FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ASIAN AMERICAN FILM LAB
PRESENTS THE 5TH ANNUAL 72 HOUR FILM SHOOTOUT –
JUNE 20-23, 2008
New York, NY – May 10, 2008– The Asian American Film Lab (AAFilmLab) announces the Fifth Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout (“Shootout”) which will take place this year from June 20-23, 2008. The Shootout is a nationwide competition where filmmaking teams are given a common theme at the start and have 72 hours to write, shoot, edit, and complete short films up to five minutes in length. Teams compete for cash and prizes and the chance to have their films screened at film festivals, both nationally and internationally.
The intention of this competition is to create opportunities for Asian Americans to demonstrate their talent, gain exposure in the entertainment industry, and impact the visibility of Asian American stories and characters in film and television. One of the Shootout requirements is that at least one key production member (e.g., director, producer, or writer) and a principal actor from each team must be of Asian descent.
“The time constraint of the Shootout puts people into action,” states David Hou, President of AAFilmLab. “Instead of dreaming about filmmaking, contestants become filmmakers themselves and pull together their friends, family, and colleagues to make a complete film in one crazy weekend.”
The 5th Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout begins on Friday, June 20, 2008, at 8 PM. The competition theme will be announced at the New York City launch party at 8PM at the White Rabbit Lounge (145 East Houston Street, New York, NY) and simultaneously posted on the internet at http://www.72hourfilmshootout.com. The top ten finalists will screen at this year’s Asian American International Film Festival organized by Asian Cinevision (July 10-19, 2008) to be held at the Asia Society in New York City. 
This year’s Shootout will include a special category juried by the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA). Films that incorporate Chinatown as a location or narrative device are entered into the “Chinatown Award” category. Selection of the winning film will be decided by both MOCA and AAFilmLab. The inclusion of the Chinatown element of a film has no bearing whatsoever on judging for other award categories. Award will be comprised of in-kind services totaling $3000 from Deluxe New York.  Deluxe New York is a brand new state-of-the-art film lab and post-production facility. This generous in- kind award can be applied towards any combination of Deluxe New York’s services,  from film developing and processing to telecine and color correction to digital intermediates and printing.
In connection with the Shootout, AAFilmLab will be hosting several pre-launch events including workshops and mixers for anyone interested in competing and a post-screening wrap party. For further information about AAFilmLab and the Shootout, including viewing past winning films, please visit us on the web at http://www.aafilmlab.org and http://www.72hourshootout.com.

About Asian American Film Lab (AAFilmLab)
The Asian American Film Lab (AAFilmLab) began as collaborative of New York-based filmmakers whose goals are to hone their craft and to share their knowledge, experience and resources. The membership has grown to comprise professionals, artists, and talented individuals who all share the common goal of creating great film and to promote Asian American filmmakers and the visibility of their stories and characters in film and television. 
AAFilmLab’s programming includes filmmaking workshops with industry professionals, screenwriting contests, and film competions including the annual 72 Hour Film Shootout. This annual competition, now in its fifth year, has inspired hundreds of filmmakers by helping nascent talent take brave steps towards a filmmaking career.
Asian American Film Lab is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Membership and all contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
http://www.aafilmlab.org
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About Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA)
About the Chinatown Film Project
To mark a period of enormous expansion, MOCA is producing a film project which will premiere in its new galleries and be screened through Winter/Spring 2009. MOCA in partnership with IFP/Filmmaker Magazine is inviting ten New York filmmakers to contribute 5 minute pieces featuring NY Chinatown through narrative, documentary, and experimental media formats. Wayne Wang, Jonas Mekas, Miguel Arteta and Sam Pollard are among the contributing filmmakers.
The film project though beginning in New York, will expand to an international scope:
10 international filmmakers will present perspectives of Chinatowns in Yokohama, Barcelona, Havana, and Paris. For the public, a satellite website will be established in partnership with YouTube where anyone in the world with Internet access can upload personal videos about their local Chinatowns.  About Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) The Museum was started as an oral history project 28 years ago as an organized effort to save stories that were dying off. Despite being overlooked because of its location and its miniscule physical space, it has managed to significantly impact its surrounding community and create a national profile for itself—all from deep in the heart of Chinatown. After more than 28 years of collecting artifacts, archival and library materials, it is one of the most important national assemblage of materials about 20th century Chinese life in America.
This year everything changes for the Museum. In July 2008, MOCA will move its galleries and offices to a new 14,000 sq ft ground floor space designed by Maya Lin, iconic architect of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The total physical space and facilities
will multiply to six times its current size.
Please visit http://www.mocanyc.org for more information and http://www.youtube.com/mocanyc to view the films

Contact: Peter Chin
Asian American Film Lab
Shootout Director
Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

ShootoutPressRelease_052308.pdf

What is the Asian American Film Lab?
The Asian American Film Lab (“AAfilmlab” or “AAFL”) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. We began as collaborative of New York-based filmmakers whose goals are to hone their craft and to share their knowledge, experience and resources. The membership has grown to comprise professionals, artists, and talented individuals who all share the common goal of creating great film and to promote Asian American filmmakers and the visibility of their stories and characters in film and television. 

