From the strange to startling, surprising and sinister, we just can’t get enough of the wild side of unconventional filmmaking. Puzzling, startling, frustrating, eye-watering and exceptionally inventive, ripping up the filmmaking rulebook; artist film sits outside of mainstream cinema and explores experimental approaches to the moving image
We are thrilled to offer a £1000 commission for a North West based artist or collective to realise a short artist film under 10 minutes in duration for Push, our annual festival of North West creative talent. The films will be screened as part of Spit That Out, Push’s showcase of North West Artist Film. The screening will take place in our cinemas.
There is no restriction in terms of themes, genre or technique: we encourage films from artists working with documentary, abstract animation and moving image, narrative cinema and those redefining the relationship between visual art and filmmaking practices. Should you need a little direction we welcome ideas that are bold, innovative, experimental and curious; work that challenges society, is thought-provoking and reflects the diversity of the North West.
We want to hear from a wide range of people from across the region and we particularly welcome applications from those currently under-represented in the industry, including Black, Asian and minority ethnic and disabled artists.
Criteria
- The commission is for £1000
- The artist must be currently based in the North West (in the case of a creative team either the writer, director or producer). The North West comprises Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire and Manchester
- The film should be no longer than 10 minutes in duration; including credits
- The film can be of any genre as long as it falls under the category of artist film
- If the work is not made of entirely original material, the artists must clear copyright for the material used and provide evidence to confirm they have been approved for use
- The films must be devised for a cinema screening setting; final film should be provided as a pro res file or DCP (Digital Cinema Package)
- The successful artist will be assigned to a mentor from HOME. The mentor will support the artist through regular liaison sessions. This will be to help troubleshoot any issues that might encounter, offer general advice and a chance to give feedback on the progress of the film. The mentor will be the regular point of contact throughout the production of the film.
Timeline
- Deadline for submissions: Sun 7 Jul, 12noon
- Informal chat with shortlisted projects + communication of final decision before the end of July
- Final film delivered by 1 December 2019
- Push 2020 Festival will take place January 2020.
How do I apply?
To apply, simply fill in the Push 2020 Artist Film Commission Online Form before Sun 7 Jul.
If you want to check what we ask before you start filling in the form, simply download the list of questions, which also contains tips and FAQs.