Anyone know if you can do it as a team? For example a creative and a copy writer.

@anna:

It’s no problem entering as e.g. a duo so long as you make it clear in the application what your individual roles are, and that it’s a long-standing partnership (e.g. a pair of comedy writers, or like you say, a creative and a copy writer.)

It would be a joint award though if you won - we’re recognising individual talent - so we’re unlikely to consider a ‘team’ of larger than e.g. three.

Hope this helps.
Cheers, Nick

I wanted to enter as a poet and a pencil illustrator at the same time, what catergory would I enter into? And would sending in some of my poems and a few pencil illustrations be enough?

If entering the multi-talented category should we stick to the same guidelines for entry as for the main categories e.g Journalism & Photography, 3 clippings and up to 10 pics or should it be less?

Hello,
I am entering the dramatic writing category, it says that up to three scripts are required, does this mean that three are a necessity, or can I enter just one or two?

Thank you,
Emily

@Emily:

Feel free to enter as many as you like, up to a maximum of three. Choosing your best single script (if it encapsulates what you’re about) is absolutely fine; otherwise submitting more than one can help to show a range of styles and subjects.

Ultimately it’s you as a script writer that we’re judging, not necessarily a particular script. Hope this helps!

Hi,

I’m keen to chuck my hat into the ring in the Dramatic Writing category. Is there any mimimum or maximum length that the scripts need to be? Do you want three feature films or would one short play be enough?

Dan

hi

What happens if you want to enter paintings and photography?

Thank Jennifer

Hey, I want to enter the Dramatic Performance but I was wondering if the performance that we perform can be our own penned script…and when you say “showreel” do we have to show a series of our past works? thankyou in advance.
Adebukola

Hey,

For the Presenting and On-Air Radio can we have a partner? e.g, for Presenting interview someone. and for on-air radio be talking to someone.

Shyam

@jennifer brook: Would suggest either a) picking which discipline you’re most proud of and entering the relevant category (Photography or Wildcard respectively), or b) if you think the two combined represent you best as a creative person, go for Multi-talented. Although as we’ve said in a previous comment, Wildcard and Multi-talented span a wide range of disciplines, so you might have a better chance of being short-listed in the Photography category. Hope this helps…

@ADEBUKOLA: If it’s your script and you don’t have any footage of you performing it, I’d suggest you enter Dramatic Writing. Your showreel can include clips from as many performances as you like within the total timeframe - it just needs to be a visual representation of your best work.

@Shyam Bansropun: Yes, absolutely fine to be interviewing / in conversation with someone (in fact it’s pretty necessary in some cases!) - just make it very clear in the application which one’s you, and make sure in the case of e.g. an interview that you include your best bits, and not just their best answers, if that makes sense. Bear in mind you can only enter one category though, and that the Presenting category is on-screen only.

Cheers all
Nick

Hi Nick & Helen,

I thought I would drop u this comment on behalf of quite a few of us at my college who are thinking of entering the competition in different categories but are unsure as to whether it’s right to because of our roles on the work we would submit. I turn 29 this year (I’m still young & talented though!) so this is pretty much the last year I have to enter the 4Talent awards, though its only something I discovered very recently after heading to University to study animation. Because I’m slightly older on my course, I often end up in a Producing role, not necessarily because I want to, but because some of the younger students tend to think the role is less creative and don’t want to do it, whereas I recognise it can be highly creative, and someone has to do it to pull the right creative minds together and produce a bigger and better final piece… so my more current work is more from a Creative Producer sort of aspect in animation and animated music videos. I also always am involved in the creation of the concept of the story, writing, pre-production design, sound design, casting… everything really, I even animate entire scenes and do backgrounds too. But at the end of the day, my credit on the films is just a cog in the wheel of a university group project, or producer. In the past when I was younger I worked in theatre and had focused on dramatic writing and got shortlisted in some of the competitions such as the Verity Bargate Award and the Channel 4 Film Challenge. Problem is, even though my scripts from a few years ago were enjoyed by previous judging panels at the Soho Theatre and Channel 4, I think I have obviously grown up alot and could write alot better now and I’m not proud enough of my scripts from the past anymore to submit any of them, nor do they really adhere to current debates or public interest as they did when I wrote them, and they sound a bit naive when I read over them…

Universities and College’s teaching arts & media subjects are really focused this year on producing really good team players because the industry is a bit saturated with wannabe directors and glory hunters - and it has been great working in a team - but it does mean that although our portfolios are really strong (we are creating festival films in our first year now because we can if we work together) - our portfolios are full of ‘group’ produced pieces. That’s fine if you want to get a job as an inhouse animator with a production company, but for those of us who are seeking to become independant freelancers (I can’t work in Industry directly for example because I am a home carer) it does sort of limit us shining out as individuals a bit - unless you guys think that one person from a group project with 10 people has a right to submit that project to competitions as an individual?

