PLUG: Louisiana Film Prize Launches With $50,000 Grand Prize

by Shep. Burman · March 22, 2012 · Plugs · No Comments

Shreveport, LA – March 15, 2012 – Executive Director Gregory
Kallenberg announced today the inaugural Louisiana Film Prize, with a
grand prize of $50,000.   The Louisiana Film Prize contest and
festival (www.LAFilmPrize.com) invites filmmakers from all over the
world to create and present a short film under one condition – it must
be shot in the Shreveport-Bossier area.

Filmmakers have until July 9, 2012 to submit their film. Each
filmmaker will be provided with an ambassador, to guide them to find
the appropriate resources and aids to help with production, housing,
promotional events and other needs during their stay.  On August 9,
2012, the top 20 films will be selected to screen as part of the LA
Film Prize Festival Weekend, October 5-7, 2012. The grand prize winner
will be chosen based on the votes of a panel of expert judges from all
over the country and the festival audience. Finalists are encouraged
to heavily promote their film and enlist support from friends, family
and the public to heighten their chances of winning.
This year’s jury includes journalist/author Hank Stuever (Washington
Post), journalist James Hibberd (Entertainment Weekly),  Steve Beckman
(Cinetic) writer/performer Pat Hazell (National Public Radio
contributor) Brandon Oldenberg, (Academy Award Winning producer of the
animated short “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore”)
and Jason Neulander (founder, the Salvage Vanguard Theater, Austin TX,
award-winning producer of the stage play “Intergalactic Nemesis”),
with additional jurors to be announced.
“This is the coolest film contest on the planet,” said Gregory
Kallenberg, founder of the Louisiana Film Prize. “It has been created
to energize the filmmaking community to create the best work they can
in an environment that is incredibly supportive of their endeavors. We
hope that the Louisiana Film Prize will help spark a revolution in
indie filmmaking in the area.”
“This is a substantial prize that could really change a filmmaker’s
life,” said Chris Lyon, the LAFP’s Festival Director. “This $50,000
could help someone create more short films or help fund a feature
film. It’s a really amazing opportunity for the filmmaker.”
The film community in Shreveport-Bossier in Northwest Louisiana has
rapidly expanded, with more than 100 films and television shows
shooting on location in the past 5 years. Recent shoots have included
The Guardian, Battle Los Angeles, The Mist, Leaves of Grass, Drive
Angry, Super and Straw Dogs to name a few.   Shreveport-Bossier
provides great locations at low cost, as well as four sound stages,
full grip/electric rental facilities, local camera rentals,
experienced crew, and a wide base of talent.  Shreveport is also home
to Moonbot Studios, who recently won their first Academy Award for
Best Animated Short Film with “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr.
Morris Lessmore.”
Kallenberg’s last film,  “Haynesville:  A Nation’s Hunt for An Energy
Future,” premiered at the SXSW Film Festival.  After touring the
world, talking about the importance of a moving towards a cleaner
energy future, Gregory Kallenberg returned to his home in Shreveport,
Louisiana and became a part of a vibrant, emerging film community.
Links:
Pre-recorded 5 minute video interview with Principals of the festival:
— 
MIKE JOHNSTON
Street Punk productions
3 State School Road,
Selinsgrove, PA 17870
Cell: (570) 541-6812

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