- Cinema Extreme
- Cinema Extreme Green Lit Projects
- Cinema Extreme 2007 Workshop Participants
- Past Events
- Current Events
- Cinema Extreme FAQ's
The Cinema Extreme 2008/09 FAQ can also be downloaded here.
- Can I re-apply with a project that has been turned down in the past?
- Are documentaries and animations welcome?
- When's the next call for applications?
- How can I be kept informed about future calls for applications?
- Can I get an extension?
- Can I deliver my application by hand?
- What format should my script be in?
- My visual material is in post-production, can I send it later?
- Is my show reel appropriate visual material?
- Does my visual material all have to be on 1 DVD
- My script is 40 pages long,can I send it as part of my application?
- What stage should my script be at?
- Can I send in a project I haven't written?
- I'm a writer, can I submit to Cinema Extreme?
- I haven't directed before, can I still submit?
- I haven't got a producer, do I need one?
- What do you mean by extreme?
- Where can I see the previous films?
- Can I look for additional funding for my short?
- I already have some funding in place, can I still apply to CE?
- Is there a minimum/maximum duration for films commissioned through Cinema Extreme?
- Does Cinema Extreme prescribe the format by which films should be shot?
- How many projects am I allowed to submit?
Q: Can I re-apply with a project that has been turned down in the past?
You may not resubmit the same project unless you can demonstrate that it has developed substantially and how you have developed your skills as a director since you last submitted. It will then be considered as a new application.
Q: Are documentaries and animations welcome?
If you are a documentary filmmaker who wants to make feature length documentaries that will play in the cinema and can demonstrate that this film is a stepping stone short for you into features then you can apply with a documentary proposal.
If you are an animator who wants to go on making animation films, then this is not the scheme for you. We positively encourage innovative combinations of media and styles but please note that this scheme is not open to projects which are pure animation. Filmmakers with a background in animation can apply if their intended film is predominately live action.
If you are a documentary filmmaker or animator who wants to cross over into fiction or use a combination of formats and styles then you can apply.
All applicants will have to demonstrate that their film is a visionary work which belongs in the cinema. Applicants will have to demonstrate how this short film will provide a stepping stone into feature film.
Q: When's the next call for applications?
The call for applications opens on Monday 21 July 2008 and closes on Friday 12 September 2008.
No, all applications must be post-marked on or before the closing date. The Bureau reserves the right to reject applications post-marked after the closing date of the call.Q: How can I be kept informed about future calls for applications?
To be informed of future calls please email ce@thebureau.co.uk with the tagline; 'Next Call Cinema Extreme' in the subject line.
We cannot offer extensions to deadlines. If you have missed a call you will simply have to wait for the beginning of the next call.
Q: Can I deliver my application by hand?
All applications must be posted to:
Cinema Extreme, The Bureau Film Company, PO Box 62697, London EC2P 2FE
Please do not divide your application over several packages and make sure to put your full name and the name of your project on all your material.Q: What format should be my script in?
Please refer to this section of the Script Factory's website for instructions and how to format your work in a recognised screenwriting format:
http://www.scriptfactory.co.uk/go/Resources/FAQ_11.htmlQ: My visual material is in post-production, can I send it later?
Please submit your full application as one complete package. We cannot accept any material after the deadline has passed. Please note that, if you are selected for an interview, you will be given another opportunity to send in additional material.
Q: Is my showreel appropriate visual material?
Please read the guidelines to make sure your application package is complete before posting it. You are free to select what you put forward as part of your show reel. We recommend you include full films. Edited reels are less likely to inform us of your directing and story telling abilities. Feel free to make a selection of your previous work and put forward only what is most likely to convince us.
Q: Does my visual material all have to be on one DVD?
No, you can submit your material on several DVDs. Remember to ensure that they are clearly labelled with your name and project title(s).
Q: My script is 40 pages long, can I send it as part of my application?
Yes, if you are confident that the final film will have a finished duration of minimum 10 minutes and maximum 30 minutes.
This year you can submit:
a) One script; or
b) One script and up to two one page ideas ; or
c) One to three one page ideas
Q: What stage should my script be at?
You can submit a script at any stage of development. Shortlisted applicants will be given the time to re-draft their script prior ro the commissioning decision.
Q: Can I send in a project I haven't written?
Yes, as long as you mention the writer and you have his or her authorisation to submit. You are welcome to submit with a screenplay that you have partially written.
Q: I'm a writer, can I submit to Cinema Extreme?
You can be part of a submission. Unless you are also a director you can not submit on your own as you will not have a track record of previous work.
Q: I haven't directed before, can I still submit?
No, we will ask to see a track record of previous work as part of all applications.
For details of other UK Film Council short film schemes including Digital Shorts please visit www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/filmmaking/shorts
Q: I haven't got a producer, do I need one?
No, Cinema Extreme is a director-led scheme. We are therefore looking for participants who are:
a) A writer/director; or
b) A director with a writer who can team up with a production team/company suggested by us; or
c) A director with a fully developed script who can team up with a writer and producer/ production company suggested by us; or
d) A writer/director or director and writer team with a producer/production company attached.Q: What do you mean by extreme?
We strongly recommend you read the full guidelines before applying. Ideally you should have read THE TYPE OF FILM WE ARE LOOKING FOR, WHAT IS CINEMA EXTREME? and WHO CAN APPLY? before even starting to prepare your application.
Q: Where can I see the previous films?
Please visit the Current Events section of this website or e mail ce@thebureau.co.uk with the line; 'Screenings Cinema Extreme' in the subject line to be informed of future screenings.
You can also see Andrea Arnolds Wasp at http://www.channel4.com/film/reviews/film.jsp?id=130231 and Duane Hopkins Love Me or Leave Me Alone at www.bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork
Q: Can I look for additional funding for my short?
The films that get commissioned through the scheme are fully financed by the UK Film Council and Film4. No additional funding is allowed unless it is in kind. If the scheme runs development workshops the projects that are taken through the workshops cannot be funded via other routes until they have been turned down by the UK Film Council and Film4.
Q: I already have some funding in place, can I still apply to Cinema Extreme?
No, projects that are submitted have to come without any funding attached, unless it is in kind.
Q: Is there minimum/maximum duration for films commissioned through Cinema Extreme?
Yes, all the finished films have to be between 10 and 30 minutes long.
Q: Does Cinema Extreme prescribe the format by which films should be shot?
No, commissioned films can be shot according to the director's preference as long as they are produced within the available budget and meet delivery requirements.
Q: How many projects am I allowed to submit?
We are accepting up to three projects per director.
This year you can submit:
a) One script; or
b) One script and up to two one page ideas ; or
c) One to three one page ideas