Should I or any of my colleagues from this college enter the Multitalented category as a Producer? I didn’t “direct” any of the productions we have made as a team at Uni because we sort of don’t work like that, its more of a “creative producer” role and then teamwork - no one person is given a director title. At the risk of sounding really anal about the politics of credits, could you guys define where the work of young producers fits in to the 4talent scheme, if at all… In a competition that aims to find talented, creative individuals, do artists who have perhaps worked hard to become good team players (which can often be a real struggle for creative types!) need to stand out as individuals again and break away from their teams, or are we being looked at too in the mix of the talent pool thats coming under your scrutiny this year?

best wishes, woody

Hi,

I am in the process of entering the awards under the journalism category - do the clippings have to be published articles or can they also include other pieces, such as those written as part of a degree for example?

Many thanks

Jon

I am considering entering the comedy writing category. When submitting more than one script would it be okay for the scripts to be linked i.e. in terms of characters and storyline or would the judges be expecting three self-contained seperate pieces?

@Chris: Fine for the scripts to be linked, 3 is only a maximum number. Cheers

Hi,

for the animation section, is it a maximum of 3 finished pieces, or minimum? As I have just completed my final year project this month, and would like to enter that, but I am unsure if I am elegible for entry based on the quantity of animations I have.

Thanks for the response.

Hi there

Is there a limit to the amount of categories you can enter?
I was thinking of entering 4 categories: Directing, Comedy Writing, Multi Talented, and Dramatic Writing

Also is there a limit to the duration on short films to be entered? Eg 9 min is too long for a short film?
Is there a specific length for the scripts to be entered?
Eg min 10 pages, max 50?

thanks a lot

Nick

hi is there an age limit on entering

hi, I’m in the process of establishing an audio production company with survival as a short term goal and feature length productions as a long term ambition. I was hoping to enter the Production Music category as Ive been fortunate enough to work on some good projects recently, but i was also wanting to enter the Music category as well with a chum of mine with whom i write songs about love, music, wine and revolution; Im a composer/musician etc and as such look after all the music, whereas my fellow song writer, the simon to my garfunkel as it were, is in charge of words and such. I am a mere 27. But he is 36. And a terrible drunk. Are we excluded from entering as a partnership, even though his words are skill, and mine are not so skill? He can quit the drink, theoretically, but he cant go back in time, this is my most recent issue, please advise.

phil

I am absolutely surprised by the age limit imposed on this competition for 4 Talent. As someone working within the creative industry as a designer I feel that the age limit of 30 is discouraging to anyone who is above this age to engage in pushing their creative talent further. People do not loose their creative ideas and talent at the age of 30 and I believe that it is possible to compare and contrast creative entries from an 18 year old to that from a 35+ year old. Surely its about the creativeness and talent within that body of work not about the age!

Sue

“You have to be under 30 on 31/12/08 to enter the 4Talent Awards”
I know you are trying to encourage young people but I thought part of C4 remit was not to discriminate. As I am over 30 I cannot enter any category. It’s ridiculous. How many of your judges are under 30?

Simon

@Susan Davies:
@Simon:

Thanks for your comments: I’ll do my best to explain our reasons for the age limit. It’s absolutely not our intention to suggest that creative talent fades past the age of 30, and the vast majority of our talent schemes and opportunities across the board have no age limit and actively encourage applications from as broad a cross-section of the population as possible.

The purpose of these Awards is to identify new, creative talent to watch for the future - young people who are at a relatively early stage in their career. It’s not a platform through which we compare the best in the industry as a whole.

Of course we fully accept that anyone could come fresh to a creative profession when considerably older than 30, but capping entries with an upper age limit helps us to compare them as fairly as possible. Another option would be to stipulate a number of years’ experience in a particular field, but that has its own set of potential problems.

Simon, you ask how many of our judges are under 30 - this seems a strange question as by their nature as judges, we would expect them to be more experienced in their respective industries than the entrants in order to pass an informed judgement.

We’re not the only set of new talent Awards that includes an age limit - Broadcast’s Hot Shots must be under 30; Creative Review’s Creative Futures must be under 28. It’s just one method of defining ‘new’ talent - we accept it’s not a flawless system, but would invite you both to get involved in the various other 4Talent initiatives that we run: channel4.com/4talentschemes

I’d also encourage you both to sign up to the 4Talent mailout to stay across other such initiatives as they arise.

