News
DRG STRIKES COMEDY PILOT DEAL WITH EMERGING FILMMAKERS
AND ANNOUNCES NEW FILMAKA COMPETITION WITH CBC CANADA
TO FIND NEXT HIT ENTERTAINMENT FORMAT
Leading London based content distributor Digital Rights Group (DRG) can today announce a new collaboration with Filmaka, the digital entertainment studio and global community of filmmakers, sponsoring a competition, alongside Canada's national public broadcaster CBC, to search for the next worldwide hit television entertainment format. At the same time, DRG has signed a development deal for the comedy series Blowout with up and coming filmmakers Michael Kinney and Max Herholz, discovered through its first "Hard Times" themed Filmaka short film competition.
DRG's Justin Judd said today, "We were very impressed with the scope of ideas submitted to the "Hard Times" competition and are looking forward to working with Michael and Max on the development of Blowout, a series which we believe has fantastic potential on the international stage. This competition is the perfect way to give talented filmmakers an opportunity to get their projects in front of leading creatives in the television industry and we eagerly anticipate the response to our new TV format challenge".
Comedy series Blowout, set amidst the wheeling and dealing of a second class used car lot, was chosen for development from almost 200 entries to the first DRG sponsored Filmaka competition. Launched in March 2009, the competition saw filmmakers submitting a 1 – 3 minute film based on the theme "Hard Times". 18 of these were then selected to submit a second short film and a pitch detailing their vision for their television series. Blowout creators Kinney and Herholz are now in development with DRG on a script for a television pilot and DRG continues to review competition submissions for further development.
In the new competition, launching this week, members of Filmaka's creative community are challenged to focus on ideas for the next global hit reality or game show format idea. Partnering DRG in sponsoring the project is CBC Canada. Julie Bristow, CBC's Executive Director of Factual Entertainment said, "We want to encourage creativity from a grassroots level".
Filmaka's Deepak Nayar (producer, Bend It Like Beckham) commented, "We are very excited to see the response to this competition from Filmaka's global community of talented filmmakers. Collaborations with renowned companies such as DRG and CBC Canada allow our members to draw on a wealth of experience in creating shows for an international audience, providing the perfect opportunity to develop their work and showcase their skills."
Entrants must submit a visually enhanced written pitch outlining the basic concept and structure of the show, how players/contestants enter and progress through the show and how its winner is selected. DRG and CBC are open to a range of ideas – from the classic studio based game show or primetime entertainment format to a show which challenges contestants physically or a reality game show hybrid – provided the idea is new and unique. Entries will be judged by DRG and CBC's specialist in-house development team and five entrants will be awarded funds to shoot 15 minute pilot presentations. DRG, CBC and Filmaka will then enter further development discussions with the makers of the entry they believe has the greatest potential to become the next hit television format.
The deadline for submitting pitches is 24th January 2010 - for further information, visit www.filmaka.com/gameshow
Notes to editors:
For further information contact:
Debbie Lawrence
The Lippin Company Ltd
+44 203 008 5406
dlawrence@lippingroup.com
London, 18 December 2009 -- About Michael Kinney and Max Herholz
Kinney, a graduate from USC's School of Cinema-Television, made his directorial debut with narrative feature film Hit Me, wrote and directed the short film Great Moments in History for DIRECTV and is currently head writer and supervising producer of Max and Jason: Still Up for Current TV. A business graduate from the University of Michigan, Herholz has starred in five feature films and played various lead and supporting roles in more than 40 projects and television shows.
About DRG
The UK's leading independent distributor, Digital Rights Group (DRG), is backed by IMAC (Ingenious Media Active Capital). DRG provides producers with international distribution of their rights and programmes independently of the major broadcasters and other producer-owned distributors.
The Group works with producers during all phases of the production process; from development right through to the acquisition of finished programmes and formats. The focus is on high quality, multi-genre content delivered to all platforms.
About Filmaka
Filmaka is an online global creative community (www.filmaka.com) and entertainment studio committed to inspiring and rewarding creativity and talent by providing professional opportunities for directors and writers all around the world. Filmaka challenges its community to create original, professionally produced short films, branded entertainment, digital and television series, and feature films, working with media companies, advertising agencies, and major brands. Filmaka's feature film competition jury includes Laura Bickford, Colin Firth, Werner Herzog, Neil LaBute, John Madden, Bill Pullman, Paul Schrader, and Wim Wenders.
