Louisiana Film Prize Launches With $50,000 Grand Prize

Online, March 18, 2012 (Newswire.com) - 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:

Website: http://lafilmprizeshreveport.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lafilmprize

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Lafilmprize

twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/lafilmprize/

Pre-recorded 5 minute video interview with Principals of the festival: http://youtu.be/GvQT7lamSJ4