Oscar-winning screenwriter and Downton Abbey creator, Julian Fellowes, will lend his support to Cast Away, an international pod-cast challenge for young people, being organised by Cinemagic Film Festival and Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic Visitor Experience.
As part of the celebrations to mark the opening of Titanic Belfast, in spring 2012, and to recognise the legacy of Titanic in its centenary year, creative young people worldwide, under 25, are being asked to participate in this multi-media event and submit a short video/film pod-cast, themed around Titanic. The genre of the pod-cast can take any form- fact or fiction, contemporary or period drama, news programme or documentary.
Entries will be shortlisted in three age categories, 10-14, 15-17 and 18-25 and a panel, including Julian Fellowes, will decide upon a winner in each category. Prizes will be awarded to the winning entries including film and television set visits and New York Film Academy are sponsoring the prize for the 18-25yr old category, where its winner will be offered a one week scholarship to any of its programmes worldwide!
Julian Fellowes said ‘After writing the new four-part ITV drama about the Titanic, I know how absorbing this noble ship and its fatal voyage can be. There is no limit to the way the story can be investigated, examined, re-invented, and I very much look forward to viewing the work of these talented young filmmakers.’
Joan Burney Keatings, Cinemagic Chief Executive said “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Titanic Belfast to offer a fantastic opportunity to young people to create a short film about their interpretation of the Titanic Story in the lead up to its centenary year.
We are also honoured to have Julian Fellowes involved in the initiative and as Cinemagic’s ethos is to inspire and motivate young people through moving image; collectively we want to encourage participants to use easily accessible recording devices to create their submissions, web-cams, mobile phones, and camcorders- anything they can get their hands on, to tell a story.’
Tim Husbands, Titanic Belfast’s CEO, added ‘Titanic has been celebrated in film for the past century, with the first Titanic movie produced in 1912.
‘Titanic’s story has captivated generations because it works on a variety of levels, from incredible stories of heroism and survival to the ingenuity of the men who built her. This is a great opportunity for a new generation using new technology to be inspired by Titanic’s legend and I’m looking forward to seeing how 21st century creativity compares with what’s gone before.’
The competition is open to anyone aged 25 and under worldwide.
The deadline for submissions is Friday, 27th January 2012. Entry to the competition is free.
For more information on how to enter and to download an entry form please visit http://www.cinemagic.org.uk/
