to unleash your inner Id? And if you did, could you get her to go home when you'd had enough? Starring Ben Whishaw and Hayley Atwell.
BBC Drama Shorts 2009 | Thu 19 Nov – 18.30 | Watershed Cinema 3
www.encounters-festival.org.uk
THE INTERNATIONAL 27+ONE FILM FESTIVAL
Posted on: Friday, 6th Nov 2009
In partnership with ShortsTV.
The International 27+One film festival will take place in Moscow 4-6 December, 2009. The festival will present to the public a selection of works by Russian and European filmmakers.
The festival's concept is based on the idea of short films as a form that allows creating contemporary, innovative and independent films. The festival is created by an association of EU/Russian independent Films Producers and is being co-financed by the European Commission and supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. It will become a new platform for the cultural dialogue between Russian and European Union artists.
The festival program will showcase short films from the 27 member states of the European Union and Russia. The assumption behind the festival program is that Russia and the European Union, beyond their newly established political borders, constitute a single cultural space where exchanges and common endeavors should be pushed further. The selection will focus preferably on comedies or films having a humorous or paradoxical point of view.
During the Festival, roundtables and lectures will be held by representatives of the European Union and Russian film industry/institution including Chris Tidman, Co-Head, Global Acquisition at Shorts International.
ShortsTV, the Short Film Channel, will showcase a collection of its best short films.
Check out more on www.27plusone.org
HALLOWEEN ON SHORTSTV
Posted on: Friday, 30th Oct 2009
Turn on the lights, watch your back. Tonight and tomorrow from midnight, we will strike fear into you with a terrifyingly goulish selection of short films.
THE FLAMING BRAIN
An abattoir worker's brain exists outside his head. He keeps it protected in a jar connected by cables to his nervous system and Maddie is the meat slicer of his dreams.
STRIPES
Michael finds himself fighting for his life when a former classmate walks through his door.
BURIED
Disposing of a body can be a real pain in the neck.
LATE NIGHT SHOPPER
Late night shopping takes a deadly turn.
CHUCK
A door-to-door salesman isn't really selling subscriptions; he's after something a bit more substantial.
FRIDAY 30th & SATURDAY 31st OCTOBER (Midnight)
For iTunes peeps check out these scary shorts - http://tinyurl.com/yl8zbre - and, a spooky treat for Sky Anytime subscribers, a special programme of halloween shorts is available on the Sky Anytime service from today.
KANYE WEST/SPIKE JONZE SHORT NOW AVAILABLE
Posted on: Wednesday, 28th Oct 2009
WE WERE ONCE A FAIRYTALE is unique short film collaboration between Kanye West and WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE director Spike Jonze.
A fantastical tale of debauchery and redemption, West plays himself as he navigates drunkenly through a nightclub, rambling to passers-by as he struggles to validate his celebrity.
All the hallmarks of Spike Jonze’s invention are present in this haunting work that further enhances the significance and relevance of the short film medium.
Click here to purchase the film for £1.49. An HD version will be available for download in the next few days.
TRAILERS FROM HELL OPENS TONIGHT
Posted on: Monday, 5th Oct 2009
The brainchild of Hollywood director Joe Dante (Gremlins, Inner Space), Trailers From Hell showcases an eclectic collection of vintage movie trailers.
Trailers featured include Psycho in which Alfred Hitchcock takes the audience on a riotous tour of the Bates Motel, sci-fi classic The War of the Worlds based on the novel by H.G. Wells, and the George Romero fright fest Night of the Living Dead, the film that reinvented our notions of Zombie horror.
Often more entertaining than the movies they promote, these cleverly conceived trailers cram the essence of their feature length big brothers to stand on their own as entertaining short movies.
EVERY MONDAY (11pm)
BEHOLD THE RETURN OF SPINAL TAP
Posted on: Friday, 18th Sep 2009
They’re back. Twenty-five years after their encounter with film maker Marty DiBergi, Spinal Tap return to our screens with a special one-off adventure airing exclusively on ShortsTV (Sky 342).
