3 Minute Interview with Elizabeth Knowelden Actress/Filmmaker representing Phillipe Leone Director "A Fistful of Sandwich"

-Where are you from?

I am from London but I live here in Los Angeles

-Fantastic,what is your movie?

It's called 'A Fistful of Sandwich'

-When will it be premiering at the Festival?

It's Tuesday at 730pm it's in the Action slot

-Are you the Filmmaker,the actress in the movie or a combination of both?

That's a very good question,independent of this production, I am an actress and film maker and the Director Phillipe Leone he's in London, he can't be here, and I am going to be working with him very soon in some new productions so he has asked me to represent him on his behalf.

-So you are the Ambassador for the movie?

I am the Ambassador for the film, exactly

-Could you tell me what was the inspiration for the movie and what is the movie about?

Sure, well the film itself it's a tale of everyday heroism and I guess that is his real inspiration behind it, you know,the everyday man who when pushed, when tested you never know what is lurking beneath and what strength we all have in us....so that's the inspiration

-How long will you be here in Los Angeles? Or do you live here?

I live here permanently, yes so I will be here for the whole of the Festival.

-I hope that you enjoy the rest of the Festival

Thank you every so much, likewise

Interview by Jasmina Nevada

3 Minute Interview With Roger Nelson - Writer/Producer/Director of Mother of Pearl

Where are you from?

Chicago, but now I live in Australia

Where did you get the concept for this film?

I wrote it for a contest. Basically its based off of my daughter and the sadness
I would have felt if I hadn't been there for her.

How did you get the funding for this film?

It was self-funded. The people who worked on the project did it for free because they loved the script. The budget was $3000.

What's next for you?

I'm working on a low budget film called Zombie Honeymoon.

His film Mother of Pearl was shown August 14th at 12 pm


Interview by Elesia Marie

3 Minutes With: DJ Markuson, Writer/Director/Producer of Santa Preys for Xmas

Name?
DJ Markuson

Name of Film?
Santa Preys for Xmas

What was your role in this film?
Writer/Director/Producer

Where are you from?
Originally from Buffalo, NY. But I live in LA now.

What was your inspiration?
The short is actually the first episode of my webseries at dicktheelf.com. Basically I just made a bullshit YouTube video for my friends. We thought it was funny. But people really ended up liking the script and when I shot it as a short, it turned out being way more serious.

What is your film about?
A foul mouthed elf and two detectives teaming up to destroy a zombie Santa Claus, using X-mas magic.

What time does Santa Preys for Xmas premiere at HollyShorts?
Tuesday (August 16) at 10pm.

3 Minutes With: Rodrigo Fonseca, Director/Writer/Producer of Two Lives for Antonio Espinosa

Name?
Rodrigo Fonseca

Where are you from?
Saõ Paulo, Brazil.

Title of Film?
Two Lives for Antonio Espinosa.

What was your role in the making of this short?
Co-Directed/Writer/Produced along with Caio D’Andria.

What is the film about?
It is a western about revenge between brothers. It was one of two thesis screenplays selected at my school, FAAP, as part of a competition to gain funding.

What was your inspiration?
Westerns are uncommon in Brazil.

When will it be screened?
Thursday at 2:30.

How long will you be in LA?
Until Friday.

3 Minutes With: John Wynn, Writer/Directer of Pillow Talk with starring actress Moniqua Plante.

Name?
John Wynn

Where are you from?
Originally Virginia, but I live in LA now.

What is the title of your film?
Pillow Talk

What role did you play in the making of it?
I am the writer/director and much more.

What was your inspiration for Pillow Talk?
Relationships, in general. And a lot of coffee.

What is your film about?
It’s a sexy, action-thriller about two lovers, who have to discover what their future is going to be.

When does your film premiere at HollyShorts?
Tuesday, August 16 at 7:30pm.

How long will you be at the film festival?
All week!

3 Minutes With: Ezra J. Stanley, Writer/Director of True Love

Name?
Ezra J. Stanley

Where are you from?
Born and raised in San Francisco. Also raised in Belize.

What is your film called?
True Love

What was your role in the making of the film?
Writer/Director

What was the inspiration?
A broken heart (laugh). I’ve had my “Lover’s Lane” kisses at midnight in the park, etc. Always get distracted by cops or whatever. All my romances, personal and on film, are disturbed by catastrophic events!

