Asian American Film Lab 72 Hour Shootout calling for entries!
The Shootout is a nationwide competition where filmmaking teams are given a common theme at the start and have 72 hours to write, shoot, edit, and complete short films up to five minutes in length. Teams compete for cash and prizes and the chance to have their films screened at film festivals, both nationally and internationally. It was founded by The Asian American Film Lab (AAFilmLab) with the intent to create opportunities for Asian Americans to demonstrate their talent, gain exposure in the entertainment industry, and impact the visibility of Asian American stories and characters in film and television. The Fifth Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout (“Shootout”) will take place this year from June 20-23, 2008. Early Registration deadline for the 5th Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout is EXTENDED TO JUNE 6.
One of the Shootout requirements is that at least one key production member (e.g., director, producer, or writer) and a principal actor from each team must be of Asian descent. “The time constraint of the Shootout puts people into action,” states David Hou, President of AAFilmLab. “Instead of dreaming about filmmaking, contestants become filmmakers themselves and pull together their friends, family, and colleagues to make a complete film in one crazy weekend.”
The 5th Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout begins on Friday, June 20, 2008, at 8 PM. The competition theme will be announced at the New York City launch party at 8PM at the White Rabbit Lounge (145 East Houston Street, New York, NY) and simultaneously posted on the internet at www.72hourfilmshootout.com. The top ten finalists will screen at this year’s Asian American International Film Festival organized by Asian Cinevision (July 10-19, 2008) to be held at the Asia Society in New York City.
This year’s Shootout will include a special category juried by the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA). Films that incorporate Chinatown as a location or narrative device are entered into the “Chinatown Award” category. Selection of the winning film will be decided by both MOCA and AAFilmLab. The inclusion of the Chinatown element of a film has no bearing whatsoever on judging for other award categories. Award will be comprised of in-kind services totaling $3000 from Deluxe New York. Deluxe New York is a brand new state-of-the-art film lab and post-production facility. This generous inkind award can be applied towards any combination of Deluxe New York's services, from film developing and processing to telecine and color correction to digital intermediates and printing.
In connection with the Shootout, AAFilmLab will be hosting several pre-launch events including workshops and mixers for anyone interested in competing and a post-screening wrap party. For further information about AAFilmLab and the Shootout, including viewing past winning films, please visit us on the web at www.aafilmlab.org and www.72hourfilmshootout.com.
UPDATE: The 5th Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout is only weeks away and the prize list is growing! The top three teams will all now receive copies of Final Draft Scriptwriter Suites, which includes Final Draft 7 and Final Draft AV 2.5! The grand prize winning team will also receive Final Draft’s ScriptXpert Basic Coverage service!
It’s time to start making your teams and this Tuesday, we’ll be hosting the Shootout Social! Starting at 7:30pm, the AAFilmLab team will be on hand to answer your questions about the Shootout and connect you with other potential teammates at the Shootout Social. Snacks and refreshments will be served.
The Shootout Social is also a great chance to renew your AAFilmLab Membership! Membership is now tax-deductible and entitles you to many discounts, one of which is discounted entry for the 5th Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout and free workshops.
At 8:15pm, we’ll screen two short films from AAFilmLab Members Alice Cox and Eddie LeBron.
Alice’s film ANA’S TIME is a highly textured cinematic meditation on memory and identity. This diaristic narrative follows 20-something Ana through her troubled relationships as she struggles to confront her past. A meditation on writing and remembrance, Ana confronts her confusion and discovers a friend in the process. Runtime: 25:05mins
Eddie’s film SECRECY introduces us to John and Ami who have been the best of friends for many years. Ami is currently pregnant with her boyfriend's child while John is his first serious relationship but all that is thrown into jeopardy due to one mistake in the past. A mistake that will effect all parties involved, especially the friendship of John and Ami. SECRECY is the second installment in Eddie Lebron's “Love in Chinatown” series, a collection of films involving different people and their romance ventures in Manhattan's Chinatown. Runtime: 17:01mins
Alice and Eddie will be on hand to answer questions about their films.
RSVP to:
info@aafilmlab.org
with subject line:
Shootout Social
Asian American Film Lab
19 West 26th Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY