Bafta and Orange offer young filmmakers 60 Seconds of Fame
Story by Jack Foley
60 SECONDS of Fame, an innovative short film initiative designed to actively encourage the public to participate in the filmmaking process, has been launched by the British Academy of Film & Television Arts (BAFTA) in association with Orange for a second year.
Budding filmmakers are invited to submit a 60 second short film based on the theme unite and BAFTA juries will choose the shortlisted films in each of the 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 red carpet event of the year, the Orange British Academy Film Awards on Sunday, February 10, 2008.
The overall winner will be chosen by a BAFTA jury and announced at the ceremony and the winning film will feature as part of the BBC One broadcast of the event.
The purpose of 60 Seconds of Fame is to support 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 and the 60 Seconds of Fame site at www.orange.co.uk/bafta is now live. The deadline for entries is 5pm on January 4, 2008.
Last year’s winner was Alex Garcia, for his short film Happy Birthday Granddad and the young filmmaker has already gone on to better things.
He commented: “Since our win, my creative partner Wayne Yip and I have filmed a music video for Domino Records and are now part of the BBC Film Network which has been screening our work.
“We were also lucky enough to make the Best of Brits ‘07, which took place in LA in October. In short, winning 60 Seconds of Fame has opened up many doors but, most importantly, opened our eyes to what awaits us if we work hard.”
Supporting the initiative is actor Andy Serkis (pictured above in Sugarhouse), who will be making his directorial debut next year with Dark Blue Rising.
He commented: “I’m delighted to be involved with 60 Seconds of Fame 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.”
Amanda Berry, BAFTA Chief Executive, added: “At the Orange British Academy Film Awards we celebrate the very best in filmmaking from across the world and 60 Seconds of Fame offers everyone in the UK a chance to attend the ceremony and be part of the event.
“On the website – www.orange.co.uk/bafta – there’s information to help aspiring filmmakers develop creative ideas and produce great films. New for this year is our top tips section where leading filmmakers, who include Colin Firth, Jim Broadbent and Directors Alfonso Cuarón and Frank Oz, give their tips for making a short film.”
Hattie Magee, Head of Partnerships at Orange, commented: “Being able to offer the general public a chance to be part of the Orange British Academy Film Awards is fantastic.
“Whether you are shooting with a mobile phone or digital video camera, ’60 Seconds of Fame’ is first and foremost about creativity, so we encourage everybody to take part regardless of their experience.”