Nespresso Vertically Challenges Filmmakers

Coffee company Nespresso has launched its inaugural Nespresso Talents competition which sees filmmakers challenged to create a three-minute short film shot in the vertical format.

Partnering with global crowsourcing company, Userfarm, the Nespresso Talents competition will see George Clooney, the brand's international ambassador, take a seat on the subs bench as unknown filmmaking talent is tasked with creating interesting, vertically shot content which is themed around 'Explore Your Extraordinary'. 

Alfonso Gonzalez, chief customer officer of Nespresso, will share jury duties with three filmmakers who were chosen with the help of Berlinale Talents, part of the Berlin International Film Festival, and La Semaine de la Critique, a parellel section of the Cannes Film Festival. 

The three filmmakers in question are former shots New Director, Gaelle Denis, who will be president of the jury, Eva Weber and Erik Schmitt. Each of the three filmmakers has made their own verically shot short to help inspire prospective contestants. 

“Nespresso seeks out people who think differently, who are prepared to go further, push boundaries and demonstrate creativity in what they do," says Nespresso's Gonzalez. "For this reason, we are proud to support film events, with a focus on young talent and innovation in film."

The competition has chosen the - sometimes pilloried - vertical format so as to break with usual conventions and because, says Jeffrey Lee, Userfarm's head of business developement, "spontaneous, personal moments are more likely to be captured in the vertical format".

The competition is now open for entries, and the final deadline is April 10. On April 25, 20 films will be shortlisted and available to view at nespresso.com/talents before the jury picks its final three winners, who will receive 6,000 euros each as well as being invited to receive their winnings at a specially organised ceremony at the Cannes Film Festival and having their films shown at a private screening at the festival. 

For more information about entry details and criteria please click here.