LAMDA Launches 48-Hour Film Festival
We are excited to be partnering with pioneering production company RD Studios to launch a new competition for aspiring filmmakers.
The 48-Hour Film Festival will provide a new platform for emerging talent to create a short film and showcase their talent, with the chance to have their work reviewed by an esteemed panel of industry judges and screened to a live audience. Create a short film solo or put together a team of up to eight people to bring your vision to life!
Unlike similar competitions, applicants do not need prior experience or credentials to take part, with the festival aiming to provide a platform for emerging talent.
The judging panel includes Emmy-winning actor Brian Cox, casting director Daniel Edwards, LAMDA CEO and Principal, Mark O’Thomas, RD Studios’ founder Ryan Dean, LAMDA’s Joint Head of Screen and Audio, Michelle Bonnard, and actor Amber Grappy.
The top ten teams will be invited to prestigious event at LAMDA in May, where their films will be screened in the Sainsbury Theatre and the grand prix will be announced.
The winner will receive £2000, with £1500 for the runner-up and £1000 for third place.
Applications are now open via the competition’s website. Participants must register to take part by submitting the application form by Tuesday 16 April 2024 at 23:59 (BST).
You’ll need to start thinking about how you’ll make your short film ahead of the brief’s publication on Friday 19 April at 19:00 (BST). You then have just 48 hours to film, edit and submit your short film before the competition closes on Sunday 21 April at 19:00.
Applications Open
Find out more and apply to take part before applications close on Tuesday 16 April 2024 at 23:59 (BST).
This ambitious project comes during an exciting period of growth for LAMDA, as we make significant investments in modern technologies to update our studio facilities and offer new opportunities for students.
Commenting on the festival, Michelle Bonnard, joint Head of Screen & Audio at LAMDA, said:
“So many of the students who leave LAMDA go on to have extraordinary creative careers not just as actors or technicians, but as writers, directors, editors and producers. The 48-Hour Film Festival is an open platform that will give all creatives – whether alumni or not – the opportunity to experiment, play and make a film which will be watched by the most exciting of judging panels. I’m so excited, and I can’t wait to see the work on our new cinema screens.”
This is the first time LAMDA has collaborated with a major studio on a competition like this. Established in 2022, RD Studios is one of the largest film production companies in London. Ryan Dean, founder of RD Studios, said:
“48-hour film competitions are a fantastic way for filmmakers and actors to come together and create. Short films are a vital platform for those wanting to work in the film industry. There was a time when there were many 48-hour competitions globally, but industry support has waned, and opportunities have diminished. I’m proud that RD Studios and LAMDA can launch a new national 48-hour film challenge with an exciting prize pool and an incredible line-up of judges.”
