Chris Addison, Alex Zane to judge film contest

Chris Addison has joined the panel of a contest to look for new filmmaking talent in the UK.

The comedian and actor has joined forces with independent film organisation Raindance and sponsor Direct Line Insurance for the 40 Seconds Straight short film competition.

Addison said: "It's hard for anyone starting out in film to get their work seen, no matter how talented, so competitions like this are a great way for them to start to find an audience and hopefully a foot on the ladder.

"Maybe we'll discover an amazing new filmmaker. And then maybe I can befriend them and be in all their films."

Addison added: "Getting your work screened at the Raindance Film Festival is pretty damned cool, not to mention a fantastic opportunity. I think we've set a really good challenge with this competition and I'm thoroughly looking forward to seeing all the short films that are entered."

The Thick Of It star is partnered on the judging panel by film critic Alex Zane, Raindance founder Elliot Grove, Total Film associate editor Jane Crowther and Direct Line marketing director Kerry Chilvers.

Applicants must submit their 40-second films from today until August 8 via Direct Line's website.

The winner of the 'Critics Choice' will have their movie screened at the Raindance Film Festival this September. They will also have their film promoted by Direct Line and be given a trip to the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.

A 'People's Choice' award will be given to the filmmaker whose work attracts the most views on the official competition YouTube channel. They will win two tickets to the British Independent Film Awards aftershow, a year's membership for Raindance and a free festival pass.

All makers of shortlisted films will win a one-year Raindance membership and be entered for consideration for screening at the Raindance Film Festival.

Raindance will publish filmmaking tips every week via its campaign website.