28 NOVEMBER 2002
Kevin Spacey's star status should help guarantee that his latest project – a website aimed at finding the next generation of would-be filmmakers - is a success. The actor was certainly able to generate some high-voltage celebrity support on Monday, with famous faces from Sir Paul McCartney to Oscar nominee Helena Bonham Carter turning out in London to help him kick off the high-tech talent search.

The American Beauty actor admits his own road to Tinseltown wasn't always easy – and that's what led him to develop wwww.triggerstreet.com, which gives aspiring filmmakers a place to post their work. "I know what that feels like, and I never want to forget it," he says. "I was lucky, I was an actor. If you are a writer or director, you can't even audition."

Those who sign up on the site will have a chance to submit scripts and films, and may also evaluate the submissions of others. Kevin's production company Trigger Street is behind the project, and will have an option for 90 days on scripts and films voted into the website's top ten.

The new endeavour also features plans for a short film festival, judged by Hollywood stars such as Sean Penn, Ed Norton and Mike Myers.

Big name supporters at last night's event included Geri Halliwell, Joseph Fiennes, Jade Jagger, Jeremy Irons and Peter O'Toole.