Horror Channel, FrightFest & Movie Mogul announce ‘Shortcuts to Hell 2’
Horror Channel, FrightFest and Movie Mogul have teamed up again, with new partner Wildseed Studios, to create Shortcuts to Hell 2, a nationwide search for new filmmaking talent who are primed and ready to make their first horror feature film. The winning filmmaker will have their film produced by Movie Mogul and Wildseed Studios, entering production early 2015, with a minimum cash production fund of £20,000. The completed feature film will receive UK digital distribution, its world premiere at Film4 FrightFest 2015, and a broadcast premiere on Horror Channel.
Launching on 13th May 2014, the jury panel (to be announced shortly) will be looking for a highly driven individual with a burning desire to make their first feature film. All entries will need to submit a 3-minute short film version of their full-length horror movie idea and their submission must clearly demonstrate the core idea, premise, story and characters in narrative form. A shortlist of twenty-six finalists will then be invited to an interview where they will have the opportunity to pitch their feature film directly to the jury panel.
Three filmmakers will then go forward to this year’s FrightFest event at the Vue West End in London, and have their 3-minute films screened before the discerning FrightFest audience. Their work will be broadcast on Horror Channel throughout August and September, where the overall winner will be chosen by public vote. The twenty-six finalists will also receive significant exposure via Horror Channel and UK digital distribution channels.
Chris Sharp, Chief Operating Officer for CBS Chello Zone Channels said today:
Based on last year’s brilliant output, the second instalment of our film competition promises a hell of a ride yet again, for budding horror talent and the loyal audiences of Horror Channel, and we can’t wait to see the entries. Horror Channel is always hungry for fresh blood and remains dedicated to the horror genre offering inspiration to young filmmakers and entertaining horror aficionados across the UK.
John Shackleton, Managing Director of Movie Mogul added:
The most exciting and innovative first feature films are often made by talented individuals with ideas, passion and drive, and this is exactly who we are looking for with SCTH2! This is a remarkable opportunity for new writer/directors that allows them to shine and be seen, ultimately resulting in the production of their debut feature film with the support and guidance of experienced producers throughout the entire script-to-screen process.
Miles Bullough, Joint Managing Director of Wildseed Studios commented:
Wildseed Studios is thrilled to join the team sponsoring and supporting Shortcuts To Hell 2 – we love any opportunity to get involved with projects that can move fast and fearlessly and actually get made rather than spend years in development – producing micro budget features means not needing permission to make something – just talent, energy and inventiveness. We can’t wait to get see to the films that come in.
Alan Jones, Co-director of FrightFest also added:
Film4 FrightFest is all about the new, the innovative, that little bit extra and the talent who can bring all those ingredients to the table. So we are delighted to join forces again with Horror Channel, Movie Mogul and new partner Wildseed Studios to find an original genre force. Last year’s competition was hotly contested and a winner with our audiences, and we have no doubt the same levels of excitement and commitment will be similarly honoured. The gauntlet is laid down for those with the necessary skills and aptitude to take up this once-in-a-lifetime challenge. Good luck to all!
All entries will have ten weeks to turnaround their cinematic visions of hell and upload to YouTube, submitting the link to submissions@shortcutstohell.com by 6pm on 22nd July. Downloadable T&C’s from www.shortcutstohell.com must be adhered to.
THE RULES:
- Max duration 3 minutes
- Original material (made for the competition only). Existing film promos WILL NOT be considered.
- Max production budget capped at £666 (evidence required)
- Applicants with previous feature film credits as writer/producer and/or director will not be accepted
Check out www.shortcutstohell.com for more details.