BAFTA Launches 60 Seconds of Fame Short Film Competition

The British Academy of Film & Television Arts launched a new short film competition today - 60 Seconds of Fame, run in association with Orange. The winner will have their film featured as part of the BBC broadcast of The Orange British Academy Film Awards in 2007. They are running a series of free workshops across the UK to promote the scheme.

This new BAFTA competition has the support of BBC Nations and Regions and the Regional Screen Agency network and is open to anyone aged 16 or over.  Shortlisted films will be shown by each of the 15 BBC Nations and Regions and, following a public vote, one winner from each area will win two tickets to The Orange British Academy Film Awards in 2007.  The overall winner will be announced and have their film featured as part of the BBC One broadcast of the ceremony.   As the name suggests, budding film makers are invited to submit a 60 second short film based on the theme ‘Celebrate', to reflect BAFTA's 60^th birthday and Orange's 10 year partnership with the Academy. The competition aims to give the general public the tools and ‘know how' to create their own 60 second short

Anybody aged 16 or over can enter the competition and, to help filmmakers achieve the right look, editing software, soundtracks and guidance can be found on www.orange.co.uk/bafta.  

It's easy to enter by uploading a film online at www.orange.co.uk/bafta.  The deadline for entries is 4 January, 2007.

To drive this initiative, BAFTA has organised short film masterclasses to take place across the country.  Hosted by exciting filmmakers and covering directing, producing and editing, these masterclasses will be filmed and video podcast on www.orange.co.uk/bafta to enable everyone to benefit from expert advice. All of the workshops are free but tickets are limited and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Mobile phone experts will be on hand at the masterclasses to answer questions on filming on a mobile. To support the competition, respected British directors Ken Russell and Martha Fiennes, along with newcomer Julia Jason will create exclusive 60 second films for the initiative.  These films will be available on www.orange.co.uk/bafta.

David Parfitt, Chair of BAFTA's Film Committee, said:  "Every year we celebrate the very best in filmmaking at The Orange British Academy Film Awards.  I am delighted that the general public will now have their chance to be part of the event.  This is a fantastic opportunity to give the public the confidence to realise their creativity and to encourage them to actively participate in the filmmaking process.  With workshops across the country being video podcast everyone has the opportunity to learn the techniques they need to make a short film." 

Hattie Evans, Head of Film at Orange, commented:  "We are giving all aspiring directors the opportunity to create a mini movie masterpiece of their own.  It's really exciting that the competition is open to everyone from budding directors with digital video cameras to students with video phones.  This competition gives everyone the chance to be involved with BAFTA." 

Lord Puttnam CBE, said: "In an era in which user-generated content is increasingly ubiquitous, this is an important and very timely initiative which will help inspire new creative talent across the UK."

Notes to Editors

 Workshop information: The Digital Age - A Short Film Masterclass

Hosted by Richard Jobson Date - Monday, 20 November 2006Time - 6:30pm
Venue - Conference Room 4, BBC Scotland, Queen Margaret Drive, Glasgow G12 8DG 

How to Produce an Award-Winning Short Film

Hosted by Kenton Allen and Mia Bays Date - Wednesday, 22 November 2006 Time - 6pm
Venue -  Redhead Room, BBC Manchester, New Broadcasting House, Oxford Road, Manchester M60 1SJ 

Editing - A Short Film Masterclass

Hosted by Lisa Gunning Date - Saturday, 25 November 2006Time - 10:30amVenue - Lighthouse, Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1UG  

Make Your 60 Second Short Film For Free

Hosted by Simon Corris and Alison Reddihough Date - Wednesday, 29 November 2006Time - 6:30pm
Venue - Brighton Film School, Brighton Film Studios Ltd, 95 Ditchling Road, Brighton BN1 4ST 

Working With Actors - A Short Film Masterclass

Hosted by Joe Wright Date - Thursday 30 November, 2006Time - 7pm
Venue - Run Run Shaw, BAFTA, 195 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LN 

Directing - A Short Film Masterclass

Hosted by Stephen Woolley Date - Monday, 4 December 2006 - Time - 6pm for 6:30pm start
Venue - Conference Room A, BBC Bristol, Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2LR