What is your film about?
Two kids go off together in the desert of New Mexico in the 1960’s and aliens take them away. Crazy things happen!

When does True Love premiere?
Tonight at 10:00.

How long are you in town?
For the rest of the festival!

3 Minutes With: Paolo Licata, Director/Writer/Producer of The Novel

What is your name and where are you from?
Paolo Licata, from Italy.

Which film is yours and how were you involved?
Directed, wrote, and produced The Novel.

What is your film about?
It is a psych thriller set in 1840's Victorian England and was inspired by Edgar Allan Poe. The character suffers from writer's block and begins to spend time with a mental hospital custodian who helps him search for inspiration. It is a sort of prequel to a feature that I hope to make soon.

When will your film be showing?
Thursday in the 2:30 program.

And how long will you be staying in LA?
Until Friday the 19th.

3 Minutes With: Jhene Erwin, Co-Director/Actress/Producer/Writer of The House I Keep

Name?
Jhene Erwin

Title?
I produced, wrote, co-directed and played the lead.

What is the name of your short film?
The House I Keep

Where are you from?
I ‘m from Seattle but I used to live here in LA. Originally, I’m Canadian.

What was your inspiration?
The House I Keep is a story of loss and transformation that centers around a woman’s miscarriage. I have had a personal experience with miscarriages. I had problems with my second pregnancy and began talking to other women. I learned that women who have miscarriages feel that there isn’t a voice for their experiences. I’m hoping my film gives them that voice. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation asked me to write a blog to contribute to their Still Birth series that connects to some of the stigma that exists here and in other countries about miscarriages.

What is your film about?
One woman examines the juxtaposition of the interior and exterior world of a woman going through this grief of miscarrying. The day we spend with her is actually the day she experiences hope that will lead her back to peace.

What time is your film playing?
5pm today (August 14).

How long are you in town for?
I leave early tomorrow. I have to get back for my little girl!

3 Minutes With: Ari Dassa and Scott Gleine, Makers of The Man Who Talked to His Bulb

Names and Titles?
Ari Dassa- Director
Scott Gleine-Director of photography

What is the name of your short film?
The Man Who Talked to His Bulb

Where are you guys from?
Ari-I’m from here (Los Angeles).
Scott-Originally from Cleveland, but I live in LA now.

What was the inspiration for your film?
Ari-I really wanted to make a comical black and white film. This movie is about the whole writing process. It really pokes fun at the seriousness of being a writer.

What is your film about?
It is a film noir approach to the struggle of a writer’s creative process.

When does your film premiere at the HollyShorts Fest?
2:30pm today!

3 Minutes With: Jeffrey P. Nesker, Director of Apocalypse Story

Name?
Jeffrey P. Nesker

What is the title of your short film?
Apocalypse Story

Where are you from?
I flew in from Toronto, Canada.

What time is your short film playing?
Today at 2:30pm.

What is the inspiration for your project? What is it about?
I wanted to make two short films before I went into features. I really wanted to do a film that was mostly visual. There’s only one line of dialogue in the whole movie. Apocalypse is about a guy and a girl meeting at the end of the world and instead of working on repopulating the earth, they sort of have an awkward guy-girl sleepover. I’m a huge Sci-Fi nut and I always wanted to make a big epic.

How long are you in LA?
August 19 then I go back to Toronto and try to like it after coming to beautiful LA.

3 Minutes With: Kevin Moss, Creator of The Small Assassin

Name?
Kevin Moss.

What is the title of your project?
The Small Assassin

Where did you come in from?
I’m originally from Chicago but I live in LA now.

What's your short film and when does it play at HollyShorts?
Today (August 14) at 7:30pm.

What was the inspiration behind the project?
It’s based on a short story from Ray Bradbury. The film was primarily filmed in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood. It is a 1950’s remake about post-partum depression with a Sci-Fi twist.

What is your film about?
Basically, a couple gives birth to their first child and they believe that the baby is plotting to kill them.

How long will you be in LA?
I will be in LA until August 22.

3 Minutes With: Matthew A. Brown, Director/Writer/Producer of "Crush"

Matthew A. Brown
Director, Writer and Producer of Crush

Where did you come in from?
I flew in from New York for the festival and meetings for feature projects. I just heard that one of my features is fully funded. I'm shooting South African gangster thriller in Cape Town next year.

What's your short film and when does it play at HollyShorts?
Crush plays here today at Laemmle at 2:30pm.

