MUMBAI: Discovery Networks International has kicked off its search for eight up-and-coming documentary filmmakers from around the world to star in the new season of its docu-reality challenge, Reel Race.

The series cover aspects of documentary filmmaking including shooting, editing, scripting, voiceovers, budgeting and logistics. The candidate's finished work is then judged by industry heavyweights, eliminating filmmakers until a winner is determined. English-speaking, non-professional filmmakers or aspiring video journalists above the age of 21 years old are welcome to apply. Closing date is 6 July.

Australian-based production company Octagon CSI has been roped in by the network to produce the second installment of the (5x60') docu-reality series. Reel Race 2 focuses on the skills required to make documentaries. The reality show provides wannabees an opportunity to launch filmmaking careers on the international stage.

Each week on the series, the docu-makers choose an assignment at random that could take them anywhere in the world. They must then travel to that location, research, film, edit and produce a short documentary within a predetermined timeframe and budget.

"The Reel Race format allows us to encourage a whole new generation of emerging documentary filmmakers by giving them the chance to learn firsthand how to tell a great story under enormous pressure, with significant budget and time constraints," Discovery Networks Asia senior vice president of programming and creative services James Gibbons said.

The series will be broadcast on Discovery Channel this fall in Asia-Pacific (including Australia and New Zealand), the UK, Europe and Latin America. The winner of Reel Race 2 will win a production contract with Discovery Networks Asia in Singapore as well as prizes from technology partner, Samsung.