Digital Womens Network

B3 were looking for the next generation of black and minority ethnic filmmakers to take part in the fourth round of Blank Slate, the award winning digital short film initiative.

Eight chosen short film projects got 9K each to make their vision a digital reality. But, Blank Slate isn't about simply handing over a cheque and waiting for the premiere, filmmakers will get to learn from experienced industry professionals as they develop their script for the big screen.

The latest talent search kicks off with a Blank Slate tour of the UK. Aspiring writers and filmmakers will sample Blank Slate film screenings, workshops and panel events featuring films and filmmakers from past Blank Slate programmes. The tour started in London’s East End before visiting Wolverhampton, Slough, Tyneside, Glasgow, Cardiff and Manchester and culminating in a Bristol showcase at the Encounters International Short Film Festival 2006.

Marc Boothe, Director of B3 Media, is looking forward to the next round of Blank Slate 'B3 are always on the lookout for fresh original talent. "We are excited by the prospect of unearthing the next batch of stories that raise the bar and push the creative boundaries for emerging filmmakers."

BLANK SLATE is produced by B3 Media as part of the UK Film Council New Cinema Fund UK-wide Digital Shorts Scheme and supported by UK Film Council and Arts Council England. The UK tours are supported by a number of key regional partner organisations who work with and support BME filmmaking talent.

Lenny Crooks, Head of the UK Film Council New Cinema Fund comments 'These films represent an exciting and inspiring group of new filmmaking voices. We are very proud to have supported the Blank Slate scheme and the energizing and diverse range of films that have come out of it.'

Over the past three years, Blank slate films have been nominated for and won several awards in addition to premiering at major international film festivals in Chicago, Edinburgh, LA, London and Venice.