While the official date is still to be announced, the 2001 First Cut Awards, sponsored by Saatchi & Saatchi Canada and Playback/On the Spot, will this year take place in August, not in July, as in the past.

The First Cut Awards recognize up-and-coming TV commercial directors with less than two years’ spot experience. Candidates must live in Canada and be represented by a Canadian film or production company. The submission deadline is June 8 and should feature the director’s best television commercial. No music videos or long-format films will be accepted.

The preferred format is 3/4′ videotape, but 1/2′ is also acceptable.

Register online at www.saatchi.ca. *