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Digital Shorts 2009

Digital Shorts 2009

Please note: Digital Shorts 2010 is now open for submissions, with a deadline of 1pm on Friday 22nd January 2010.

 

Digital Shorts is the scheme run by the UK Film Council’s New Cinema Fund and regional partners to enable filmmakers to make innovative short films using digital technology. In 2009, South West Screen teamed up with the following organisations to commission six short films: Exeter Phoenix Media Centre, Somerset Film, Picture This and 4mations to produce a range of films, both animation and live action. 2009's crop of films represented a diverse range of talent, with filmmakers from Dorset, Devon and Somerset as well as Bristol covering both animation and live action.

The six films were all delivered in autumn 2009 and unveiled at a special screening at the Arnolfini on 16th December 2009.

Please see below for more details of the films that were commissioned in 2009, and their creators:

Emma Lazenby (in association with ArthurCox):

Inspired by her midwife mother who recently retired after delivery thousands of babies, Director Emma Lazenby’s new film ‘Mother of Many’ is a short amazing celebration of the calming and positive work of a midwife in bringing a life into the world. Emma wants to celebrate just what an incredible yet everyday job it is and create a beautiful punchy animated film that will appeal to anyone.

Still of baby in womb from 'Mother of Many'

Still of baby in womb from 'Mother of Many'

Deb Richardson (Somerset Film in association with Producer, Tim Martin):

‘Night/Day’ is about David, an eight year old boy, who is concerned that the pressures of his bedwetting is losing him his mother’s affection. Singing in his school concert represents his chance to express his love for her and rebuild their relationship.

“This is a great opportunity for me and I have already benefited enormously from the development process following short listing.” said Deb Richardson “I began filmmaking after being inspired by the work produced by Somerset Film and The Engine Room, so I’m delighted to be able to make this film with them and South West Screen.”

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Rob Brown (in association with White Lantern):

‘Silent Things’ is a drama about how the friendship between an autistic man and woman is tested when an impulsive teenage girl comes between them. The film will explore themes of miscommunication and isolation.
 
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Ronnie Close:

’The Night Time Room’ is a short film work that explores issues of political violence and martyrdom through a character composed from a series of interviews with 1981 Irish republican ex-hunger strikers from Northern Ireland. Ronnie Close is a visual artist currently based in Bristol.

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Ashley Thorpe:

Animator Ashley Thorpe was first introduced to Exeter Phoenix Media Centre two years ago. His film ‘Scayrecrow’ won a ‘Media Innovation Award’ for best film earlier this year and was recently selected to be screened at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival short film corner. As part of the Digital Shorts scheme, Ashley Thorpe will be able to work as writer, director and animator on his next film ‘The Hairy Hands’

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Toby DeBurgh:

Toby DeBurgh also came to Exeter Phoenix Media Centre’s attention through a ‘Creative Collective’ event where one of his films was screened. His previous work includes the film, ‘Distraction’, which won the Two Short Nights Film Festival’s best film award. For Digital Shorts, Toby DeBurgh wrote and directed a film entitled ‘Undertow’.

 

Digital Nation
In addition to Digital Shorts, South West Screen also from time to time offers Digital Nation, the scheme which has replaced Digital Shorts Plus. Digital Nation gives more experienced writers, directors and writer/directors a chance to make the leap to more ambitious cinematic short films.

You may have made a Digital Short or work of a similar level. For example, you may have a broadcast credit in drama or documentary or you may be an established theatre writer or director. Digital Nation provides the opportunity to join a nationwide talent pool and participate in an intensive tailored development process designed to hone your script and your voice as a filmmaker. At the end of this development process the UK Film Council and Digital Shorts Strategic Partners across the UK will choose 12 films over 2 years, each to be made at a budget of between £18, 000 and £20, 000.
 
Digital Nation is not currently open for applications. We will know early next year whether we will be able to offer Digital Nation in 2010. Please keep an eye on the website.



Digital Shorts 2009