Cheers
Nick

Cheers for replying Nick. I understand the reason for the over 30 rule and the fact that other awards have an age limit but here’s my comeback.
Any age restriction is simple age discrimination it would be far better to stage the Award for unpublished writers, animators, producers and so on.
I understand the “fresh” argument but I have only just started writing seriously (after messing about for years) so I think I’m “fresh”.
From a personal point I have written a 30 minute comedy script and so far there has only been one opportunity from C4, from an external production company, on your site this year. So when a rare opportunity to present something specific to an established comedy writer such as Victoria Pile, Writer (Green Wing, Smack The Pony) and an actual, real life, in the flesh C4 Commissioning Editor (Caroline Leddy) I feel a bit gutted when left out. I am entering some scripts for the Ha Ha competition as well but I still think C4 need to seriously rethink this age limit and replace it with a new unpublished or new work rule. Having said all that I’ve been asked to do a rewrite on my script and had excellent feedback so I feel I do have something. But then again I would. My dog’s eleven I may get him to enter.
Cheers
Simon

@Simon:

Thanks for coming back. Interesting point on the ‘unpublished’ front, but does that not exclude a wave of exciting new talent who have got their work out there in some form already, but are looking to take it to the next level and get it under the noses of the right people? And how would entrants prove that they’re ‘new’? But constructive feedback is very welcome, and we’ll be sure to consider the entry process for 2009 based on everyone’s comments this year.

I’d be interested to know which external opportunity you mean. Channel 4 run various new comedy initiatives, including Comedy Lab (the latest crop will be shown in August, submission deadline for 2009 will be released later this year) and E4’s Funny Cuts, plus there’s the 4Laughs online community who run monthly comedy opportunities with real-world briefs.

I look forward to seeing your Radio HaHa entry - it’s a great chance to tap into a brand new radio station hungry for new comedy talent (but then, i would say that.)

Cheers
Nick

I read on a reply to someone’s question that you would prefer that scriptwiters didn’t send in 3 features as you wouldnt have the time to read them, understandably. Would an 82 min script and a 29 min script also be considered too much? Or should i just send it what i feel is my strongest work and 3 50-word synopses, as that person was advised?

hi

i am entering for the tv writing category, one of my scripts is written with a view to being animated. is this still valid in this category or must it be animated first?

i would like to enter directing, presenting and long documentary, is that ok?

Hello.. I am hoping to enter a film script (roughly 90mins) for the competition. The script is, however, full of stage directions and directions for the director/camera people, etc. (I am new to screenwriting so please excuse my poor or incorrect terminology).

Would you still advise entering into the Dramatic Writing category or the alternative is the Wildcard category?

Thanks..

Apologies for the delay getting back to you all.

@Adele: Would suggest if you’re entering an 82-min script then just that and 3 synopses would suffice.

@greg: Don’t fully understand the question I’m afraid - there isn’t a TV writing category, only Comedy Writing and Drama Writing - then there’s an Animation category for finished animations. If it’s one of the writing categories that you’re entering, pick comedy or drama - the script doesn’t need to have been visualised; it’ll be judged on the quality of the writing.

@liana stewart: You need to pitch yourself in one specific category, as set out in the guidelines above. If you’re equally confident in all 3 fields then you could opt for Multi-talented instead.

@Joe Turner: Absolutely fine to include stage directions in the script - if anything we’d expect it!

Cheers all - and please be advised we have an updated set of Terms & Conditions for the Awards, which you’ll need to accept before entering - see the next page for full entry criteria.

i have written a treatment for long documentary and also a synopses for directing i was wondering where to send it .

@Chanceli Moranga: Do you mean neither has been made? If you haven’t written a script or directed the finished product then there isn’t an obvious Awards category to enter I’m afraid: you could consult 4Producers for more info on how to pitch ideas to Channel 4, or perhaps approach a suitable indie / funding agency to gauge their interest in getting it made.

If you mean you’ve written a treatment / synopsis to accompany finished work that you’re submitting for the Awards, then all the info on where to send your entry can be found on the entry criteria page. Bear in mind that you can only enter one category though, so you’d have to choose long documentary or directing.

for television presenting, a video showreel on any subject?

Does it matter how old the work you submit is? I’m ahead of my time and have some old pieces which are still waiting to be fully appreciated

I have a question:
I am a hybrid filmmaker having completed shorts that use live action, animation and graphics. I am unsure as to which category to submit onto as it isn’t commercial enough or ‘animation-y’ enough for ‘animation’ (esp after looking at the kind of backgrounds the judges are from)- which would be the best category for this hybrid type of moving image work?

@kj: Interesting question. I wouldn’t say it’s essential for animation to be ‘commercial’ in feel: if you think your style is particularly defined by the animated / graphical elements (despite using live action as well), and you’d be confident being judged primarily on that, I’d suggest entering the Animation category.

If not, the Directing category will assess the overall craft of your work, particularly the live action element - but will take the animation / graphical elements into account as part of your overall style.

Hope this helps.
Cheers, Nick

I’ve written screenplays, plays and a travel book.

Which category should I enter?

i would like to enter the presenters catorgory but i have been in hospital for a while and this has been my first chance to get to a computer.

is it still possible for me to enter?

Hi, I’m thinking of entering the Off-Air Radio category, although this question applies to quite a lot of them: to enable me to send in as much different material as possible, my audio entry is going to be made of two different radio projects, and the three scripts will be for different things also. Am I allowed to include two 50-word synopsises for the audio entry in addition to the three to accompany the scripts?

