A new project challenging aspiring filmmakers to write, shoot and finish a film in less than three days launches this week, in association with Trinity Leeds the one million sq ft retail and leisure destination opening in Leeds city centre in spring 2013.

Following the demise of the UK Film Council, the key funding source for the UK film industry, opportunities for young film-makers are extremely limited. Land Securities, as part of the pre-launch of Trinity Leeds, the UK’s only new shopping and leisure destination being developed, has stepped in to support undiscovered talent, offering funding and mentoring to make a short film.  

The project, 2.8 Days Later, is the second on a series of collaborations between Trinity Leeds and some of the most inspirational projects and events covering fashion, food, film and culture happening in Leeds today. The competition will take place in Leeds on 18, 19 and 20 November, 2011. 

Over the course of three days as many as 150 people, working in small teams, will take up the challenge to make a short film lasting no longer than two minutes and twenty seconds over a period of 2.8 days at Left Eye Blind production studios in Holbeck, Leeds. Industry professionals, including Jo Adamson, casting director from Northern Spirit Creative, will lead workshops covering different aspects of the filmmaking process, and will mentor participants as they create a brand new short film. The strict filming time makes the films eligible for next year’s Virgin Media Short Film Competition. 

The films will then be judged by industry experts, including Barry Ryan of Warp Films’, the studio behind the critically acclaimed This is England, Dead Man’s Shoes and Four Lions, influential film producer Howard Dawson, formerly of Film Lab North, and Everyman Media Group CEO Andrew Myers. A people’s choice award will also be selected.  

This pioneering film initiative is a collaboration between Trinity Leeds, the UK’s only new shopping and leisure destination underway from Land Securities, Everyman Cinema and Leeds-based film production company Left Eye Blind.  Left Eye Blind co-founder Matt Maude, recent winner of this year’s Kirin First Cut Short Film Competition and a finalist in this year’s Virgin Media Shorts competition, said: “This is adrenaline filmmaking at its best. It’s no secret that the future of funding for British film is uncertain at the moment and this is a great example of how private business can support grass roots, independent filmmaking. 

“It’s great to be working with Trinity Leeds and also Everyman Cinema who are supporting us with screenings ahead of major movies, both of whom we see playing a vital role in the development of future film-makers.” 

Claire Reynolds, marketing manager, Trinity Leeds, said: “Leeds is the birthplace of film. Louis Le Prince, considered by many film historians to be the true father of motion pictures, made the first short film in 1888 in Leeds, and this project is all about tracking down today’s undiscovered talent.  

“Film will play an important role at Trinity Leeds, as it will be home to the first Everyman cinema outside London. Everyman’s chain of boutique cinemas is widely known for screening independent film and world cinema, alongside major releases, and we’re delighted to be working with them and Left Eye Blind on this innovative project.” 

The winning film will be showcased at Everyman cinemas across London as a trailer at the start of a major movie. The winners will be announced at a special, public screening event in Leeds during spring 2012.  

2.8 Days Later is open to anyone over the age of sixteen, and thanks to support from Trinity Leeds it is totally free to enter. There are 150 places available and registration closes on 15 November, 2011. The competition will take place in Leeds on 18, 19 and 20 November, 2011. 

The winners will each receive prize ranging from free cinema passes at the new Everyman Leeds, the first Everyman venue outside of London opening in Spring 2013, to support towards their next film, to the opportunity to showcase their entry at an Everyman venue in London in 2012, as a trailer at the start of a major movie.  

To register, visit the Trinity Leeds page on Facebook www.facebook.com/TrinityLeeds.

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