Final Week To Enter 2020 Virgin Media Discovers Short Film Competition

There’s an old cliche that everybody’s got a story; well, if you fancy bringing yours to the big screen then it’s time to get in gear! The 2020 Virgin Media Discovers Short Film Competition is on the hunt for new, emerging and established filmmakers across all genres, to deliver exciting new projects to the scene.

 

If you fancy a shot, then you can high step it right here – and don’t wait too long either, as the deadline for entries is the end of the month. But if you fancy finding out a little more about the competition, the judges, the prizes, and a whole lot besides, then read on…

 

SO WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?

 

Launched last year, the short film competition is all about discovering different voices in Irish film – and bringing diverse tales, voices and stories to the screen. This year the theme focuses on Diversity & Inclusion, meaning that your unique perspective might be just what the judges have their eye out for!

 

WHAT’S THE PRIZE?

 

The prize fund for this year is a towering €150,000 – so there’s plenty to play for! Ten shortlisted projects will be given €9,000 each to invest in the development of a script; from those, two winners will be selected by the judging panel and will each win a whopping €30,000 worth of investment to fund the production of a 10-minute short. On top of that, the winning films will be broadcast on Virgin Media Television, Virgin Media on Demand, and as part of the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival 2021 programme of events!

 

WHO’S JUDGING?

 

The panel of judges is a special one, featuring some of the Irish industry’s most recognisable names. Director Lenny Abrahamson, screenwriter Lisa McGee, actor Niamh Algar and producer Ursula Rani Sarma are all involved, along with representatives from Virgin Media Television, Fís Eireann/Screen Ireland and our pals at Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival. No pressure, then!

 

WHAT HAPPENED LAST YEAR?

 

Last year’s inaugural competition saw more than 600 entrants submit their ideas, before the judging panel plumped for their winners – John Connors and Tiernan Williams, collectively known as Clusterfox Films. Their effort, Innocent Boy, was screened at last year’s Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival, as well as getting an airing on Virgin Media Television and Virgin Media Player. And, wouldn’t you know it, it went down a storm – and hopes are high that this year’s standards will be just as impressive!

 

Reckon you’ve got what it takes? Submit your pitchright here – and good luck!