Many thanks,

Ben.

Hello,

Just wondering how many copies on CD we need to supply for each category? I’m entering the On-Air, Off-Air and Journalism categories (the latter providing three different radio clippings).

Do you just want one CD for each of those three categories, with the journalism CD containing the three clippings as three different tracks?

Thanks,
Mark

Hi,

I’d like to enter the comedy writing category, however my style is to generate funny scenarios and then improvise rather than to pen word for word dialogue. I also perform my work. My question therefore is this: would story outlines of my films be acceptable for the comedy writing category or should I just enter the comedy performance category? (although I consider myself a writer above all else). The other option would be to transcribe the dialogue once it’s been performed I suppose?

Thanks,

Sam

Hi

I’m currently working on comedy sketches with a collective, and wondered about the following:

1 - Many of our sketches are workable into either audio or visual scripts, is it generally a better plan to submit to the comedy Writing catagory or the Off Air Radio catagory?

2 - Can we submit work done as part of a collective, provided we outline our role in it?

3 - Is sketch content going to be judged alongside sitcom work? If so are character orientated/recurring sketches more desirable?

Thanks

Dan

Goodness gracious me…

Goodness…

Gracious…

ME.

I’ve just had a read through the above debates. By just printing some of these questions, you at Channel 4 have found a new batch of comedy genius’s.

Some of the questions are hilarious. I apologise on behalf of the general public. In our defense, we are so busy now and so used to simply pressing ‘accept’ on online terms and conditions forms, that actually reading them wouldn’t ever even remotely BEGIN to start to cross our minds.

Good luck in answering all the repeated questions. Im sure you’ll get a last minute surge at 11pm on the 29th September. Be prepared. It’s what we do best.

And just before I go, I’ve got a question:

I saw this Channel 4 competition your doing and I thinks its so good. and basically wanna enter my mum, cos shes the best mum in the world. She makes the best cakes, and I think she should win that one.

So…

Shall I just send a picture of the cakes or do I need to send the ACTUAL cake to you in the post. Also, who shall I address it to?

Thanks so so much.

Hi there,

I want to enter my fashion comapny, where we collaborate with technological companies on creating apparel and accessories with fabrics that react to sound, light and atmosphere which are especially suited for various high end events, shows and concerts. Would it be best to enter under the wildcard or innovation category?

Many thanks, Amy

@Helen Byrne:

Thanks for the clarity on which catagory to enter, although I’m confused by the fact that you’ve said we could enter as a collective, and yet that there’s a response from Nick at the top that says that collaborations over 3 people probably wouldn’t be considered…

Is there an element of employment potential in any prize, and if so, would that be at a time suitable, if for example a student was in mid degree status.

I was thinking of entering the music category, under singer-songwriter, but I only have two tracks recorded and it states the minimum as three. Would my application still be considered? Or would I be able to send a written version of one of my other songs without it being recorded?

@Kate: Yes, please include a written version of a third song, especially if the lyrics are an integral part of what you want the judges to consider.

Nick/Helen,
Can you please post on this page a step to step guide on how to send your entry, where to send, what to send, any supporting material etc.
It’d be really helpful.
Thanks

Hey
Silly question but im a singer, just wondering if you enter it has to be your own music?
I sing but i dont really write songs. And if i did god knows what they would be like!
Just wondered as im very interesting in parcipitating,
Please let meknow would be very helpful.
Thankyou
x

Hi. I have filmed some short sketches on my own and as part of a team, so it seems that entering them into the directing category makes the most sense. Would you agree? I’m assuming that the judging criteria takes into account genre, so if I entered what appeared to be a comedy short then it could be judged on how funny it is?

Just wanted to be sure as I don’t want to waste my entry by submitting the wrong thing in the wrong category.

hi
i would like to enter a few of my videos into the music video category but there were a few things i couldn’t find the answer for on the site (sorry for the incompetence)
basically, my videos at the moment are for songs that have been released already with videos, for example daft punk around the world, i did my own version for it. the same goes for another video which i shot inspired by muse starlight. would i need some sort of permission from the bands/labels? the video itself is my own work with my own actors and props etc but the music is not, nor is it from an upcoming band or anything like that. would that be ok?

thanks a lot

To add to my above post, do you think the wildcard category would be more suitable?

For the presenting category…Do i present about anything i want?

I was considering entering the comedy writing aswell as the comedy performance category. However, do I need a video of the piece of comedy writing being performed in order to enter?

Hi. If you want to enter more than one category do you have to do it through the multitalent award one or can you enter more than one individual award? Thanks.

Hi

Im unsure which category to enter. I have a short tv pilot/teaser. Its a spoof documentary which i wrote and directed. I imagine i could enter Comedy Writing or Directing or maybe something else. Id like to be judged on the strength of the pilot but it probably wouldnt fit with the other short movies and stuff and its done in the style of a teaser (albeit a seven minute one). If i entered a script could i back it up with a dvd. Id really like that to be seen. Thanks.

