The deadline is approaching for entries to the Whistler Film Festivals second annual Short Scripts competition.
Submissions from B.C. screenwriters of eight-minute short film scripts relating to this years theme of Transformation must be received by the festival by Oct. 14, 2005.
The contest itself is experiencing a bit of a transformation this year, as the scriptwriter, or two of three development team members (writer/director/producer), must be of a minority or of Aboriginal heritage. The change reflects the mandate of presenting sponsor City TV, which is tailoring the contest to reflect the culturally diverse nature of its CineCity: Vancouvers Stories programming.
A jury will select three semi-finalists to take part in the festivals scriptwriting workshop, which will take place on Saturday, Dec. 3. During the workshop, selected scripts will be read live by actors from Alibi Unplugged - a non-profit Vancouver-based organization that casts scripts with professional actors for the promotion of Canadian talent and projects. Following the reading, one script will be selected and awarded a $5,000 development prize from City TVs CineCity: Vancouver Stories initiative, along with the opportunity for a pre-licensing deal with the broadcaster.
The finished film will also be screened at the following years festival. 2004 winner Kirby Morrows film The Boxing Day Classic will be premiering at the 2005 Whistler Film Festival, which takes place Dec. 1-5.
For more information go to www.whistlerfilmfestival.com.