In its seventh year, the British Short Screenplay Competition (BSSC) is now open for entries.  As film-producer and director, Stephen Woolley has said, "Without a great script you're nowhere, this is the backbone of a film and I think we ignore and misrepresent how important screenwriters are."

Written by Abigail Harrison   

In its seventh year, the British Short Screenplay Competition (BSSC) is now open for entries.  As film-producer and director, Stephen Woolley has said, "Without a great script you're nowhere, this is the backbone of a film and I think we ignore and misrepresent how important screenwriters are."  In the absence of a platform for young screenwriters, Arif Hussein, chairman and CEO of Kaos Films (www.kaosfilms.co.uk) launched the BSSC in 2001.

Seven years on the BSSC has built a fantastic reputation around the globe and is regarded internationally as "the best and the most prestigious short screenplay competition in the world" - Kenneth Branagh.
 

The BSSC is the only place that offers writers' access to the A-list of the British Film Industry.  Film makers such as Kenneth Branagh, Sir Alan Parker and Stephen Woolley are all on the eminent judging panel, and each personally reads the final scripts.

Previous winners, including Jane Hamer author of ‘Room to Let' whose work was recognised by the BSSC in 2007, benefit from Kaos Films rule of inclusion, regardless of age, location or status.  A strict policy of anonymity is respected throughout the process.  Winners have ranged in age from 20 to 60 years old, and have come from across the world.

Not only is there a commitment to writers, but through Kaos Films' association with the National Film and Television School, a bridge into industry has been forged for their top graduates of the Directing School.  The chosen graduate director is invited to direct one of the winning screenplays as their first professional engagement.

Kenneth Branagh recently commented: "The British Short Screenplay Competition is a fantastic platform for screenwriters from across the globe.  Over the last seven years it has fast become the most prestigious short screenplay competition in the world.  It is the only international short screenplay competition that guarantees to produce the winning script.  I'm delighted to be on the judging panel."

For further details about the BSSC, and interviews with the judges, please contact: Olivia Trolloppe on: 0208 455 1385, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The BSSC was launched in June 2001, and offers entrants the chance of having their winning screenplay made into a film

The BSSC Live Action is now accepting submissions for the 2008 competition: early deadline is 28^th March 2008, and the final deadline is 28^th June 2008.

The BSSC is sponsored by ILab, Kodak, Lee lighting, Panavision, Pinewood Studios, Prime Focus, and Write Brothers.