Hi

For the directing category is there a minimum length for submissions?

@Charlie: Interesting one - given that you’ve filmed it already, Directing may be the best category to enter. For Comedy Writing, it would just be judged on the script. It depends entirely on which you feel is the strongest element!

@David Poole: No, there’s no official minimum length but common sense dictates that the judges will need enough material to get their teeth into and gauge e.g. your ability to carry a story from start to finish.

Hope this helps guys.

@Nick Carson: Thanks for the reply. Do you think it would would be worth my while entering the wildcard or multi-talented category under writing and directing. Though i realise it may not quite fit there i am worried too that entering the directing one may not do me any favours given the format of my project and being up against plot driven films. Though i do think the film is creative, it is still a pilot for a longer thing. Do you you know if these points would go against me in either category. Thanks again for your help.

@Charlie: Wildcard is there for any creative fields that don’t fit into the other categories, such as fashion or fine art. And Multi-talented is primarily there to recognise people who excel in several traditionally unrelated fields.

Given that writing and directing not only fit into main categories, but are also traditionally related fields (writer-directors are, after all, quite common, and judges for either category would acknowledge that you do both if you mention it in your self-sell), I’d suggest you enter one of those two, and choose which based on which you feel is your strongest field.

Ok, I’ve read through this lot and answered some of my own questions, but I’m still unsure on a couple of things…

Is this the kind of thing that you only enter if you’ve got experience in these things, or can complete beginners have a go… (eg. journalism, dramatic writing…)
In other words - does it matter that you’ve not had your work published etc.

(Not entirely sure if that question makes sense…)

Secondly, regarding the music video catagory: I have made a couple before, but the music provides more of a soundtrack to the action, rather than a traditional music video with people singing/playing instruments etc. - that said, I’ve seen plenty of music videos that do what I have done…

Cheers…

Hi, I’ve gone through as many of the questions and answers above as possible. Many helped but I still need some help with my question.

I’ve got two scripts - one 12 pages and the other 8. I see them both as 15 minute short films. Will this (scripts) be okay to send in? Also, my CV, if I had one, will not contain any experience in media apart from studying at uni. Is that okay or can I just send the other required stuff and not worry about the CV.

Finally, will I be able to enter for directing as well. I know how I want my films made and I am very confident in my abilities and vision as a potential director but I having nothing to show from the past in terms of experience. Is there still a possibility to also enter the directing (or Multi-Talented) category?

Thanks for your time.

i would like to change the categories on my form but i’ve already sent it off. is there anything i can do??? Thx

@Ryan: Scripts are fine, you should enter Dramatic Writing. Bear in mind you can only enter one category - and to enter Directing we’d need a finished film to judge rather than a script.

@lesley: Please email helen@4talentmagazine.com with your details - provided you haven’t already sent your supporting materials tailored to the other category.

Hey,

For the comedy performance showreel does it have to be one piece, or can segments from different projects be put into one 10 minute showing?

Can i submit a 20 min radio play? If so will this just be in script format?

Hi-I am entering the photography category and need to get some printed images to you guys but not sure what size is required…can anybody help with this? Also if items need to be delivered by hand…can we deliver them to the London offices??

ok thank you-is there a minimum or recomended size for prints?

OK great-thank you for that Helen.

What is considered when judging the multi-talented category? If I was to submit a lot material, that covered a wide range of categories… would the range be taken into account? Or would each specific category have to be 100% mind blowing?

@Helen Byrne

If my submission for multi talented was of a particular character. Could I include a comedy performance for that character, photography of that character, that character being themselves on a radio broadcast? etc

i just wated to know if our videos could be submitted as he little tapes used in mini camcorders or does it HAVE to be a dvd or video tape?
Thx xox

I am thinking of entering the Journalism catagory. All my writing, however, is not really journalism in the traditional sense and is quite niche in its subject matter (editorial posts focusing on videogames and marketing).

Help?

Hi,

When sending in scripts for the comedy writing category, how long should they be?

In an earlier response you say “we can’t guarantee that the judges will have time to read a 20 minute script”. Yet I remember reading elsewhere on this site that the judges would want to see you can take a story from beginning to end.

So if I send in, for example, 3 scripts for 3 different sitcoms, three whole scripts clearly would be too much, right? So would it be the first 10 pages/5 mins, ala BBC Writersroom?

Thanks, and sorry for such a convoluted query.

@Nick Carson:

I would like to back Simon in this as I think you are confusing ‘new’ with ‘young’ in terms of talent. What I think you are looking for is ‘new’ voices/ideas and talent.
What makes you think that capping the age limit achieves that goal? We are in the 21st century and many people change careers at all stages of life so when they come to the industry with their writing etc they are new voices and that is fresh and exciting.
Anyway isn’t it now/or about to become illegal to put age limits on advertisements as it does discriminate whether that is your intention or not. Surely you should want to find the best new talent around not just the youngest?

