Tiscali Press Release - BRITAIN: "A NATION OF PSYCHICS"

Broadband company gives budding film-makers the chance to make a rock promo

Are you the next Spike Jonze, Jonathan Demy or David Askill? Is your mind bulging with creative and colourful ideas? Tiscali, the internet and broadband company is showing its commitment to music and film by offering a once in a lifetime opportunity for a budding film director to hook up with one of the best, young bands around and create a rock video.

Four of the most sought after new acts, all showcased by Tiscali in the last 12 months, have selected a track for the competition. Entrants just need to go to www.tiscali.co.uk/pop select the track that inspires them the most and then draw up a story board for their video.

Tiscali will supply the band, equipment, crew and editing facilities, and a mentor chosen by leading independent film organisation Raindance - all you have to do is come up with your big idea. The winning video will be premiered at a special screening early in 2006.

Richard Ayers, Editor and Portal Director for www.tiscali.co.uk says: "We know there is an abundance of creativity out there and have high hopes that this competition will unearth new film talent and help some of the best young acts really break through."

Budding directors can choose from the following acts and tracks:

The Shakes - Goodbye New York: - a London-based five-piece band that mixes the classic Stones style of rock and funk with more contemporary sounds.

The Alps - The Last Dance: - A very cool, very sharp three-piece band reminiscent of The Jam.

Mad Staring Eyes - Crazy: - Winners of Glastonbury 2005 Unsigned John Peel Stage. Do we need to say any more?

The Slides - DNA: - A Kasabian-esque wall of sound.

To take part in the Tiscali Pop Video Competition, once you have selected the track, you will need to submit your storyboard and an outline budget along with credentials such as examples of previous work or a testimonial or reference from a tutor or industry professional. Directors are encouraged to be as creative with their submissions in order to catch their attention.

The competition closes on 20 November 2005.

Tiscali has been blazing a trail in the world of digital film through sponsoring key organisations like Raindance, The British Independent Film Awards (BIFA).

Tiscali UK also took part in the world's first dual platform premier and triple platform release of the award winning independent film EMR, premiering the film simultaneously online with the cinema premier and then later in the week releasing the film pay per view over broadband at the same time as its cinema and DVD release.