The UK microbudget scheme, which produced Eran Creevy’s Shifty, is now in its fifth year; creative services company Technicolor has come onboard as a partner.

Film London launched the fifth year of its micro-budget film-making scheme, Microwave, at an event held at the BFI Southbank in London last night.

Five more features will potentially be greenlit under the scheme, which was launched in 2006 and is supported by BBC Films. To date eight projects have been greenlit, including Eran Creevy’s BAFTA nominated Shifty and Ben Drew (aka Plan B)’s debut feature Ill Manors which is currently in post.

The budget threshold for the next round of films has gone up from £100,000 to £120,000. This year’s programme will also include an extensive four month development period for selected projects ahead of the greenlight panel in early 2012.

Speaking at the launch event, Film London CEO Adrian Wootton revealed that Technicolor had come onboard as a partner.

In his first public outing as Film London’s new chair, David Parfitt said that when Microwave was first launched, there was “some scepticism” about the concept of making a film for a budget of £100,000. “But in our starved financial times, it is no wonder more producers and even studios are looking to exploit the micro-budget model.”

On his new role as chair, he admitted that it was “certainly an interesting time to be taking over, but I am looking forward to the challenge.”

The deadline for the latest round of applications is May 3. Click here for more info.

Microwave slate to date

Completed:
Mum & Dad, dir Steven Sheil
Shifty, dir Eran Creevy
Freestyle, dir Kolton Lee

Post Production:
British Guide To Showing Off, dir Jes Benstock
Ill Manors,
dir Ben Drew (aka Plan B)
Strawberry Fields, dir Frances Lea

Pre Production:
Foxglove
, dir Ornette Spenceley, which will shoot in spring/summer 2011
Borrowed Time, dir Jules Bishop