What was the inspiration behind the project?
I had met the camera man on another project Bjoern Knechtel. He and I connected so well we decided to do something immediately. We have a similar sensibility and aesthetic approach. Because Bjorn and I were so happy with Crush, we ended up abandoning the other short we were going to shoot. He is shooting my first feature in South Africa.

How long will you be in LA?
I will be in LA until the 22n'd of August.

HOLLYSHORTS UNSPOOLS Inaugural Indie Film Summit

The organizers of HollyShorts are announcing the inaugural HollyShorts Indie Film Summit, a week-long conference that will feature marquee panels, seminars and speaking engagements for filmmakers and industry executives. The HSFF Indie Film Summit will take place in various locations throughout Los Angeles during the 7th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival, August 11-18, 2011. The core of the panels will take place at the Mondrian Hotel and will be live streamed on www.hollyshorts.com courtesy of Dyal Productions.
#HSFF

HOLLYSHORTS TO WORLD PREMIERE EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE FROM FUGEES STAR PRAS MICHEL’S NEW DOCUMENTARY FILM ON HAITI“SWEET MICKY FOR PRESIDENT”

Hollywood, July 18, 2011---The organizers of HollyShorts (www.hollyshorts.com) announced today that Grammy Award-winning artist and Producer Pras Michel from The Fugees will world premiere exclusive footage from his new documentary film “SWEET MICKY FOR PRESIDENT,” during the opening night of the HollyShorts Film Festival. The film, which is a stunning account of the Haitian election following the earthquake that ravaged the island nation features appearances and interviews from Sean Penn, Ben Stiller, Danny Glover, Wyclef Jean, Nigel Barker among others. HollyShorts opening night takes place Thursday August 11 at the Arclight Hollywood. The festival takes place in various venues throughout Hollywood August 11-18, 2011.

“SWEET MICKY FOR PRESIDENT” was produced by Pras Michel, and directed Ben Patterson. Michel and Patterson will be on hand to showcase the clip and participate in a special Q&A with attendees.

“SWEET MICKY FOR PRESIDENT” is a look through the election after the earthquake and also gives a historical account on Haiti, a hybrid story on the island nation.
As previously announced, HollyShorts opening night will also feature acclaimed writer Jamie Linden’s (Dear John, We Are Marshall) short film “The Envelope in the Glovebox” which he used to pitch into the star-studded feature film adaptation “Ten Year,” that stars Channing Tatum, Kate Mara, Rosario Dawson, Justin Long, Anthony Mackie, and Scott Porter. The opening night lineup also includes Jacob Chase’s short film “After-School Special” which was written by Neil Labute (In the Company of Men, Nurse Betty), and produced by Andrew Carlberg. The festival will also present Labute with a special Maverick Filmmaker Award. His short film “Sexting” will screen during the festival.
In addition, the opening night celebration will honor the award-winning production team of Kevin Chinoy and Francesca Silvestri with the inaugural HollyShorts Maverick Producer’s Award and feature a screening of their top shorts including Kristen Kiwi Smith’s “The Spleendectomy,” starring Anna Faris, Jennifer Aniston and Andrea Buchanan’s “Room 10;” Jennifer Aniston’s “Free Burma,” starring Woody Harrelson; Kate Hudson’s “Cutlass,” starring Dakota Fanning, Virgina Madsen, Kurt Russell, and Kirsten Stewart; and Sean Baker, Spencer Chinoy and Dan Milano’s hit “Greg The Bunny.”
From August 12-18, HollyShorts is showcasing 300 short form projects including short films, music videos, web series, and commercials. HollyShorts sponsor Company 3 is supplying a total of $30,000 in post production and finishing services for the winners in the Best Short Film ($10K), Best Director ($10K), Best Commercial ($5K) and Best Music Video ($5K) categories respectfully. The winners will be announced during the HollyShorts awards on August 18.
For tickets please visit www.hollyshorts.com.

Fangoria.com: Rosenthal's "HALLOWEEN II" screening at HollyShorts

Jul 15, 2011 In anticipation of Universal's 30th-anniversary release of Rick Rosenthal's HALLOWEEN II on Blu-ray in September (see here), the seventh annual HollyShorts Film Festival in Hollywood, California will host a special midnight screening of the cult classic on Friday, August 12 presented by Rosenthal and FANGORIA!

