The lucky few to have their short film scripts accepted for funding as part of the Smirnoff Experience Real Talent Award have now completed their films, and the creative partnerships to come up trumps are: Luke Morris and Toby Macdonald for Heavy Metal Drummer, telling the story of a young, closet metalhead Arab youth reconciling his love for the likes of Iron Maiden in a disapproving world; Richard Fenwick and Hayley Fanning for Love Letter, about a young, chavvy-but-likeable lad plucking up the courage to ask out the checkout chick he fancies; and Jonty Kenton and Andy Hui for Take Me Back, concerning itself with an amnesiac girl using music to try and trigger her memory.
Empire's own Colin Kennedy was one of the judges for the script selection process, and using the guiding criteria, he and his fellow panel members have made solid choices of both screenplay and the teams responsible for bringing their vision to the screen. The entrants were asked to provide a five minute screenplay based around the idea that music can shape and inspire the story.
Empire congratulates all of the filmmakers involved.