Julie

Hi, i was just wondering if it was possible to enter just one script for the comedy writing category? It states that three scripts are required, if i entered one script would my entry be ignored? My script is 25 pages long. Thank you.

Hi, I am thinking of entering either the Comedy Writing or Dramatic Writing category, I haven’t decided which quite yet but I wanted to ask a question about the 3 scripts. It is obvious that the judging panel will not have time to read all three scripts as they could range from a total of 85 minutes to 180 minutes, so when I enter one of those categories, is it advisable to just enter one script (with synopsis) and then to enter two further synopses for two more scripts or should I send three complete scripts accompanied by a synopsis. Also I would like to ask if the scripts can all be from one series or should they be from separate series with different characters to give the judging panel a better view of my writing talents?

Thank you Helen. I would also just like to ask another question. I have read the terms on conditions and it says that you may not submit pieces that breach a confidence deal, so does that mean that if you have submitted a script to somewhere else (e.g. BBC Writersroom) but you have not heard anything back as yet, that you should not enter it in your chosen category because of potential conflict between the two sides should they both like the work?

Hello,

I used the online entry form to submit my entry details into the animation category of the 4talent awards but I’ve recieved no confirmation email, I’m only bringing this up because from looking at the comments on the 4talent home page it seems that I maybe I should have recieved something.
I’m refering in particular to Chris Jarvis’ post where he says “i got an e-mail possibly automated, reminding me to send a cv and 1 page self sell” I havn’t recieved an email like that.
Does this mean that my details weren’t recieved or that I made a mistake on the form?
I’m really keen to enter and I have the supporting material ready to post but wanted to check before I sent anything off.

Mark Nute

Ok, this is quite convoluted…

I was going to put in for the multi-talented award, one of which would be the music video catagory…

My problem is I haven’t got access to the kind of equipment to make a professional video so I was thinking of submitting 1 video, a showreel, and a storyboard for 1 or 2 other videos…

Is that ok?

I can’t really create the effects I want with the kit I have, but it doesn’t mean I don’t have the ideas!

The other thing is i want to second Neil’s question about the confidence deal. I have a piece that I want to submit but have submitted elsewhere - if it’s a case of just getting a sample of the way we all write then can I submit this piece?

Hope this is all clear as crystal!!

@Helen Byrne: Thanks Helen, that’s great news. I shall get the rest of the stuff in the post asap.

Hi,

I am slightly confused about the ‘three synopsis’ deal for dramatic writing. I have one script developed but that’s it so far. I have other ideas that have yet to take the form of a fully fledged screenplay but should I enter them just to make up the numbers? Or will one script and no additions suffice?

My apologies if this has been previously answered!

Best,

Ash

Is it possible to submit a feature doc under long documentary?

For the journalism award can we submit fashion journalism or is it just reportage that you are looking for?
Thanks!

Also, another quick question! I’m not sure whether my work would be prose for wildcard or should be entered in the journalism bit!is has been published but is my own sort of style..!If im up against people writing serious reportage then the journalism category doesn’t seem quite right! If it needs to go in the wildcard bit then could I include poems as well?
Thanks again!!

For the off-air radio writing reward what is expected to be within the 10 minute show reel?

Hi, im entering the journalism category, what do you mean ‘3 clippings’?
Are they clippings of reports we have have written? And do they have to be on a set topic e.g. politics?
Also is there a maximum/minimum characters for the clippings?

Hi there,
I have a a good idea for a drama-doc and just want some advice on what I should send in. Firstly, I’m assuming it would fit under the Long Documentry catagory as it would be 60 minues long, but due to the strong drama element, I just want to make sure I put it in the right catagory?.

Secondly, I don’t have a full script, although I do have a treatment, proposal, character profile and a small sample scene. Would this be OK to submit or do you require a full script in the first instance?.

Any help gratefully received!

Becks

Hey!

Sorry, could you answer my question… (from 7th Aug).

Hi, I have a television script I would like to submit, some short stories and some mock journalistic style articles that use photographs. They are all in the comedy genre. I would like to send an example of each is the multi-talented category out of the question as they are all of the same genre?

Cheers!!

Hi

I’m 25, a composer and musician but have solely curated Liverpool’s first International AV festival, Sept 2008. Its a grand scale projection and music festival. http://www.av08.co.uk I would really like to enter this competition but have no idea which category. What would you suggest?

Thank you !

Hi,

I am going submit a script in the dramatic writing category, and as there are submissions for poetry, I was wondering it was possible to enter a novel for consideration?

I would like to enter with some clippings from a newspaper I work for. As I am employed full time by the company I was wondering if there are any copyright issues with this?

Also as it is a tongue in cheek column would this fall under comedy writing or journalism?

I am a film maker and poet. Can I make two seperate entries one, “Directing” and one “Wildcard” rather than go for the “Multi Talented” option? Is that possible?

