London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Short Film Competition Opens for Submissions on Olympic Day

Young film-makers can win a chance to get their work showcased at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games by entering Film Nation: Shorts - a short film competition for 13-25 years olds which opened for submissions today.

The programme, which was launched by eminent film producer Lord David Putnam and actor Nicholas Hoult, invites 13-25 year olds to create short films that celebrate the values of the Olympic and Paralympic Games: respect, courage, excellence, friendship, equality, determination and inspiration. Submissions were officially opened today on Olympic Day, an annual event introduced in 1948 to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games on 23 June 1894 at the Sorbonne in Paris. Nearly 200 countries celebrate Olympic Day with sports, cultural and educational activities.

Submissions for Film Nation: Shorts are open until 1 October 2010 and the competition culminates in a special national award ceremony each year to highlight the best new film making talent, with the first ceremony in December 2010.

Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) will be hosting the first workshops in a nationwide programme to help new film-makers, and those looking to develop their skills further through expert tuition and equipment use. The unique programme of free workshops will also give young filmmakers the chance to meet professional film-makers and acquire new skills in film-making techniques using the latest state-of-the-art Panasonic equipment. The first workshops held during the last weekend of EIFF include an Introduction to Directing for New Filmmakers on Friday 25th June followed by 2 ‘Make a Film in a Day’ sessions on 26th and 27th June.

Further confirmed workshops for September and October will be held in Derby (as part of Fest Day), Berwick (as part of Berwick Media and Arts Festival) Hay-on-Wye (Workshop for 14-16 year olds as part of Hay Festival of British Cinema), Cambridge (as part of the Cambridge Film Festival), Leicester (at the Phoenix Leicester), London (as part of Raindance Film Festival) and Kent (as part of International Filmmaker Festival). More information on forthcoming workshops and how to register can be found at www.filmnation.org.uk.

The winners’ work will be screened at the iconic venues of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London 2012 to an audience of millions. The best films will also be showcased on giant London 2012 Live Site screens around the country, on the London 2012 website, and on a dedicated Film Nation website, with monthly awards leading up to an annual award winners ceremony. Submissions for the competition will open on 23 June 2010, and the competition will be run each year until 2012, showcasing the creative talents of the next generation of young film-makers and giving them a chance to be right at the heart of the Games.

Ruth Mackenzie, Director, Cultural Olympiad, said: "This programme will deliver a powerful message about our intentions for the Cultural Olympiad: young people and their creative power are developed and celebrated and, with the support of our partners Panasonic and the Olympic Lottery Distributor, will be brought right into the heart of the 2012 Games.

David Bonney, Panasonic UK Advertising and Sponsorship Manager, said: "We are delighted to be working with LOCOG to engage young people in the craft of film making. These youngsters will be able to use the latest Panasonic consumer and broadcast camcorders to create a broad range of films, including Olympic and Paralympic inspired ones, in the lead up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"We are looking forward to helping to identify new film making talent and seeing these short films recognised through regional and national competitions."

Film Nation: Shorts is delivered in partnership with Panasonic, Screen West Midlands, First Light and 104 films with funding from the National Lottery through the Olympic Lottery Distributor.

Visit www.filmnation.org.uk for more details.

For more information contact: Paul Woodmansey at paul.woodmansey@london2012.com

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