Producer launches online 'studio'

British actor Firth is one of the judges on the panel

A Hollywood producer is seeking the next generation of film-making talent via a clip-sharing website.

Deepak Nayar, whose films include Bend It Like Beckham and Buena Vista Social Club, has launched Filmaka with Sandy Grushow, formerly with the Fox network.

The site has invited budding directors to submit video clips, one of whom will receive funding for a feature film.

The judging panel includes actor Colin Firth and directors Werner Herzog, Wim Wenders and Paul Schrader.

The winner of the competition will be announced on 28 April.

'New model'

Described as "a new model for developing entertainment properties", Filmaka has spent a year developing its community and generating content.

"We are in the business of getting behind the talent and building their careers," Nayar told the Reuters news agency.

To date Filmaka has received submissions from almost 3,600 filmmakers from 95 countries.

Other judges on its panel include playwright Neil LaBute, Shakespeare in Love director John Madden and US actor Bill Pullman.

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