OPPORTUNITY is knocking for would-be Steven Spielbergs and David Leans.

Teesside University is offering young film-makers a chance to follow in the footsteps of North-East director Ridley Scott with the offer of a free film course.

Students will be trained by industry professionals before their work is screened at a preview evening at the university's Innovation and Virtual Reality Centre in September before an invited audience.

The university said the best films may be screened on television this year.

Course leader Professor Richard Else said: "This is a rare opportunity for fledgling film-makers to work in a creative environment and make a fully professional film.

"We are looking for films that celebrate the spirit of this region.

"They can be about almost anything, from urban skateboarding to a night on the town. The only conditions are that they must be factually based and capture a real flavour of what it is like to live and work in one of the most exciting parts of Britain."

The course is part of a new initiative for prospective producers, directors, camera people, sound recordists and editors, called Northern Shorts.

Its students will be asked to produce a short film abut the region using the latest techniques and technology.

The project is funded by the European Social Film Cultural Sector Development Initiative.

The course will run on weekends next month and in August.

The course, which is limited to 20 places, is being run by the culture and creative industries unit at the University of Teesside, with support from Northern Film and Media and Skills for Media.

To enrol, call (01642) 384220.

Published: 08/06/2004