BBC Film Network goes into operation following pilot phase

After a successful six-month pilot phase, the BBC Film Network launched regular operations in October 2005. The Film Network is an Internet platform for emerging British filmmakers, founded by the BBC in co-operation with the UK Film Council's New Cinema Fund.

Film Network aspires to work with all of the major organizations for young British filmmakers and short film. The network’s partners thus far include the UK Film Council, the British Council, the BBC New Talent editorial team, the London Film Festival, Brief Encounters, Dazzle Films, Shooting People, Future Shorts, Nokia Shorts and onedotzero. Participating organizations delegate representatives to sit on the Film Network’s special Industry Panel.

The Film Network is, however, open to everyone. Professionals as well as film enthusiasts can register as members and publish their profile online. This entitles them to take part in discussions in the network and to play a role in the project’s further development.

Every week, Film Network presents 3 new short films and puts them up for discussion. A third of the films are chosen from direct submissions, while most of the works featured to date were contributed by industry curators and programmers, and by the organizations co-operating in the network. There are currently over 150 short films in the online catalogue. The rights to the films remain with the authors, and the consent to online release can be rescinded at any time. Internet users can select films according to various categories and watch them in their entirety as streaming video.

In addition to the film catalogue, other features include a News section, a Filmmaking Guide and a list of registered members organized by category. Short films in the online catalogue can also be called up by mobile phone. Future plans include offering a selection of the best films for downloading in high resolution, with permission for use for a limited time only.

The website has a simple, unadorned design, in typical BBC style, but is very functional and easy to use. The contents have been prepared carefully. With its abundance of information, BBC Film Network provides a good overview of the British short film scene.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/filmnetwork/