Annual Eerie Horror Film Festival Seeking Submissions

The 5th Annual Eerie Horror Film Festival has officially opened its call for entries and is currently seeking submissions from all over the world.

Submission categories for the 2008 competition includes Horror Feature, Horror Short, Science Fiction Feature, Science Fiction Short, Suspense Feature, Suspense Short, Student (10 - 17 yrs of age) Horror Feature; Student (10 - 17 yrs of age) Horror Short; Short Length Screenplay; Feature Length Screenplay; Student (10 - 17 yrs of age) Feature Length Screenplay; Student (10 - 17 yrs of age) Short Length Screenplay, Video Game Concept, Video Game in Production and Completed Video Game.

Since 2004 the Eerie Horror Film Festival has screened over 200 films. The Annual Festival and Expo will take place in October of 2008, in Erie, Pa.

Website: http://www.eeriehorrorfilmfestival.com/

When Producers Stopped Talking, This Emmy-Winner Started Writing

"I have one the best jobs ever," says Susan Dansby, a script writer on the CBS soap opera "As the World Turns." "I get to live in Atlanta, work at home and write about romance, drama, action and adventure. What's not to like?"

That was Dansby's life until November 5, 2007, when the writers strike started. "I was pretty naïve. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) demands seemed reasonable. I figured the two sides would come together fairly quickly."

Then December 7, 2007, the producers (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP))walked away from table. "When the talks broke off," explains Dansby, "I had to do something to make money. I earn a good salary, but it's been a rough couple of years."

Susan Dansby was hit hard financially when her mother became ill. "Mom has good health insurance. But there were things like extended stays in sub-acute rehab, caregiver costs and respite stays, that simply weren't covered. But it was worth it, because Mom's doing great now."

When the writers strike created yet another financial challenge for Dansby, she decided to write the book she'd always planned to write. "People always ask how I got started in television. The truth is I followed a plan that's fairly simple."

Dansby's book, "How Did You Get That Job? My Dream Jobs and How They Came True" outlines her life through her work in mostly funny anecdotes. Included is a step-by-step guide to the system she used to get over 20 years worth of jobs in television like director, associate producer and writer.

What's the hardest thing about getting a dream job? "Not believing you can do it. It breaks my heart to see people spend their lives slaving at jobs they can barely tolerate like I did for so long." Indeed, it wasn't until Dansby was "fired-quit" from her job at a New York law firm that she made the commitment to find her dream job.

"I'd majored in theater, and was pursuing that at night. For free. Then working days making money. I wanted to pull the two together. Get paid for doing what I loved." Within a year of making that decision, she had her first TV job on the soap opera, "Guiding Light."

In the book, Dansby outlines the steps she took in that successful job hunt and another career search (when she became a director on the interracial soap opera, "Generations") over five years later.

Why only two job hunts? "That's all it took," explains Dansby. "Spending just a few hours a week on those two job hunts kept the jobs coming for 20 years. There's a measure of confidence that comes from knowing you can do more than get a job - you can get a job you love with a little bit of extra effort."

There are also stories about the soap opera of working on daytime drama. Dansby smiles, "Working with ambitious and creative people can get intense sometimes. I write about one actor who tried to get me fired, and one who delivered a letter to Oprah for me. In soaps, you run the gamut."

Despite the uncertainty caused by the strike, Susan Dansby is upbeat. "I've hated being away from my work; because I truly love my job. And I have definitely missed my paycheck. But people need to know they can have fulfilling careers, and be happy in their work. If I can help get that message out there, it'll all be worth it."

Website: http://www.ugetthatjob.com/

Filmmaker Sells Bricks to Raise A Quarter of A Million for Indywood Film

Grimsby born filmmaker Antony Lane is attempting to revolutionize the way films are funded in the UK, putting some life into an almost dead industry. In a quirky new concept Antony has to sell 1805 bricks to raise his movies budget independently.

