Bang! Short Film Festival showcases new filmmakers three times a year at the Broadway Cinema in Nottingham. It's a festival that's growing thanks to the Broadway's expansion but also due to Bang's popularity. This year, they've even had entries from Iran. Max Crow is the art director of Bang! He says the festival is a great way to showcase local talent. "For everybody who's starting in filmmaking, to have your first film up on that screen to be seen by your friends, family and everybody else, is such an amazing buzz." Films in Nottinghamshire Nottinghamshire has been building up a reputation for being a good place for getting a film project off the ground. Filmmakers Chris Cooke and Shane Meadows are based locally and a number of films have recently been shot in the county, including the Ian Curtis biopic 'Control'.
 | | Bang! Short Film Festival |
However, despite the reputation, Max feels filmmakers don't get enough backing in the county. "There isn't really a whole lot of financial support here, people are making films for nothing, 90% of films are all made for the love of it." This year's Bang! includes two new categories, Bangimation (a programme of entirely animated works) and a Community section. Find out more about the main programme by visiting the Bang! website: Animation community Max is an animator himself and has set up 'Bangblast', a site where all animators in the region can meet, share, discuss and network. "Because [animation] is so insular people need to talk to each other and find out who else is making stuff in the region." If you're an animator and need help with your work or want to get in touch with other animators then visit the Bangblast site: | 