London, 18 December 2009
Leading London based content distributor Digital Rights Group (DRG) can today announce a new collaboration with Filmaka, the digital entertainment studio and global community of filmmakers, sponsoring a competition, alongside Canada's national public broadcaster CBC, to search for the next worldwide hit television entertainment format. At the same time, DRG has signed a development deal for the comedy series Blowout with up and coming filmmakers Michael Kinney and Max Herholz, discovered through its first "Hard Times" themed Filmaka short film competition.
DRG's Justin Judd said today, "We were very impressed with the scope of ideas submitted to the "Hard Times" competition and are looking forward to working with Michael and Max on the development of Blowout, a series which we believe has fantastic potential on the international stage. This competition is the perfect way to give talented filmmakers an opportunity to get their projects in front of leading creatives in the television industry and we eagerly anticipate the response to our new TV format challenge".
Comedy series Blowout, set amidst the wheeling and dealing of a second class used car lot, was chosen for development from almost 200 entries to the first DRG sponsored Filmaka competition. Launched in March 2009, the competition saw filmmakers submitting a 1 – 3 minute film based on the theme "Hard Times". 18 of these were then selected to submit a second short film and a pitch detailing their vision for their television series. Blowout creators Kinney and Herholz are now in development with DRG on a script for a television pilot and DRG continues to review competition submissions for further development.
In the new competition, launching this week, members of Filmaka's creative community are challenged to focus on ideas for the next global hit reality or game show format idea. Partnering DRG in sponsoring the project is CBC Canada. Julie Bristow, CBC's Executive Director of Factual Entertainment said, "We want to encourage creativity from a grassroots level".
Filmaka's Deepak Nayar (producer, Bend It Like Beckham) commented, "We are very excited to see the response to this competition from Filmaka's global community of talented filmmakers. Collaborations with renowned companies such as DRG and CBC Canada allow our members to draw on a wealth of experience in creating shows for an international audience, providing the perfect opportunity to develop their work and showcase their skills."
Entrants must submit a visually enhanced written pitch outlining the basic concept and structure of the show, how players/contestants enter and progress through the show and how its winner is selected. DRG and CBC are open to a range of ideas – from the classic studio based game show or primetime entertainment format to a show which challenges contestants physically or a reality game show hybrid – provided the idea is new and unique. Entries will be judged by DRG and CBC's specialist in-house development team and five entrants will be awarded funds to shoot 15 minute pilot presentations. DRG, CBC and Filmaka will then enter further development discussions with the makers of the entry they believe has the greatest potential to become the next hit television format.
The deadline for submitting pitches is 24th January 2010 - for further information, visit www.filmaka.com/gameshow
Notes to editors:
For further information contact:
Debbie Lawrence
The Lippin Company Ltd
+44 203 008 5406
dlawrence@lippingroup.com
London, 18 December 2009 -- About Michael Kinney and Max Herholz
Kinney, a graduate from USC's School of Cinema-Television, made his directorial debut with narrative feature film Hit Me, wrote and directed the short film Great Moments in History for DIRECTV and is currently head writer and supervising producer of Max and Jason: Still Up for Current TV. A business graduate from the University of Michigan, Herholz has starred in five feature films and played various lead and supporting roles in more than 40 projects and television shows.
About DRG
The UK's leading independent distributor, Digital Rights Group (DRG), is backed by IMAC (Ingenious Media Active Capital). DRG provides producers with international distribution of their rights and programmes independently of the major broadcasters and other producer-owned distributors.
The Group works with producers during all phases of the production process; from development right through to the acquisition of finished programmes and formats. The focus is on high quality, multi-genre content delivered to all platforms.
About Filmaka
Filmaka is an online global creative community (www.filmaka.com) and entertainment studio committed to inspiring and rewarding creativity and talent by providing professional opportunities for directors and writers all around the world. Filmaka challenges its community to create original, professionally produced short films, branded entertainment, digital and television series, and feature films, working with media companies, advertising agencies, and major brands. Filmaka's feature film competition jury includes Laura Bickford, Colin Firth, Werner Herzog, Neil LaBute, John Madden, Bill Pullman, Paul Schrader, and Wim Wenders.
JERRY STILLER AND ANGUS DEAYTON JOIN MARTIN FREEMAN AND MANDY MOORE FOR BRITISH COMEDY, SWINGING WITH THE FINKELS
London, UK – September 2, 2009
– Jerry Stiller, Angus Deayton, Daisy Beaumont and Paul Chowdhry have joined the cast of SWINGING WITH THE FINKELS, the romantic comedy which started production on Wednesday, 26th August, on location in the UK. The cast join leads Martin Freeman and Mandy Moore in a romantic comedy that explores the ups and downs of relationships and poses the eternal questions "is the grass greener on the other side?" Martin Freeman (The Office, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy) stars as "Alvin Finkel" alongside Mandy Moore (License to Wed, Because I Said So) as his wife, "Ellie Winters". It is the story of how to survive the rocky road of marriage, the truth about sex, but most importantly, the truth about love.
