NEW YORK, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- MAXIMUM ENTERTAINMENT - a New York based boutique commercial advertising production company - is celebrating an Oscar(R) win for one of its directors, James Marsh. Marsh received the Academy Award on Sunday for best documentary for his film "Man on Wire."
*(Photo Caption: Director James Marsh, Maximum Entertainment.)
The film is a partly dramatized re-telling of an outrageous plot by a group of French artists to rig a high wire between the Twin Towers for aerialist Philippe Petit to perform on in 1974.
Marsh was not the only one of Maximum's directors to receive Oscar nominations. Fellow Academy Award nominee and Maximum Entertainment director Gus Van Sant received an Oscar nod for his directing of the movie "Milk" - which won a best actor award for Sean Penn.
Maximum Entertainment is a collective of filmmakers started by renowned cinematographer Harris Savides and 20-year veteran producers Jim Czarnecki and Maria Gallagher. With a combined experience not only in commercial production but also in the worlds of feature film, documentaries, TV, and marketing and branding, Maximum Entertainment is about bringing a fresh perspective to commercials, TV and new media projects.
Czarnecki and Gallagher were elated over the two Academy Award nominations and in particular over the Oscar win by James Marsh: "Because of his background in both documentary and feature films, we see James's strengths as a film-maker as being able to combine these two worlds; making spots that are both stylistic and authentic."
"He is able to get strong performances from real people and realistic performances from actors, and with the added plus of being a writer/director and expert researcher, he is a natural for developing long form projects that could be the basis for a series of 30 sec spots. Now that he is available again after finishing his current film, Nineteen-Eighty, we're looking forward to working with him on commercials in the upcoming months."
For more information, visit: http://www.maxentfilms.com/
All trademarks acknowledged.
This release was issued on behalf of the above organization by Send2Press(R), a unit of Neotrope(R). http://www.Send2Press.com
Sir Elton John Performed With Special Guest Raphael Saadiq
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Sir Elton John and David Furnish hosted the 17th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) Academy Awards(R) viewing party. The event was held on Sunday, February 22, 2009 at the Pacific Design Center and was co-sponsored by Chopard, Jo and Raffy Manoukian and Vh1. EJAF's party to celebrate the Academy Awards(R) was one of the night's best attended parties and raised nearly $4 million.
The annual gala continues to be the leading fundraising event in Hollywood on Oscar night. This year's gala brought some exciting moments including a live performance by Sir Elton John and special guest Raphael Saadiq, as well as a emotional first-hand account by Kerrel McKay who spoke about her experiences as an HIV/AIDS activist in her home country of Jamaica. McKay also spoke about a public service campaign orchestrated by the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV/AIDS, supported by the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
This year's guests included the event's esteemed co-chairs Victoria Beckham and John Walters in addition to Hollywood luminaries such as Sir Ben Kingsley, Claire Danes & Hugh Dancy, Gerard Butler, Ben Stiller & Christine Taylor, Quincy Jones, Keifer Sutherland, Whoopi Goldberg, Sharon Stone, Eva Longoria Parker, Kate Beckinsale, Carrie Underwood, Natasha Bedingfield, Chace Crawford, Olivia Wilde, Rosanna Arquette, Josh Groban, Elle Macpherson, Gordon Ramsey, Eric McCormack, Tim Allen, Rashida Jones, Molly Sims, Russell Simmons, Dita Von Teese, Zac Posen, Natasha Henstridge, Terrell Owens, Chris O'Donnell, Paz Vega, Chris Noth, Taye Diggs and Ricki Lake.
Guests arrived for cocktails followed by dinner and viewing of the 81st Annual Academy Awards in the custom-built tent adorned in black and cream hued modern "supper club" decor created exclusively by Antony Todd. The five-course meal, as created by Chef Wayne of Crumble Catering, included carnaroli risotto with dry Marsala wine and crystallized natural flowers, choice of sauteed beef filet or roasted halibut and a dessert puffed chocolate tartlet with raspberry bitter orange sauce, among others.
As is tradition, immediately following dinner, auctioneer Jamie Niven of Sotheby's led the evening's live auction. Items auctioned included the opportunity to dance with Ellen DeGeneras on her Emmy Award winning talk show, which sold for $20,000; two jewel encrusted 10th Anniversary Elton John AIDS Foundation collection watches designed by Chopard went for $250,000 each; a one-hour tennis lesson by tennis champion Andy Roddick sold at auction for $31, 000; taken directly for the Academy Award stage was the "Milk" soap box used by Hugh Jackman in his opening homage to this years' Best Picture nominees; and a three-day, four-night stay at the Normandy, France home of the Forbes family, Chateau de Balleroy, sold for $80,000.
ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION: The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) was established in the United States in 1992 (EJAF-US) and in the United Kingdom in 1993 (EJAF-UK) by founder and chairman Sir Elton John. Together, both entities have raised over $150 million to support HIV/AIDS prevention and service programs in 55 countries around the globe since inception. Today, EJAF is one of the world's leading nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations supporting innovative HIV prevention programs, efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, and direct care and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS. EJAF-US's current grant-making priorities target HIV prevention programs in the Southern United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America; HIV prevention and care services for highly marginalized and vulnerable populations; and HIV/AIDS prevention education and the promotion of sexual health for adolescents.
CHOPARD: There are few jewelers in the world whose designs are immediately recognizable. At the forefront of that list is Chopard. For over 140 years, the "World of Chopard" has embraced elegance, originality and individuality. Renowned internationally for its award-winning "Happy Diamonds" creations, the Chopard collection also includes an array of designs that adorn celebrities around the world. Meticulously crafted in Geneva, Switzerland since 1860, Chopard has distinguished itself worldwide for luxurious jewels and impeccably crafted high-precision timepieces that embody imaginative design and sophistication. To mark Chopard's 10 years of support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele has designed a new watch collection in collaboration with Sir Elton John himself. A testament to their friendship, the watch collection reflects the artist's extravagant personality as well as his tremendous generosity. A percentage of sales from these watches benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation. For further information, phone 1.800.CHOPARD or explore Chopard on line at www.chopard.com.
JO AND RAFFY MANOUKIAN: Jo & Raffy Manoukian are honored to be one of the sponsors of the annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards(R) Viewing Party. They have been personal friends of Sir Elton John since the early 1990s and are actively involved with the Foundation in the capacity of both Trustees and Board Members. The Elton John AIDS Foundation forms only one part of Jo & Raffy's philanthropy. Their charitable efforts span the globe with special emphasis on health, education, sports and media ventures.
Vh1: Vh1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. Vh1 is available in 95 million households in the U.S. Vh1 also has an array of digital channels and services including Vh1Classic, Vh1 Soul, Vh1 Mobile, Vh1Games and extensive broadband video on Vh1.com. Connect with Vh1 at www.vh1.com.
AMERICAN AIRLINES: American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection airlines serve 250 cities in over 40 countries with more than 3,400 daily flights. American Airlines is the official airline of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Contact: Christina Lee / Ivy Mollenkamp
ROGERS & COWAN
310-854-8100
HONG KONG, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- NetDragon Websoft Inc.,
a leading game developer and operator in the PRC ("NetDragon", with its
subsidiaries collectively known as the "Group"; stock code: 777) launched
today a new Chinese language expansion pack - "Expanding Horizons" - for Zero
Online. Following the launch of the previous expansion pack "Core Storm" in
October 2008, "Expanding Horizons" provides a new "robot combine" function
which players can utilize to create their own perfect transformers and
experience unprecedented and amazing enjoyment.
Mr. Liu Dejian, Chairman and Executive Director of NetDragon said, "The
release of 'Expanding Horizons' once again demonstrates NetDragon's commitment
to its customers, as we continue to support the desires of our loyal player
base. And through an expanding and innovative product portfolio, in
combination with strengthened domestic and global marketing, we aim to attract
and satisfy more of the world's gaming enthusiasts and build upon our
pioneering achievements in the online gaming industry."
Zero Online is the first 2.5D MMORPG developed in China that is set in a
science-fiction universe with robot avatars. It was well received by players
both in China and overseas markets since its launch in April 2007. The game
was granted the "Most Anticipated Online Game in 2007" by the China Game Chart
in 2006 and named the "Top Ten Most Popular Online Games among Players" at
2007 Golden Plume Awards and "Top Ten Most Popular 2D Online Games Among
Mainland Chinese Players" by the Online Game Chart in 2007. NetDragon has
already launched the English and Spanish version of Zero Online in European
and American markets, as well as a traditional Chinese version in Hong Kong,
Macao, and Taiwan. On 9 February 2009, the Group announced that it will launch
Zero Online in Vietnam which is expected to gain popularity in that locale.
