D&AD, a non-profit international association for creative advertising and design, in partnership with with YouTube will launch a competition for the non-commercial creative work of emerging filmmakers, on 30 April.
Aimed at bridging the gap between seasoned professionals and filmmakers who are just entering the industry, the Next Director Award is open to directors who have less than two years’ experience in the film or advertising industry. Entries must be no longer than five minutes and can be in the form of a short film, music video, commercial or branded content.
YouTube intends to uncover and support new directorial talent by providing a global platform of exposure for their work.
Alison Lomax, Head of Creative Agency Partnerships at YouTube commented, “YouTube is a platform where creators of any size can build an audience and where people can find content they love – from to music, to sport to film.’
Together with D&AD, YouTube will provide the winner with invaluable expert mentorship, which includes one-on-one sessions with prominent filmmakers and producers as well as full agency representation. Winners will also receive D&AD’s newly designed trophy, known as a D&AD Pencil, and will get funding to work on a commissioned brief from leading content creation community, MOFILM; andwill receive tickets and flights to attend the ceremony, which takes place in May 2015.
A jury of the industry’s finest talent, headed by D&AD Trustee Laura Gregory, will judge submissions. Gregory commented, “Nothing excites me more than the discovery of new talent, who challenge the way the established think and perform. D&AD was founded upon a celebration of craft; with content being king, it’s vital to the longevity of our industry that we help bring through the next Ridley Scotts and Jonathan Glazers.’
Separate to the D&AD Professional Awards, the Next Director Award will produce nominations three times each year, with a winner being announced at the D&AD Professional Awards Ceremony in May. The roll-out will happen as follows:
First entry deadline: 25 June
First nominations announced: 8 July
Second entry deadline: 31 October
Second nominations announced: mid-November
Third entry deadline: 28 February
Third nominations announced: mid-April
Visit the MOFILM website or the D&AD website for more information.
