New talent schemes

Cinema Extreme
Cinema Extreme is a short film scheme that was created in 2002 by FilmFour and the UKFC New Cinema Fund to encourage and develop filmmakers with an original vision and cinematic flair. Cinema Extreme is looking for ideas that explore new storytelling methods, and filmmakers willing to push the boundaries of contemporary cinema. The scheme operates as a development programme incorporating a rolling commissioning process, through which FilmFour and the New Cinema Fund commission up to four films per year. Applicants should be at a point in their careers where they are able to use the scheme as a launch pad into the making of their first feature film.

For eligibility and application details please visit www.thebureau.co.uk/schevents/index.html.

Watch a selection of short films made through the Cinema Extreme scheme - Monsters by Robert Morgan (2004); Floating by Mark Walker (2004); Strange Little Girls by Savina Dellicour (2004); Oscar-winning Wasp by Andrea Arnold (2003)

Future Perfect

FilmFour and Channel 4 drama sponsor a new theatre writing scheme run by Paines Plough Theatre. Future Perfect is a year-long project, for six new writers aged 18-26, specially chosen for their potential and ambition to become a new generation of playwrights. For further details visit www.painesplough.com.

National Film & Television School

Each year FilmFour awards a development bursary to two graduating teams from the NFTS, to develop a feature film project. This offers newly graduated students a chance to make strong links with the industry and give them experience of the professional script development process. For further information about the NFTS and their courses please visit www.nftsfilm-tv.ac.uk.

Coming Up

Channel4's drama department run, in partnership with IWC Media, the Coming Up scheme. This scheme offers the opportunity for new writers and directors to have their work professionally produced and aired on television. For more information please visit www.iwcmedia.co.uk/news.

Ideasfactory

Channel 4's Ideasfactory aims to help and develop young creative talent. The Ideasfactory website contains information on relevant training courses, events and festivals.