NBC Universal will announce the top finalists filmmakers at its fifth-annual "Short Cuts Film Festival" grand finale. The star-studded red-carpet event will take place on Thursday, October 20 at 8 p.m. at the Directors Guild of America Theater in Los Angeles.
Last month, nine semi-finalists were honored with an industry exclusive screening at the School of Visual Arts Theater in New York City, for their diverse films. Now, the best six of nine are being brought to Los Angeles for the Grand Finale screening, where the top final filmmakers will be granted an NBC Universal Talent Holding deal for Best Actor, a blind script deal with NBC Universal, executive meetings for Best Filmmaker and an NBCU Digital Studios Opportunity and a creative concept commercial assignment granted by Burrell Communications, a top multicultural advertising agency."The goal of the Short Cuts Film Festival is simply to provide a unique opportunity for diverse un-established or up-and-coming filmmakers to showcase their talents and to gain industry exposure on multiple levels," said Wil Sylvince, Founder, Short Cuts Film Festival. NBC Universal's Short Cuts Film Festival demonstrates the company's firm commitment to diversity and inclusion both in front of and behind the scenes. As part of this very exciting initiative, NBCU will continue to recognize talent diversity by providing unique opportunities to developing filmmakers.
"It is very gratifying to see how this exciting initiative from NBC Universal continues to grow each year as we recognize talent diversity by providing a priceless venue for developing filmmakers to exhibit their work," said Paula Madison, Executive Vice President of Diversity, NBC Universal. "Past participants who got a boost from this project are now starting to make their mark in entertainment, and audiences will benefit from the point of view of these diverse new artists." Now in its fifth-consecutive year, NBC Universal's Short-Cuts Film Festival has become known to the industry for showcasing films from a diverse point of view. The program is championed by Kendra Carter, Director of NBC's Talent Diversity Initiatives, and each year the NBC Short Cuts Film Festival is supported by progressive sponsors who believe in the initiative. This year, those sponsors are Web Solutions MD as well as returning Sheraton Universal Hotel, among others.
"It's a great honor for Burrell Communications to partner with NBC Universal Short Cuts Film Festival to create opportunities for the next generation of young filmmakers and storytellers," said Lewis Williams, Chief Creative Officer of Burrell Communications. "Burrell has always made it a priority to provide an outlet for creative individuals to showcase their talent and skills. These opportunities are crucial to the diversity of ideas, content and talent in the film and advertising industry. We applaud this year's finalists and winners."The Sheraton Universal Hotel is pleased to once again support the NBC Short Cuts Film Festival. Since it opened its doors in 1969, the Sheraton Universal has been involved continuously with the television and film industries, having hosted numerous celebrities past and present and serving as the location for many films and television shows. "It is our pleasure to welcome a new generation of emerging talent in the television and film industry to the Hotel of the Stars," said Henri Birmele, General Manager.
Top recognition from 2009 went to Brown as well as Dempsey Tillman and Lin Oeding. Oeding is a director and co-writer who secured representation with Gersh upon being selected at the 2009 Finals. After winning Best Short Film, Brown earned a blind script deal with NBC Universal. Tillman won Best Director and received an opportunity to shoot behind-the-scenes footage for the original Syfy movie "51," produced by After Dark Productions.
