setanta sports short

any body into a sports documentary?

A new awards scheme launched by Filmbase and Setanta Sports will see three ten minute sports docos from up and coming Irish filmmaking talent air on Setanta’s new ‘Sports Matters’ series in January 2009.

The winning filmmakers of the ‘Sports Shorts’ scheme will also receive €10,000 – €15,000 towards their project’s production, with post-production facilities also made available to the successful shorts.

Interested filmmakers can submit proposals that would suit the short documentary format on any one of five topics to be covered by the ‘Sports Matters’ series: Fox Hunting; Horseracing; Charlton’s Children, Munster Rugby and Women’s Participation in Sport. A wide range of approaches to the topics are welcome and surprising or unusual treatments of the subject matter are encouraged.

“We are delighted to be involved in this groundbreaking initiative for sports programming and are looking forward to viewing the submissions,” said Niall Cogley, CEO of Setanta Sports. “This initiative proves Setanta’s commitment to broadcasting top quality Irish sports and bringing new and exciting content to our viewers.”

“Filmbase is always looking for opportunities to encourage and support new and emerging Irish filmmakers,” said Filmbase Managing Director, Alan Fitzpatrick. “This scheme, with genuine commitment from Setanta to discover new creative talent, greatly increases the opportunities available to new producers, directors and filmmakers. The challenge for filmmakers now is to create some exciting, fresh and dynamic work.”

Filmbase and Setanta will hold an information session for filmmakers interested in applying to the scheme at Filmbase, Curved Street, Temple Bar on Tuesday 17th June at 1:30pm.

Deadline for entries to ‘Sports Shorts’ is 5.00pm on Tuesday 15th July. Winning projects must be fully completed and delivered to broadcast requirements by December 5th 2008