Melissa George (The Betrayed, 30 days of Night) and Jonathan Silverman (Weekend at Bernie's, In Case of Emergency) also star as another couple with marital troubles. Angus Deayton (That Deadwood Feeling, One Foot in the Grave) takes the role of Richard, Alvin's friend, and is joined by Jerry Stiller (Hairspray, The King of Queens (TV), Zoolander), Daisy Beaumont (Mumbai Calling (TV), The Man who would be Queen (TV)) and Paul Chowdhry (The Blue Tower). SWINGING WITH THE FINKELS is being shot on location in Cambridge and London, over a five week period.
Written and directed by Jonathan Newman, the film originally started life on the website filmaka.com as short film "Sex With The Finkels". Newman developed the feature with the backing of acclaimed independent producer and website founder, Deepak Nayar (Bend It Like Beckham, Buena Vista Social Club).
SWINGING WITH THE FINKELS is produced by Reliance ADA and Starlight films in association with Kintop Pictures, Urban Island and Filmaka. The Producers are Deepak Nayar and Rosanne Milliken. The executive producers are Thomas Augsberger, Philip von Alvensleben, Albert Klychak and David Mutch. Foreign sales will be handled by Simon Crowe's SC Films International.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact: BeBe Lerner (323) 822-4800
– Jerry Stiller, Angus Deayton, Daisy Beaumont and Paul Chowdhry have joined the cast of SWINGING WITH THE FINKELS, the romantic comedy which started production on Wednesday, 26th August, on location in the UK. The cast join leads Martin Freeman and Mandy Moore in a romantic comedy that explores the ups and downs of relationships and poses the eternal questions "is the grass greener on the other side?" Martin Freeman (The Office, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy) stars as "Alvin Finkel" alongside Mandy Moore (License to Wed, Because I Said So) as his wife, "Ellie Winters". It is the story of how to survive the rocky road of marriage, the truth about sex, but most importantly, the truth about love.
Melissa George (The Betrayed, 30 days of Night) and Jonathan Silverman (Weekend at Bernie's, In Case of Emergency) also star as another couple with marital troubles. Angus Deayton (That Deadwood Feeling, One Foot in the Grave) takes the role of Richard, Alvin's friend, and is joined by Jerry Stiller (Hairspray, The King of Queens (TV), Zoolander), Daisy Beaumont (Mumbai Calling (TV), The Man who would be Queen (TV)) and Paul Chowdhry (The Blue Tower). SWINGING WITH THE FINKELS is being shot on location in Cambridge and London, over a five week period.
Written and directed by Jonathan Newman, the film originally started life on the website filmaka.com as short film "Sex With The Finkels". Newman developed the feature with the backing of acclaimed independent producer and website founder, Deepak Nayar (Bend It Like Beckham, Buena Vista Social Club).
SWINGING WITH THE FINKELS is produced by Reliance ADA and Starlight films in association with Kintop Pictures, Urban Island and Filmaka. The Producers are Deepak Nayar and Rosanne Milliken. The executive producers are Thomas Augsberger, Philip von Alvensleben, Albert Klychak and David Mutch. Foreign sales will be handled by Simon Crowe's SC Films International.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact: BeBe Lerner (323) 822-4800
MARTIN FREEMAN, MANDY MOORE & VETERAN COMEDIAN JERRY STILLER SET TO 'SWING' IN NEW BRIT COMEDY
Sex & Relationship Comedy To Be Produced by Kintop Pictures/Reliance LP & Starlight Films
in Association with Urban Island and Filmaka
LONDON, UK – 26th August 2009 – Production began today on the upcoming Swinging With The Finkels, a romantic comedy that explores the ups and downs of relationships. The comedy stars Martin Freeman (The Office, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy) as protagonist 'Alvin Finkel,' alongside Mandy Moore (License to Wed, Because I Said So) as his wife, 'Ellie Winters'. Jonathan Silverman (Weekend at Bernie's, In Case of Emergency) and Melissa George (The Betrayed, 30 days of Night) will join Freeman and Moore as another couple with marital troubles; comedy legend Jerry Stiller also takes a starring role.
Swinging With The Finkels is an off-beat romance on how to survive the rocky road of marriage, with lessons on the truth about sex, but most importantly, the truth about love.