Having put Stonehenge on the map in their legendary song about the world heritage site, the boys pay their first-ever visit to the monument. As if drawn by some primal, magnetic force, Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean) and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) set out on a pilgrimage to this ancient site. The silent song of these mysterious lithic Sirens inspires the distinguished artistes to make a trans-generational house call.
Crank your home theatre ‘one louder’ and catch STONEHENGE: ‘TIS A MAGIC PLACE on ShortsTV, Monday 21st September at 11pm.
OUR BRANCHAGE SHORT MOVIE PICKS
Posted on: Friday, 18th Sep 2009
The Branchage International Film Festival returns this year for their 2009 edition and the programmers have curated a truly formidable selection of short movies. Here are our picks of what's on offer:
BUGCRUSH
Ben is a small-town high school loner whose fascination with Grant, a dangerously seductive new kid, leads him into a situation more sinister than he could have possibly imagined.
Winner of the Grand Jury Prize in Short Filmmaking at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival.
SOLITARY LIFE OF CRANES
Part symphony, part visual poem, this film explores the invisible life of a city as seen through the eyes of crane drivers high above the city streets.
DEAD DOG
A man sets out with his girlfriend to confront the local gamekeeper when his beloved dog goes missing.
Winner of the Best Midnight Movie Award at the 6th London Short Film Festival.
A ROAD APART
The paths of an Italian motorist and a Serbian hitchhiker cross as they travel back to their respective homelands to face two very different pasts.
Nominee for Best Film and Best Cinematography in the FujiFilm Shorts Awards 2009.
TOP GIRL
The story of girls growing up in a man’s world.
Winner of a Jury Special Mention at the Birds Eye View Film Festival.
For more information or to book tickets, click here.
THE BEEKEEPER WINS A CINE GOLDEN EAGLE
Posted on: Friday, 18th Sep 2009
Congratulations to film maker Sean J.S. Jourdan who has been awarded the CINE Golden Eagle for his short film THE BEEKEEPER.
When his son’s girlfriend becomes pregnant as a result of their affair, Phil convinces his son to abandon her and return to school. When he informs his wife of his son’s actions, Stella Shaw must make a painful choice that threatens to destroy their family.
Keep your eye on our television schedule to find out when you can catch THE BEEKEEPER on ShortsTV.
3D SHORTS AT BRANCHAGE JERSEY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Posted on: Thursday, 17th Sep 2009
Being the sort of folk that love being at the cutting edge, we thoroughly excited by the prospect of 3D shorts being premiered at this year’s Branchage Jersey International Film Festival.
Artists Brian McClave, Darren Umney and Gavin Peacock have created their own camera system to create 3D time-lapse films. These short pieces will compress a day’s activity into just a few minutes and present stunning views of Jersey featuring sites such as Gorey Castle, Corbiere Lighthouse and St Helier harbour. Festival-goers will be provided with 3D specs at a free space in St Helier town centre to view what promises to be a series of extraordinary and original artworks.
For more information visit the Branchage Film Festival online.
SHORTSTV ON SKY MOVIES INDIE
Posted on: Friday, 28th Aug 2009
Some exciting news for those of you who subscribe to Sky’s movie channels. From September 1st, Sky Movies Indie (Channel 310) is showcasing the best in short movies every day between 8am and 9am.
Partnering with ShortsTV (Channel 342), Sky Movies Indie present a specially curated selection of mini-movies, featuring stars such as Andy Serkis, Dominic West, Martin Freeman, Mathew Horne, and Jaime Winstone.
There's no excuse to stop watching ShortsTV though as we have a terrific line up for September planned including the UK TV premiere of the new Spinal Tap short movie STONEHENGE: ‘TIS A MAGIC PLACE (Monday 21st September, 11pm) and our tension-filled Killer Thriller Season featuring Jack Dee in THE QUIET ASSASSIN (Monday 14th September, Midnight).
A CANARY WARF SHORT FILM FIX
Posted on: Wednesday, 19th Aug 2009
The Canary Warf Film Festival takes place from September 3rd – 7th and has announced its film line up that consists of four UK premieres, six world premieres and a selection of international award winning shorts.
