Warp X - a new business startup from UK independent production company Warp Films - has been awarded £3 million over three years from the UK Film Council and FilmFour. Regional funding bodies EM Media and Screen Yorkshire have also committed £1.5 million for the new low budget feature film slate. Supplementary income and support will be provided by top UK indie distributor Optimum Releasing and HD-Net, a digital production and television company based in the US. Warp X was chosen from 17 production companies competing for the opportunity to manage the slate, which aims to introduce the next wave of cutting-edge British filmmakers, but also secures financing, sale and distribution to enable the highest level of exposure in global markets. The Low Budget Film Scheme builds upon existing UK Film Council and FilmFour initiatives, including the recent development slates, to establish a more integrated approach to development, production and distribution. It also seeks to support talent from a wide range of sources and increase the participation of groups currently under-represented in the film industry. The project will launch in January 2006 when it will seek out emerging writers, directors and producers; no submitted material or job enquiries will be considered for the slate before that time. Original Press Release