Martin Freeman, will next be seen in the British feature Nativity. He is known to audiences as mischievous 'Tim' in the award winning British series, The Office. Actress/singer Mandy Moore recently released her critically acclaimed album, Amanda Leigh earlier this year.
Swinging With The Finkels was written and will be directed by Jonathan Newman. Making its debut on the website filmaka.com as the short film "Sex With The Finkels", Newman developed the feature with the backing of acclaimed independent producer and website founder, Deepak Nayar (Bend it Like Beckham, Buena Vista Social Club)
Freeman is repped by Michael Wiggs at Creative Artists Management. Moore is repped by manager Jon Leshay at Storefront and Theresa Peters at United Talent. Swinging With The Finkels is produced by Kintop Pictures/Reliance LP and Starlight films in association with Urban Island, and Filmaka Inc. Deepak Nayar and Rosanne Milliken will produce. Thomas Augsberger, Philip von Alvensleben, Albert Klychak and David Mutch will executive produce. Foreign sales will be handled by Simon Crowe's SC Films International.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
in Association with Urban Island and Filmaka
Swinging With The Finkels is an off-beat romance on how to survive the rocky road of marriage, with lessons on the truth about sex, but most importantly, the truth about love.
Martin Freeman, will next be seen in the British feature Nativity. He is known to audiences as mischievous 'Tim' in the award winning British series, The Office. Actress/singer Mandy Moore recently released her critically acclaimed album, Amanda Leigh earlier this year.
Swinging With The Finkels was written and will be directed by Jonathan Newman. Making its debut on the website filmaka.com as the short film "Sex With The Finkels", Newman developed the feature with the backing of acclaimed independent producer and website founder, Deepak Nayar (Bend it Like Beckham, Buena Vista Social Club)
Freeman is repped by Michael Wiggs at Creative Artists Management. Moore is repped by manager Jon Leshay at Storefront and Theresa Peters at United Talent. Swinging With The Finkels is produced by Kintop Pictures/Reliance LP and Starlight films in association with Urban Island, and Filmaka Inc. Deepak Nayar and Rosanne Milliken will produce. Thomas Augsberger, Philip von Alvensleben, Albert Klychak and David Mutch will executive produce. Foreign sales will be handled by Simon Crowe's SC Films International.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FILMAKA'S "THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA" NAMED WINNER, BEST DRAMA SERIES IN THE 13th ANNUAL WEBBY AWARDS
Los Angeles, April 15, 2009 – Filmaka, a digital entertainment studio and global creative community, announced today that its original web series THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA was named BEST DRAMA SERIES in the 13th Annual Webby Awards. The series, created by Mexico City-based Filmaka members LUIS BERNAL SALAZAR, RODRIGO LOPEZ ALDANA, and ARTURO GONZALEZ ALONSO, was the only non-English language web series recognized with a Webby.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA is an intense ten-part series, shot and set in Mexico, which depicts the struggles of two brothers embroiled in the real-life international gang Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA will be honored at a star-studded ceremony hosted by Saturday Night Live's Seth Meyers on June 8th in New York City. On June 9th, fans will be able to watch the ceremony, including the filmmakers' five-word speech, at the official Webby Awards YouTube Channel. A full list of both Webby Awards and People's Voice Awards winners can be found at:
http://www.webbyawards.com/webbys/current.php?season=13
Hailed as the "Internet's highest honor" by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including websites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile websites. The Webby Awards is presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, a 650-person judging academy whose members include Internet co-inventor Vint Cerf, R/GA's Chief Bob Greenberg, "Simpson's" creator Matt Groening, Arianna Huffington and Harvey Weinstein.
"The Webby Awards honors the very best of the Internet," said David-Michel Davies, executive director of the Webby Awards. "THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA's achievement is a testament to the skill, ingenuity and vision of its creators."
Filmaka founder, independent film producer Deepak Nayar (BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM, BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB) stated "Filmaka is very honored that the Webby Awards have recognized THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA as Best Drama Series of the year. Filmaka's goal is to build and develop a community of talented creative artists by providing a variety of opportunities. We congratulate and thank Luis, Rodrigo, and Arturo for creating such a noteworthy series and for providing inspiration for future filmmakers."
The creative team joined Filmaka in 2007 for a chance to direct a feature film. Through a competition, they submitted a short film whose concept Filmaka quickly determined would make a compelling web series. Filmaka fully funded the project and is currently working with the filmmakers to develop the series into a feature film and television series.
Speaking on behalf of his co-creators, director Luis Bernal Salazar said "We are incredibly excited about winning the Webby Award, especially since THE TEN COMMANDMENTS has been such a passion project for us. It is an honor to be in such distinguished company and to represent our country. We would like to thank Filmaka for giving us, and our fellow filmmakers, a creative platform and such a great professional opportunity."