"Some of Hollywood's top film-makers have backed a project by two enterprising film graduates who have used the internet to unite independent movie-makers from across the globe in the making of a film shot in Wales, which they hope could emulate the success of 'The Blair Witch Project’.

The Indywood Project is the brainchild of entrepreneur moviemaker Tony Lane, a recent film and video graduate from the International Film School Wales (IFSW).

In the past year Tony has made the headlines with his Miss Indywood contest and a Guinness World Record attempt at a zombie gathering in the city centre of Cardiff last year, which made national TV news.

Originally from Grimsby Tony moved to Cardiff to get his film "Invasion Of The Not Quite Dead" off the ground using nothing but the Internet. Within less than a year promoting the movie he has managed to get the film advertised on two of Europe’s leading online DVD rental stores as well as being featured on several theatrical blockbuster lists for 2008.

Tony Lane and his entrepreneurial partner Andrew Cargill have come up with a revolutionary idea to fund their first feature. Their fundraising website is selling virtual bricks for people to advertise on, they are hoping to raise the quarter of a million dollars needed to make the film independently.

"We want to give people from all around the world a chance to help out and contribute towards getting our movie made, this is an ambitious project and if successful may help inspire more filmmakers to fund their own movies here in the UK", said Antony.

Indywood needs to sell 1805 bricks in order to reach the $250,000 target goal.

"Both me and Antony have complete faith in this concept, the site doesn’t officially launch till the 28th Jab and we have already sold a great number of bricks and received an incredible amount of interest from established filmmakers from across the globe" said Andrew.

"Each brick is sold for $100 (£50.00) making it the most expensive small brick on the market today. Buying a brick will give you a chance to advertise on the indywood wall and you will also receive an exclusive producers pass to a secret website, where you can help contribute to the movie as well as see it develop in real time" said Andrew.

"This is a great site for people to promote their companies on since we are receiving thousands of hits a day just to see our crazy wall"
Said Antony.

For the past year Indywood has been promoting "Invasion Of The Not Quite Dead" across the net and in that time have managed to get a string of top talent supporting it including the very controversial Ken Russell, Kevin Pollak, Warwick Davies, David Bailey and top Hollywood special effects and makeup artist, Rich Knight.

Rich Knight said, "Indywood represents the future of Independent film"

"I love the website and am excited to see that the independent film makers in the UK have this sort of awareness-raising foundation. I wish all those involved the best of fortune and opportunity." Said Kevin Pollak

"I want to prove to the world that anyone determined enough and is motivated enough can achieve their wildest dreams, and this is that project" said Tony Lane.

Legendary film director Ken Russell has also joined the list of Hollywood film-makers in giving his support to this ambitious project and has also accepted the position of Executive Producer.

Ken Russell, who is a visiting professor at IFSW, said, "I’m very pleased to give my support to Indywood which is a very ambitious project. Antony deserves all the support he can get for using the internet as a method of bringing together independent film-making talent from all over the world."

"It’s a great honour to have such an amazing film-maker as Ken Russell on board," said 29-year-old Tony. "Ken, who will also have a part in the film, is a great believer in independent film-making.

The filmmaking duo are currently pursuing Hollywood actor Johnny Depp, a big supporter of independent films, to support the project and maybe take a cameo in the movie.

Antony is currently completing the script for the 100-minute horror film entitled 'Invasion of The Not Quite Dead', which will be spoof Hollywood B-movies in a very unique and scary way. Shooting will begin in the summer of 2008 at various locations around Cardiff and Brecon.

"I want to prove that you don’t have to rely on studios or private investors to raise a movie’s budget. With ambition and enthusiasm the sky’s the limit – we can bring Hollywood to the UK."

The film will have an official London premiere before being shown at top film festivals worldwide, including Cannes.

"We hope that this unique and quirky idea will catch the heart and minds of people around the world and will help us to independently fund our film and put the welsh film industry on the map."

