First Draft Short Story Competition

SO WHAT IS THE 'FIRST DRAFT SHORT STORY COMPETITION?!

Young Writers (youth project/secondary school age) in the South and East Cork areas are invited to submit their short stories to the FIRST CUT Film Project!

You don't have to be a filmmaker... or even have any ambition of becoming one... but, if you have a short story (up to 500 words - two typed pages, or less) that you'd like to see made into a short film by young filmmakers participating in the FIRST CUT! Summer Film Week, send it in!

In addition to having your story adapted for the Summer Film Week screenplay - and getting prominently credited in the film! - the winning story and two runners-up will be published on the internet on a site linked to the Cork Film Centre and FIRST CUT! websites.

ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED BY FRIDAY MAY 22nd, 2009

AND WHAT IS THE FIRST CUT SUMMER FILM WEEK?

It's a week long filmmaking course aimed at young filmmakers who have already done some FIRST CUT! training. It will take place in late June. Watch this space for more info coming soon!

WHAT SORT OF STORIES CAN BE SUBMITTED?

Keep in mind that the short film will be made over three days, with a cast and crew of mainly young people - and without a Hollywood budget! So keep it simple and achievable. Outside of that condition, any and all types of stories are welcome. Let your imagination run wild!

WILL THE WINNER HAVE ANY SAY IN THE WAY THE FILM IS MADE?

No. As in a professional movie production, the writer is only concerned with the story. While every effort will be made to respect the spirit of the story and convey its ideas as powerfully as possible, the filmmakers reserve the right to make any changes necessary in adapting it for the screen. The writer will not be consulted about changes.

His or her credit will read: "Adapted from an original story by..."

WHERE WILL THE FINISHED FILM BE SCREENED?

The film will be screened at Cork County Hall as part of the inaugural FIRST CUT FILM FESTIVAL in September 2009. More information on that event coming soon!

WHERE DO I SEND MY STORY?

To:

Cork Film Centre,
Civic Trust House,
50 Popes Quay,
Cork

or by email to:
info@corkfilmcentre.com.

The winners will be announced on the CFC website and on the FIRST CUT blog site on Friday June 5th, and will be notified by e-mail.