Now, I’m not exactly an expert in machinima - to date my exploits are limited to dialogue-free B-movies featuring square-headed robots or ninjas. Sometimes both.

Still, I like the sound of Machinima.com’s new competition. They’re opening a new UK portal and celebrating by asking people to create music videos to one of two tracks supplied by Jonathan Coulton - Bacteria or Todd the T1000.

Compo Details:

• Competition end date: 8th August 2008
• Top prize: Alienware Laptop, pre-loaded with Adobe Premiere Pro CS3
• Other prizes: Undisclosed but some runners-up will get prizes, as will a random selection of voters
• How to enter: Get the track, make your video, upload it to Machinima.com. Techinically, it’s only open to UK residents but I’ve been told that if non-resident makes a video and gets a UK-based mate to do the actual submission, they’re fine with that.

Everything you need to know should be available at the competition page. [It appears to be down as I type this, so can't confirm right now]

The launch is also sponsored by Rustlers. Yes, the “nought-to-tasty” microwave burger company with the hideous TV ads. Please, for the love of all that is tasteful, don’t use their marketing strategy as a jumping-off point.

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