Thursday 8 January 2009

Anyone for Shorts?


Well here it is – 2009. A year of possibilities? Maybe. A year of changes? Most likely. Still, we’re not ones to dwell on the negatives here at The Reel, so this first post of 2009 is about something we’re really looking forward to – RUSHES SOHO SHORTS 2009. The call for entries is out, so get your shorts on.

Celebrating work in six competition categories - Short Film, Animation, Documentary, Music Video, Newcomer and Broadcast Design - the festival has built a phenomenal following and maintains a significant bridge between the independent and commercial film making communities. Think you’ve gor a top piece to contribute? The entry form for this year’s festival can now be downloaded at www.sohoshorts.com

But that’s not all! 2009’s event includes additional out-of-competition programmes highlighting work from abroad along with numerous guest programmes showcasing amazing work produced in the UK and overseas. The 10 day bonanza will also see a large range of seminars, lectures, networking events, receptions, Bar-B-Q’s, boat parties and live music performances.

The festival provides many programmes and events for free, intending to encourage, inspire and promote talented filmmakers to the public and the huge number of production companies and creative organisations in and around London and the UK.

It’s free to enter, just send in your film on DVD along with an entry form to:
Rushes Soho Shorts, 66 Old Compton Street, London, W1D 4UH, UK.


Entry Criteria:


  • Films must be no more than 12 minutes without credits
  • Films must have been completed between 1st January 2008 and 23rd April 2009
  • Films should be submitted on DVD with the entry form
  • A SAE should be sent with entries if they are to be returned

Films can be submitted up until 23rd April with the shortlisted films being announced early June and the full programme available from 1st July. The festival will open on Wednesday 23rd July and will culminate, as is tradition, with the Rushes Awards hosted by festival stalwart (and Celebrity Big Brother megastar) Terry Christian on Thursday 30th July 2009.

Want an idea of what’s come before? Here’s a rundown of last years winners:

ANIMATION
1st Place “Standup” Dir. Joseph Pierce (National Film and Television School)
2nd Place “The Control Master” Dir. Run Wrake (Sclah Films)
3rd Place “Sony Bravia: Play Doh” Dir. Frank Budgen and Darren Walsh (Passion Pictures)

SHORT FILM
1st Place “Souljah” Dir. Rikki Beadle-Blair (Team Angelica)
2nd Place “Eel Girl” Dir. Paul Campion (Chameleon Pictures)
3rd Place “El Hoppo!” Dir. Marcus Shepherd (Dan Films Ltd)

BROADCAST DESIGN
1st Place “1 in 7 Children” Dir. Susannah Hayes (Ferocious Films)
2nd Place “BBC iPlayer: Penguins” Dir. Vince Squibb & Darren Walsh (Passion Pictures)
3rd Place “Don’t Let It All Unravel” Dir.Sarah Cox (Aardman Animations)

MUSIC VIDEO
1st Place Mika – Lollipop Dir. Bonzom (Passion)
2nd Place Spektr: Things That Go Bump In The Night Dir. Thomas Pors (Simulakrum)
3rd Place One Eskimo: Hometime Dir. Lucy Sullivan & Matt Latchford (Gravy Media)

NEWCOMERS
1st Place “Love Does Grow on Trees” Dir. Bevan Walsh (Keel Films)
2nd Place “Covered” Dir. Jack Laurance (Covered)
3rd Place “On The Upside” Dir. Peter Bunzl (Peter Bunzl Films)

DOCUMENTARY
1st Place “A to Z” Sally Arthur (World of Arthur Cox)
2nd Place “Adi Dassler” Martin Krejci (Stink)
3rd Place “I Dreamt of Flying” Alex Bland

In 2008, post festival, the finalist’s films and selections of work from the festival shortlist were screened not only to Ad agencies, festivals and film organisations in London but also at events in Denmark, Australia, USA, Turkey, and Jersey (to name a few). As if that wasn’t enough, they were also featured in full on the hallowed pages of The Reel.

Further Information can be found at www.sohoshorts.com and festival enquires should be directed towards Joe Bateman, Festival Director - joe.bateman@rushes.co.uk

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