PHOENIX COMICON TO HOST NEW FILM COMPETITION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TODD MCFARLANE PRODUCTIONS

Grand prize winner to receive one-on-one film review from Todd McFarlane Phoenix, AZ – January 28, 2010 Todd McFarlane Productions and Phoenix Comicon are partnering to create 'The McFarlane Phoenix Comicon Film Challenge'. This unique event will feature independent fan films set in the McFarlane universe with McFarlane created characters. Films will be screened during the Phoenix Comicon, to be held May 27th- 30th at the Phoenix Convention Center. 

“McFarlane characters such as Spawn and Violator have inspired a generation of fans and creators alike,” said Programming Director Joe Boudrie. “This competition will bring those characters into Phoenix Comicon in new and interesting ways, providing filmmakers their first-ever opportunity to enter the McFarlane universe as creators.” 

Phoenix Comicon is seeking original films to be shown at Phoenix Comicon in a film competition judged by the McFarlane Companies and Phoenix Comicon. In addition to the opportunity to screen films in front of an audience at the Phoenix Comicon, prizes will be awarded, with the Grand Prize winner receiving a one-on-one film review from Todd McFarlane personally. Submissions must include McFarlane created characters (from Spawn, Cy-Gor, Violator, Sam and Twitch) in leading roles and the scripts and films must be original work. Films of any type (animated, live action, CGI, etc.) or style (horror, drama, comedy, action, noir, etc.) will be accepted. See official submission form for further details. 

Submissions may be up to 15 minutes long. Submissions will be accepted through April 27th and jointly judged by McFarlane and Phoenix Comicon staff. No unlicensed copyrighted material may be used in the entries (including music, images and any other copyrighted content). All Submissions need to be submitted in standard (US) DVD format. All submitted films become sole property of Todd McFarlane Productions. Films will be screened during the Phoenix Comicon which will be held May 27th- 30th at the Phoenix Convention Center. Prizes will be awarded during the convention, but filmmakers do not need to be present to win. 

Todd McFarlane, the creator of Spawn, is a multi-faceted artist and businessman with a broad range of experience in entertainment, sports and publishing. McFarlane originally became a superstar among comic book fans and creators due to his work on Marvel Comics Spider-Man franchise. The Spawn series has inspired a generation of artists and helped encourage a trend in creator-owned comic book properties. He's also a high-profile collector of history-making baseballs. 

Phoenix Comicon is the signature pop culture event of the Southwest. For more information visit www.phoenixcomicon.com. 

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