FORMER BOND AND EX-PYTHON HELP TCM TO FIND THE BEST BRITISH SHORT FILM OF 2006

London, 2nd May, 2006: Pierce Brosnan and Terry Gilliam are just two of the high profile judges Who are going to be deciding TCM Classic Shorts competition’s winner of 2006. The seventh annual short film competition run by TCM (Turner Classic Movies) launches today (2nd May) and the award ceremony, to honour the finalists, is held during the 50th The Times bfi London Film Festival in November. The competition has grown in stature and exposure since it’s inception in 2000 and this is reflected by the distinguished names from the UK and US film industry that have agreed to participate as judges.

TCM Classic Shorts is one of the most prestigious and valuable short film competitions in Europe awarding £10,000 of prize money. In addition it gives the entrants exposure to a celebrated panel of judges who bring their expertise from all angles of the film industry. This year’s panel is:

Pierce Brosnan Die Another Day, The Thomas Crown Affair- Actor

Terry Gillliam Brazil, Time Bandits- Actor, writer, director, animator and composer

Imelda Staunton Vera Drake, Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix- Actress

Matthew Modine Full Metal Jacket, Short Cuts- Actor, director, screenwriter and author

Sally Potter Orlando, Yes- Director, screenwriter, composer, producer and editor

Stephen Poliakoff Close My Eyes, The Lost Prince- Screenwriter and director

Richard E Grant Withnail and I, Gosford Park- Actor, screenwriter and director

Stephen Woolley The Crying Game, Stoned - Producer and director

Wendy Ide The Times Film critic and film festival programmer

Jason Solomons BBC film critic

Paul Trijbits Head of the Film Council’s New Cinema Fund

Matt Mueller Editor Editor-At-Large Total Film

Dan Jolin Empire magazine Reviews Editor

Tina McCann General Manager of Turner Entertainment Networks Europe

The competition prides itself on having discovered some of the best new film making talent in the UK in recent years; last year’s winner Jane Lloyd has been snapped up by David Gray who is using an edited down version as the video for his new single, Alibi. Many of the short-listed films from previous years have also gone on to receive further acclaim; 2004 winner Nits directed by Harry Wootliff received a BAFTA nomination, whilst 2002 entry Brown Paper Bag directed by Michael Baig Clifford and 2001 winner About A Girl directed by Brian Percival, both went on to win BAFTAs for Best Short Film.

Once again TCM is sponsoring the Short Cuts and Animation strand of the Times bfi London Film Festival. The strand premieres the very best international short and animated films and as such is an important launch pad for new film-makers, student films and independent productions, as well as launching the careers of many high profile actors.

TCM Classic Shorts is open to all UK made short films. The opening date is 2nd May 2006 and all films must be received by 1st September 2006 at the very latest. The short-listed nominations are aired during a special weekend of programming on TCM and also screened at The Times bfi London Film Festival during the awards ceremony.

Further information and entry forms are available at: www.tcmonline.co.uk/classicshorts

For further information about The Times bfi London Film Festival, please log on to: www.lff.org.uk