Columbia Partners with Nano TV to Produce Hollywood's First Wireless Film Festival --
People who have always wanted to be a part of entertainment history now have their chance. Bridging leading-edge technology, creativity, and education, the Third Screen Film Festival (TSFF) showcases films produced for the 'third screen,' which includes mobile phones as well as WiFi and broadband-enabled hand-held devices. It is open to student filmmakers, amateurs, and professionals.
There are big cash prizes and lots of visibility with a grand cash prize is $10,000. There are also cash prizes in the Viewer Prize category ' selected by the general viewing public and the Jury Prize category ' selected by a panel of industry experts.
The public can view the live action and animation short films at www.ThirdScreenFilmFestival.com and vote for their favorites out of hundreds of entries from emerging and established filmmakers.
Presented by Columbia College Chicago and sponsored by Nano, America's first short film channel, TSFF films are accessible online and wirelessly on MobiTV. Each film can be shared virally via email or blogs. Viewers who watch festival entries on their Nano-equipped cell phones, portable devices, or online can vote via text messaging, powered by Mozes.com.
'It's exciting to see the films that have been submitted so far and the creative energy this festival infuses into third screen entertainment,' said Jon Katzman, director of Columbia College Chicago's Semester in L.A. program and TSFF. 'We encourage the public to help decide which filmmaker is worthy of winning our $10,000 grand prize by viewing films and casting their vote.'
In addition to cash prizes and professional equipment including Avid Liquid editing equipment, winning entries will receive third screen distribution: Student winner's work will air on mtvU, MTV's 24-hour college network. Winners who are professional or amateur filmmakers will also have their films shown on Nano on Demand.
There are three rounds of semi finals and a final phase of judging which begins in October, with awards announced at an October 26 event on the CBS Radford studio lot, home to Columbia College Chicago's Semester in L.A. program. Entry deadline is September 30 and voting continues through the final phase when expert judges add their voice to that of the public. Filmmakers and fans should visit www.ThirdScreenFilmFestival.com to participate in this historic media event.