Details of ‘60 Seconds of Fame’, a short film initiative from the British Academy of Film & Television Arts in association with Orange, were announced today.
‘60 Seconds of Fame’ was launched by BAFTA and Orange in 2006,and attracted more than 250 entries. This year, 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 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 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. Anybody aged 16 and over can enter.
Last year’s winner of ‘60 Seconds of Fame’ was Alex Garcia, for his short film ‘Happy Birthday Granddad’. Alex comments: “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 Gollum himself, Andy Serkis, who will be making his directorial debut next year.
Serkis says: “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, said: “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 is 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."
The ‘60 Seconds of Fame’ site at www.orange.co.uk/bafta went live today and the deadline for entries is 5pm on 4 January, 2008.
