BJP, in association with Canon, has launched Open Shutter, the first UK HD-DSLR Awards. Aimed at all UK-based photographers and film-makers, Open Shutter aims to encourage excellence in the fast-developing world of convergent image capture, recognising the best films and multimedia works shot on HD-DSLRs such as Canon’s EOS 5D Mark II.
“The introduction of broadcast-quality HD video to the latest generation of DSLR cameras has democratised filmmaking, rendering movie capture truly affordable and opening new creative opportunities,” says Simon Bainbridge, BJP’s editor.
The inaugural contest is open to all kinds of HD-DSLR films, from documentaries and commercial promos, to multimedia, fashion videos and creative films.
An expert panel drawn from the world of professional film and photography will judge the entries and select a shortlist to be shown at an award ceremony in London in December. The overall winner will receive a Canon EOS 1D Mark IV camera, worth £4500.
“The judges will be looking in particular for films that make creative use of the new technology, or use it to tell stories that otherwise would have been too costly, or in which the camera would have been too intrusive, to deliver professional standard films,” adds Bainbridge.
“Entrants should also demonstrate a good understanding of some or all of the following attributes: structure and narrative development, professional requirements for sound and editing, and evident technical ability. But above all, they are looking for credible and engaging films that can hold an audience for the length of the film.”
HD-DSLR users can submit movies lasting anything from a matter of seconds to full-length features. They can use video-only or combine still and animated images to their creations. “Creativity is encouraged,” says Bainbridge.
Guido Jacobs, consumer marketing director at Canon UK & Ireland, comments: “As a world-leader in imaging solutions, Canon is proud to be supporting the inaugural British Journal of Photography Open Shutter awards, celebrating the emerging art form of filmmaking using a high definition DSLR.”
He adds: “We look forward to seeing how photographers and filmmakers have embraced this new convergence of technology to express their creativity and innovation beyond the still image.”
Deadline for entries is 31 October. All films should have been shot using a HD-DSLR camera produced by Canon or other manufacturers. They should be sent on a CD or DVD, with a completed form to British Journal of Photography – Open Shutter, 32-34 Broadwick Street, W1A 2HG, London.
Visit www.bjp-online.com/static/open-shutter.
Leave a Reply