Website: http://www.invasionofthenotquitedead.com/

Filmmaker Traveling U.S. to Promote Movie

Director Gabriel Barboza will travel cross-country in a Mobile Ad Truck promoting his movie Green Eyed Monster, and the $10,000 contest embedded into the film. Dallas based production company Grey Sky Project Entertainment is sponsoring the tour which includes screenings and promotional events at theaters, universities, and smaller venues nationwide. The truck will feature scrolling ads that are being auctioned off on Ebay, as well as ads for the film. To track his progress and for auction information visit: http://www.greeneyedmonstermovie.com/

Barboza plans on traveling for a minimum of Sixty (60) days around the country promoting the film. He will head eastward from Dallas up to New York and make his way across the country to an event in Los Angeles.

He will blog and video-log his daily progress during the tour as he builds a greater following for the $10,000 contest, officially called The Search. Contest details are available on the movie's website.

Green Eyed Monster features a highly unique aspect. The film contains a number of clues throughout it that actually lead to real treasure! Clues leading to prizes totaling more than $10,000 can be found throughout the film. "We wanted to create an exciting experience for those people who support Green Eyed Monster", Barboza explains. By engaging in the treasure hunt, people can reap great benefits from the film long after watching.

Author Analyzes, Interprets the Works of David Lynch

Think back on it and you'll remember it eventually if you don't already. It's that moment when you had an epiphany: you realized what film was really capable of, what it could do, how it could reach you. And you wanted more. You wanted to see more, learn more, and that's exactly what you did. Your moment resulted in a love of film, which is probably why you're reading this.

Stewart's moment was during his senior year of high school, when he took in a late showing of David Lynch's "Twin Peaks - Fire Walk With Me." The movie affected Stewart as none had done before, and he was instantly hooked on film forever. Now, Stewart shares his passion for the work of David Lynch with this in-depth analysis and interpretation of Lynch's films, such as "Twin Peaks," "Blue Velvet" and "Mulholland Dr."

So what does it all mean? Surely all of those red curtains, strobe lights and dancing dwarfs that can continually be found in Lynch's films must mean something, right?

"Well, actually, they do," writes Stewart. "In fact, not only do they mean something, they're all interconnected. Reading these symbols is the key to understanding not just David Lynch's films individually, but his body of work as a whole."

Journey with Stewart as he travels through Lynch's world, film by film, in exploration of the many pieces of Lynch's work, as well as the larger picture created by these pieces. "David Lynch Decoded" provides a comprehensive look at Lynch's imagery, themes, symbolism and often unusual characters.

"The best way to analyze these characters, their themes and language cues is to first examine their placement in Lynch's works," writes Stewart. "By dividing up the works into sections, I will point out the important elements that we will be dealing with and, as we move along from section to section, show how they build on one another."

Mark Allyn Stewart holds a degree in film from Webster University and is the author of the critically acclaimed "Hand of God" series, which began with his first novel, "Against This Vast Army" (published by AuthorHouse). He is also the author of the short story collection "Stories Told By Flashlight" (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com/).

Author's Website: http://www.markallynstewart.com/

Screenwriters Makes Last Ditch to Pitch His Screenplay on YouTube.com

Screenwriter, Frank Rogala, has made a last ditch YouTube.com video "pitch" to save his movie. After six years of research, writing and rewriting, in February 2008, Rogala will lose the rights to the story his screenplay is based on.

Complicating matters, the Writers Guild of America strike has shut down Hollywood's normal channels of communication. As a first time writer, Rogala is not a member of the guild and violates no agreements by trying to place the screenplay with a production company or studio.

The screenplay is based on the book Retards, Rebels and Slackers by Jaina Bell, a no holds barred story of a staff member working in group homes for the developmentally disabled. The author drew upon 9 years experience as a staff member in group homes to create a realistic picture of the developmentally disabled that intrigued Rogala, who found the book while he was finishing his first film, Won't Anybody Listen.

