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INTERNATIONAL 'CAST AWAY' COMPETITION LAUNCHES!

Oscar-winning screenwriter and Downtown Abbey creator, Julian Fellowes, will lend his support to 'Cast Away', an international pod-cast challenge for young people, launched yesterday by Cinemagic Film Festival and Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic Visitor Experience.

As part of the celebrations to mark the opening of Titanic Belfast, in spring 2012, and to recognise the legacy of Titanic in its centenary year, creative young people worldwide, under 25, are being asked to participate in this multi-media event and submit a short video pod-cast themed around Titanic. The genre of the pod-cast can take any form- fact or fiction, contemporary or period drama, news programme or documentary.

Entries will be shortlisted in three age categories, 10-14, 15-17 and 18-25 and a jury including Julian Fellowes, historians and business leaders will decide upon a winner in each category. Prizes will be awarded to the winning entries and they will be exhibited in various Belfast venues during April 2012, as well as being broadcast during Ulster Television’s coverage of the 2012 Titanic Events Programme.

Julian Fellowes said “After writing the new four-part ITV drama about the Titanic, I know how absorbing this noble ship and its fatal voyage can be.  There is no limit to the way the story can be investigated, examined, re-invented, and I very much look forward to viewing the work of these talented young film-makers."

Joan Burney Keatings, Cinemagic Chief Executive said “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Titanic Belfast to offer a fantastic opportunity to young people across the world to create a short film about their interpretations of the Titanic Story in the lead up to its centenary year.

We are also honoured to have Julian Fellowes involved in the initiative and as Cinemagic’s ethos is to inspire and motivate young people through moving image; collectively we want to encourage participants to use easily accessible recording devices to create their submissions, web-cams, mobile phones, and camcorders-, anything they can get their hands on, to tell a story.”

Tim Husbands, Titanic Belfast’s CEO, added “Titanic has been celebrated in film for the past century, with the first Titanic movie produced in 1912.  

“Titanic’s story has captivated generations because it works on a variety of levels, from incredible stories of heroism and survival to the ingenuity of the men who built her.  This is a great opportunity for a new generation using new technology to be inspired by Titanic’s legend and I’m looking forward to seeing how 21^st century creativity compares with what’s gone before.”

The competition is open to anyone aged 25 and under and to all nationalities.

The deadline for submissions is Friday 27^th January 2012. Entry to the competition is free.

For more information and to download an entry form please visit www.cinemagic.org.uk or www.titanicbelfast.com or email chris@cinemagic.org.uk

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PRESS INFORMATION: Claire Shaw, Cinemagic Press & Marketing Officer,

Tel: +44 28 90 311 900, Email: claire@cinemagic.org.uk www.cinemagic.org.uk.

Notes to Editors

Titanic Belfast

Titanic Belfast is an iconic six-floor building featuring nine interpretive and interactive galleries that explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Titanic, as well as the City and people which made her.  It is the world’s largest Titanic exhibition. 

The building will also house temporary exhibits, a 1,000 seat banqueting suite, education and community facilities, catering and retail space and a basement car park. Visitors will learn about the construction of RMS Titanic and the wide and rich story of Northern Ireland’s industrial and maritime heritage.

Supported by the Northern Ireland Executive, Titanic Belfast is a unique public / private partnership funded by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour and Titanic Quarter Ltd.  It is operated by Titanic Belfast Ltd and will be owned by the Titanic Foundation Ltd.

Titanic Belfast is opening in spring 2012 for the centenary of Titanic’s maiden voyage.

Additional space will be devoted to:

• Community arts and education facilities
• A large gallery for temporary exhibitions, performances and meetings
• Cafes, restaurants and shops
• Titanic Suite (1,000-seat capacity suite banqueting / conference centre)

Visit:   www.titanicbelfast.com

 Julian Fellowes

Julian Fellowes’ ITV mini series about Titanic airs next spring and the final episode will be broadcast on 15^th April 2012.