NewFilmmakers Los Angeles, a non-profit organization that showcases innovative works by emerging filmmakers, hosted its fourth annual “On Location: The Los Angeles Video Project” event last month.
The films screened at the annual event use the City of Los Angeles as inspiration, resulting in a diverse array of projects from new and established filmmakers. There are few rules, so the program gives filmmakers latitude to use the medium of film to present positive perspectives on the City to a world audience. Many film directors choose to feature iconic L.A. places in their films, emphasizing L.A.’s status as a leading tourism destination.
For 2014, NewFilmmakers LA received a total of 90 film submissions. From there, the films were divided into two categories: the first included short films from 2-5 minutes in length, and the second category consisted of films that were 2 minutes and shorter. Each category included documentaries (non-fiction work), narratives (live-action or animated), commercials (creatively highlighting Los Angeles) and music videos (works featuring local bands or original music).
Nineteen finalists were selected to compete for prize packages valued at more than $65,000, including free movie budgeting software and a complimentary film permit from FilmL.A.
“The selection this year was more diverse that it’s ever been. We thought, ‘here’s a unique opportunity to challenge filmmakers to think outside the box,'” said Larry Laboe, executive director of NewFilmmakers LA. “The brand is L.A. and they have the freedom to be as creative as they want. The only guideline is that they have to visually and positively highlight L.A.”
On Location: The Los Angeles Video Project included a pre-show reception with meet and greet opportunities with the filmmakers, a screening of finalists films, formal presentation of awards and a Hollywood-style after-party.
For more information about On Location program, please visit New Filmmakers LA on the web.