Short films shot in 24 hours

DERBY film-makers have been involved in a race against the clock to complete a short movie in just 24 hours.

The first contest of its kind in the city saw film-makers of all ages brave the cold and wet November weather and, with only four hours of real daylight to work with, race against time to deliver their short films back to Derby's Quad arts centre by 11am the following day.

The University of Derby, Quad and Derby-based Five Lamps Films (which regularly screens new local productions) launched the competition, called FIVE/24, for aspiring film makers.

Entrants had to include a unique object in every scene they shot and deliver the movies on time to qualify.

Judges drawn from the university, Quad and film-making experts drew up a shortlist from the films brought back which were then screened at Quad.

Director Owen Tooth took first prize with his experimental and beautifully shot comedy Labyrinth Derbicus.

James Sharpe was second with the hilarious and ambitious comedy Doug.

Kasper Zak took third prize with his clever and dark concept Id, (the title relating to Sigmund Freud's theories).

Organiser Paul Hammond said: "I feel we've really started something here. As part of Five Lamps Films I knew there was a flourishing filmmaking community within Derby, but never this flourishing.

"I think this film challenge exceeded everyone's expectations in both turnout and the quality of their submissions. We're as eager as the filmmakers who entered to get on with organising another one. We hope to hold our second film challenge this coming August."

Owen Tooth's prize package includes free training with the University's Creative Exchange team on its state-of-the-art RED digital camera, similar to those being used to shoot Hollywood blockbusters such as recent big budget movie Knowing (starring Nicolas Cage) and a chance to work with university experts on an approved script for his next project and three days' use of the RED camera on which to shoot it.

Professor Huw Davies, of the University of Derby, who has had his short films screened on BBC TV, as well as at more than 100 international film festivals, said: "We have a long tradition of teaching film and photography at the University of Derby and were really keen to work with the next generation of filmmakers. This prize will give them the opportunity to access the very latest technology in film production, straight from Hollywood."

Adam Buss, deputy director of Quad, added: "We are proud to be a key part of this exciting and innovative film competition.

"Quad is a home for all things creative and this is another part of what is a growing community of exceptional creative talent right here in Derby."