What is the 72 Hour Film Shootout?
The 72 Hour Film Shootout (“Shootout”) is a nationwide competition organized by AAfilmlab where filmmaking teams have 72 hours to write, shoot, edit and produce short films up to five minutes in length on a common theme. The intention of this competition is to create opportunities for Asian Americans to demonstrate their talent, gain exposure in the entertainment industry and to impact the visibility of Asian American stories and characters in film and television.  At least one key production member and a lead actor from each team must be of Asian descent.

When is the Shootout?
The Shootout begins on Friday, June 20, 2008, at 8 PM (EST), when the theme is announced, and ends Monday, June 23, 2008 at 8 PM (EST) when finished product is submitted.

Why do I want to participate?
There are many reasons to enter the Shootout. Instead of talking or dreaming about making a film, the Shootout is what gives you the chance to make a film. No excuse to drag your feet, you got a film to make in three days! In the grand scheme of things, three days is not a long time commitment – plus it’s a great rallying point to get your friends and colleagues involved in filmmaking. It’s a great opportunity to create or add to your “reel” whether you are an actor, producer, director, or writer.
You will have the chance to win cash and prizes, meet industry professionals and have your film screened at film festivals both here and abroad. The judges for the selected finalists comprise of leading actors, directors, producers, and industry professionals. This year our judges include include director Michael Kang (West 32nd), independent film producer, Karin Chien (The Motel, Robot Stories), Marci Phillips, Executive Director of Primetime Casting for ABC Entertainment, among others.
Moreover, the Shootout gives you the opportunity to meet other people with the same creative interests. We are planning several events, including the launch party on June 20, 2008 and the screening party when the winning films are announced.

Do I need to be an experienced filmmaker to take part in the Shootout?
Not at all. While it is always helpful to have some filmmaking knowledge, many would-be filmmakers got their start with the Shootout. Don’t worry, AAfilmlab will host workshops, mixers and other events to get you on your way towards making that film.

How much does it cost and how do I sign up?
The regular entry fee is $100 if your entry form is postmarked by June, 13, 2008. But if you register early, that is, having your entry form postmarked by June 6, 2008, the fee drops by half to $50. And if you are new or current member of AAfilmlab, you will get a $20 discount off the entry fee! If you drag your feet, the late entry fee is $150 but we must received your entry by June 19, 2008. Entry forms and rules can be found at our website at http://www.aafilmlab.org or http://www.72hourshootout.com.

When do I find out about the winners?
The top ten finalists will be screened at this year’s New York Asian American International Film Festival organized by Asian Cinevision (July 10-19, 2008) to be held at the Asia Society. There, the winners in the various judging categories will be announced, including best picture, actors, directors, among others.

How do I find out more information about AAfilmlab and the Shootout?
You can find us on the web at http://www.aafilmlab.org and http://www.72hourfilmshootout.com, sign up for our mailing list, or come to any of our weekly meetings.

Does my team have to be in New York? What about Canada?
The 72 Hour Shootout is open to participants from all over the country, including Canada, eh! - just overnight mini-DV tapes to us and ensure that it is postmarked by June 23rd, 2008 and that it reaches us by Tuesday, June 24th, 2008 at 10:30 am (EDT). Check out the rules for details.  This is will be the second year Canadians will be participating, so let’s welcome our filmmaking friends from the North.!

I’m not Asian, but this competition looks cool as hell!
Fret not.  Anyone is allowed to compete in this competition.  In fact, we prefer diversity.  The only requirement is that your film has a person of Asian descent in a Lead Role and that you also have an person of Asian descent in a principal production position (Writer, Producer, Director, Editor, Director of Photography or Editor).  If your Asian friend or family member can do both, that satisfies the requirement.  So grab your talented Asian buddy and feature them in your film!

What is this “Chinatown Award” that I’ve been hearing about?
Good question. This year’s Shootout will include a special award category sponsored by the Museum of Chinese in America’s (MOCA) Chinatown Film Project. Team Films that incorporate Chinatown as a location or narrative device are eligible to be considered for this Award. It’s your choice if you want your film to be considered for the Chinatown Award or not. The inclusion (or absence) of the Chinatown element in your film will have no bearing whatsoever on the judging for other Shootout awards. The Chinatown Award will be comprised of in-kind services totaling $3,000.00 from Deluxe New York, a brand new state-of-the-art film lab and post-production facility. Team Films submitted for consideration in this award category will also be exhibited as part of MOCA’s Chinatown Film Project. Any film entered for consideration for the Chinatown Award must comply with all other rules of the Shootout (e.g., incorporation of the Shootout Competition Theme, producing your film within the 72 hour competition time period, etc.)