Thanks
Daniella

Hi there

I wonder if you could give us some advice please? We are a female comedy duo, and would like to enter the comdey writing section. One of us is 28, and the other is 36. We write together, is there any chance for us to qualify?

Thanks

Ashley McGuire and Octavia Mackenzie

For the photography award, can I enter images that are manipulated in photoshop too? I would have thought using photoshop as a photographic technique, but I just want to make sure.

Hi,

I have a quick query regarding my suitability for participation. For the past 6 years I have worked on a variety of experimental club projects and art events which have been heralded as seminal by the press and culturally significant by the creative underground of the UK. Unfortunately as this vocation lacks any official representative body or traditional route of professional progression I have yet to have my work reviewed in context by the wider world. To create these projects I have required a considerable skill set including art direction, copy writing, event management, audio technician capabilities and the ability research and implement new media technologies.

I have a wealth of evidence to support my work in this area and the impact it has made on broader youth culture, is there anyway I might be included in this competition as it would really boost my career and give me confidence to have my achievements judged beyond the press or simply measured in commercial terms.

Many Thanks.

I also produce electronic music, DJ, write freelance journalism and prose.

I’m looking forward to apply as an fine artist/photographer/fashion designer/poet… but..
Even if i haven’t had any exhibitions, sold work… etc…
I’ve only just turned 19.
Would the judges take it into consideration?

Does anybody know whether the copyright remains with the artist / writer who enters this competition?
I have read through the terms and conditions, but I can’t seem to find any part of them that says clearly whether it does or not.
Thanks,
Katie

Also, I’m hoping to submit a number of poems in the ‘Wildcard’ category, and wondered what would be an acceptable number to submit.
Thanks,
Katie

Hi,

I co-present a weekly entertainment podcast called The Colin and Matt Show and am hoping to enter the 4 Talent awards but am unsure as to which category would be best. As the show isn’t actually “broadcast” can it still be entered for the “on air” award?

Matt

Thanks Helen

Thank you, Helen!
Katie

hey helen,
i have submitted by dramatic performance video by mail but i am not sure how to know whether channel4 have recieved or not. Also i submitted my online form but i didnt recieved any mail for any of it. Just getting confused here.

thanks alot……..i really appretiate being such a help. u r the best. thnx again.

As you can’t guarantee work will be returned, is it alright to enter with only online material, ie. website/ myspace etc?

o.k i’ve just come across this competition. I’ve got three scripts (for a sitcom) ready to go, but they are written in the bbc format. would you prefer them in the standard format with commercial breaks included? if so that’s not a problem and I could have the 3 done in a few days just in time for the deadline.

Hi,

I was planning to submit an entry for the presenting section. I had put together a showreel withthe help of a friend, but my laptop has died and gone to the the great cyber-farm in the sky.

I’ve got very little option now, can I use a handheld digital camera and create a showreel?

will this be ok?

R

Can I submit an extract from a feature film script of mine with 2 sitcom scripts in full? The above comments suggest that more than 1 film script is excessive. However, more than 1 script could show different styles etc.

Hi,

Is 10 minutes a strict limit for the comedy performance video showreel or can we go a little over…say 10mins 20secs?

Thanks.

can we send our entries online (eg. scripts) and if so, how?

I’m starting now and I will be but for the next few days and nights if it means I get this oppertunity.

@Matt: This is fine - please make sure you include 50-word synopses for all 3 scripts though please.

@jasmine: You can email Word documents with your CV and self-sell to helen@4talentmagazine.com, but we would prefer to receive scripts by post.

im entering the comedy writing category.

im confused. do you fill in the application form online then send your script by post?

@stuartyc: Yes. The online form allows us to store all your personal details in a secure database, which we’ll then match with supporting material we’ve received.

Give the huge volume of entries we receive, we can’t process thousands of audio/video/text attachments in countless different formats, so unless all your work is available online, we’d prefer you to post it. See the entry criteria for full details.

Hi,
I’m applying as part of a comedy writing duo and we’re a little confused about the CV aspect. We both act, so do we submit our acting CVs or would you like a list of work other than the 3 scripts we send? Sorry, as I say we are new writers. It was suggested we apply for this award by Kate Cross who is the Director at the Theatre Royal Bath’s egg where we put on Mate, our last show. So we’re confident in our talent but not used to selling ourselves as writers.

Hello Helen and Nick,

I just found out about this competition about an hour ago and wish to enter the wildcard category for costume design and construction/ fashion styling.
I have looked over all the terms and conditions, entry requirments and all the comments above and for fear of being another repeated question I need to ask what you would say the limit was on submitted work. I will be entering photographs and perhaps a small sample of my constructed work. As the photography category has a limit of 10 images should I go by that?

Thanks, Lauren

I just wanted to ask a question about the 4Talent awards categories.

I am filmmaker with work that could be included in the long documentary category. However, a lot of my work also involves working with groups of young people with a range of abilities and are often in hard to reach groups. For instance, I have worked with groups of young people in care, with young people with Asperger’s Syndrome, and deaf and hard of hearing young people. Often I work with them to help them create film or animation which is then used in the final film.

