The Westmorland Gazette family of websites are launching their first community video competition. The theme is Two Minutes in My Community - with community being defined in social, geographical or cultural terms. Winning entries will be posted on the Internet.

"We are very excited about this new medium being opened up to the public," said Kate Whiteside, Web Editor. "With the Cumbria Filmmakers Network, Canteen, part of the Northern Riviera Group in Barrow, and folly in Lancaster supporting this project, participants are going to have excellent access to information and opportunities."

Guidelines - Judging Criteria...

1. Captures a unique view' of your community'.

2. Inspiring perspective.

3. Good visual and sound quality.

4. Well edited.

5. Fits the guidelines.

6. Produced according to industry regulations (health and safety, copyright, permissions).

Prizes...

1. Winning entries published on a Westmorland Gazette site.

2. Winning entries shown at a film-viewing event in the region.

3. Advice from an expert - chosen from the sponsors.

Key Dates...

The deadline for entries is July 31.

Winners will be announced in early August.

Screening events announced for the autumn 07.

Competition Sponsors...

Cumbria Filmmakers Network (CFN) is a voluntary organisation founded in 2005 by Cumbria-based Jo Hutton, a filmmaker who was frustrated at the lack of a platform for Cumbrian filmmakers to screen their work. She launched the successful Short Film Nights as a forum for filmmakers to meet and share their work. The next CFN screening event is at Bar 99, Kendal on June 5th.

folly is a not-for-profit digital arts organisation, working in Lancashire, Cumbria and online. Working in Lancashire, Cumbria and online, folly is committed to enabling new audiences to explore art through technology. Specialists in the creative use of technology, folly's programme showcases excellence in web-based work, still and moving digital image, sound, animation and a range of new and emerging media such as GPS, RFID, moblogging and more. Communicating with and working in partnership with a regional, national and international audience, folly develops and delivers content not only online but through a distributed programme of workshops, events, exhibitions, research and consultancy work.

Northern Riviera's Canteen Media and Arts Centre in Barrow is the region's newest multi-purpose venue facility. It hosts numerous events and houses a number of media organisations, including film companies. Since the building's re-opening in 2005, featuring recording artists British Sea Power, this Barrovian icon has been brought back to life. The Canteen's café -bar has become a focal point for performers and artists alike. Northern Riviera is involved in a number of local and national film projects.

All persons must first register their interest in an email to Kate Whiteside, Web Editor at kate.whiteside@kendal.newquest.co.uk , including their name and contact details. Please also identify if a training event would be helpful. Competition forms will be available on request from the Web Editor and online.

Competition sponsors links...

http://www.cumbriafilmmakers.co.uk.

http://www.canteenmaac.co.uk. www.northernriviera.co.uk.

http://www.folly.co.uk.

Westmorland Gazette websites...

http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk.

http://www.thelancasterandmorecambecitizen.co.uk.

http://www.thebarrowbrowser.co.uk.