Taking place at L.A.'s Laemmle Sunset 5 (8000 Sunset Blvd), the screening will be presented by Rosenthal immediately following the HollyShorts horror shorts program. After the film, Fango's Justin Beahm will moderate a special Q&A with Rosenthal and the audience. Then, on Saturday the 13th, HollyShorts will premiere the director's new short, BLINK during its 5 p.m. short program.

The HollyShorts Fright Night short film program schedule that precedes the HALLOWEEN II showing is as follows:

AN EVENING WITH MY COMATOSE MOTHER (Jonathan Martin)
INCARNATE (Jordan Fuller)
NOWHERE ROAD (Benjamin Dynice)
NOBODY BUT HER (Phillip Jordan Brooks)
A TASTE OF LOVE (Chase Weston)
DEADER LIVING (Destin Pfaff)
MY UNDEADLY (Dave Reda)
PANIC, FEAR (John Francis Conway)
GOOD MORNING BEAUTIFUL (Todd Cobery)
HALO SEALS (Jorge Marcial)
SIN WORLD (Ches Yim)

For tickets to the HALLOWEEN II screening and Rosenthal Q&A go here. For tickets to the short film program that precedes, go here.

For more information on HollyShorts, including the full programming schedule, head here.

HOLLYSHORTS UNVEILS STAR-STUDDED LINEUP FOR 2011 FESTIVAL

7th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival Takes off August 11-18 at Various Locations in Hollywood, CA

Hollywood, July 13, 2011---The organizers of HollyShorts (www.hollyshorts.com) have announced the full lineup for the 7th annual HollyShorts Film Festival, which takes place August 11-18 in various locations throughout Hollywood. Acclaimed writer Jamie Linden (Dear John, We Are Marshall) will premiere his short film “The Envelope in the Glovebox” which he used to pitch into the star-studded feature film adaptation “Ten Year,” that stars Channing Tatum, Kate Mara, Rosario Dawson, Justin Long, Anthony Mackie, and Scott Porter. “The Envelope in the Glovebox” written and directed by Linden will be featured at the HollyShorts opening night celebration at Arclight Hollywood, Thursday August 11.
Also joining Linden in the festival’s opening night celebration is Jacob Chase’s short film “After-School Special” which was written by Neil Labute (In the Company of Men, Nurse Betty), and produced by Andrew Carlberg. At HollyShorts opening night, the festival will also present Labute with a special Maverick Filmmaker Award. His short film “Sexting” will screen during the festival.
As previously announced the opening night celebration will honor the award-winning production team of Kevin Chinoy and Francesca Silvestri with the inaugural HollyShorts Maverick Producer’s Award and feature a screening of their top shorts including Kristen Kiwi Smith’s “The Spleendectomy,” starring Anna Faris, Jennifer Aniston and Andrea Buchanan’s “Room 10;” Jennifer Aniston’s “Free Burma,” starring Woody Harrelson; Kate Hudson’s “Cutlass,” starring Dakota Fanning, Virgina Madsen, Kurt Russell, and Kirsten Stewart; and Sean Baker, Spencer Chinoy and Dan Milano’s hit “Greg The Bunny.”
From August 12-18, HollyShorts is showcasing 300 short form projects including short films, music videos, web series, and commercials. HollyShorts sponsor Company 3 is supplying a total of $30,000 in post production and finishing services for the winners in the Best Short Film ($10K), Best Director ($10K), Best Commercial ($5K) and Best Music Video ($5K) categories respectfully. The winners will be announced during the HollyShorts awards on August 18.
“In our seventh year, HollyShorts has grown to become one of the top independent fest’s in the country and the biggest short film festival in Los Angeles with over 300 short form projects being showcased, a one of a kind star-studded opening night premiere at Arclight Hollywood, a week-long celebration of the top shorts from around the world, multiple industry panels, networking events, and major meet and greet opportunities,” said Daniel Sol and Theo Dumont, co-founders and co-directors of the HollyShorts Film Festival. “Along with our festival coordinator Nicole Castro, we look forward to once again bringing great shorts to Hollywood. HollyShorts is the starting block for many of the top next generation filmmakers and we can’t wait to unite everyone."
This year HollyShorts received a record 1,000 submissions with filmmakers from 36 countries submitting. The festival is showcasing a record number of films with an international array of countries represented in competition including: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, UK and the US.
HollyShorts will also showcase two Oscar® winning short films Luke Matheny’s God of Love (Best Short Film, Live Action winner) and Andrew Ruhemann and Shaun Tan’s The Lost Thing (Best Animation winner) .
This year’s in competition short films includes top talent and recognizable stars such as: Jason Ritter, Bobby Canavale (The Other Guys), Alicia Witt (Friday Night Lights), Anthony Michael Hall (The Dark Knight), Dante Basco (First Glance), Beau Bridges (Max Payne) Brian Geraghty (The Hurt Locker), Carla Gugino (Watchmen), David Morse (The Green Mile), Devon Gummersall (Independence Day), Ernie Hudson (Ghost Busters), Gil Bellows (Unthinkable), Hector Elizondo (Monk), Jackie Harris (Yes Man), Alan Arkin (Little Miss Sunshine), Joel Edgerton (Warrior), Rider Strong (Boy Meets World), David Dastmalchian (Sushi Girl), Jon Huertas (Castle), Robin Wright Penn (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Tom Arnold (Roseanne), Paul Ben Victor, Tom Hardy (Dark Knight Rises), Victor Rasuk (How To Make it America).
This year’s festival programs will include such genres as: Animation, Family, Horror, Drama, Thriller, Romance, Action, Experimental, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Documentary, Web Series, Commercials and Music Videos.
Advanced tickets and all access passes are now available on www.hollyshorts.com and opening night and fest all-access passes available at: http://hollyshorts2011.eventbrite.com and hollyshorts2011passes.eventbrite.com. 2011 HollyShorts sponsors include Company 3, Final Draft, Moviola, Showbiz Store and Café, SLS Hotel, Martini Crew Booking, Celebrity Suites LA and the production entertainment showcase BEATBOXLA.


