The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) today announced the full list of nominees for the 2010 awards - which includes writer/director Eran Creevy in the Outstanding Debut category for Film London Microwave feature Shifty, as well as the Film London-supported film I Do Air for Best Short.

The Orange British Academy Film Awards aim to reward the best films that have been screened in the UK over the past year, as well as the practitioners behind these works – highlighting home-grown and international talent alike. An exceptional springboard for emerging talent, a BAFTA recognition is considered one of the top honours in the UK film industry.
 
A Shift in Perspective

Writer and director Creevy, who started his film-making career directing commercials and music videos, was inspired by real life events for his directorial feature debut - the tale of a day in the life of a young crack cocaine dealer in London. He spent three years honing the script for Shifty, before applying for the first round of Microwave, Film London’s micro-budget feature film fund, back in 2006.

Creevy went on to lead a 30-strong production crew through a tight filming schedule in August of the following year. Despite the modest budget he managed to translate his unique visual style to the silver screen. Shifty hit cinemas nationwide in April 2009, scooping rave reviews from most trade and national UK publications, and picking up the Best Screenplay award at the Stockholm Film Festival and five BIFA nominations.

Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive at Film London, said: "It is wonderful news that Eran Creevy has received his much deserved BAFTA nomination for Shifty – there is no question his film is an ‘Outstanding Debut’ and he is clearly a talent to watch.

"I am also very proud that Film London Microwave has picked up its first BAFTA nomination. When we launched the scheme challenging new film-makers to make a feature for £100,000 many thought it couldn’t be done, but the three films we have completed – Shifty, Mum & Dad and Freestyle – prove that if you have the right talent and support, fantastic films can be made on a micro-budget. I am delighted the UK film industry has backed the scheme with one of its highest honours – a BAFTA nomination – and I wait in anticipation for awards night!"

Creevy shares his nomination for Outstanding Debut with another four talented new film-makers – he is pitted against the team behind documentary Mugabe and the White African, writer/director Stuart Hazeldine (Exam), director Duncan Jones (Moon) and artist-turned-film-maker Sam Taylor-Wood (Nowhere Boy).

Championing the Short Form

Alongside Creevy and also part of Film London alumni is writer/director Martina Amati, the talent behind several short films over the past five years including this year’s BAFTA nominated I Do Air. Amati is no stranger to awards. Her film A'Mare (2008), scored the UNICEF Prize at the Bilbao International Festival of Documentary and Short Films and was selected for the 2009 BAFTA/LA Award for Excellence - Honorable Mention at Aspen Shortsfest.

Her latest, I Do Air, is a collaboration with producer James Bolton. The seven-minute film about a young girl overcoming her fears in a new underwater world, was supported by Film London through the digital shorts fund PULSE. The short screened at The Times BFI 53rd London Film Festival in the popular London Calling strand and will enjoy its international premiere at the Berlin Film Festival next month. 

The winners of the 2010 BAFTA awards will be revealed at a ceremony on 21 February at the Royal Opera House in London. Read the full list of nominations on the official BAFTA website.