Therefore, I wanted to know whether it is worth me entering the Long documentary category, or whether because there is another large aspect of my work (working with and inspiring young people) it would be worth me entering the multi-talented category?

Once I know which to go for, I have all the supporting materials ready,

Many thanks,

Simon

Iknow my self-sell needs to be one page, but it runs a bit onto two pages. Is this okay or not?

@Fearg: Would suggest you both include CVs that chart your professional progress up until writing these scripts. Moving from acting into writing is interesting in itself.

@Lauren Eva: Up to 10 images plus a small sample of work sounds fine, thanks. It’s tricky to put a definite cap on Wildcard supporting material as entrants could represent any number of fields, but as a general rule please use the other categories’ criteria as a guideline.

@Simon Collins: Would suggest you enter Long Doc, and include your commendable work with young people in the self-sell as contextual information.

Cheers guys

@Roy: Yes, ‘one-page’ is a guideline rather than gospel. It needs to be easily scanned quickly by the judges.

Right - I just entered, however I put my CV, self sell and 10 supporting images on their own pages on the internet and gave direct links to those 3 pages in the links section of the application form. Little did I know, once I submitted the application form, it said:

“Even if you ticked the box to say all your work’s available online (and provided sufficient links) we still need your CV and one-page self-sell, outlining the projects you’re most proud of, and clearly identifying your role in each of them. Please post these to the above address, or email them as simple Word attachments to helen@4talentmagazine.com”

Should I still email the CV and self sell as Word Attachments to Helen anyway as well?

If I’m submitting illustrations, are images on my website viable to be looked at instead of me sending them as they wont be returned?

@Olly: Sure, if all your work is available online then please indicate this on the form where it asks you and provide all relevant links.

hello everyone

we have just entered the online application as a directing duo and would like to ask a simple question.

We have entered the directing cathegory and would like to submit two films of approx.13 min. each

The two films are part of a showreel we have put together and has got exerpts of more work

However the showreel is designed with menues and selection buttons.

So the question is: Could we submit the showreel, clarifying what it is that we owuld like to show?

Thaks a lot

@Stifani Brothers: That’s fine - just mark clearly which films you’d like considered.

Hello, me again!

I’m entering the wild card category for costume design and construction.
As the cost of reprinting original images is spiraling I have decided to simply send a link to my myspace for photographic images of my constructed costumes and then just send in a small selection of illustrated costume designs.
My question is, will you look at my myspace albums as a whole or should I create a new album that is limited in the number of images, 10 for example (criteria). So you’ll have that as well as say 5 pages of illustrated designs being sent in.
I just don’t want to be overlooked for sending in to much work.

Thanks

As part of the 3 docs I want to submit for the long documentary category, I want to include the fine cut of the project I am currently working on - as I think this will significantly bolster my application.

It is in good condition and the only things you would notice is that the v/o is my guide voice and it hasn’t been ‘onlined’.

Is this okay?

Also, do you show the work of the winners publicly? If you do, I would need to get the permission of the various broadcasters (who, of course, own the rights to the films).

I know this is a bit late in the day (I will need to get the projects in the last post today to make the deadline), but if you do read this in time and can reply, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks.

(apologies if you have had this query twice, I didn’t know which was the best website to post it on and seeing as it’s so late in the day, didn’t want to take any chances)

@Doco: An offline cut with guide v/o is fine, if you feel it compromises the look and feel of the doc then please explain the situation in the supporting material so the judges can take it into account.

We’ll cut the winners’ work into a montage to show at the Awards ceremony, but will obviously clear anything necessary before screening it (or just cut selectively!)

Good luck making the post

I entered the competition 15 minutes before closing time because im just so organised. But i uploaded my video onto youtube at the same time and sent in the link with my application, however as soon as i posted it and returned to my clip on youtube i’d violated my rights! (It was to long- If only a woman said that) So i re-uploaded it and trimmed it down to fit on, but my application doesn’t include the new link, help!

Media and television is one of the toughest industries to break into but competitions like these can discover talent that would otherwise never be unleashed and shared with the public on such a scale.

Best wishes to all the inspired youth who have a talent to bring.

Do we know if all entrants will receive feedback or will the sheer size of the competition make that impossible?

Peace

@Kev Curran: Thanks for the comments Kev.

I’m afraid feedback for all entrants will be impossible for us to manage, given the sheer volume of entries we’ve received. However, we’ll be shortlisting 5 people for each of the 20 categories, and as part of the process will ask our judges to provide a small amount of private feedback to each of those 100 people.

We’ll publish the shortlists on the 4Talent blog in the coming weeks.

All the best
Nick

Hello

I am 13, and i am writting a screenplay I was wondering if i am to young to submit a script?

Also can i send one script? Or does it have to be three?

Thank you
Evan