View the full lineup for HollyShorts 2011 by visiting www.hollyshorts.com

HollyShorts to open 2010 fest with David Arquette's 3D short film www.hollyshorts.com.

Opening night August 5, 2010
Festival August 5-12, 2010

HollyShorts interviews David Dean Bottrell, 2010 HollyShorts Judge

David Dean Bottrell co-wrote the screenplay for the 2001 Fox Searchlight release KINGDOM COME. A former off-Broadway playwright and sometime TV actor, he is probably best known these days for his reoccurring role as the creepy “Lincoln Meyer” on “Boston Legal.” Over the past twelve years, he has written scripts for Fox Searchlight, MTV Films, Paramount and Disney Feature Animation among others. His first short film, AVAILABLE MEN premiered in March 2006 at the HBO US Comedy Arts Festival and has since screened in over 130 film festivals, winning 17 “Best Short Film” awards. His weekly blog, PARTS AND LABOR (a serio-comic look at being middle-class in Hollywood) has quickly gained a dedicated following. www.partsandlabor.tv David just finished writing a musical for Fox Searchlight and is currently appearing in the underground sketch comedy hit, STREEP TEASE at the Bang Comedy Theater in Hollywood.

Discuss the adventure that was your short Available Men. What it was that brought you to the decision to create your own film?

The idea for "Available Men" came to me on one of the darkest days of my life. I had just gone through a major break-up. I was broke and felt like my career was basically over. Somehow, out of that despair, this idea for a little mistaken identity comedy bubbled up from my subconscious. As soon as I had the idea, I laughed out loud. I remember thinking "If this idea can make me laugh today, it must be good." So, I decided to at least try to write it.

What roles did you play in the development of the project? What were some of the unique challenges and rewards of writing/directing/producing your own film vs. writing/acting for someone else?

I had never directed anything in my life, but I'd certainly seen it done -- both beautifully and horribly. I managed to scrape together a minuscule budget and began begging favors from every human being I knew. Luckily for me, everybody liked the script and before I knew it, we were actually making the film. Directing, is on the one hand, a very fun job because you're sort of "God." Everyone is turning to you for answers and they pretty much have to do your bidding. On the other hand, it's a tremendous amount of pressure. You get hit with a lot of gnarly decisions and sometime you just have to guess. You have to act confident, even when you're not. And you can't have a meltdown. Everybody's looking to you to keep the film on track.

What impact did Available Men have on your career/life?

It totally changed my career. I had been sort of pigeon-holed after the success of KINGDOM COME and could only get work on African-American projects. Sort of ironic considering how "white" I am. The short got me a lot of attention and a new manager. I began to get jobs adapting books and for a while I was even in the running for a few directing jobs. On a personal level, it restored my confidence that I could write funny material. I had taken quite a beating in the studio system and had sort of lost my edge. The short gave it back to me. It was an invaluable lesson.