CWFF’s film strand consists of Mix: International, Showcase and Focus Serbia, all of which will showcase the best of international short film. The UK strand, Mix: UK will provide a glimpse of the UK’s rising stars of short films with world premieres from directors of the future such as Matthias Hoegg, James Rogan and Lisa Forrest.
For more details, head over to the festival website here.
HIVISIBLE. GEDDIT?
Posted on: Wednesday, 5th Aug 2009
The deadline for the European Aids Video Clip Competition is fast approaching.
Sponsored by the German Federal Centre for Health Education, they are looking for TV and Video Clips no longer than 60 seconds in length that creatively deal with the issue of HIV and Aids prevention.
Video clips can take the form of documentary, narrative or associative productions. All productions should be original works that address young viewers and encourage an active awareness towards Aids and Aids prevention.
The deadline for entries is September 8th, 2009 and you can download the entry guidelines here.
SES WINS AT GIFFONI FILM FESTIVAL
Posted on: Tuesday, 4th Aug 2009
Congratulations to director Jesper Waldvogel Rasmussen and the cast and crew of SES (SEE YOU) which has won the award for Best Short Film at the Giffoni Film Festival.
When 14-year-old Nete's twin brother, Noah, is killed in a car accident her world collapses. The day she starts at a new school, a new boy also arrives. To everyone else, he is just the new boy in class, but to Nete he is possibly something more.
If you’re a UK subscriber, SES is available to download from the iTunes Movie Store.
FLICKERFEST IS NOT JUST A CLEVER NAME
Posted on: Friday, 10th Jul 2009
It's a busy time for festival calls proving that there is longetivity for your short movie beyond the screening for Granny.
Flickerfest is Australia’s only Academy® Award accredited Short Film festival and it is now accepting entries from Australia and around the world for the 2010 Festival.
Flickerfest will screen for 10 days at Bondi Beach in January 2010 before heading off on a national tour. The Festival consists of three competitive programmes - International, Australian and Documentary as well as a number of special showcases and forums out of competition. An international jury will award a number of prestigious awards and prizes.
The International Competition is open to any short film available for screening on 35mm. The Australian and Documentary Competitions are open to any short film available for screening on 35mm or Betacam video.
Films must be under 35 minutes and must have been completed within 2 years of the closing dates.
ENTRY DEADLINES
Australian entries must be received by 5pm, FRIDAY 28th AUGUST 2009
International entries must be received by 5pm, FRIDAY 11th SEPTEMBER 2009
Entry is ONLY available online at their website.
KINOFILM CALLING
Posted on: Thursday, 9th Jul 2009
KINOFILM is now accepting short film submissions for its new European Short Film Festival in 2010.
The 11th edition of the KINOFILM Festival will take place in Manchester from 23rd - 28th February 2010 as a European Short Film Festival and invites submissions from all over Europe.
With a unique reputation for showcasing the best short films, KINOFILM will also feature a varied education and professional development programme with seminars, forums, master classes, workshops and networking events.
The festival is competitive with awards in 6 categories.
Submissions Requirements
Short films should be no longer than 25 mins (except documentaries which will be allowed up to 35 mins) and must be made within the last 18 months prior to the festival. The festival does not have a premiere policy but there is a small entry fee to submit a film.
Submissions are open from 1st July closing on 10th September. To submit a film email KINOFILM for an application form or visit the festival website.
TV PREVIEW: SPOTLIGHT SEASON
Posted on: Thursday, 2nd Jul 2009
In the lead up to our Spotlight Season on ShortsTV, we caught up with three of the famous faces who’ll be guiding you through their short films for this exclusive programming event.
KRIS MARSHALL
Kris Marshall is fast becoming one of the UK’s hottest acting talents. Exuding a rare everyman quality, he consistently crosses genre and boasts a CV that includes everything from gritty TV drama (Murder City) to heart-warming romantic comedy (Love Actually).
Short Movies is an area he is no stranger to and ShortsTV are screening his greatest mini-masterpieces preceded by an exclusive interview with the man himself.
Kris provides real insight into why he loves short movies while discussing the trials of performing on a night bus while wearing a leotard!
