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Top 20 Short Films Vie for Universal Studios Orlando 50K Prize

1/12/2004

VIP’s from LA and NY to Judge Sixth Anniversary Award Winning Collaboration…A Short Film Contest on Jan. 31, 2004

Miami, FL. Jan. 5, 2004--- The top 20 finalists competing on Jan. 31, 2004 for the 50K worth of studio time donated by Universal Studios Orlando have been announced by Collaboration…A Short Film Contest’s producer, the Entertainment Industry Incubator. These finalists, who must live in the state of Florida, have been selected by a panel of five industry experts, through a rigorous scoring process, from a field of many excellent entries. All the participants, in teams of six, had 30 days to script, shoot and edit a five-minute piece based around a theme they were given. This year’s theme is “the twist” and the five minute films chosen add up to a really enjoyable show.

A stellar lineup of senior entertainment industry VIPs will be coming to Miami from New York and Los Angeles on Jan. 31st for the gala premier at the Wyndham Resort and Spa on Miami Beach to judge the work of these filmmakers as part of the award winning competition. They are John Hadity, VP, Miramax Films; Stacy Spikes, Pres., Urbanworld Film Group; Bill Thompson, VP, Newmarket Films; Diana Lesmez, VP, Arenas Entertainment; Susan Albershardt, FL State Film Commissioner and Paul Meena, VP/Gen’l Mgr., Universal Studios Florida Production Group.

“The sixth anniversary of the Entertainment Industry Incubator’s award winning Collaboration…A Short Film Contest ushers in a turning point for this grass roots style competition,” states Susan Schein, Executive Director of the Incubator. “The contest originated six years ago as a way in which to discover new and emerging film talent and to showcase their work to locals and visitors alike. We can now see the evolution of the careers of several people who began with us years ago and have now placed among the top finalists. We know that an indigenous film industry drives the economic engine of our community.”

Although most contestants begin with the belief that winning is the motivator, the independent filmmakers remark that in the end it is the process they appreciate. Most people report how much they learn even if their team doesn’t win. “In previous years our contest has served as on-the-job training for local high school students,” says Meagan Pava, Program Director of the Entertainment Industry Incubator.“ This year, there has been a separate division for high school students only. Rather than assisting other teams, they have entered the competition itself. The top three high school projects will be shown at the gala as well. “

This year’s Premiere of the short films will be held at a gala dinner and awards ceremony as a benefit for the non-profit Entertainment Industry Incubator. By evening’s end, the audience and the national entertainment industry judges will know the results as the winners are announced in two different categories: novice and professional. “We are delighted to provide exposure for aspiring Florida filmmakers to renowned entertainment industry leaders through the Collaboration…A Short Film Contest,” says Schein. “Our contestants represent the talent and creativity that continues to contribute to the success of the entertainment industry. “

Tickets for the January 31st premiere and fundraising gala are available at $85. For reservations call the Entertainment Industry Incubator at (305 ) 672-9297.

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