Creatives from Midwest advertising agencies and commercial production companies are finally getting their chance to prove who is the best filmmaker at this year’s Midwest Independent Film Festival‘s Advertising Community shorts night.
Sponsored by The Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP), the advertising shorts night will feature original short films including music videos and animated pieces produced, directed, edited and scored by the best of the Midwest’s commercial industry.
“All year agencies are competing to make the best creative for their clients, but this time, it’s personal. Now the gloves really come off: no briefs, no rules, no excuses! We’ve already got people chomping at the bit to participate. This is gonna be fun,” says Michael Starcevich, Creative Director, Arc Worldwide.
Films will be judged by top professionals from premiere Midwest agencies and production companies including DDB, Leo Burnett, Story, Draftfcb, Euro RSCG and ONE at Optimus.
“This is an amazing opportunity for people in the community to break free of the creative constrictions and approval layers that can sometimes get in the way of truly breakthrough work,” says John Noble EP/Managing Director One at Optimus. He adds, “Plus it’s a great way for vendors to collaborate with agency creatives on projects that otherwise might not see the light of day. It’s an occasion for the whole creative community to shine.”
Although many participants are shooting shorts specifically for this competition, entrants can submit films that are already in the can as long as the piece was produced between 2006-2011. Filmmakers can also submit as many films as they’d like, but must be gainfully employed in the advertising and/or commercial production company.
Submission deadline is Sunday, July 31, 2011. Find out who will walk away with bragging rights when these filmmakers step into the ring at First Tuesdays with the Midwest Independent Film Festival‘s Ad Shorts Night on October 4, 2011.
A complete list of rules, regulations and the submission form can be found on the website www.midwestfilm.com.