What we can do for you

Virgin Media Shorts is a brand new short film competition that champions undiscovered filmmakers and showcases the best British talent. Since we’re the only people to offer TV, Broadband, Phone and Mobile, we’re in the perfect position to help you get your work seen by everyone from industry insiders to the great British public, in almost every medium possible.

What’s it all about?

All entries submitted by the closing date of 30th June 2008 stand a chance of hitting the big time with the UK's most exciting entertainment company.
 
You could see your work broadcast in front of millions, online, on TV, through mobile Internet and in 211 cinema screens  nationwide (not just once, but for a whole year).

Plus, you could win up to £30,000 and work directly with the UK Film Council and Virgin Media to shoot your next film.  

Who we're working with

We're working hand in hand with the UK Film Council. So as well as making use of Virgin Media’s massive stage to show off your talent, you’ll benefit from industry expertise on all aspects of your film making.

Here’s what happens, stage by stage.

1. Initial stage (May 1st - June 30th)

The part when our undiscovered talent submitted their short films online. This stage is now closed. If you uploaded some of your own work and want a refresher on the terms and conditions or any of the other details, take a look at the film specification guide.

Why not check out the favourite entries so far?

2. Second stage – Long list

Next, we’ll long list a number of films. If you’re one of them, we will let you know and you’ll need to provide your master tapes, or digital files, of the highest quality, as set out in the Film Spec by 7th July 2008. We will also double-check your film clearances.

3. Third stage - Final shortlist

This bit is all about getting your work on the big screen in hundreds of cinemas nationwide. In the final shortlist, we’ll select 12 films which will be transferred to 35 mm print and distributed to 211 independent cinemas in the UK, ready to be watched by thousands of cinema-goers across the country.  If selected, your film will be on the big screen circulated across the UK for at least 12 months, starting in September 2008, so it’s important that your original film master can be transferred technically and cinematically to the cinema screen. 
We may also show your short:
•    On TV
•    On demand on TV, alongside 1000s of other big blockbuster films
•    On mobile phones or handheld devices
•    On the Internet, both through Internet TV and by downloading it from the site
•    Other places we think you might benefit from extra exposure

4. Fourth stage - Awards (Prizes)

There will be two prize-winners picked from the 12 shortlisted films:

The People's Choice

We’ll give power to the people, and ask the great British public to vote for their favourite film of the 12 shortlisted online. Get your friends and families behind you or simply let your work speak for itself! We’ll confirm the prize at a later stage.

The Grand Prize

Virgin Media Shorts will not only give you the chance to showcase your work, build your profile and turn heads, it will also  help you shoot your next short film, too. A panel of judges including industry experts and celebrities will select one filmmaker from the shortlisted 12 to win the Grand Prize which is the chance to work with Virgin Media and the UK Film Council on a short film at a budget of up to £30,000.

The Razzle Dazzle Awards Ceremony

Of course, no competition would be complete without the glitz and glamour of an award ceremony. Ours will take place around Autumn and we’ll announce the winners then. Start planning your red carpet arrival right away!

5) Final stage – Claiming your prize

You can work with Virgin Media and the UK Film Council to pick up your funding and work out your production timeline. Check out the FAQ for all the details. 

Good luck!

If you have any questions, you can always email us at shorts@virginmedia.co.uk

Click here to download a little pack which contains all you need to enter the competition, including info on what format your film should be, how to submit it and stuff on rights so you know who owns what.