About NetDragon
NetDragon Websoft Inc. is one of the leading online game developers and
operators in the PRC. The Group's game portfolio comprises of a range of
MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) that cater to
various types of players and gaming preferences. The Group has successfully
developed and marketed many popular online titles of various styles. Its
current offerings include the games Eudemons Online, Conquer Online, Zero
Online, Tou Ming Zhuang Online, Heroes of Might and Magic Online, Era of Faith,
and Monster & Me. Some of the games are also available in foreign languages,
including English, French and Spanish. The Group also has four games currently
in development, including Way of the Five, Tian Yuan, Disney Fantasy Online
and Dungeon Keeper Online, which are expected to be launched from the first
quarter of 2009.
NetDragon is successfully transferred to the Main Board of the SEHK on 24
June 2008 (Stock code on Main Board: 777). For more details please visit
http://www.nd.com.cn or http://www.nd.com.cn/ir .
For further information, please contact:
NetDragon Websoft Inc.
Ms. Maggie Zhou
Investor Relations Department
Tel: +86-591-8754-3120
Email: ir@nd.com.hk
Fax: +86-591-8754-1761
IR website:http://www.nd.com.cn/ir
Porda International (Finance) P.R. Group
Helen Chung/ Sharis Siu/ Kate Lam/ Liz Yip
Tel: +852-3150-6730/ 3150-6771/ 3150-6738/ 3150-6739
Email: helen.chung@pordafinance.com.hk/ sharis.siu@pordafinance.com.hk/
kate.lam@pordafinance.com.hk/ liz.yip@pordafinance.com.hk
Fax: +852-3150-6728
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Cole Haan, the 80-year-old American legacy brand, is hitting the red carpet at the 81st Academy Awards with style and innovation. Known for its classic, upscale footwear, bags and accessories, Cole Haan will turn heads for its fashion-forward designs that are as worthy as the Oscar nominated actors, performers, presenters and celebrities who are wearing them at tonight's festivities. In particular, Cole Haan, is exceptionally pleased to unveil a premier collection of men's footwear that combine the technology and comfort of Nike Air in several sleek designs suitable for evening.
Cole Haan, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nike, Inc., is America's premier style and luxury brand offering high-quality handcrafted men's and women's footwear, accessories and outerwear. Each product blends craftsmanship, design and innovation giving it distinctive character. In addition to its many retail stores, consumers can experience all Cole Haan has to offer by visiting colehaan.com. Cole Haan is headquartered in New York City and Yarmouth, Maine.
ABC's Robin Roberts, to wear J.Crew As co-host of Official Oscars(R) Red Carpet Pre-Show
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Good Morning America's Robin Robertswill wear J.Crew to walk the Red Carpet and to co-host The Official Oscars Red Carpet Pre-Show tonight on ABC.
Suze Yalof Schwartz, Executive Fashion Editor-at-Large of Glamour magazine, introduced Roberts to J.Crew's Creative Director, Jenna Lyons. Yalof Schwartz and Roberts met with Jenna and the J.Crew design team at their New York Headquarters to view J.Crew's designs for the perfect Red Carpet look. The taped visit aired on Good Morning America on Wednesday, February 18th. Roberts encouraged America to weigh in to help her choose her Oscar gown. Ultimately, J.Crew was the favorite over two other high profile designers. As of today, over ten thousand GMA viewers had written in sharing their opinions.
Part of J.Crew's Weddings & Parties Collection, Roberts chose the "Gracie" gown in Fresh Tangerine. This special color is part of the fall 2009 Collection and made exclusively for Robin and this Red Carpet occasion. She looked beyond the Red Carpet regulars and chose J.Crew - an unexpected designer for the Oscars, re-confirming that high fashion does not have to cost a fortune. The "Gracie" gown is about sophistication and glamour, carried through in a sleek shoulder-baring gown. The J.Crew designers used dreamy triple-ply silk tricotine and designed a dramatic halter silhouette, offset by a deep-V down the back and a straight skirt that elegantly floats to the floor. Cut slightly longer in back, there are beautiful designer details throughout. Robin also wears J.Crew shoes and accessories including the Organdy Fleur Peep Toe Heels and the Satin Minaudiere Clutch.
TO view a sketch of the award winning look, go to:
Still a well kept secret, J.Crew's Weddings & Parties Collection features dressier designs for special occasions - whether a wedding, a festive party or a Red Carpet moment. J.Crew's designers search the world for the best and most luxurious fabrics (many of which come from couture fabric houses). They are obsessed with detail, ensuring that every J.Crew dress is cut to fit, impeccably finished and always elegantly designed.
