Elton John has launched a competition for young filmmakers, asking them to make official videos for three of his hits.
Sir Elton wants creative young film enthusiasts to make videos for his songs Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer, and Bennie and the Jets, all of which were released in the early 1970s before promotional clips accompanied tracks.
Elton has launched the competition in partnership with YouTube and alongside longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, 66, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their partnership.
“In 2017 Bernie and I will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of our songwriting partnership,” he said in a video posted to YouTube. “So together with YouTube we’re giving you and undiscovered filmmakers from around the world the chance to create the official music videos for Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer, and Bennie and the Jets.”
Bernie and Elton will be joined by a panel of music and film industry judges to select three winners and fund professionally made versions of their music video ideas. Winners will also receive $10,000 (£7,900) to support their future as filmmakers.
“We’re excited to see creative ideas that push boundaries, tell compelling stories and give viewers something they have never seen before,” Elton added.
Elton and Bernie have stipulated that each video has a theme to its content, with the Rocket Man video having to feature animation, Tiny Dancer a live action piece and Bennie and the Jets choreographed dancing.
Elton’s partnership with Bernie began in 1967 when both men answered an advert placed by record company boss Ray Williams in Britain’s NME magazine.
