Ctrl.Alt.Shift

Shy Child are Nate Smith and Pete Cafarella, an American duo who are on the cusp of greatness. 2007 was a huge breakthrough for them with their third studio album, Noise Won’t Stop, propelling the band into the public consciousness. They confirmed their credentials by becoming the first US band to perform at the new Wembley Stadium when supporting Muse, being picked as “Pet Sound of the Week” on Jo Whiley’s Radio One show and performing on Later with Jools Holland.

The competition is aimed at 18-25 year old filmmakers. Can you cast your mind back to when you were this age and offer some pearls of wisdom to the entrants?

It wasn’t that long ago! Well, okay, I was 18 in 1993, but it doesn’t feel that long ago. Back then I was making animated films in my parents’ garage with a Super 8 camera blagged from my Dad’s mate. The films weren’t great, but I was learning. The best advice I can give is, if you want to make films, find a way to do it yourself, and just keep doing it. Be self-motivated and independent, and don’t take no for an answer.

As a mentor to the winners of the competition, what are you hoping to get out of your involvement in the project?

I love discovering new talent and I’m looking forward to seeing what the entrants produce.