Lexus begins international short films contest
By Adnews Staff
Automaker Lexus has begun a promotion called the "Lexus Short Films" series in association with film company The Weinstein Company and film festival services company Withoutabox. While this is the third year for the contest, it is the first year in which the initiative is open to filmmakers from outside the United States.
Filmmakers can enter at <http://www.lexusshortfilms.com> before Oct. 25. Entries this year must make use of the theme of "anticipation." Four finalists will selected and production of their films will begin in December. The short films created by the finalists will receive first look deals from The Weinstein Company. The films will receive promotional theatrical distribution and exposure at various international film festivals. Each finalist will also receive a collection of home filmmaking and editing equipment.
Beginning this month, the contest will be promoted at film festivals including New Filmmakers LA, the Rhode Island International Film Festival, the Venice Film Festival, the Vancouver International Film Festival and the Napa Valley Film Festival. Special events will also be used to promote the finalists.
"We are proud to continue our partnership with The Weinstein Company to discover the filmmaking talents of the future and support them to realize their dream," said Mark Templin, executive vice-president of Lexus International. "At Lexus, we strive to create amazing experiences, and the Lexus Short Films program gives us a unique opportunity to achieve that by bringing aspiring filmmakers' imagination and passion to life through fascinating and entertaining movies."