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Northern Film & Media is calling for entries to this year’s Stingers Scheme. The scheme which it runs in association with the UK Film Council has launched the careers of many writers, directors and producers from the region.

The Stingers format has changed slightly this year and there are now four separate strands that support people working right across the filmmaking disciplines:

Mini Stingers 7:
Open to new and emerging writers and directors. Each production will have a total budget of £4,000 and the film must be under five minutes long. Drama, docu-drama, documentary and animation-based applications are invited.

Maxi Stingers 7:
Open to writers who have a track record in the industry and have had at least one previous commission. Directors should have a track record of short filmmaking or have a similar experience in another medium such as TV drama or commercials. Each production will have a total budget of £12,000 and will be no longer than ten minutes. Films should be drama only.

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Digital Nation:
Invites applications from directors and writer/directors who are ready to make the leap to more ambitious cinematic short films. Digital Nation will provide the opportunity to join a nationwide talent pool and participate in an intensive tailored development process designed to hone the script and voice of the filmmaker. At the end of this development process the UK Film Council will choose 12 films over two years, each to be made at a budget of approximately £18,000.

4mations:
4mations Digital Shorts will open for applications on the 10th October and close on the 10th November. Animators should apply to that scheme through the 4mations website directly. The preferred running time is three minutes, though seven minute proposals will be accepted. One film will be commissioned through the 4mations Digital Shorts Scheme at a budget of £15,000.

To qualify for the Stingers you must be based in the North East region (Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, County Durham and Tees Valley) and NOT in full-time or undergraduate education.

To apply, download the appropriate application form and guidelines from the NFM Website

Deadline: 30th October 2008.