Won't Anybody Listen, a feature length documentary, was picked up for theatrical distribution by Seventh Art Releasing, and critically acclaimed by major publications (The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety and The Los Angeles Times). Television broadcast rights were bought by the Sundance Channel and Netflix now holds DVD rights.

The screenplay has been retitled There's No Place Like "A Home". Described as Superbad meets One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, the film is a drama/comedy. "Bringing a story like this to the screen requires a deft touch," explains Rogala. "The story has roles for dozens of developmentally and intellectually disabled actors. Mental Retardation Specialists warned me that family members and friends of the developmentally disabled could be very emotional. There was a 'hate' email campaign started against the project when it was first announced," Rogala reveals. "After that, I made sure to explain the genesis of the whole project and my intentions on the web page for the film . When you feature the intellectually and developmentally disabled in a comedy you walk a fine line between humor and exploitation. I feel like I finally have it right. Professional readers that I hired to help me review the various drafts of the screenplay have commented that the screenplay has a number of meaty roles for actors and actresses and is precisely the type of story that critics and the academy love," Rogala explained.

"I am hoping that a bankable actor or actress will fall in love with the project and save it from oblivion," said Rogala. The video makes a plea to the public to use their "seven degrees of separation" network to help get word of the screenplay to just such an actor or actress.

Website: http://anybodylisten.com/

Q & A With Actress, Writer and Producer Lindsay Zir

Fashion icon and "young hollywood" personality, Leena Holland, recently had the opportunity of interviewing the beautiful Actress, Writer and Producer, Lindsay Zir.

Q: What inspired you to write and produce "Celebrities Anonymous"?

A: I was in a relationship with a minor celebrity and had to endure the hardships of a public breakup. Talking with my girlfriends, I realized it's somewhat common to have a celebrity ex if you date in Los Angeles. So, I drew upon my friends' stories as well as bits and pieces of mine, adding a generous amount of fiction, and came up with this great idea for a series about celebrity exes, entitled "Celebrities Anonymous."

Q: What's the basic premise for the show?

A: "Celebrities Anonymous" focuses on regular girls dealing with the aggravation of having famous celebrity exes. Over them or not, they never go away. No matter what they do, these girls are haunted by their exes all over the media -- tabloids especially, Access Hollywood-type TV, WireImage, TMZ, Google, etc. More so than any regular breakup where one can almost get away entirely without seeing or hearing about an ex, these women are faced with their demons relentlessly. Celebrities Anonymous (CA) refers to a weekly support group meeting -- similar to an AA meeting. They "sponsor" each other informally and, the way an AA sponsor would help an alcoholic make the decision to not drink or enter a bar, these girls help each other not buy the tabloids or look at their exes online.

Q: What made you produce a web series vs. writing a pilot to get it sold?

A: It's possible that if I sell it to a studio the original concept could totally change by the time it gets made -- if it even got made at all. This way the original inspiration for the project stays in tact. Plus, there's immediate gratification of writing, producing, directing, and casting it.

Q: What's in your future as a Producer?

A: I look forward to running my own production company so that I can have the capability to produce passion projects.

Q: How did you compile the cast and crew for "Celebrities Anonymous?"

A: A big part of this business is connections. Fortunately, I've made some wonderful connections with people who I can gladly say are good friends and talented artists as well. I'm working with the insanely talented comedian, Dennis Hemphill, who is a Groundlings Sunday Company Alumni. Our leading male character is played by Joey Kern, best known for his roles in cult hits like "Super Troopers" and "Cabin Fever." I was very fortunate to get the amazing actress, Beau Garrett ("Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer") involved. My other actors are all steadily working in this business, so it's great to be in the company of so many professionals who just want to have some fun making a web series.

"Celebrities Anonymous" is set to hit the web in early February 2008.

