…returnees get priority attention as cast, crew for projects
The Edo State Government has commenced a two-minute short film contest, tagged, ‘Pitch, Win, Shoot Competition’, to harness the huge potentials in its booming creative industry and open up the state to opportunities and investment.
The project, which is billed to reward winners with as much as N7.5 million, is organised by the Edo Creative Hub in collaboration with Edojobs and Market Development in the Niger Delta (MADE).
Head, Edojobs, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, said the competition is aimed at promoting Edo films to a larger audience and putting the state’s entertainment industry on the world map.
She said the two-minute film pitch contest is open to movie entrepreneurs, aspiring film professionals, producers and directors in Edo State to showcase their creative and innovative prowess.
“The pitch, win and shoot competition requires interested filmmakers to submit a two-minute short film online. It is designed for all creatives in Edo State to participate and win N7.5million in grant, gain exposure, and opportunity to connect with potential investors.”
So far, over 50 entries have been received, while 30 entrants who met the criteria have been shortlisted for the first phase of the competition, which involves a two-day training and seminar program on film production, budgeting and directing.
The training, aimed at retraining movie professionals and aspiring movie professionals to embark on film projects on an entrepreneurial level, was facilitated by the renowned movie producers.
The participants were also orientated on what exactly their works must entail in order for them to compete and win the competition.
The last stage of the event will involve a premiere of the 2 minutes film by the participant accompanied by a short pitch.
Five (5) outstanding pitch winners will be selected based on the following criteria: Demand-driven movies (Edocentric epic movies); low budget movies (not exceeding N2 million); evidence of availability of matching fund (N1,250,000); and 50 to 60 percent cast and crew must be returnees and people vulnerable to human trafficking and irregular migration.