SATURDAY 4th JULY (11pm)
PAUL MCGANN
Paul grew up in Liverpool and recalls catching the acting bug when he used to sneak into cinemas with his pals.
Fast forward 20 years and McGann reunites with his fellow Withnail and I alumnus Richard E. Grant for the foul-mouth short drama Always Crashing in the Same Car, a continuation of a diverse career that has seen him work with renowned film makers such as David Fincher and Steven Spielberg.
With a number of short movies under his belt, including the emotional drama Listening, our exclusive interview offers an in-depth look at what it is about shorts that keeps him coming back for more.
Short Films are a noble art form, and when they’re right they’re perfect.
MONDAY 6th JULY (11pm)
MARTIN FREEMAN
Rising to prominence as the affable Tim Canterbury in The Office, Martin Freeman has made a career from portraying ordinary Joes rambling their way through life’s ordinary (and sometimes extraordinary) circumstances.
Although Freeman has been a part of some of the most popular films and television shows of recent years, he continues to contribute to the British short film scene, many of which have gone on to dominate international film festivals and major film awards.
Featuring a selection of his key work including Call Register, Fancy Dress and I Just Want To Kiss You, this special programming event is preceded by an exclusive interview with the actor where he talks about what he really thinks of Mackenzie Crook dressed up as a women and how he became a fan of The American Office.
THURSDAY 9th JULY (11pm)
ACADEMY INVITE FOR SHORTS CEO
Posted on: Wednesday, 1st Jul 2009
This year, for his services to short movies, Shorts International CEO Carter Pilcher has been selected to join Live Action Short Movie branch of the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).
He joins other new invitees such as Hugh Jackman, Danny Boyle and Clint Mansell.
For more information, check out the the Hollywood Reporter.
WINNING SHORT AT EIFF 2009
Posted on: Tuesday, 30th Jun 2009
Emma Sullivan’s short film AFTER TOMORROW has walked away with the UK Film Council Award for Best Short Film at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Having made an impact at this years Cannes Film Festival where it was nominated for the Palme d’Or, the short film stars Joseph Mawle (RED RIDING, THE PASSION) as a man who grows increasingly anxious when the sinister owner of the guest house refuses to let him leave.
AND THE WINNER IS...
Posted on: Thursday, 25th Jun 2009
Last week, creative agency Addiction were awarded a Bronze medal for Art Direction and Design Interstitial Campaign at the World Gold Design Awards in New York City for their work on our wonderful ShortsTV idents and interstitials.
Many congratulations to everyone involved and if you fancy a peek at their tireless efforts flick to Sky Channel 342.
SHORTSTV AT THE ELECTRIC CINEMA THIS SUNDAY
Posted on: Thursday, 11th Jun 2009
We continue our monthly residency at the Electric Cinema in Notting Hill this Sunday at 2pm (14.6.09), as we present a special screening of the Johnny Depp-fest Cry-Baby preceded by four toe-tapping musicals plucked from our archives.
FLYING SAUCER ROCK’N’ROLL
UK/12’/1997
Directed by Enda Hughes
Written by Mik Duffy, Enda Hughes
Starring: Ardal O’Hanlon, Tara Costello, Joe Rooney, Tim Loane
A toe tappin' rock 'n' roll rebel meets horror from beyond the grave.
NAKED: A GUY’S MUSICAL
USA/15’/2004
Directed by Jonathan Baker
Written by Jonathan Baker
Starring: Jonathan Baker, Mizuo Peck, Christine Lakin
A man suffers from a recurring musical nightmare in which he relives past romantic encounters butt-naked.
I HATE MUSICALS
USA/19’/2007
Directed by Stuart Schill
Written by Stuart Schill
Starring: Lucas Bryant, Laura Breckenridge, Happy Mahaney, Pete Penuel
A guy who hates musicals is cursed to sing and dance his way through life.
NO, NO, NO
UK/3’/2003
Directed by Stephen Bradley
Written by Kevin Gildea
Starring: Paul Cantwell, Kevin Gildea, Sean Miller
A musical journey through a man’s mind.
To book tickets, click here or ring the box office direct on 020 7908 9696.