Links:

www.youtube.com/CelebritiesAnonymous

www.myspace.com/CelebritiesAnonymous
http://www.lindsayzir.com/
www.youtube.com/hummpy

The Astral Media Emerging Documentary Filmmakers Scholarship

Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival and Astral Media have created The Astral Media Emerging Documentary Filmmakers Scholarship Programme. These new scholarship opportunities are made possible by a three-year commitment from Astral Media to provide a total of $150,000 towards the funding of the programme, which will allow 25 up-and-coming filmmakers from Quebec and British Columbia to participate in an array of professional and creative development opportunities at this year's Hot Docs Festival and Conference, April 17 to 27, 2008.

The programme is comprised of three components: The Doc U Scholarship Programme, the Kickstart Series Bursary Programme and the Toronto Documentary Forum (TDF) Scholarship Programme.

Astral Media's Doc U Scholarship Programme provides five emerging filmmakers from Quebec and British Columbia with enrollment in the week-long Doc U programme. Now in its third year, Doc U provides doc-makers who are completing, or who have recently completed film school with invaluable behind-the-scenes festival experience through mentorship and curated sessions with industry professionals. Astral Media's Doc U Scholarship Programme will enable students from outside of Ontario to participate, providing a $1,000 travel stipend as well as full industry accreditation to Hot Docs festival, conference and market events.

The Kickstart Series Bursaries will provide 15 to 20 emerging filmmakers from Quebec and British Columbia with enrollment to the Kickstart programme, a day-long series of panels held during the Hot Docs conference that are geared to emerging and mid-career directors. Kickstart Bursaries will also provide recipients with full industry accreditation to Hot Docs festival, conference and market events.

The Toronto Documentary Forum (TDF) Scholarship will provide full TDF Observer accreditation to two emerging filmmakers, one from BC and one from Quebec. Hot Docs' renowned market event, the TDF is a unique presentation forum that assists independent documentary producers from around the world and their market partners to raise co-financing from the international marketplace. For buyers, the format offers a slate of pre-selected projects in development and production by some of the world's most provocative filmmakers.

Hot Docs and Astral Media will organize a jury of film and television professionals to individually evaluate each submission package and to select the 25 recipients. For more details, including application requirements, visit http://www.hotdocs.ca/

Empire Film Group Acquires USA Rights to Acclaimed W.W. II Drama

Empire Film Group, Inc. has acquired all U.S. distribution rights to the acclaimed World War II drama, "The Rocket Post," starring Kevin McKidd ("Journeyman") and Shauna MacDonald ("The Descent"). The film was produced by U.K.-based Ultimate Pictures and G&J Sales, with Kathy Morgan International handling the negotiations and licensing agreement with Hannover House, a unit of Empire Film Group, Inc.

"The Rocket Post" is based on the failed attempt during World War II to use rockets to blast mail from England to Ireland in an attempt to avoid Nazi submarines and ships. Ulrich Thomsen portrays the German rocket scientist recruited by England to head-up the venture, and the film chronicles the relationships as he falls in love with an English woman and clashes with other locals with a war-fueled distrust of Germans. Thomsen is currently starring with Clive Owen and Naomi Watts in "The International." Shauna MacDonald is best known from her successful 2006 thriller, "The Descent," and Kevin McKidd is a rapidly rising superstar from his work in theatrical hits such as "Kindgom of Heaven" and "Hannibal Rising" as well as his current NBC Television series, "The Journeyman."

Empire Film Group will release "The Rocket Post" to theaters in the U.S. on March 28, 2008. The film was released in the U.K. market by Lionsgate last November and generated favorable reviews and audience support.

The license agreement with Hannover House / Empire was negotiated by Kathy Morgan of Los Angeles-based Kathy Morgan International, as sales representative for G&J Sales of England.

