BUDDING Ridley Scotts are being sought to participate in a new project which hopes to transform the North-East’s film industry.

DigitalCity’s Film Business Bootcamp, a scheme which has seen DigitalCity Business team up with Newcastle’s Vita Nova Films, is recruiting aspiring directors and producers who are yet to make their first movie but have the ability to create a feature film.

It is aimed at university or film school graduates and professionals already working as freelancers in the film and advertising industries.

Designed to encourage film-makers to hone their ideas, the bootcamp aims to increase participants’ chances of securing funding for their project.

Participants will be mentored by experienced industry professionals to develop their ideas and business plans, before teams will be judged on their progress.

The strongest ideas will go through to the next round, with the final four teams given the chance to develop relationships with film financiers, distributors, sales agents and production companies with the view of bringing the film into production.

Vita Nova senior producer and managing director Steve Bowden said: “Together we recognised there is an abundance of aspiring filmmakers but an absence of skilled producers and film production companies.

“It is an amazing opportunity for anyone with an idea for a feature film, who wants to move on from short filmmaking, to equip them with the skills and business acumen they need to succeed.”

Mark Elliott, DigitalCity Business’s chief executive, said: “The Bootcamp represents the opening of a new ‘front’ in DigitalCity’s mission to make the Tees Valley the most vibrant digital and creative hub in the country. “Aspiring filmmakers can receive thousands of pounds worth of tuition, mentoring and support.

“For the filmmakers who are successful this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

The Filmmaking Bootcamp costs nothing however there is a small fee to join DigitalCity as a cluster member and make use of DigitalCity Business’s services for a year.