Creo and Sony will celebrate rising filmmakers at the second annual Sony Future Filmmakers Awards Thursday night in Los Angeles.
Thirty international shortlisted films will be showcased on the Sony lot in Culver City. Over four days, the selected filmmakers were also invited to participate in an industry immersion workshop led by Sony Pictures execs that covered topics from pitching to legal to working with talent agencies and using cutting-edge technologies.
In addition to attending the workshop program and receiving Sony camera equipment, fiction, nonfiction, environment and animation category winners also receive a $5,000 cash prize. The future format category (film shot on a smartphone) winner receives a $2,500 cash prize. The student category winner and institution each receive Sony camera equipment.
The winners will be feted at a black tie awards ceremony set to take place at the Cary Grant Theater on the Sony lot.
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Over 8,400 films by more than 5,000 filmmakers across 148 countries and territories were submitted. “The Other Boleyn Girl” director Justin Chadwick and cinematographers Rob Hardy (“Civil War”) and Kate Reid (“Game of Thrones”) are among the judges.
In a statement to PvNew, Chadwick said, “We viewed every film submitted no matter where or who the film came from as long as the films met the basic requirements. The Awards have a truly global reach to find original storytellers and talent from all around the world – and there are no entry fees. We had an excellent jury of expert filmmakers and storytellers who each brought a wealth of experience from their different areas of filmmaking to the panel this year.”
Said Reid, “The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards are an invaluable program that showcases new talent from all over the world and champions the diverse stories that the world needs to see. The opportunity that this platform creates is priceless, not only in the exposure that it provides but the networks itfosters. It’s a brilliant springboard for the filmmakers and will support and enhance their careers.”
Chadwick, who also chaired last year’s selection of films, added words of advice for aspiring filmmakers, including those who didn’t make the shortlist. He said, “We need you. If you have something to say, a vision, a voice or just want to tell a damn good story make it happen. Pick up a phone and shoot if you have to. The technology is there. It’s no longer a barrier of class and privilege. Do not wait. Pick up a pen and write.”