L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth Vision Award

The L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth "Vision" Award will be presented by L'Oreal and Women In Film (WIF) to a female documentary filmmaker at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. The first-time Sundance presentation will take place on Monday, January 21st as a highlight of Variety's annual "10 Directors to Watch" event. The recipient will be chosen by a jury comprised of members of Women in Film, a non-profit organization devoted to the development, support, and promotion of women in the field of entertainment.

As one of the Sundance Film Festival's sponsors, L'Oreal Paris created the Women of Worth "Vision" award to honor a female filmmaker whose work reflects the spirit of L'Oreal's new Women of Worth initiative, a grassroots program that recognizes women from around the country who serve their communities, inspire others by example, and have an innate sense of social responsibility and act on it.

Female directors participating in the festival are eligible for the award, and the winner will receive a $15,000 cash award from L'Oreal Paris to help further her creative vision through filmmaking. The first L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth "Vision" Award was presented to Screenwriter Cherien Dabis at the Tribeca All Access awards ceremony at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2007.

Website: http://www.womenofworth.com/

Writers Guild of America Announces Independent Agreement With United Artists

The Writers Guild of America and United Artists Films have reached a mutually beneficial independent agreement. While the details are not being disclosed in this announcement, the comprehensive agreement addresses the issues important to writers, including New Media.

As a result of this agreement, Writers Guild members will be able to work with United Artists while the strike against other companies continues.

The agreement is unique to United Artists Films and does not involve Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM), a shareholder of United Artists Entertainment.

Smallville Actors Join Strike, Co-Creator Discusses Show's Status

by Groshan Fabiola

Although the writers' guild strike has paralyzed and shut down many of this season's television programs, a lot of the actors from the affected shows have shown support for their writers' cause. Stars of The CW's Smallville have made appearances at the picket line to display their solidarity with those who pen scripts and churn out their episodes.

Kryptonsite reported that Smallville actors Michael Cassidy (Grant Gabriel), John Glover (Lionel Luthor) and Phil Morris (John Jones) joined the striking writers in front of the Universal Studios lot on the second week of their walkout.

"It was a great afternoon at Universal as over 2500 writers and actors joined the fight for our collective futures [professionally speaking]," show creator Al Gough told Kryptonsite. "We had John Glover, Michael Cassidy and Phil Morris out there supporting the cause. Others from the cast wanted to be there, particularly Michael Rosenbaum [who plays Lex Luthor], but the show is still in production and most of the cast lives in Vancouver . We know they were with us in spirit, as we are all in this together."

Gough also went on to shed light on why his fellow scribes have taken to this extreme measure.

"Screenwriting isn't like other professions," Gough explained. "There is no guarantee of employment week to week or year to year. It is a feast or famine business, and when the music stops, you may not still have a chair. Miles [Millar, his co-creator on Smallville] and I have been writing together for 15 years now. Each year I wonder if this is when it all comes crashing down."

Despite being forced to take a firm stand for their rights, Gough assured fans of the series that The CW will complete all remaining written scripts, while stressing that it is still their desire to return to what they all love doing.

"To the best of my knowledge, the studio plans to produce all of them," Gough said. "If there isn't a quick resolution, then the season ends in February. It is our wish that this strike will be resolved quickly so that we can get back to doing what we love - writing."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
For more resources about Smallville or for the full story of 'Smallville' Actors Join Strike, Co-Creator Discusses Show's Status please review http://www.buddytv.com/

New Film Company In New York Scores Their First Big Project

McCray & Greif will Executive Produce there first project as partners "Full Order of Protection, Domestic Violence Files." This pilot series is based on an unreleased book by John Michael Leventhal, who is the first Judge to oversee a Felony Domestic Violence Court in the United States. "FOP" will bring Domestic Violence awareness to society by portraying real life situations to the screen (protecting the victim's identity) and giving prevention tips. "These real life stories had me on my toes, I can't believe these situations are in fact true and people have to go through these acts of violence", Executive Producer, McCray.

