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ACTION/CUT SHORT FILM COMPETITION OPENS HOLLYWOOD GATES TO ASPIRING FILMMAKERS

Last year, the Sundance Film Festival received submissions of over 2200 feature films and 3300 shorts - the democratization of filmmaking is in full bloom. Now more than ever, anyone can make a film as digital cameras and home editing systems are affordable to everyone.
A new era of filmmakers is filled with aspirations of being the next Spielberg or Tarantino, and the Action/Cut Short Film Competition will make those dreams come true to the most promising. Now in its second year and offering three competitive categories - Fiction, Documentary, Animation - Action/Cut will showcase indie filmmaker shorts from across the world, recognize the most talented with multiple awards and career-launching services, and open access doors to the Hollywood film industry.

Action/Cut founder and working director/writer Guy Magar says “Since we encourage everyone at our Action/Cut Filmmaking Seminars to start making short films so they can pursue their film dreams and achieve their career goals, we realized there are very few gateways for a winning short to open career doors for its filmmaker, as most major festivals do not include a shorts competition, and the ones who specialize in short films do not offer career-changing opportunities to their winners. We decided to make a difference and organized a long list of unique prizes and sponsors which will provide services and promotions to the most talented filmmakers and propel their careers forward.”

Action/Cut offers over 100 prizes valued at $35,000 which include cash awards, career advisory meetings with Hollywood players, distribution offers, editorials in national film magazines, and numerous sponsor awards such as production softwares, music licenses, screenwriting courses, and invitation to screen at other festivals. Uniquely from any other festival or film contest, Action/Cut also provides invaluable worldwide promotion for the winning filmmakers by streaming their films on the internet for the world to view their work.

The Jury Committees are made up of working professionals in the Los Angeles film industry. Each film is screened and judged as per the following five parameters: Subject Originality -Content Realization - Visual Storytelling - Production Values - Viewing Engagement of Work.

Scott Billups, author of Digital Moviemaking, says “The Action/Cut Short Film Competition is sure to become one of the premier contests worldwide to discover the next generation of great filmmakers.”

In its first year, Action/Cut received a thousand entries from across the USA and 24 countries, and the intended mission of launching their winning filmmakers forward in their careers has been confirmed based on their testimonials below. The company looks forward to an even bigger competition in 2005 and discovering the next Action/Cut short film winners.
To view the 2004 Winners online: http://www.actioncut.com/sfc/2004winners.htm

Action/Cut 2004 Grand Prize Short Film Winner: “THE 17th MAN”
Director Yimeng Jin: “Of the many film festivals I entered, The Action/Cut Film Competition
is by far the best and most exciting. It was a catalyst to launching my film career. As part of my Grand Prize Awards, I met with several industry professionals to discuss their expertise and who offered me priceless career guidance. The over 30 prizes, besides the cash award from Action/Cut and their streaming the film to promote my work - such as equipment rentals, production softwares, distributor contacts, and magazine stories about my film - are all ideal gifts and promotions for a new filmmaker to move their career forward. After I won, I received investor support and now I'm making my first feature. Action/Cut, you made my dream real!"

Action/Cut 2004 Best Fiction Short Film Winner: “5 MINUTES”

Director Robert Noll: “The Action/Cut Short Film Competition is amazing! They put together an awards package that is unmatched by any festival or competition I know of. They award filmmakers with what they really want and what they really need: money, networking relationships with top professionals, and a long gift list of production products. Action/Cut sets up winning filmmakers with more than just "bragging rights" which is so often the case with typical festivals. A win at this competition offers the filmmaker the ability to go on and make more films by giving you the tools of the trade and the industry career-making connections."


Action/Cut 2004 Best Documentary Short Film Winner: “XAI XAI”

Director Paige De Ponte: “As a new filmmaker, the Action/Cut Competition was an incredibly rewarding experience! I am thrilled my film was realized for its content and challenges viewers to pay attention and think about what they are seeing. To win this Best Documentary Award is the ultimate prize! As part of my prizes, the awards meetings arranged for me with industry leaders have not only advanced my career, but since winning the award "XAI XAI" is now being prepared for a television release. Thank you Action/Cut for everything.”

Call for Entries: January 15 to deadline May 15 - Maximum running time: 30 minutes.
Online info & registration: http://www.actioncut.com