Film & Cinematography News South Africa

Jameson First Shot Film Competition 2015 opens for entries

The 2015 Jameson First Shot Film Competition has opened for entries. Applicants must be at least 25 years old and living in South Africa, Russia, the US, UK, Ireland, India, Australia and Canada.

Submissions should be no more than seven A4 pages and the story should reveal, with a lightness of touch, the epic that is to be found in everyday experiences. Closing date for entries is 1 February 2015 at 5pm GMT.

Jameson First Shot Film Competition 2015 opens for entries

Undiscovered filmmakers

In partnership with Kevin Spacey and Dana Brunetti of Trigger Street Productions, Jameson is on the hunt for the globe's most gifted, undiscovered filmmakers with compelling stories to tell. Three talented winners will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have their scripts turned into short films and to direct Adrien Brody in the lead role. The winning shorts will be premiered in LA with the acclaimed team in attendance.

At the heart of the competition is the knowledge that for the wealth of filmmaking talent out there, getting a first shot in the industry is notoriously difficult. It is this insight that has compelled Oscar-winner Kevin Spacey and Trigger Street Production President/Producer, Dana Brunetti to champion the project since 2010.

Knowing just how difficult it is to get a break in the industry, Kevin Spacey sees it as his duty to help young talent. "If you've been successful at the career you wanted to have, it's your obligation to spend a good portion of your time sending the elevator back down."

Dana Brunetti, a world-class producer who will be making the winners' films with his experienced crew, concurs, "Any time you can open a path for people who actually have talent to it's a wonderful thing. Hollywood doesn't have a monopoly on talent."

Jameson First Shot Film Competition 2015 opens for entries

Unearthing talent

Adrien Brody will play the lead in this year's winning films. His own journey from unknown actor to Oscar-winner was far from easy, making him a natural match for the competition. "This affords talented writer/directors an important gift, the confidence to exercise fearlessness and the opportunity to materialise their dreams."

Such was the overwhelming response to last year's competition; Jameson is expanding its catchment area to give more unearthed talent the chance to enter their work. Entrants living in the UK, Ireland, India, Australia and Canada, in addition to South Africa, Russia and the US, are now eligible to enter.

For more information, go to www.jamesonfirstshot.com.

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