"I LOVE NY" Short Film Competition

Filmmakers - professional, student, or amateur - here's your chance to tell the world why you love New York, with your work judged by a star-studded celebrity panel. The inaugural “I LOVE NY” Short Film Competition invites filmmakers to produce their own 60-second short film illustrating why they love New York.

“There is boundless creativity within New York State,” says Dan Gundersen, upstate chairman of economic development.  “We’re proud to be hosting a contest that showcases the innovation and imagination that New York State inspires.” A panel of entertainment industry celebrities with a strong New York connection judges the submissions, including Academy Award-winner Philip Seymour Hoffman, Emmy-winner Tina Fey and MTV Movie Award- winning filmmaker Doug Liman.

As part of the recent re-launch of the “I LOVE NY” campaign, you're invited to document the countless sites, sounds and destinations you love throughout the Empire State on film. The competition, executed by Civic Entertainment Group, seeks to raise awareness of the entire State as a world-class vacation destination.

The “I LOVE NY” Short Film Competition is open to participants over 14 years old.  Submissions accepted between June 1 and July 15, 2008 and must be filmed in New York State. Sponsors include Independent Film Channel (IFC), The Independent Feature Project (IFP), jetBlue Airways, and The New York Post. 

“This contest captures the creative spirit that defines New York State,” says Thomas Ranese, Chief Marketing Officer of Empire State Development. “With so many incredible travel destinations to choose from, there are endless options to film and we can’t wait to see the creative ways people find to share why they love New York.”

The Grand Prize Winner’s film appears during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade broadcast, as well as on jetBlue Airways seatback televisions and on the Independent Film Channel (IFC). Additional prizes, including professional HD video equipment, scholarships to professional film workshops, a mentorship with a major filmmaker and New York weekend getaways awarded in nine categories including best young filmmaker (18 and younger), best student filmmaker and best regional film.  www.iloveny.com .