Louisiana Film Prize returns for its 10th year as the South’s largest film contest and festival and the call has just gone out: registrations are open and $25,000 is on the table.
Founded in 2012, Film Prize has been a bastion for independent filmmaking in the South, drawing nearly 1,000 film teams to the region and resulting in the equivalent of over 80 feature films of runtime being shot in the area. On top of the cash prize, filmmakers can be picked up for international distribution (reps attend the festival annually), receive placement at partner festivals around the country (including Oscar-qualifying events), and can receive grants for future work worth thousands in production funds.
Filmmakers are also connected with working entertainment industry professionals and critics to not only better understand their own work, but to create a path toward a career the likes of which can only be found in film school. The differences is that Film Prize costs way less and has helped catapult many filmmakers to a place where they have become full time filmmakers in their own right.
But seriously, all this from a film contest? Yes, we’re serious. Unlike 48 hour competitions and open-submission festivals, Film Prize creates the necessary conditions for filmmakers — directors, writers, producers, cast and crew — to operate much more like working professionals than any other contest or festival on earth. We do this by finding the right mix of requirements — defining a geography and timetable for production — but leaving conditions open enough to allow for a variety of story types and production needs. In the end, you have enough time to plan your production and create something that not only you are proud of, but that will be seen by the people and entities that create career opportunities. What other festival can say that?
So, how about it? $25,000 cash? Distribution? Festivals? Grants? Industry connections? If none of this interests you, then don’t register. But if you see a spark and an opportunity, begin your journey and register now.