J.Crew Group, Inc. is a nationally recognized multi-channel retailer of men's, women's and children's apparel, shoes and accessories. The Company operates 218 retail stores, 75 factory stores, the J.Crew catalog business, and jcrew.com. Additionally, certain product, press release and SEC filing information concerning the Company are available at the Company's website www.jcrew.com
For additional information, sketches, or to discuss possible interviews / TV opportunities, Contact Heather McAuliffe at J.Crew. (Ph) 212-209-2611 or email heather.mcauliffe@jcrew.com.
Certain statements about future store openings are "forward-looking statements" made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectations or beliefs concerning future events and may differ significantly from current expectations. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including the availability of suitable store locations and other factors that are set forth in the Company's Form 10-K and in all filings made with the SEC made by the Company subsequent to the filing of the Form 10-K. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Rentrak Theatrical, a
business unit of Rentrak Corporation (Nasdaq: RENT), today announced the
weekend theatrical box office estimates for the weekend period of February 20
through February 22, 2009 according to the company's Box Office Essentials(TM)
theatrical box office data collection and analytical service.
The twelve estimated top producing motion pictures for the weekend, per
data collected as of 9:30AM Pacific on Sunday, February 22, 2009 by Rentrak
Theatrical include:
Rank Title Weekend Gross Locations
1 Tyler Perry's Madea Goes To Jail $41,120,000 2032
2 Taken $11,400,000 3102
3 Coraline $11,031,035 2155
4 He's Just Not That Into You $8,540,000 3050
5 Slumdog Millionaire $8,050,000 2244
6 Friday The 13th $7,825,000 3105
7 Confessions of a Shopaholic $7,019,000 2507
8 Paul Blart Mall Cop $7,000,000 2835
9 Fired Up $6,000,000 1810
10 The International $4,450,000 2364
11 Pink Panther 2 $3,700,000 2658
12 Gran Torino $3,640,000 2030
Weekend of 02/20/09 to 02/22/09
(C) 2008 by Rentrak Corporation
About Box Office Essentials
Box Office Essentials provides each studio with password-protected,
real-time, web browser-based and 24/7 access to data pertaining specifically
to their movie release titles. A sophisticated toolset allows studio
distribution executives to view and analyze the information at different
levels of detail and across a multitude of attributes (by theatre circuit,
DMA, time zone, etc.), enhancing their ability to make faster, and better
informed decisions. Additional features include online school calendars (K-12
and college), interactive release schedule and 24-hour subscriber support.
About Rentrak Corporation
Rentrak Corporation, based in Portland, Oregon, is an information
management company serving clients in the media, entertainment, retail and
advertising industries. The company's Entertainment Essentials(R) suite of
services is redefining media measurement in the digital broadband era.
Entertainment Essentials provides customers with near-real-time, actionable
insight into performance of content distributed over a wide variety of modern
media technologies. Available by license or subscription, each Entertainment
Essentials application allows executives to analyze detailed industry-wide and
title-specific data to make decisions that enhance the bottom line and provide
competitive advantage. For further information, please visit Rentrak's
corporate website at Rentrak.com.
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wrestler, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and Milk shared top category honors at the 2009 Film Independent's Spirit Awards, making the highly anticipated annual event into a celebration of the diverse films that captured the public's attention this year. The Visitor, Frozen River, In Search of a Midnight Kiss, Man on Wire, The Class and Synecdoche, New York also received awards at the event.
The 2009 Film Independent's Spirit Awards was held Saturday, February 21, in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica. The Spirit Awards is a celebration honoring films made by filmmakers who embody independence and who dare to challenge the status quo. This annual event, which began as a small grassroots program, has grown into one of the most anticipated events of the film year.
This year's major category winners were Fox Searchlight Pictures' The Wrestler, which won Best Feature, Best Male Lead (Mickey Rourke), and Best Cinematography (Maryse Alberti); The Weinstein Company's Vicky Cristina Barcelona, which won Best Screenplay (Woody Allen), and Best Supporting Female (Penelope Cruz); Overture Films' The Visitor, which won Best Director (Tom McCarthy); Sony Pictures Classics' Synecdoche, New York, which won Best First Feature and the Robert Altman Award, Frozen River, which won Best Female Lead (Melissa Leo); and The Class, which won Best Foreign Film; IFC Films' In Search of a Midnight Kiss, which won the John Cassavetes Award for the Best Feature made for under $500,000; and Magnolia Pictures Man on Wire, which won Best Documentary.