WE WANT YOUR DOCS!
Posted on: Thursday, 11th Jun 2009
We are seeking documentary shorts for our REAL STORIES strand. Films can cover any subject, our only preference being that they tell a good story. Candidate films should be available in high-definition.
There is a three-year license fee available for existing content, so if this is of interest send your flick to the address below.
REAL STORIES
ShortsTV
Acquisitions Department
6-8 Luke Street
London
EC2A 4XY
FILMINUTE 2009: CALL FOR ENTRIES
Posted on: Monday, 8th Jun 2009
FILMINUTE has now launched its 2009 Call For Entries.
FILMINUTE, the international one-minute film festival that showcases, awards and promotes the best one-minute films from around the world, has now launched its 2009 Call For Entries.
The entry deadline is August 20th and the festival runs throughout the month of September online at www.filminute.com as well as on a variety of other media.
Over the course of its first three editions, the Filminute festival has generated a fantastic response from filmmakers and audiences worldwide. Filminute 2008 generated submissions from 60 countries, viewership from 94 countries and more than 3 million viewings of the shortlisted films, both online and on television (including on ShortsTV).
The 25 shortlisted films were subjected to both a public vote and review by a respected international jury made up of luminaries from the film, arts, literature and advertising industries, including Oscar-winning screenwriter and director Paul Haggis.
For more info, visit www.filminute.com
IT'S CLOSE, ENCOUNTERS
Posted on: Thursday, 4th Jun 2009
Our friends at the Encounters Short Film Festival have asked us to remind you about their submissions deadline in advance of this year’s event.
Now in its 15th year, the festival has become known world-wide for the extraordinary community of filmmakers it attracts, and for the quality and scope of its programming. This celebrated event is the largest festival of its kind in the UK, showcasing over 300 new international short films each year.
Encounters accepts films of every genre less than 30 minutes: animation, drama, documentary, experimental and music video and does NOT have a premiere policy. All films submitted to the festival are entered into the HP Digital Viewing library offering more than 1000 films for on demand viewing available to all delegates' buyers, distributors, programmers and press throughout the festival.
Submissions for this year's festival are now open via their website until Tuesday 30 June 2009.
The festival runs from the 17-22 November 2009.
HAIL CESAR!
Posted on: Wednesday, 3rd Jun 2009
This weekend, the Gate Picturehouse in Notting Hill is holding an exclusive screening of The Short Film Golden Nights presented by Les César.
This screening offers audiences a rare opportunity to discover a world of new cinematic talent. For more information on the release pop over to the Official Website.
The Short Film Golden Nights presented by Les César will screen on Saturday 6th June at 4pm. Tickets can be booked by phoning the ticket hotline on 08717 042 058.
If you’re no where near the Big Smoke, pop over to our Facebook page and find out how you can win one of five copies of Les César Short Films 2009 on DVD courtesy of Les César and DVD Pocket.
‘LE PITCH’ AT THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2009
Posted on: Friday, 22nd May 2009
ShortsTV, the short film channel, is offering the film makers of tomorrow an opportunity to pitch their next film project to industry professionals and the wider public.
In a single take, film makers will have three minutes to sell their idea on camera for broadcast on ShortsTV, which will be followed by a 45 second extract of the film maker’s previous work.
The pitching sessions will take place at the Short Film Corner from the 18th till 20th of May from 9:30 am till 11:00 am.
To register, interested parties should send an email to lepitch@shortstv.com before 8th of May, 2009, with their full name, contact details and availability.
Le Pitch will be broadcast on ShortsTV in France (Numericable Channel 134 and 52), in the United Kingdom (SKY Channel 342) and in the US later in the year.
THE RULES OF THE PITCH:
- You must be registered at the Short Film Corner 2009.
- You must have already made a short film.
- You will need to give us a 45 second extract of your work (all rights must be cleared) on DVC PRO HD, DV, DV Cam or data DVD.
- You must hold the relevant copyright to your pitch idea in order to protect the ownership of your idea.
- You must pitch your project in no more than 3 minutes.
- Your pitch to camera will be eligible for broadcast worldwide.
