BAFTA offers 60 seconds of fame to newcomers

submitted by BAFTA

'60 Seconds of Fame' is back. This exciting and innovative short film challenge was launched by BAFTA and Orange in 2006, and attracted more than 250 entries. This year, aspiring filmmakers are invited to submit a 60 second short film, based on the theme ‘unite'. The winning film will be featured on the BBC1 broadcast of the Film Awards, watched by millions around the world.

BAFTA juries will choose the shortlisted films in each of 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 Orange British Academy Film Awards on Sunday 10 February, 2008. The overall winner, chosen by a BAFTA jury, will be announced at the ceremony.

The purpose of  '60 Seconds of Fame'  is to support creativity and to actively encourage the public to participate in the filmmaking process. The 60 Seconds of Fame site at www.orange.co.uk/bafta provides the tools and technical guidance.

Anybody aged 16 and over can enter and the deadline for entries is 5pm on 4 January 2008. Last year's winner of  '60 Seconds of Fame'  was Alex Garcia, for his short film ‘Happy Birthday Grandad' based on the theme ‘celebrate'.

His win was announced by Ken Russell and Mark Kermode. Alex comments: "Winning ‘60 Seconds of Fame' has opened up many doors but, most importantly, opened our eyes to what awaits us if we work hard."

For full details of '60 Seconds of Fame', please visit www.orange.co.uk/bafta.