We’re very excited to announce that TriForce Creative Network will be working with Professor Stefan Allesch-Taylor CBE, on his newly launched £1m fund for short film.
UK based philanthropist, executive producer of multi-award winning short films and TriForce Short Film Festival partner and judge, Professor Stefan Allesch-Taylor CBE has announced he is committing £1 million to short films with the aim of supporting diversity and inclusion in the UK film industry, and promoting upcoming talent from across the UK.
Allesch-Taylor commented: ‘It’s about promoting diversity and inclusion in the UK film industry at this critical time. It’s about producing short films which showcase best in class talent. The UK is proudly multi-cultural and if there’s any doubt about that remember there are over 300 languages spoken in this country. I don’t think the news cycle has ever been more daunting than it is now – much of which is being driven by what divides us. Supporting diversity and inclusion in all walks of British life has never been more important. The film industry has been in the spotlight recently and frankly it’s clear to everyone it needs a serious and meaningful shake up. Promoting diversity and inclusion has to be a key part of that.’
He continues: ‘Helping filmmakers get their first break, or to be able to take the next step in their careers, is really rewarding and by focusing on short films the filmmakers and talent are under real pressure to make an impression in a structured and professional way. We have no preconceived ideas of the type of short films we’ll back and I think that’s what makes it interesting for my team. It’s a continuation of what we’re already doing. I want to get the message out there now to go beyond the borders of my immediate network and open up the opportunity to all UK talent. I’m interested in a completely transparent approach to promoting talent on its own merit alone. These grants will ensure the integrity of that process.’
The money will be administered by Allesch-Taylor’s team which will work alongside talent development organisation TriForce Creative Network, the organisers of the annual TriForce Short Film Festival.
While there are no strict guidelines for eligibility, the grants will typically range between £5,000 and £20,000, and will primarily be awarded to UK projects.
‘I don’t care what background you have, if you are in the film industry in the UK, then we all need to be thinking about the issues of diversity and inclusion in a genuine and positive way right now.’
Professor Stefan Allesch-Taylor CBE will be attending the TriForce Short Film Festival on 2 December, as judge and partner. To see the festival schedule and buy tickets, visit tfsff.com/schedule-2017
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Expressions of interest from filmmakers, please contact Charles Kay: [email protected]
(Please include: Short Films Professor Stefan Allesch-Taylor CBE in the subject line).
Twitter: @stefanmeansbiz