25 Words or Less: Director’s Cut

There's an interesting piece in the latest issue of Scriptwriter magazine about a new initiative from the UK Film Council - 25 Words or Less: Director's Cut.

Previous 25 Words or Less contests have invited writers to submit pitches for films in certain genres. This time they have asked two leading directors, Danny Boyle and John Crowley, to set the briefs.

The title of "25 Words or Less" is slightly misleading, in fact. You also have to submit a one-page outline and ten pages of script. Writers must be Full Members of the Writers' Guild or have an agent in order to apply.

The Film Council's Development Fund, with the respective director and production partner, will select two writers to receive funding: one to work with Danny Boyle and Pathe UK and one to work with John Crowley and Intermedia UK.

Development funding of £10,000 will be offered to each successful writer to cover a first draft original script and one set of revisions based on the story idea.

The closing date for applications is 11 July 2005.