Heather Rae, producer of Frozen River and Ibid, received the thirteenth annual Piaget Producers Award, which honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources, demonstrate the creativity, tenacity, and vision required to produce quality, independent films. The winner of the Producers Award receives an unrestricted grant of $25,000 funded by Piaget.
Lynn Shelton, director of My Effortless Brilliance, won the sixteenth annual Acura Someone To Watch Award, a $25,000 unrestricted grant created to honor a talented filmmaker of singular vision who has not yet received appropriate recognition. The award is funded by Acura.
Margaret Brown, director of The Order of Myths, won the fifteenth annual LACOSTE Truer Than Fiction Award, presented to an emerging director of non-fiction features who has not yet received significant attention. The award is accompanied by a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by LACOSTE.
Also given was the 2nd annual Robert Altman Award, given to one film's director, casting director, and ensemble cast. Charlie Kaufman's directorial debut Synecdoche, New York received this award, along with casting director Jeanne McCarthy, and ensemble cast members Hope Davis, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Catherine Keener, Samantha Morton, Tom Noonan, Emily Watson, Dianne Wiest, and Michelle Williams.
Film Independent's Spirit Awards ceremony is sponsored by IFC, Netflix, ELLE, AMC, Piaget, and LACOSTE. Principal Sponsors are Acura, Heineken, Garnier, and Australia.com. The official spirits of the Spirit Awards were provided by G.H. Mumm Champagne and Jameson Irish Whiskey. Hotel Shangri-La, Casa Del Mar, and Shutters on the Beach are the Official Host Hotels. Wire Image is the Official Photographer of Film Independent. American Airlines is the Official Airline Partner of Film Independent. ON 3 Productions is the Official Presenter Gift Lounge producer. FIJI Water is the official water of the Spirit Awards.
The ceremony aired live on IFC (Independent Film Channel), beginning at 2:00 pm PST. An edited re-broadcast will air later this evening on AMC at 10:00 pm EST/PST.
Actor Steve Coogan served as Master of Ceremonies. Alec Baldwin served as Honorary Chair. Diana Zahn-Storey executive produced the 2009 Film Independent's Spirit Awards for the fifteenth year.
The following is a complete list of the winners:
Best Feature Fox Searchlight Pictures
The Wrestler Producers: Darren Aronofsky,
Scott Franklin
Best Director Overture Films
Tom McCarthy The Visitor
Best Screenplay The Weinstein Company
Woody Allen Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Best First Feature Sony Pictures Classics
Synecdoche, New York Director: Charlie Kaufman
Producers: Anthony Bregman, Spike Jonze
Charlie Kaufman, Sidney Kimmel
Best First Screenplay Focus Features
Dustin Lance Black Milk
John Cassavetes Award IFC Films
(For the Best Feature made
for under $500,000) Writer/Director: Alex Holdridge
In Search of a Midnight Kiss Producers: Seth Caplan, Scoot McNairy
Best Supporting Female The Weinstein Company
Penelope Cruz Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Best Supporting Male Focus Features
James Franco Milk
Best Female Lead Sony Pictures Classics
Melissa Leo Frozen River
Best Male Lead Fox Searchlight Pictures
Mickey Rourke The Wrestler
Best Cinematography Fox Searchlight Pictures
Maryse Alberti The Wrestler
Best Foreign Film Sony Pictures Classics
The Class Director: Laurent Cantet
Best Documentary Magnolia Pictures
Man on Wire James Marsh
2008 FILM INDEPENDENT'S SPIRIT AWARD WINNERS BY DISTRIBUTOR
FOX SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES 3
SONY PICTURES CLASSICS 3
THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY 2
FOCUS FEATURES 2
IFC FILMS 1
MAGNOLIA PICTURES 1
OVERTURE FILMS 1
ATTENDEES
Joining host Dawn Hudson, Executive Director of Film Independent, were Master of Ceremonies Steve Coogan, and Honorary Chair Alec Baldwin.
Presenters and musical performances included: Jessica Alba, Christina Applegate, Elizabeth Banks, Jason Bateman, Thomas Haden Church, Bradley Cooper, Bryan Cranston, Claire Danes, Laura Dern, Zooey Deschanel, Cameron Diaz, Aaron Eckhart, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Teri Hatcher, Anne Hathaway, Taraji P. Henson, Emile Hirsch, Robyn Hitchcock, Sir Ben Kingsley, Melissa Leo, Lucy Liu, Andie MacDowell, Michelle Monaghan, Sandra Oh, Mary-Kate Olsen, Ellen Page, Robin Wright Penn, Rosie Perez, John C. Reilly, Giovanni Ribisi, Tarra Riggs, Blair Underwood, Kerry Washington, John Waters, Rainn Wilson, Evan Rachel Wood, and ZO2.
