Sony Europe Gets Shooting With PSN Flicks

A new series of short films are en-route for both of Sony's multi-purpose gaming systems in Europe. Best of all, they're completely free.

SCEE has announced a new initiative dubbed "Shoot!" which will bring a series of short films to the PSN in Europe later this month. Six award-winning filmmakers were tapped to mentor emerging film directors to produce the brief films. The shorts for the project revolve around themes essential to the PlayStation brand: play, create, share, connect, discover, and challenge.

"As well as delivering a world-class entertainment experience for film lovers and the fast-growing PlayStation community, Shoot! is a real example of how PlayStation brings people together and nurtures creativity," said Mark Hardy, European Marketing Director, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. "Encouraging people to share ideas and entertainment content that they've created themselves is a major part of what we're about."

Mentored by renowned filmmakers Montxo Armendariz, Jerry Bruckheimer, Jan Kounen, Marc Rothemund, Thomas Vinterberg, and Michael Winterbottom, a handful of young directors shot their HD films in locations around the world. The short movies were filmed in line with Hollywood standards.

In addition to being available as free downloads for the PSP and PS3 beginning November 13, the films will be showcased at the Berlin International Film Festival in February 2009, and the best short will be recognized in an award ceremony during the festival. There hasn't been any announcement yet on whether the films will be available in North America.