Deadline for submissions 1st October 2014
Inspiring a new generation of filmmakers to love footage!
Following the success of it’s first Archive Based Programme Pitching Competition in 2013, won by Meghan Horvath (pictured, with Richard Melman and Figs Jackman of Spring Films) FOCAL International and Spring Films have launched a second competition designed to encourage young film makers to realise the value and fun of making productions that use archive footage.
Aspiring programme makers are invited to send in written pitches via the FOCAL International website. You will be asked to supply: 1) an outline/synopsis of the proposed programme and why it should be made (up to 350 words), 2) an outline detailing the type of footage to be used and what this will contribute to the illustration and/or understanding of the topic (up to 350 words).
These pitches will be evaluated by experienced producers at Spring Films and a shortlist of names will be invited to discuss their ideas further. The winner of this selection process will receive 10 minutes of ‘free’ footage donated by Getty Images, also, Prime Focus will sponsor the production of a 5 minute taster tape, including online, grading and sound desk. Spring Films will then endeavour to place the completed taster tape with broadcasters, with the possibility of a programme being commissioned.
Megahn Horvath’s winning pitch was A Citizen’s Guide To Britain – a one-hour television documentary which takes a humorous, archival journey around our island nation using the “Life in the UK ” test as a jumping off point. Also shortlisted were Gareth Edwards with Up The Ranks – From Horses to Hydrogen a factual entertainment production charting the history of the iconic London Taxi and Rowena Cohen whose pitch is set in late Victorian England and the struggle to bring to fruition the successful completion of the Oxford English Dictionary.
‘This is a unique opportunity for filmmakers to present their projects to top industry producers who are looking to develop new projects using archive footage,’ said FOCAL International Chair Sue Malden, ‘ So we urge you to get your creative thinking caps on fast!’
Entries are now invited via the FOCAL International website. The deadline is 1st October 2014 and the winner will be announced on 27th October, 2014 on UNESCO World Audiovisual Day.
DEADLINE FOR PITCHES: 1st Oct 2014.
Please use the dedicated submission form
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ABOUT FOCAL INTERNATIONAL
The Federation of Commercial Audiovisual Libraries International is a professional not-for-profit trade association formed in 1985. It is fully established as one of the leading voices in the industry, with a membership of over 300 international companies and individuals. Its purpose is to facilitate the use of library footage, images, stills and audio in all forms of media production; promote its members – libraries selling content plus those whose serve the industry; provide a platform for members to promote themselves and their interests; encourage good practise in the research, licensing, copyright clearance and use of footage; support, promote and educate on the need to preserve and restore footage and content; act as an information resource for the footage and content industry; offer training in key skills and in the broader appreciation of the footage and content industry.
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