Celebrity Guests and Nominees included: Maryse Alberti, Darren Aronofsky, Justine Bateman, Dustin Lance Black, Michael Bolton, Rose Byrne, Laurent Cantet, Keisha Castle Hughes, Wyatt Cenac, Penelope Cruz, Hope Davis, Dana Delaney, Jonathan Demme, Rosemarie DeWitt, Melonie Diaz, Illeana Douglas, Eliza Dushku, James Franco, Jon Hamm, Lance Hammer, Werner Herzog, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Richard Jenkins, Charlie Kaufman, Catherine Keener, Ellen Kuras, Anthony Mackie, John Malkovich, James Marsh, Tom McCarthy, Charlie McDermott, Dominic Monaghan, Tom Noonan, Jim Myron Ross, Josh Peck, Lori Petty, Marc Platt, Heather Rae, Jeremy Renner, Eric Roberts, Howard A. Rodman, Mickey Rourke, Harris Savides, Haaz Sleiman, Mena Suvari, Jeffrey Tambor, Misty Upham, Rachel Weisz, Jennifer Westfeldt, Michelle Williams, Debra Winger, Adam Yauch, and many, many more...
ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT'S SPIRIT AWARDS
Film Independent's Spirit Awards is a celebration honoring films made by filmmakers who embody independence and who dare to challenge the status quo. Televised in millions of homes and covered internationally by the press, the Spirit Awards has become the vanguard event in independent film, recognizing the achievements of independent filmmakers and promoting independent film to a wider audience.
Selected from more than 250 submissions, awards are given in the following categories: Best Feature, Best First Feature, Best First Screenplay, Best Director, Best Screenplay, John Cassavetes Award (given to the best feature made for a budget under $500,000), Best Male Lead, Best Female Lead, Best Supporting Male, Best Supporting Female, Best Cinematography, Best Foreign Film, and Best Documentary.
The Spirit Awards Nominating Committees apply the following guidelines in making its selections:
1. Uniqueness of vision
2. Original, provocative subject matter
3. Economy of means (with particular attention paid to total production cost and individual compensation)
4. Percentage of financing from independent sources
Eligible films must be at least 70 minutes long, and the cost of the completed film, including post-production, must be under $20 million. Films must have been shown in a commercial theater for at least one week between January 1 and December 31, 2008 or shown at one of the following festivals in 2008: Film Independent's Los Angeles Film Festival, New Directors/New Films, New York, Sundance, Telluride, or Toronto.
After the committees select the nominees, the members of Film Independent, as well as the members of IFP, cast the final votes. Voters attend nominee screenings and view nominated films through Netflix before selecting the winners.
This year's nominees for Best Feature were Ballast, Frozen River, Rachel Getting Married, Wendy and Lucy, and The Wrestler. Best First Feature nominees were Afterschool, Medicine for Melancholy, Sangre de mi Sangre, Sleep Dealer, and Synecdoche, New York.
Last year's Spirit Award winners included Juno, which won Best Feature, Best Female Lead (Ellen Page), and Best First Screenplay (Diablo Cody), The Savages, which won Best Male Lead (Philip Seymour Hoffman), and Best Screenplay (Tamara Jenkins), and Once which won Best Foreign Film; and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, which won Best Director (Julian Schnabel), and Best Cinematography (Janusz Kaminski), and The Lookout, which won Best First Feature. August Evening received the John Cassavetes Award for the Best Feature made for under $500,000.
ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT
Film Independent is a non-profit membership organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds the audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, film industry leader, or a film lover.
With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent also offers free Filmmaker Labs for selected writers, directors, and producers; provides cut-rate services for filmmakers; and presents year-round networking opportunities. Film Independent's mentorship and job placement program, Project:Involve, pairs emerging culturally-diverse filmmakers with film industry professionals.
Film Independent produces the Los Angeles Film Festival, celebrating the best of American and international cinema, and the Spirit Awards, a celebration honoring films and filmmakers that embody independence and dare to challenge the status quo.
For more information or to become a member, visit FilmIndependent.org
