May 14 sees the launch of the new Clintons Green Shoots Environmental Award which aims to support talented filmmakers, and invites them to submit ideas for feature length documentaries that explore issues, solutions and innovations relating to the environment.
A panel of “industry heavyweights” will select one winner, who will receive free legal services up to the value of £25,000. A second winner will receive free legal services up to the value of £5,000 while a third award will offer mentoring from leading industry professional.
Thought to be the first-of-its-kind, the award is the brainchild of London-based law firm Clintons, whose clients include “pre-eminent individuals and organisations at the cutting edge of the entertainment, media, creative and technological industries.”
The deadline for submissions is June 11 2021.
“The award will help the winners navigate the matrix of legal issues linked to documentary filmmaking and alleviate unforeseen background costs that often prevent talented documentary makers from bringing their visions to audiences,” the company says in a statement.
The new doc award is spearheaded by Kami Naghdi, Clintons’ Head of Film & TV, who has himself produced eight feature films.
“While film alone cannot reverse the impact of climate change, on-screen storytelling can act as a powerful motivator of behavioural and policy change,” says Naghdi.
“Unfortunately, essential clearances such as an interview release or lacking the right advice about using key footage may prevent a talented documentary maker from telling an important story,” Naghdi continues.
“We hope the Green Shoots Environmental Award plays a part in some very important solutions. We aim to assist some visionary filmmakers reach a global audience with material that will stir positive action and drive a demand for change to protect our precious planet.”