The 13th Annual Webby Awards received nearly 10,000 entries from over 60 countries and all 50 states. Founded in 1996, The Webby Awards are known worldwide for its famous five-word speech limit. Past Webby Award winners – and their speeches - include Al Gore ("Please don't recount this vote"), Beastie Boys ("Can anyone fix my computer?"), and Stephen Colbert ("Me. Me. Me. Me. Me.").
Episodes of THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA can be viewed at https://www.filmaka.com/tencommandments.php Prior to its Webby Award, the series received a Streamy Award nomination for Best Artistic Concept, the only non-English language nominee in any category.
About FILMAKA Filmaka (www.filmaka.com) is an on-line global creative community and marketplace committed to inspiring and rewarding creativity and talent by providing professional opportunities for directors and writers all around the world. Each month, Filmaka challenges its community to create original, professionally produced high-quality scripted and unscripted films and branded entertainment. Rewards range from cash prizes to the opportunity to create series for traditional and digital media. Filmaka also offers a customized content distribution platform, including a strategic alliance with the Adconion Media Group.
About The Webby Awards
Hailed as the "Internet's highest honor" by the New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile web sites. Established in 1996, the 13th Annual Webby Awards received nearly 10,000 entries from all 50 states and over 60 countries worldwide. The Webby Awards is presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include: YouTube; Microsoft Silverlight; The Creative Group; .ORG; Getty Images; The Barbarian Group; Digital Kitchen; Variety; Wired; IDG; PricewaterhouseCoopers; 2advanced.Net; KobeMail and Museum of the Moving Image.
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA is an intense ten-part series, shot and set in Mexico, which depicts the struggles of two brothers embroiled in the real-life international gang Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA will be honored at a star-studded ceremony hosted by Saturday Night Live's Seth Meyers on June 8th in New York City. On June 9th, fans will be able to watch the ceremony, including the filmmakers' five-word speech, at the official Webby Awards YouTube Channel. A full list of both Webby Awards and People's Voice Awards winners can be found at:
http://www.webbyawards.com/webbys/current.php?season=13
Hailed as the "Internet's highest honor" by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including websites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile websites. The Webby Awards is presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, a 650-person judging academy whose members include Internet co-inventor Vint Cerf, R/GA's Chief Bob Greenberg, "Simpson's" creator Matt Groening, Arianna Huffington and Harvey Weinstein.
"The Webby Awards honors the very best of the Internet," said David-Michel Davies, executive director of the Webby Awards. "THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA's achievement is a testament to the skill, ingenuity and vision of its creators."
Filmaka founder, independent film producer Deepak Nayar (BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM, BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB) stated "Filmaka is very honored that the Webby Awards have recognized THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA as Best Drama Series of the year. Filmaka's goal is to build and develop a community of talented creative artists by providing a variety of opportunities. We congratulate and thank Luis, Rodrigo, and Arturo for creating such a noteworthy series and for providing inspiration for future filmmakers."
The creative team joined Filmaka in 2007 for a chance to direct a feature film. Through a competition, they submitted a short film whose concept Filmaka quickly determined would make a compelling web series. Filmaka fully funded the project and is currently working with the filmmakers to develop the series into a feature film and television series.
Speaking on behalf of his co-creators, director Luis Bernal Salazar said "We are incredibly excited about winning the Webby Award, especially since THE TEN COMMANDMENTS has been such a passion project for us. It is an honor to be in such distinguished company and to represent our country. We would like to thank Filmaka for giving us, and our fellow filmmakers, a creative platform and such a great professional opportunity."
The 13th Annual Webby Awards received nearly 10,000 entries from over 60 countries and all 50 states. Founded in 1996, The Webby Awards are known worldwide for its famous five-word speech limit. Past Webby Award winners – and their speeches - include Al Gore ("Please don't recount this vote"), Beastie Boys ("Can anyone fix my computer?"), and Stephen Colbert ("Me. Me. Me. Me. Me.").
Episodes of THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA can be viewed at https://www.filmaka.com/tencommandments.php Prior to its Webby Award, the series received a Streamy Award nomination for Best Artistic Concept, the only non-English language nominee in any category.
About FILMAKA Filmaka (www.filmaka.com) is an on-line global creative community and marketplace committed to inspiring and rewarding creativity and talent by providing professional opportunities for directors and writers all around the world. Each month, Filmaka challenges its community to create original, professionally produced high-quality scripted and unscripted films and branded entertainment. Rewards range from cash prizes to the opportunity to create series for traditional and digital media. Filmaka also offers a customized content distribution platform, including a strategic alliance with the Adconion Media Group.
