Straight 8 – the global one-super-8-cartridge-no-editing film challenge – has launched its next ‘shootout’: a chance for creative companies worldwide to compete for charity with a new super 8 short film, made entirely in-camera, and seen for the first time, even by them, at the online premiere in December. Past entrants include Edgar Wright ( Baby Driver, Shaun of The Dead ) and Alice Lowe ( Sightseers, Prevenge ).
Only the first 20 companies to enter will be allowed to compete. Entries open on September 24th at 8AM. Films have to be delivered by November 15th and soundtracks by November 22nd with the premiere live online on December 5th.
Any kind of creative company is invited to rise to the straight 8 shootout challenge: to make a 2.5 minute short film created entirely in-camera on just one cartridge of super 8mm film.
Every shot is taken in story order, with no opportunity for re-takes or editing. Any visual effects, colouring and titling must be done the old-fashioned way: as part of the shoot, with the camera.
Super 8 doesn’t record sound, so soundtracks are made ‘blind’ and must be original. Entrants send their exposed but un-developed film cartridges to straight 8 partners Cinelab London who will process and scan the films. straight 8 will then line up each soundtrack with the first frame of the film.
The premiere takes place live online. During the live stream, entered companies will cast their votes, not voting for their own film and the winners will be announced. As well as earning an iconic camera trophy made by shootout partners, Machine Shop, they get to donate prize money to the charities of their choice.
20 is the maximum number of companies that may enter. It’s strictly first come first served and all entry details are at: www.straight8.net/shootout-online.
Asif Kapadia, Academy, BAFTA & Grammy Award winning writer-director and jury member for straight 8’s annual open competition since 2016 said: "I started shooting on Super 8 and 16mm. Film is precious. With no video assist you trust your instincts. This is what I love about straight 8, the magic of cinema in its purest form."
Ed Sayers, straight 8 founder, comments: “We’re very happy to be continuing to grow shootout. It only takes 20 brave companies to put their name on the line and get to do what they want: no brief, no budget, technical restraints galore but otherwise pure creative freedom. That freedom is debilitating for some but for everyone else shootout is here. And our existing partners and new ones – we welcome Cheat, No.8 and Panavision – are all helping us make sure it keeps growing and that our unusual challenge is thrown down to ever more varied companies.”
Steve Davies, Chief Executive, APA London: “straight 8 is the most fun filmmaking competition for companies. Watching the films with the filmmakers who haven’t seen them either is compelling- they might be great, and often are, but if they aren’t, it’s only a couple of minutes and you’re on to the next one! The online version is even more exciting as there’s no knowing how many people are tuning in.”
Adrian Bull, Managing Director, Cinelab London, “Filmmakers are increasingly attracted to using film as their creative medium of choice and Cinelab London supports all Filmmakers without compromise. Feature Films, Independent Features, Episodic TV, Commercials, Music Videos, Creative Content, Student projects and of course Straight 8. Enter! Shoot your film and enjoy the ride! The sheer creativity entrants achieve on each reel of super 8 film is amazing. Straight 8 is an incredible experience for all involved from start to screen."
Staff Reporter
Share this story