You created Available Men in 2006, in 2010 it seems more and more actors/writers/directors are looking to produce their own shorts, what advice might you have for others looking to create/promote their own short films.

Do it. That's my advice in a nutshell. A short film may not necessarily advance your career, but the process of making one is going to teach you a hell of a lot. It will sharpen your skills. When you make a short, you're the boss. If it's a mess, you can't blame anybody but yourself. Experience gives knowledge and knowledge builds confidence.

You are a judge at this year’s HollyShorts Short Film Festival, what will you be looking for in these shorts?

When I judge shorts, I pay particular attention to content. Film students often get obsessed with production value at the expense of engaging material. I personally like shorts that take the audience on a quick trip from point A to point B. That's all that's really required. I'm not fond of shorts where the filmmakers seem to be asleep at the wheel. It's fine to tell a personal story, but you've got to remember that you're making this for an audience that doesn't live inside your head. I also really admire young filmmakers who know how to edit. It's really tough to watch a one-joke movie that goes on for about ten minutes after the joke stopped being funny.

You’ve written both features and shorts - are there some less obvious differences between the short medium and the feature medium?

Features are very structured. You have to keep an audience engaged for 100 or more minutes and a layered story structure is the only way to do that. Shorts are different in that you are asking for a much smaller time commitment from them. That can free filmmakers to tell their stories in a more instinctual way.

Again, so many people look to create their own shorts for myriad reasons - what are some of the common pitfalls writers/directors/ fall into when creating shorts?

The biggest pitfall is usually the script. If writing is not your strong suit, then find somebody who can write and either let them write it for you or listen to their advice. No matter what the length or genre, all film is about story. Whatever kind of story you're telling, make sure you start it in one place and end it in another. And I'm not talking about multiple locations! Even if your film has no dialogue, there needs to be some sort of clear struggle; some movement that creates a real change in your characters. If that doesn't happen, your audience will walking out of the theater saying "What the hell was that about?" You don't want that.

What are some of the best short films you’ve seen recently and why?

Since I don't want to get into any trouble, I think I'll pass on actually naming any specific titles. I'm just glad people are making them. I advise both my acting and writing students to make shorts, just for the experience of it. Oddly enough, I just gave a friend of mine notes on his short the other day, but happily they were minor. It was actually very good. Funny, but I just wrote a column back in January about my experience (and the aftermath) of making AVAILABLE MEN. If anybody's interested, you can read it here: http://partsandlabor.blogspot.com/2010/01/i-recently-discovered-that-short-movie.html And you can watch the actual film at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og-9HYAC-mk

6th HollyShorts Film Festival is star-studded Hollywood showcase


HOLLYSHORTS
FILM FESTIVAL
www.hollyshorts.com
www.withoutabox.com/login/4655
Hollywood, California - USA
August 5 to 12, 2010
In the Spotlight this week is the 6th Annual HOLLYSHORTS FILM FESTIVAL (HSFF), offering prime industry exposure and a great slate of prizes in Hollywood, California.

HSFF is primed to continue the impressive momentum it has built since its first edition in 2004. With a unique tradition of exhibiting the independent short-form work of celebrities and filmmakers like David Lynch, Eli Roth, Paul Haggis, Scarlett Johansson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Kirsten Dunst, Courteney Cox, Jessica Biel, David Arquette, Demi Moore, and Josh Brolin, HSFF creates a wonderful opportunity for undiscovered talent to showcase their work alongside industry heavyweights.

Filmmakers can be confident that their work is in good hands, as the HSFF jury is full of successful industry pros like Mark Fergus (Writer, CHILDREN OF MEN), Jimmy Jean-Louis (Actor, "Heroes"), Bill Purple (HOLE IN THE PAPER SKY), Jesse Terrero (SOUL PLANE), Jamie Linden (Writer, DEAR JOHN), and Maurissa Tancharoen (Writer/Actress, "Dollhouse"). The industry presence at HSFF does not escape the attention of the press, and the Festival has received favorable write-ups in The Los Angeles Times, In Style Magazine, and indieWIRE. MovieMaker even named HollyShorts one of 25 festivals "worth the entry fee."