About The Webby Awards
Hailed as the "Internet's highest honor" by the New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile web sites. Established in 1996, the 13th Annual Webby Awards received nearly 10,000 entries from all 50 states and over 60 countries worldwide. The Webby Awards is presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include: YouTube; Microsoft Silverlight; The Creative Group; .ORG; Getty Images; The Barbarian Group; Digital Kitchen; Variety; Wired; IDG; PricewaterhouseCoopers; 2advanced.Net; KobeMail and Museum of the Moving Image.
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FILMAKA'S "THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA" NOMINATED FOR BEST DRAMA SERIES IN THE 13th ANNUAL WEBBY AWARDS
Fans Can Vote Online to Help " THE TEN COMMANDMENTS" Win Internet's Top Honor
http://pv.webbyawards.com
Los Angeles, April 15, 2009 – FILMAKA, a digital studio and global creative community, announced today that its original web series "THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA," created by members LUIS BERNAL SALAZAR, RODRIGO LOPEZ ALDANA, and ARTURO GONZALEZ, has been nominated for Best DRAMA SERIES in the 13th Annual Webby Awards.
Hailed as the "Internet's highest honor" by the New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet.
"Nominees like "THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA" are setting the standard for innovation and creativity on the Internet," said David-Michel Davies, executive director of the Webby Awards. "It is an incredible achievement to be selected among the best from the nearly 10,000 entries we received this year."
"THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA" is an intense ten-part series, shot and set in Mexico, which depicts the struggles of two brothers embroiled in the real-life international gang Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13.
Filmaka founder, independent film producer Deepak Nayar (BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM, BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB) stated "Filmaka is very honored that the prestigious Webby Awards have recognized our flagship series THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. Filmaka's mission is to discover and nurture talent so we congratulate Luis, Rodrigo, and Arturo on this tremendous accomplishment."
The Mexico City-based filmmakers joined Filmaka in 2007 for a chance to direct a feature film. Through a competition, the creative team submitted a short film whose concept Filmaka quickly determined would make a compelling web series. Filmaka fully funded the project and is currently working with the filmmakers to develop the series into a feature film and television series.
As a Webby nominee, "THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA" is also eligible to win a Webby People's Voice Award, which is voted online by the global Web community. From now until April 30th, "THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA" fans can cast their votes in The Webby People's Voice Awards at http://pv.webbyawards.com
Winners will be announced on May 5th, 2009 and honored at a star-studded ceremony in New York City on June 8th hosted by Seth Meyers. Winners will be able to share one of the Webby's famous five-word speeches with the world. Past Webby Award winners - and their speeches - include Al Gore ("Please don't recount this vote."), Beastie Boys ("Can anyone fix my computer?"), and Stephen Colbert ("Me. Me. Me. Me. Me.").
The Webby Awards is presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, a 650-person judging academy whose members include Internet co-inventor Vinton Cerf, R/GA's Chief Bob Greenberg, "Simpson's" creator Matt Groening, Arianna Huffington, and Harvey Weinstein.
Episodes of "THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA" can be viewed at https://www.filmaka.com/tencommandments.php. Prior to its Webby recognition, the series received a Streamy Award nomination for Best Artistic Concept, the only non-English language nominee in any category.
ABOUT FILMAKA
Filmaka (www.filmaka.com) is an on-line global creative community and marketplace committed to inspiring and rewarding creativity and talent by providing professional opportunities for directors and writers all around the world. Each month, Filmaka challenges its community to create original, professionally produced high-quality scripted and unscripted films and branded entertainment. Rewards range from cash prizes to the opportunity to create series for traditional and digital media.
ABOUT THE WEBBY AWARDS:
Hailed as the "Internet's highest honor" by the New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile web sites. Established in 1996, the 13th Annual Webby Awards received nearly 10,000 entries from all 50 states and over 60 countries worldwide. The Webby Awards is presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include: Microsoft Silverlight; The Creative Group; .ORG; Getty Images; The Barbarian Group; Digital Kitchen; Wired; IDG; PricewaterhouseCoopers; 2advanced.Net; KobeMail and Museum of the Moving Image.
http://pv.webbyawards.com
Los Angeles, April 15, 2009 – FILMAKA, a digital studio and global creative community, announced today that its original web series "THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA," created by members LUIS BERNAL SALAZAR, RODRIGO LOPEZ ALDANA, and ARTURO GONZALEZ, has been nominated for Best DRAMA SERIES in the 13th Annual Webby Awards.
