In terms of this project, we are looking for original, creative ideas, looking out of the box away from the traditional music video. Think carefully about the tone, the approach, the style of the piece, the genre and specifically for this project, whether the song you have chosen really does your piece justice and vice versa.

The pitch is more involved with the art of communicating. You may have the best idea going but if you cannot sell it or if you are not passionate about the project then it will not get made. Character and action in the story are obviously important but at this stage the context of the story is what you need to put across clearly.

What our partner, Warp Films, has been particularly good at is bringing the talent and sensibility of the music industry to bear on short films. Like them we are looking for ideas that hit that sweet spot between the track, the film narrative and the audience. Ideas for stories and characters or the mood and pace of a piece can come from music as much as anywhere else. These films will hopefully be played over and over again in the on demand space, so make them memorable, impactful and faithful to the music.

BBC Electric Proms is a new music event where upcoming and established artists are being encouraged to push musical boundaries and given the chance to perform something different. The New Music Shorts competition is giving the same challenge to filmmakers. We're looking for different and original ways of using music in a short film - an unobvious response to the music track.

When it comes to your pitch, be clear in the outline of your idea, and how it specifically relates to the track you've chosen. Tell us why your idea should be made. Why does your idea deserve to be made into a film? Give us a good sense of your style and how your film will look visually. Give references if you have any. Give us a good sense of how the music will be used in the film. Will it be played throughout or referred to in a different way? Outline your characters and your narrative if there is one.

Most importantly though, we want to see how you plan to realise your idea. Be original, be inspired but be realistic! Clearly explain how you plan to realise your idea within the six week timeframe and on a budget of between £500 and £5,000.

Published 14 July 06

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