ITN Joins Channel 4 In Quest For TV Talent
ITN has joined forces with Channel 4 in a quest for new British documentary talent, launching a new competition to find the nation’s next great filmmakers.
The competition, which requires entrants to submit a three minute documentary, will see potential winners use the humble bicycle as their subject matter, as well as footage from ITN Archive’s extensive collection.
The four best proposals will be commissioned by Channel 4 and broadcast in its on going 3 Minute Wonder slot, airing in July.
ITN will offer entrants free use of its archive for the project, with over 700,000 hours of footage made available for the endeavour.
ITN Archive’s collection spans the entire history of moving images, from the first newsreels to the birth of commercial television.
The two broadcasters hope to spark inspiration in those entering, with the theme of the bicycle open to wild interpretation.
Commenting on the talent search, Sue Thexton, managing director of ITN Archive, said: “Working with the new BRITDOC Festival and our partners at Channel 4, this competition will see the UK’s brightest documentary makers putting their considerable talents to showing just how creative they can be using ITN Archive footage.”
The competition’s winning entrants will receive a fixed budget to make a 3-minute film, working with independent production company RAW Television, free use of ITN’s archive footage within their film and a screening on Channel 4, and through the ITN website.
The winning films will be also be screened at BRITDOC 06, a major new documentary festival being held in Oxford from 26-28 July.
Peter Dale, head of Channel 4’s More4, said: “Nurturing and encouraging new talent is vital if we want Britain to continue to be the home of the brightest documentary talent, and this competition is a fantastic way of encouraging new filmmakers to get their films on air. The ITN Archive provides a wonderful source of inspiration and I look forward to seeing some exciting and fresh ideas.”
Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com ITN: 020 7430 4700 www.itn.co.uk