If you’re a budding filmmaker who’s never happier than when you’re out in the wilds of the British countryside creating mini cinematic masterpieces, prick up thine ears.

This week, with the help of glamorous judge Thandie Newton, Virgin Media Shorts has launched its third year of talent scouting, asking you – yes, you! – to send in your works of art for the chance to win big.

The annual competition is now open for submissions, and select entries will be screened in cinemas, on TV, on mobiles and online. The top prize is a whopping £30,000 worth of film funding, and the opportunity to collaborate with Virgin Media on a short film.

Jumping onto the judging panel along with directors Duncan Jones and Mike Newell, and critic James King, Newton has turned back time for a couple of snazzy shots that recreate classic images of film icon Theda Bara.

“The history of the short film and its early stars isn’t something that’s well known or documented,” says Newton. “So to kick off this year’s Virgin Media Shorts we wanted to do something that would commemorate one of the early legends like Theda Bara – she was a true, avant-garde screen heroine.”

One-time-Cleopatra Bara was famous for the kind of “spirit and passion” that Newton says she will be looking for in this year’s raft of film entries.

Last year’s filmic face-off attracted more than 2,000 entries from applicants who uploaded their films via the VMS website. The 2009 winner, Luke Snellin, was nominated for a BAFTA this year for his winning short Mixtape.

So if you’ve been itching to grab the camera, or just needed a goal like this to really kick things into gear, now’s the time to prove that you’re the next Danny Boyle or Terry Gilliam.

Deadline for entries is 28 June 2010, so jump over to the Virgin Media Shorts website for more information on how to enter. We look forward to seeing what you all rustle up.

I have just updated the gallery with photos of Thandie from all the recent events that she attended! You can see all the new pictures by clicking on the previews below…

Olay have just announced signing Thandie Newton as the face of their award winning range, Total Effects.

The move sees Thandie face the range for the new advertising campaign to celebrate the brand’s 10th year in the UK.

In an interview with Grazia magazine, Thandie, a wife and mother of two, spoke about how good the range is for women with hectic lifestyles:

‘When filming, my working day is hectic, so trying to strike a balance between work, a family and time for myself can be challenging….Olay is a brand I trust and I love the fact that the range offers me an all-in-one, anti-ageing moisturiser which takes care of all my skincare needs.’

Olay seem pretty chuffed with her too! They say she perfectly personifies the Total Effects range and is an aspirational role-model for working women with children and busy schedules: ‘Thandie’s pragmatic approach to a beauty routine ensures her skincare is as multi-tasking as she is.’

From Beauty and the Dirt

Pepsi “We Inspire” (www.PepsiWeInspire.com) is an interactive online community that encourages women to share their sources of inspiration and taps into their powerful bond through a platform built just for them. Recognized with an NAACP Award on Friday, February 26, 2010 for advancing positive multicultural images in advertising and media, the “We Inspire” program is gaining momentum as a meaningful movement touching the lives of women from all walks of life.

The “We Inspire” community features notable icons that represent the six inspirational categories — beauty, laughter, joy, hope, wisdom and love. Keyshia Cole, Taraji Henson, Queen Latifah, Thandie Newton, Dr. Robin Smith and Raven-Symone are leading the storytelling by blogging weekly, uploading photos and inspiring women to share and learn from one another.

Pepsi “We Inspire” Icons:

* R&B songstress Keyshia Cole, who personifies accomplishment against all odds, represents HOPE.
* Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson represents LOVE. Henson’s very fitting middle name Penda means love in Swahili.
* Academy Award-nominated actress and singer Queen Latifah represents BEAUTY. The “queen” of rap turned leading lady exudes beauty inside and out.
* Celebrated actress Thandie Newton, who uses the big screen to spread joy and unearth inner bliss, represents JOY.
* Dr. Robin Smith represents WISDOM, sharing knowledge with her community and beyond while empowering and inspiring generations of women.
* Actress, comedienne and singer Raven-Symone represents LAUGHTER. The former “Cosby Show” kid has found the healing power in making people laugh.

Thandie Newton, Jason Isaacs and David Tennant are attached to star in Magnet Films’ psychological thriller Retreat.

The film, to be directed by newcomer Carl Tibbetts, follows a couple (played by Newton and Isaacs) who are seeking to rebuild their relationship by taking time out on a remote island but their peace is shattered when they find a man in military uniform (Tennant) half-dead on their doorstep who tells them there is a lethal virus killing millions on the mainland.

Tibbetts co-wrote the script with Janice Hallett and shooting is due to begin in May in Canada.

Magnet Films producer Gary Sinyor said: “It reminded me of Dead Calm when I first read it. Only better. It’s got a similar sexual tension but the battle of wits between the characters and plot twists are constantly surprising. We’re delighted to have secured three of the UK’s most powerful actors.”

It is UK based Magnet Film’s first foray into thrillers, following romantic comedy In Your Dreams, rock and roll adventure The Story Of _ and football documentary In The Hands Of The Gods.

From Screen Daily