Undergroundfilm Launches Indie Careers and The 'UndergroundfilmMaker' Festival

Undergroundfilm Launches Indie Careers and The 'UndergroundfilmMaker' Festival

Undergroundfilm Separates web 'uploaders and sharers' from serious filmmakers with its first festival

January 31, 2008, Roxie Theater, San Francisco, 8 p.m.

Tickets $10; order by phone: 800-838-3006

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its efforts to seek out, recognize and promote independent filmmakers, Undergroundfilm announces the "UndergroundfilmMaker Festival" (UGFMF).

Undergroundfilm was founded in 1998 with a mission of bringing new audiences to independent film. UGF's website, www.undergroundfilm.com, is a showcase of films from every point of the stylistic and thematic spectrum. Undergroundfilm became a pioneer in bringing web-based content off-web, first through Akimbo, then handheld devices, DVD collections and screenings. In 2006, Undergroundfilm launched its first VOD Festival with Comcast. Undergroundfilm currently maintains channels on Vuze, Babelgum, Joost, Youtube, Myspace, and others.

Sponsored by Seagate Technologies and Current TV, 'UGFMF' offers a new approach to film festivals. In an era where filmmakers are called "users" who "generate content," Undergroundfilm puts the spotlight back where it belongs: behind the camera. UGFMF recognizes and rewards individuals who are talented, prolific and eclectic in the art and craft of cinema. Each filmmaker will submit a portfolio of films, a videotaped interview and complete a newly assigned project.

"I love the interactive nature of video sharing sites," says festival director Daniel Watts, "but there are thousands of people out there who are dedicated to film and who build their life around filmmaking. They are true 'makers'."

Seagate Technology is the presenting sponsor for the $5000 Grand Prize and the Category Prize for Best Portfolio. "Undergroundfilm has always been on the front line of new media distribution, a digital revolution which Seagate products have helped to create," points out Seagate's Colleen Rodriguez. Current TV, Media Sponsor for UGFMF, will promote the event to its cable audience, provide pitch sessions with creative executives to competition finalists and offer them the opportunity to have their work broadcast to over 40 million subscribers. Saskia Wilson-Brown of Current TV says, "We are very excited to promote this innovative festival and Undergroundfilm's commitment to independent film."

About Undergroundfilm

UGF has built a library of thousands of high quality short form films, leading Wired Magazine to call it "the place on the web for serious filmmakers." (May, 2006)

Press Release Contact Information:
Daniel Watts
Director of Programming
Undergroundfilm.com
415.368.2570
dadawa@undergroundfilm.org

This release was issued through WebWire(R). For more information visit http://www.webwire.com/.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Undergroundfilm.com

CONTACT: Daniel Watts, Director of Programming, Undergroundfilm.com,
+1-415-368-2570, dadawa@undergroundfilm.org

Web site:

http://www.undergroundfilm.com/

-------
Profile: intent