Hailed as the "Internet's highest honor" by the New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet.
"Nominees like "THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA" are setting the standard for innovation and creativity on the Internet," said David-Michel Davies, executive director of the Webby Awards. "It is an incredible achievement to be selected among the best from the nearly 10,000 entries we received this year."
"THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA" is an intense ten-part series, shot and set in Mexico, which depicts the struggles of two brothers embroiled in the real-life international gang Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13.
Filmaka founder, independent film producer Deepak Nayar (BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM, BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB) stated "Filmaka is very honored that the prestigious Webby Awards have recognized our flagship series THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. Filmaka's mission is to discover and nurture talent so we congratulate Luis, Rodrigo, and Arturo on this tremendous accomplishment."
The Mexico City-based filmmakers joined Filmaka in 2007 for a chance to direct a feature film. Through a competition, the creative team submitted a short film whose concept Filmaka quickly determined would make a compelling web series. Filmaka fully funded the project and is currently working with the filmmakers to develop the series into a feature film and television series.
As a Webby nominee, "THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA" is also eligible to win a Webby People's Voice Award, which is voted online by the global Web community. From now until April 30th, "THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA" fans can cast their votes in The Webby People's Voice Awards at http://pv.webbyawards.com
Winners will be announced on May 5th, 2009 and honored at a star-studded ceremony in New York City on June 8th hosted by Seth Meyers. Winners will be able to share one of the Webby's famous five-word speeches with the world. Past Webby Award winners - and their speeches - include Al Gore ("Please don't recount this vote."), Beastie Boys ("Can anyone fix my computer?"), and Stephen Colbert ("Me. Me. Me. Me. Me.").
The Webby Awards is presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, a 650-person judging academy whose members include Internet co-inventor Vinton Cerf, R/GA's Chief Bob Greenberg, "Simpson's" creator Matt Groening, Arianna Huffington, and Harvey Weinstein.
Episodes of "THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LA VIDA LOCA" can be viewed at https://www.filmaka.com/tencommandments.php. Prior to its Webby recognition, the series received a Streamy Award nomination for Best Artistic Concept, the only non-English language nominee in any category.
ABOUT FILMAKA
Filmaka (www.filmaka.com) is an on-line global creative community and marketplace committed to inspiring and rewarding creativity and talent by providing professional opportunities for directors and writers all around the world. Each month, Filmaka challenges its community to create original, professionally produced high-quality scripted and unscripted films and branded entertainment. Rewards range from cash prizes to the opportunity to create series for traditional and digital media.
ABOUT THE WEBBY AWARDS:
Hailed as the "Internet's highest honor" by the New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile web sites. Established in 1996, the 13th Annual Webby Awards received nearly 10,000 entries from all 50 states and over 60 countries worldwide. The Webby Awards is presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include: Microsoft Silverlight; The Creative Group; .ORG; Getty Images; The Barbarian Group; Digital Kitchen; Wired; IDG; PricewaterhouseCoopers; 2advanced.Net; KobeMail and Museum of the Moving Image.
DIGITAL RIGHTS GROUP PARTNERS WITH FILMAKA TO MAKE DRAMA OUT OF THE CRISIS
4th March 2009 – London based multiplatform distributor Digital Rights Group today announced they have partnered with LA based online film making community Filmaka (www.filmaka.com) to sponsor a short film competition around the theme of 'Hard Times.' The winners win a cash prize plus the chance of being propelled to the movie making major league. If their 3 minute short film submitted is selected, the distributor is offering the winners the opportunity to turn it into a long running TV series or movie or an ongoing internet series.
Entries to the Digital Rights Group competition, which opens today, are voted for by the community, a set of judges at Digital Rights Group and by Filmaka's internationally renowned jury of movie makers which includes Colin Firth, Werner Herzog, and John Madden. Membership to the Filmaka community is free and for an administrative fee of $10.00 users can upload their films.
Filmaka has a loyal community of talented film makers from all around the world. Through its work with major advertising agencies and brands such as Ford, SAB Miller and the FX Network, Filmaka has proved that there is a huge pool of untapped talent and creativity which can create and deliver astonishingly professional content at very short notice, working with very efficient budgets.
DRG's Justin Judd said, "Our purpose in working with Filmaka is to find and pilot a number of ideas that we can then develop into more traditional formats such as long running TV series which could be straight drama or comedy. Whilst other sites have run occasional online movie competitions, the beauty of working with Filmaka is that their community brings a wide range of perspectives and approaches to the idea. 'Hard Times' seems an appropriate theme in the current economic circumstances but we remain very excited to see how the budding creative forces of tomorrow will interpret this theme and we look forward to helping them make it the next big, international hit."