"FOP" will be shot in McCray & Greif's new film studio in Bright Waters, Long Island. The set is currently being designed and filming will start around Jan 19th.

Website: http://www.karmaauditions.com/

National Lampoon Agrees to Nine Picture Distribution Deal

National Lampoon, Inc. has entered into a nine picture multi-territory distribution deal with Front Row Film Entertainment LLC., headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
National Lampoon has recently signed multi-picture distribution deals for Germany, Spain, Italy, and Eastern Europe with Beta Film, and Canada with Equinoxe.

Under terms of the deal, Front Row Film Entertainment will receive Middle Eastern distribution rights to nine National Lampoon feature films. Films include the first titles produced and financed in-house by National Lampoon in the company's history, "National Lampoon's BagBoy", "National Lampoon's Ratko", and "National Lampoon's 301." Front Row Film Entertainment will receive theatrical, home video, and broadcast distribution rights to all nine movies.

"National Lampoon's Bagboy", "National Lampoon's Ratko", and "National Lampoon's 301" are the first features produced and financed in-house by National Lampoon in the company's 35 plus year history. All three films will be released theatrically through National Lampoon Releasing, while the company is open to broader distribution partnerships with major studios. National Lampoon recently announced a significant partnership with Comedy Central for the first broadcast television window rights for all three pictures.

National Lampoon will release up to twelve titles per year comprised of four original movies and up to eight acquisitions. Distribution will be handled independently by National Lampoon, with some titles having broader distribution in partnership with major studios. Recent and upcoming theatrical releases from National Lampoon include "National Lampoon presents The Beach Party At The Threshold Of Hell" and Les Claypool's directorial debut "National Lampoon Presents Electric Apricot: Quest For Festeroo" released November 9, 2007, "National Lampoon's Jakes Booty Call", to be released in February, and "National Lampoon's Bagboy" slated for theatrical release early 2008.

Filmmakers Launch Indie Careers with UndergroundfilmMaker Festival

As part of its efforts to seek out, recognize and promote independent filmmakers, Undergroundfilm announces the "UndergroundfilmMaker Festival" (UGFMF).

Undergroundfilm was founded in 1998 with a mission of bringing new audiences to independent film. UGF's website, http://www.undergroundfilm.com/, is a showcase of films from every point of the stylistic and thematic spectrum. Undergroundfilm became a pioneer in bringing web-based content off-web, first through Akimbo, then handheld devices, DVD collections and screenings. In 2006, Undergroundfilm launched its first VOD Festival with Comcast. Undergroundfilm currently maintains channels on Vuze, Babelgum, Joost, Youtube, Myspace, and others.

Sponsored by Seagate Technologies and Current TV, 'UGFMF' offers a new approach to film festivals. In an era where filmmakers are called "users" who "generate content," Undergroundfilm puts the spotlight back where it belongs: behind the camera. UGFMF recognizes and rewards individuals who are talented, prolific and eclectic in the art and craft of cinema. Each filmmaker will submit a portfolio of films, a videotaped interview and complete a newly assigned project.

Seagate Technology is the presenting sponsor for the $5000 Grand Prize and the Category Prize for Best Portfolio.

UGF has built a library of thousands of high quality short form films, leading Wired Magazine to call it "the place on the web for serious filmmakers." (May, 2006)

Website: http://www.undergroundfilm.com/

The Weinstein Company Sign Agreement with the Writers Guild of America

The Weinstein Company (TWC) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) have signed a comprehensive independent agreement. While the details are not being disclosed, the deal addresses the issues important to writers, including New Media.

As a result of this agreement, Writers Guild members will now be able to work with The Weinstein Company and Dimension Films, the genre division under the TWC banner.

The terms of the agreement are similar to the Guild's recent deals with Worldwide Pants and United Artists. An executive summary of the Worldwide Pants agreement can be found at http://www.wga.org/contract_07/wwp_exec.pdf