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Channel 4, U.K. Film Council Launch Animated Digital Shorts Contest

4mations Digital ShortsDeadline: November 10, 2008

Channel 4, via its new online animation channel 4mations, has teamed up with the U.K. Film Council to launch 4mations Digital Shorts, a nationwide search for ambitious, original and thought-provoking proposals for animated shorts from new and emerging animation talent across the UK.

4mations Digital Shorts brings together for the first time Channel 4, the U.K. Film Council and 13 strategic partners across the U.K. to fund 13 animated short films. These short films are intended for international film festivals, will have an online premiere on 4mations and may be considered for broadcast on Channel 4.

The call for entries is now open. The budget available for each commission ranges from 10,000 to 15,000 pounds and the deadline for applications is Monday November 10, 2008. Successful applicants will be announced in December 2008.

To enter visit www.4mations.tv/4mationsdigitalshorts

4mations Digital Shorts is a new strand of the UK Film Council's Digital Shorts scheme. The UK Film Council's New Cinema Fund partners with organizations in each region and nation of the UK and two national organizations supporting filmmakers with a disability and those from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. The scheme enables filmmakers to make over 100 innovative shorts each year using digital technology. Successful Digital Shorts include Peter Baynton's OVER THE HILL, which won the Edinburgh International Film Festival's McLaren Award, 2007.

4mations is aimed at anyone interested in animation -- from those wanting to be entertained through to aspiring animators and professionals. The site is a collaboration between Channel 4, animation specialists Lupus Films and Aardman Animations, the Academy Award-winning British animation studio behind such classics as ANGRY KID and THE WRONG TROUSERS featuring Wallace and Gromit.

Jan Younghusband, Channel 4 Commissioning Editor, Arts and Performance, said, "Channel 4 has been a major supporter of the U.K. animation industry for the past 25 years. This year we enjoyed Oscar success with Suzie Templeton's film of PETER & THE WOLF and are continuing our commitment to animation with the launch of 4mations Digital Shorts. I'm delighted to see Channel 4 and the UK Film Council bring this unique opportunity for new and emerging animation talent to fruition."

Camilla Deakin, founder of Lupus Films and Executive Producer of 4mations Digital Shorts on behalf of Channel 4 said, "The U.K. is renowned for producing top animation talent and this new scheme really opens up valuable new opportunities to make short films which will get global exposure through the 4mations site and on the international festival circuit. We are very proud to continue our long association with Channel 4, who have been fantastic supporters of animation over the years, and also to forge a new relationship with the U.K. Film Council who are the best possible partners to provide support for the emerging animation stars of tomorrow."