Filmaka's Deepak Nayar (producer, Bend It Like Beckham, Lost Highway) said, "Filmaka looks forward to seeing the many ways our global community interprets the very topical "Hard Times" theme. Our film makers have proven their versatility time and time again, from creating branded entertainment for SABMiller and Ford Mustang, to short comedy films for FX, to music videos for Lincoln which featured in this year's Grammy (R) Awards. Filmaka's mission is to reward creativity so we thank Digital Rights Group for giving our community the opportunity to turn their short films into hits for multiple platforms, including television and film."
Entries for the competition close at midnight PST on 19th April.
About DRG
The UK's leading independent distributor, Digital Rights Group, is backed by IMAC (Ingenious Media Active Capital), the largest listed media fund in Europe. DRG provides producers with international distribution for their rights and programmes independently of the major broadcasters and other producer-owned distributors.
The Group works with producers during all phases of the production process; from
development to the acquisition of finished programmes and formats. The focus is on high quality, multi-genre content delivered to all platforms.
About Filmaka
Filmaka (www.filmaka.com) is an on-line global creative community and marketplace, committed to inspiring, celebrating and rewarding creativity and talent by providing professional opportunities for directors and writers from all around the world. The unique mechanism is a series of competitions which are juried by industry leaders. Filmaka challenges its community to create original, professionally produced high-quality scripted and unscripted films and branded entertainment. Rewards range from cash prizes to the opportunity to create series for traditional and digital media. Filmaka will also produce at least one feature film and documentary directed by community members.
Notes to editors:
For further information contact:
Gemma Feeney
PR & Marketing Manager
+44 (0) 20 7494 5828
+ 44 (0) 7827 830 949
Entries to the Digital Rights Group competition, which opens today, are voted for by the community, a set of judges at Digital Rights Group and by Filmaka's internationally renowned jury of movie makers which includes Colin Firth, Werner Herzog, and John Madden. Membership to the Filmaka community is free and for an administrative fee of $10.00 users can upload their films.
Filmaka has a loyal community of talented film makers from all around the world. Through its work with major advertising agencies and brands such as Ford, SAB Miller and the FX Network, Filmaka has proved that there is a huge pool of untapped talent and creativity which can create and deliver astonishingly professional content at very short notice, working with very efficient budgets.
DRG's Justin Judd said, "Our purpose in working with Filmaka is to find and pilot a number of ideas that we can then develop into more traditional formats such as long running TV series which could be straight drama or comedy. Whilst other sites have run occasional online movie competitions, the beauty of working with Filmaka is that their community brings a wide range of perspectives and approaches to the idea. 'Hard Times' seems an appropriate theme in the current economic circumstances but we remain very excited to see how the budding creative forces of tomorrow will interpret this theme and we look forward to helping them make it the next big, international hit."
Filmaka's Deepak Nayar (producer, Bend It Like Beckham, Lost Highway) said, "Filmaka looks forward to seeing the many ways our global community interprets the very topical "Hard Times" theme. Our film makers have proven their versatility time and time again, from creating branded entertainment for SABMiller and Ford Mustang, to short comedy films for FX, to music videos for Lincoln which featured in this year's Grammy (R) Awards. Filmaka's mission is to reward creativity so we thank Digital Rights Group for giving our community the opportunity to turn their short films into hits for multiple platforms, including television and film."
Entries for the competition close at midnight PST on 19th April.
About DRG
The UK's leading independent distributor, Digital Rights Group, is backed by IMAC (Ingenious Media Active Capital), the largest listed media fund in Europe. DRG provides producers with international distribution for their rights and programmes independently of the major broadcasters and other producer-owned distributors.
The Group works with producers during all phases of the production process; from
development to the acquisition of finished programmes and formats. The focus is on high quality, multi-genre content delivered to all platforms.
About Filmaka
Filmaka (www.filmaka.com) is an on-line global creative community and marketplace, committed to inspiring, celebrating and rewarding creativity and talent by providing professional opportunities for directors and writers from all around the world. The unique mechanism is a series of competitions which are juried by industry leaders. Filmaka challenges its community to create original, professionally produced high-quality scripted and unscripted films and branded entertainment. Rewards range from cash prizes to the opportunity to create series for traditional and digital media. Filmaka will also produce at least one feature film and documentary directed by community members.
Notes to editors:
For further information contact:
Gemma Feeney
PR & Marketing Manager
+44 (0) 20 7494 5828
+ 44 (0) 7827 830 949