UPCOMING DEADLINE
May 14, 2010 - Late Deadline
Upgraded projects save $5 on this deadline
MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
HollyShorts is dedicated to showcasing the best and brightest films from around the globe.
MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
HSFF's 2010 prizes include over $10,000 USD in production and post-production services, including a RED ONE rental package, a post and VFX services package, studio space rentals, and more. Winning filmmakers can also look forward to distribution opportunities with HollyShorts partners, and the winner of the Best Director Award will receive a profile in H Magazine. The Arthouse Marketing Group will offer a select group of shorts the chance to be screened on 238 screens in major markets across the country. All HollyShorts filmmakers will meet and network with celebrity guests, as well as reps from the top agencies, management companies, and more.

HollyShorts 2010 will feature over 90 of the top short films, music videos, and webisodes from around the globe, along with select feature films by alumni. The 2010 star-studded Opening Night reception will take place at the world-famous Directors Guild of America Theatre in Hollywood, and screenings will take place at Laemmle's Sunset 5 Theatre in Hollywood.

Plug into a high-profile network of powerful industry connections - submit your project to the HollyShorts Film Festival today!

hollyshorts 2010 call for entries announced!

Extravaganza Takes Place August 5-12, 2010 in Hollywood, CA



Hollywood, CA January 6, 2010 – On the heels of the most successful HollyShorts Film Festival (www.hollyshorts.com) to date which featured participation from such stars and filmmakers as Demi Moore, Kirsten Dunst, Darren Lew, Eli Roth, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Joel Moore, and Tom Everett Scott, the organizers of the event announce today the official call for entries for the 6th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival (HSFF).

Ranked by Moviemaker Magazine as “one of the top film festivals worth the entry fee,” HollyShorts will take place August 5-12, 2010 in Hollywood and feature a marquee opening night world premiere event, short film and feature film screenings as well as industry panels and exclusive receptions and parties. The announcement was made today by festival directors Daniel Sol and Theo Dumont.

Submissions can now be completed directly online by visiting www.hollyshorts.com or by submitting on Withoutabox directly at www.withoutabox.com/login/4655.

Submissions must be 30 minutes or less. Categories include Live Action, Animation, Documentary, Student, Webisode and Music Video. HollyShorts also has a discounted category for student projects. Deadlines to submit U.S. and International short films for the 2010 HollyShorts Film Festival are:

• February 19, 2010 – Early Submission deadline
• April 16, 2010 – Official deadline
• May 14, 2010 – Late deadline

Completed U.S. and international short films may be submitted and must arrive in office by February 19 for early consideration and a reduced submission fee. Complete information and eligibility requirements are available on HollyShorts.com.

Marketing
To promote this year’s HollyShorts Call For Entries, the organizers are initiating the following initiatives: HollyShorts page videos and clips on Openfilm.com; HollyShorts banner placement on leading film industry sites such as Haydenfilms.com and Moving Pictures.com; Submission discounts for participants at upcoming HollyShorts monthly screening series at the Echo Park Film Center.

The 5th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival took place August 6-13 at the DGA and Laemmle’s Sunset 5 Theatre in Hollywood with top honors of Best Short Film going to “La Petite Lilia,” Directed by Reda Mustafa. Mustafa took home a prize package from Clifton Production Services which included a RED ONE digital cinema package valued up to $5,000.00, while Johnny Gill took home a $10,000 cash prize for the Haydenfilms Online Film Festival contest for his short film “My Turtle's Name is Dudley.”

The submission link and complete information regarding eligibility and entry rules for the 2010 HollyShorts Film Festival are available on the HollyShorts Film Festival website at www.hollyshorts.com. Information is also available through the HollyShorts hotline at 818-760-9897 818-760-9897 , by email to staff@hollyshorts.com. For sponsorship information, please email admin@hollyshorts.com with your query.

Follow HollyShorts

Follow us on Twitter at: @hollyshorts

Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marina-Del-Rey-CA/HollyShorts-Film-Festival/55505096704

Follow us on Myspace at: http://www.myspace.com/hollyshortsfilmfestival

Follow us on Openfilm at: http://www.openfilm.com/users/HollyShorts/


About HollyShorts
HollyShorts is an organization devoted to showcasing the best and brightest short films from around the globe, advancing the careers of filmmakers through screenings, networking events, and various panel and forums. The HollyShorts Film festival showcases the top short films produced 30- minutes or less. For more information, please visit www.hollyshorts.com.


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