Short Sharp Shots

LIGHTS, CAMERAPHONE, ACTION!

DO you have the Phone Factor? And have you got what it takes to make movies? An exciting new initiative has just been launched for future filmmakers to make their mark – using a mobile.

Mobile phone users are now being urged to enter a new filmmaking competition, with 10 production grants of £250 up for grabs.

North West Vision (NWV), the strategic film, TV and digital media development agency for the Northwest, wants to encourage more mobile users to consider using their phones to make movies – and Short Sharp Shots gives them the chance.

“Lots of people take clips on their mobile and don’t even realize they’re making films. But this competition gives them the opportunity to show off their skills, and learn new ones,” says Helen Bingham, Head of Production for NWV.

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.

Introductory sessions will take place at Toxteth TV in Liverpool, Mill Street Venture Centre in East Manchester and The Blackburn College Media Centre during June, where budding directors will receive basic training in mobile film production.

“They don’t have to be glossy, we want wit and speed, snippets that show us your style and your voice. Our industry panel is searching for raw potential,” says Helen.

With the spread of cameraphones, more young people are documenting the events and moments that matter to them. This means they’re perfectly placed to be making innovative use of the format, with mobiles set to become a major source for the filmmakers of the future.

“With Short Sharp Shots the idea is to attract people who already use their phones to document personal moments, but who have never considered themselves to be filmmakers,” says Fee Plumley, Director of the-phone-book Limited, who are delivering the scheme.

“Our bootcamp will provide an opportunity to sharpen skills in planning, shooting and editing mobile phone films,” adds Fee.

“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 they can vote for their favourite,” explains Helen Bingham.

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 is Wednesday 4 July.