BAFTA SHOWCASE FOR UP AND COMING YORKSHIRE FILMMAKERS (04/02/2010)
Screen Yorkshire is hosting an event in partnership with BAFTA next week aimed at raising the profile of some of the most promising emerging filmmakers from the region. Three writer / directors who took part in Screen Yorkshire's Digital Shorts scheme last year will have their films screened to an audience made up of the UK's top film agents and talent scouts at an exclusive industry showcase at the BAFTA headquarters in London on 09th February.
The Digital Shorts scheme, run in partnership with The UK Film Council, is aimed at developing the next generation of film writers, directors and producers. The scheme brings together individuals from across the region to form creative teams and has played a vital role in progressing filmmakers' careers since its launch in 2003. Former participants have gone on to have their films at international film festivals including Edinburgh, Clermont-Ferrand and at the Short Film Corner in Cannes, with some going on to direct feature films.
Writer / director Matt Taabu's film Threads is one of three short films produced on the scheme to be selected for the showcase. Former Hollyoaks actor Jamie Lomas (who starred as gangster Warren in the soap) plays the role of Steve Barker, a political candidate for the far-right party who comes into contact with a mixed-race teenager, Liam, played by actor Reece Noi (who previously starred as Earl Kelly in Waterloo Road). Liam believes Steve is his father - and as he begins to feel connected to him, he must make a tough decision - are his roots or his individuality more important to him?
Matt, who is based in Doncaster, says:
''Screen Yorkshire's support through the Digital Shorts scheme has been crucial to the development of my career. I was lucky enough to be commissioned on last year's scheme with my film ‘Into the Woods', which was short listed for the prestigious ‘I've Seen Films Festival Awards', in Milan last October. We didn't take the top prize, but we received a special mention award from the jury, which included Ridley Scott and Anton Corbijn! To have our film seen and recognised by such huge industry giants was a once in a lifetime experience.
I'm really proud of my latest film ‘Threads' and hoping that next week's BAFTA showcase will give me a head start to stand out from the crowd in what is an incredibly competitive industry.''
The other two films produced on the scheme that have been selected for the BAFTA showcase are Nightswimming, written and directed by Dominic Leclerc from Bradford and Scent, written and directed by Darren Bolton from Barton upon Humber. All three filmmakers will be attending the showcase.
Tony Dixon, Emerging Talent Manager at Screen Yorkshire says:
"We take our talent seriously in Yorkshire so I am delighted that this screening is taking place at BAFTA in London. This special showcase is the perfect opportunity for the filmmakers to have their work screened to key industry people and to have the opportunity of networking with them.''
Film Synopses:
Nightswimming
Luke and Ellen break into a derelict Victorian swimming baths in order to spend the night together. They are discovered by Martin, a night watchman. Danger and desire collide when we discover that no one is who and what they seem. A tale of loneliness and longing, power and control.
Writer/Director: Dominic Leclerc
Producer: Kath Beedles
Executive Producers: Julia Caithness and Tony Dixon
Scent
John is unable to accept the loss of his wife Patricia and keeps her death a secret, choosing instead to keep her at home. A story of love, loss and denial.
Writer/Director: Darren Bolton
Producer: Emily Bignell
Executive Producers: Julia Caithness and Tony Dixon
Threads
Liam is a mixed-race teenager who comes face to face with Steve Barker, a political candidate for the far-right party. A man who Liam believes is his father. As Liam begins to feel connected to him, he must make a tough decision - are his roots or his individuality more important to him?
Writer/Director: Matt Taabu
Producers: Rob Speranza and Alex Usborne
Executive Producers: Tony Dixon and Kate O'Hara
