The Entertainment Industry Incubator is proud to announce the launch of the 9th annual Collaboration... A Short Film Contest.  The 2006-2007 competition is adding new elements to challenge and inform the contestants.  This year's films – now 3-5 minutes in length -- target the cell phone and iPod markets.  They are also offering mentoring by senior industry executives while teams are actually in production on their projects.  To boost the team's creative juices, they are adding another team member category: music score.

This announcement is a call to action for teams to produce 3-5 minute short films based on an assigned theme from idea stage to delivery of final cut in 21 days.  Each team consists of seven members: writer, producer, director, editor, camera, sound and music.  Participants must be Florida residents and may register as a complete team or sign up individually and be matched with other teammates. Categories include Professional, Novice (industry experience of 3 years and under) and a special category for high school students.

The contest kicks off on November 7th with a four-city, statewide orientation tour to include Orlando, Tampa, Palm Beach and Miami.  It is strongly recommended that participants attend one of these informative events in their home area.  Orientations will cover rules, regulations, fees, dates and other important details of the contest.

The grand prize is a face-to-face meeting with the head of Production and Development at Lions Gate Films in Los Angeles.  This is an opportunity for filmmakers to present their work and potentially begin a professional relationship with one of the most successful production and distribution companies in the industry. The winners also receive over $75,000 worth of Florida production services, presentation of the team's work in a premiere showcase for national film industry decision makers and others, and an array of other prizes donated by entertainment industry leaders.

The Professional and Novice Category entry fee of $75 per person includes administrative fees, a wrap party (in some locations), admission to the senior-level industry workshop and the Premiere Showcase and Party.  The Student fee of $25 per person is non-inclusive.

Below are the orientation dates for each area.  When locations are secured, we will post an update here.

ORLANDO
Tuesday, November 7
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Full Sail, Room: EBBS Auditorium
3300 University Blvd
Winter Park

TAMPA
Wednesday, November 8
7pm - 9 pm
Location: TBA

WEST PALM BEACH
Thursday, November 9
6:30 pm - 8 pm
Location: G-Star School of the Arts
2065 Prairie Road
West Palm Beach

MIAMI
Friday, November 10
6 pm - 8 pm
Madiba
1766 Bay Road
Miami Beach