shortFLIX is a short film initiative for aspiring new filmmakers aged 18-25 who are not in full-time education, employment or training. We seek out ideas from creative, talented and ambitious young people that have the potential to make great short films for broadcast on Sky Arts. Our programme nurtures young talents via training, mentoring and script development support, with those commissioned securing a £10k budget and professional crew to make their film. We are particularly interested in applicants who may have had fewer opportunities to get started in filmmaking, including those who are currently underrepresented in the industry. No previous experience is required.
The first round of shortFLIX created five bold, fiery films broadcast on Sky Arts and hosted on the channel’s on demand platform, exploring diverse stories from black gay culture to toxic friendships, dysfunctional families and sexual fetishes. The films have gone on to be screened at film festivals UK-wide and internationally. Many of the other young participants who were supported to develop their ideas have also gone on to bring their short film ideas to the screen, alongside undertaking work, training and other development opportunities.
Our second round of finalist filmmakers hail from Newcastle, Cheshire, Wakefield and London, bringing a rich slate of short films with culturally relevant and powerful stories exploring family, friendship, rivalry, loss, survival and recovery in contemporary Britain. They will make their shorts for showcase on Sky Arts, working with experienced professionals and benefiting from further training, mentoring and support. Below you can find out more about each of them.
shortFLIX is led by Creative England in partnership with Sky Arts, and supported by the ScreenSkills Film Skills Fund with contributions from UK film productions. The programme is developed with award-winning writer-director Carolina Giammetta.
Applications for shortFLIX are currently closed. Please follow us on Twitter @WeareCreativeUK for updates.
2019 Ambassador: Rachel Shenton
2019 Ambassador: Rachel Shenton
Rachel Shenton, shortFLIX ambassador (Actress & Writer): The Silent Child, Switched at Birth
“shortFLIX is an exciting programme and one that’s very important right now. Turning your ideas into reality can feel intangible – it certainly did for me. So it’s awesome that this programme helps to fund and support the whole process and it’s open to all young creatives. It’s a great opportunity and I’m super happy to be supporting it.”
2019 Ambassador: Ellie Kendrick
2019 Ambassador: Ellie Kendrick
Ellie Kendrick, shortFLIX Ambassador (Actor and Filmmaker): Game of Thrones, The Levelling, An Education.
“shortFLIX is brilliant way to get into the industry, to make the contacts you’ll need and gain experience. I would urge anyone who is eligible for this project to apply, not only does it give you the funding to get your short film made, it also gives you support and workshops to help in the development of your film, which is really invaluable.”
2019 Ambassador: Karla Crome
2019 Ambassador: Karla Crome
Karla Crome, shortFLIX Ambassador (Actor and writer): Misfits, Under the Dome
‘I am delighted to offer my support to the shortFLIX initiative. Our industry is crying out for diverse voices with original stories to tell… but taking that first step toward your dream job can feel daunting. shortFLIX is designed with you in mind – you don’t have to be a seasoned professional to get involved.’
2018 Ambassador: Riz Ahmed
2018 Ambassador: Riz Ahmed
Riz Ahmed, shortFLIX Ambassador (Actor and Filmmaker): Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Four Lions, Jason Bourne
“shortFLIX is exactly what we need right now as an industry and as a society – fresh voices and fresh stories that open up the conversation about who we are. To anyone who hasn’t had a chance to make films but always wanted to – this is your chance to make yourself seen, and heard.”
2018 Ambassador: Joe Cole
2018 Ambassador: Joe Cole
Joe Cole, shortFLIX Ambassador (Actor): Peaky Blinders, Skins, Green Room
“I’m really pleased to be supporting this chance for new young filmmaking talent from backgrounds underrepresented in the industry to get their first break”
2018 Ambassador: Zawe Ashton
2018 Ambassador: Zawe Ashton
Zawe Ashton, NYT Patron and shortFLIX Ambassador (Actor, Playwright and Director): Fresh Meat, Blitz, Dreams of a Life
“It’s a pleasure to support this great opportunity for young undiscovered diverse talent to get a short film off the ground. Even if you’ve never had anything to do with film before, if you’ve got an idea, get involved.”