LAMDA and RD Studios announce new 48-hour film competition

LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) is partnering with pioneering production company RD Studios to launch a new filmmaking competition called the LAMDA x RD Studios 48-Hour Film Festival.

The competition will provide a platform for emerging talent to create a short film, with the chance to have it reviewed by a panel of industry judges and screened to a live audience.

The winner will receive £2000, with £1500 for the runner-up and £1000 for third place.

Unlike most filmmaking competitions, applicants do not need prior experience or credentials as LAMDA and RD Studios recognise the challenges and barriers faced by those looking to access the film and television industries. The purpose of the festival is simple: to nurture undiscovered filmmaking talent and provide opportunities in this competitive space.

How does it work? On Friday 19 April at 19:00 BST, a brief will be published on the competition website, and filmmakers have a 48-hour window to create and submit their film. Films must be submitted by Sunday 21 April at 19:00 BST to be considered.

This is the first time LAMDA has collaborated with a major studio on a competition like this. Michelle Bonnard, Joint Head of Screen, Audio & Innovation at LAMDA, comments:

“So many of the students who leave LAMDA go on to have extraordinary creative careers not just as actors or technicians, but as writers, directors and producers. The 48-Hour Film Festival is an open platform that will give all creatives – whether alumni or not – the opportunity to experiment, play and make a film which will be watched by the most exciting of judging panels. I’m so excited, and I can’t wait to see the work on our new cinema screens.”

Judges for the competition include Emmy-winning actor Brian Cox, casting director Daniel Edwards (CDG), LAMDA Principal and CEO, Mark O’Thomas, RD Studios’ founder Ryan Dean, LAMDA’s Joint Head of Screen, Audio & Innovation, Michelle Bonnard, and actor Amber Grappy.