Phillips Parallel Lines surprise competition announcement

I've just got back from The Parallel Lines launch event and I'm a mixture of tired but still buzzing from the event. We got to see all 5 of the Parallel Lines shorts (El Secreto de Mateo, The Hunt, Darkroom, Jun & the Hidden Skies and The Gift) the way they should be seen on a big screen with superb sound.

All I can say is AWESOME! I know I say that a lot, but seeing the 5 different yet very connected and well made films was quite an experience. At the time I couldn't quiet put my finger on why I might be enjoying each of the films as much as I was, but it all made sense a bit later when Director of Darkroom Johnny Hardstaff said something during a QA session.

He said something to the effect that one of the primary factors that drew him to the project was the creative control the Directors had when making their respective films. Bam! Their it was I had just seen 5 films that although driven by commercial motives they were examples of what can be created when imagination is allowed free reign.

I have much to tell about the Phillips event at BAFTA, chatting with Director Johnny Hardstaff (bookmark his name name because you're going to be seeing some great stuff on the screen from him in the future), seeing all 5 of the films in one go as well as witnessing first hand some awe inspiring tech in the shape of an wiiiiiiiiiiiidescreen TV that has to be seen first hand to be believed - but more about that later.

Phillips dropped a real surprise towards the end of the presentation when they announced an amazing opportunity for filmmakers with their Tell It Your Way competition. I missed the beginning it really was a suprise! But he started by saying ... the chance to have your worked judged by Sir...

The programme card he is referring to:

From the press release:

Become the next Ridley Scott :
Philips announces global filmmaking competition
In association with ridley scott associates

Today, Philips launches an exciting global competition giving aspiring filmmakers the chance to have an original work judged by one of the world’s greatest film directors – Sir Ridley Scott, director of Hollywood blockbusters including Alien (1979), Blade Runner (1982) and Gladiator (2000).

The competition, called ‘Tell It Your Way’, will also give one lucky winner the chance to gain a week’s work experience at Ridley Scott Associates (RSA) offices in Los Angeles, New York, London or Hong Kong.

The contest involves creating an original sixth short film to accompany Philips’ ground-breaking Parallel Lines series of short films, directed by RSA talents, Greg Fay, Johnny Hardstaff, Carl Erik Rinsch, Jake Scott and Hi-Sim. The five short films, released on www.philips.com/cinema, are part of a cinematic project whereby each director created a film in a different genre, with a different storyline, but all following the same six line dialogue.

The Parallel Lines films bring to life the cinematic capabilities of Philips TVs – unique Ambilight technology, award-winning picture quality, and superior sound - and are a cinematic interpretation of the campaign idea: “There are millions of ways to tell a story. There’s only one way to watch one.”

”I’m delighted to be involved with a project which supports aspiring directors and I’m looking forward to seeing how the entrants interpret the single dialogue brief,” comments Sir Ridley Scott.

“At Philips, we are committed to delivering a cinematic viewing experience at home. Through our partnership with RSA, we’re excited to be able to offer the public the chance to create their own film and have it be promoted globally as part of such a ground-breaking project as Parallel Lines.” comments Gary Raucher, Head of Integrated Marketing Communications, Philips.

Competition entries are open to anyone globally and should be submitted via the official Philips Cinema YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/philipscinema). Entries close at midnight 8th August 2010. Three rounds of judging will be held including public voting via YouTube. Finalists will be judged on criteria including creative storytelling, use of dialogue, and technical achievement. The top ten finalists will be selected by RSA directors and British Academy of Film & Television Arts (BAFTA) Chairman, David Parfitt. The overall winner will be selected from the top five finalists by Sir Ridley Scott himself.

Runners up prize packages include an invitation to a RSA film premiere in London or New York including travel, accommodation; and a number of Philips Cinema 21:9 Televisions.

Full terms and conditions for the ‘Tell It Your Way’ competition can be found at www.philips.com/cinema

Phillips Parallel Lines surprise competition announcement