Local TV broadcaster London Live is looking to commission a raft of short films from young directors after teaming up with The Smalls Film Festival.

This is the company’s first major commissioning initiative since it acquired the license and comes after the broadcaster hired former Disney executive Jonathan Boseley as head of programming.

London Live has struck a deal with the film festival to encourage filmmakers to submit three minute films about life in London. Filmmakers who submit before the end of the month will have the opportunity to present at a live pitch event in September.

It is looking for documentary films, animation, comedy and drama and will look to commission a number of films ahead of the channel’s launch in spring 2014.

The general entertainment channel will launch on Freeview, at channel 8, as well as on Sky and Virgin.

“I’m thrilled to be announcing this exciting new partnership with The Smalls, giving emerging London film-makers a brand new platform to showcase their unique insights into London life,” said Boseley.

“We are delighted to be partnering with London Live as a means of sourcing quality content for broadcast. At The Smalls we are committed to creating commercial opportunities for independent film-makers. We are sure our community will uncover the beautiful, untold London stories,” added Kate Tancred, managing director of The Small Film Festival, which has already accepted a number of films including Shave It by Jorge Tereso (pictured).