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The LA Film Festival, produced by Film Independent announced Danny Elfman Project: Rabbit and Rogue, a unique online challenge for filmmakers in partnership with Danny Elfman and Indi.com.

Elfman is offering free licenses of his latest album, Rabbit and Rogue that can be used by filmmakers as the catalyst and soundtracks to their short films. The films can be live action, animated, narrative, documentary, music video, abstract or experimental. This unique marriage of music and movies will culminate in a competition of short films submitted for selection and screening at next year’s LA Film Festival. Filmmakers are encouraged to pick their favorite composition from Rabbit and Rogue and use it as inspiration and soundtrack for their own unique short films.

“I have composed the soundtrack to your short film,” said Grammy-winning, four-time Oscar® nominated composer Danny Elfman. “Now go make it! I can’t wait to see what the filmmakers come up with.”

“Danny is a giant among composers and recognizing the high cost of acquiring a top-notch score for independent filmmakers, he’s generously offered it up for NO COST!” said Stephanie Allain, Festival Director. “We are excited to partner with him to bring these films to the 2017 LA Film Festival.”

INDI Executive, Nicole Greenwood, had this to say about the initiative, “ I am thrilled that INDI will help showcase the talents of filmmakers from around the world using such brilliant scores. This really is a chance of a lifetime. What a beautiful gift from Danny Elfman - using his creations to inspire others to create.  Like attracts like, and we at INDI can't wait to see the discoveries that come from this!"

Over the next nine months, filmmakers can create their own short films and submit them to indi.com/laffdannyelfmanproject. Finalists will be selected as Audience Favorites and those favored by a team of elite industry judges. The leading contenders will then be judged by a Blue Ribbon panel of top industry producers, directors, composers, music supervisors, executives and renowned filmmakers.  

The winning selections (one for each of Elfman’s six musical compositions) will be awarded a World Premiere at a special screening at the prestigious 2017 LA Film Festival.

Submissions are open at indi.com/laffdannyelfmanproject

Submissions deadline: March 1, 2017

About DANNY ELFMAN AND TEAM
Danny Elfman has scored an incredible range of motion pictures including Good Will Hunting (Oscar® nomination, Best Score), Milk (Oscar® nomination, Best Score), End of the Tour, Silver Linings Playbook, Big Fish (Oscar® nomination, Best Score), Edward Scissorhands, Batman, Men in Black (Oscar® nomination, Best Score), Spider-man, Mission: Impossible, American Hustle,Avengers: The Age of Ultron, Standard Operating Procedure and The Nightmare Before Christmas.

 Spearheading this project are producers Richard Kraft and Laura Engel of Kraft-Engel Management. Their previous projects as producer include the PBS Special, Live From Lincoln Center: Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton, the Grammy-nominated, Danny Elfman/Tim Burton 25^th Anniversary Box Set, The Nightmare Before Christmas Live in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl, The Evil Dead Live in Concert and Danny Elfman’s music from the films of Tim Burton concerts which have played around the globe.  They recently produced the critically acclaimed Disney’s The Little Mermaid Live in concert at the Hollywood Bowl starring Sara Bareilles and Rebel Wilson for which Kraft also served as the Creative Director. Music Supervisor is Dana Sano, whose film credits include Se7ven, Boogie Nights, Lee Daniel’s The Butler, Fifty Shades of Grey and Magnolia.
 Danny Elfman’s music for Rabbit and Rogue received its debut at Lincoln Center with the American Ballet Theatre choreographed by Twyla Tharp.

 The soundtrack of Rabbit and Rogue is currently in release by Sony Classical as a digital download with a deluxe, limited edition collector’s edition to follow. 

About INDI
Indi is a global video platform where Individuals create and monetize original content, and Brands engage their customers and fans in a positive environment, all while integrating deeply into social media. Indi is the only platform designed to give Brands full control over the look of their channel and also the ability to control the third party content that is published on it.  Brands leverage our interactive, customized Video Challenges to generate the ultimate level of user engagement to amplify social campaigns, by penetrating the aggregate reach of Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.  Indi was founded by eCommerce veterans who have sold over $4 Billion of products online, and in India by legendary actor and producer Anil Kapoor.

About THE LA FILM FESTIVAL
The LA Film Festival is a key part of the exhibition arm of Film Independent, showcasing new American and international cinema that embraces diversity, innovation and unique perspectives. The Festival produces one-of-a-kind events featuring critically acclaimed filmmakers, industry professionals and award-winning talent from Los Angeles and around the world. The Festival’s signature programs include the Filmmaker Retreat, Celebrating Women Filmmakers, Master Classes, Spirit of Independence Award, Coffee Talks, LA Muse and more. The Festival also screens short films created by high school students. Presenting Media Sponsor is the Los Angeles Times. Premier Sponsor is Peroni Nastro Azzurro and Principal Sponsor is Jaeger-LeCoultre. Platinum Sponsors are American Airlines, Dolby Laboratories, Inc., EFILM | Company 3 and HBO. The University Sponsor is Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television. WireImage is the Official Photography Agency. More information can be found at lafilmfestival.com.

About FILM INDEPENDENT 
Film Independent is the non-profit arts organization that champions creative independence in visual storytelling and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent’s Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff and constituents, is comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry professional or a film lover.

Film Independent produces the Spirit Awards, the annual celebration honoring artist-driven films and recognizing the finest achievements of American independent filmmakers. Film Independent also produces the LA Film Festival, showcasing the best of American and international cinema and the Film Independent at LACMA Film Series, a year-round, weekly program that offers unique cinematic experiences for the Los Angeles creative community and the general public.

With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent’s Artist Development program offers free Labs for selected writers, directors, producers and documentary filmmakers and presents year-round networking opportunities. Project Involve is Film Independent’s signature program dedicated to fostering the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry. For more information or to become a member, visit filmindependent.org.