I’m a triple threat. Can a person of Asian descent fill principal production positions and acting positions at the same time?  For example if I write, direct and act will I be eligible to compete?
Yes. As an example, you can be the lead Asian actress as well as the director and the rest of your team Non-Asian. 

I’m ready. Where do I get me a team?
Friends are a good start. If your friends have already used up their fifteen minutes of fame, then try posting on our message board for cast or crew or come to out pre-Launch Shootout mixers. Otherwise, check out Craigslist, Backstage, Actors Access/Breakdown Express, Mandy.com, AsianAve.com, etc. Be resourceful! 

Take me through the process of entering the 72 Hr Film Shootout
1. Subscribe to the email list.
2. Muster up a team and decide on a name. Your team must include 1 lead actor of Asian descent, and 1 Writer, Producer, Director, Editor, Director of Photography or Editor of Asian descent.
3. Fill out the Official Entry Form and send it to us along with your application fee.  The Entry Form can be found in the Shootout Registration and Submission Documents file.
4. On June 20, 2008 at 8PM (EDT), we will unveil the Competition Theme of the 5th Annual 72 Hr Film Shootout on the website and at the Launch Party.
5. Shoot your brand new short film (up to 5 minutes long) incorporating the Competition Theme. This year we will have a separate awards category for the “Chinatown Award” for those Team Films that incorporate Chinatown as a location or narrative device. Note that opting in (or out) for the Chinatown Award will have no effect on the judging of the other Shootout categories.
6. If anyone on your team is under 18 years old, s/he must fill out and send the Parent / Guardian release form along with your short film submission.
7. Every team member must sign the Participant Agreement - which must be sent in along with your short film submission.
8. All teams must send their submissions, post-marked Monday, June 23, 2008 via mail carrier (USPS, FedEX, DHL, Airborne delivered packages are the only ones that will be accepted) to arrive at the Entry Address, Museum of Chinese in America, Attn: 72 Hour Film Shootout, 70 Mulberry Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10013 by 10:30 a.m. (EDT) on Tuesday, June 24, 2008.  It is HIGHLY recommended teams use OVERNIGHT carrier.  Filmmakers may opt to use non-overnight delivery services to save money, however at their own risk.  NO DROP-OFFS (including messenger service) WILL BE ACCEPTED.  Only works that are received by the above deadline via the aforementioned official mail carriers will be admitted into the Competition.

Read the official rules and make sure everything is in order. If you have any questions, contact us before the start of the Competition and we’ll get the answers to you.

I live in the NY Tri-State Area, why can’t I just drop off my submission?  It will save me money.
We feel your pain.  Having official carriers deliver the films will provide proof of delivery and minimize cheating, as well as give us a means to ensure that all teams, regardless of where they are located in the U.S., have 72 hours to compete.  All teams must send their submissions, post-marked Monday, June 23, 2008 via mail carrier (USPS, FedEX, DHL, Airborne delivered packages are the only ones that will be accepted) to arrive at the Entry Address, Museum of Chinese in America, Attn: 72 Hour Film Shootout, 70 Mulberry Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10013 by 10:30 a.m. (EDT) on Tuesday, June 24, 2008.  It is HIGHLY recommended teams use OVERNIGHT carrier.  Filmmakers may opt to use non-overnight delivery services to save money, however at their own risk.  NO DROP-OFFS (including messenger service) WILL BE ACCEPTED.  Only works that are received by the above deadline via the aforementioned official mail carriers will be admitted into the Competition.

My question isn’t answered here - what should I do?
Send an email to (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). We’ll get back to you as soon as we can and will post other FAQ’s.

*This FAQ is for information and help purposes.  The rules of the shootout supercede this FAQ.

Based on the judging criteria set forth below, entries will be judged by the Asian American Film Lab (AAFL), and a Final Judging Panel. Two (2) Runner-Up Prize Winners, one (1) Grand Prize Winner, the Top 10 films and Individual Award winners will be announced at the Shootout Awards Celebration (with the exact time and location to be announced on http://www.72hourfilmshootout.com).  The selection of the winner of the “Chinatown Award” sponsored by the Museum of Chinese in America’s (MOCA) Chinatown Film Project will be made by AAFL and MOCA and announced at the Shootout Awards Celebration. For a list of the Prizes and Individual Awards visit the PRIZES section of the website.
All Competition Teams will be invited to the Shootout Awards Celebration in New York City.  Teams that are unable to attend the Shootout Awards Celebration will be able to view the results online at http://www.72hourfilmshootout.com on the night of the event.

Judging, Criteria, Voting and Winner Selection

Judging consists of two juried rounds based on numerical scoring.
The Round One Judging Panel will consist of AAFL 72 Hour Shootout staff.  Entries will be judged based on filmmaking ability, production value, originality, successful incorporation of the theme, and overall creativity.  Out of the original submission pool, the Top 15 films will be selected to advance to the final round of judging.  In addition, the Round One Judging Panel will nominate up to five films or persons for each of the individual award categories.
The Final Judging Panel (Round Two) will select the Top 10 films, two (2) Finalist Prize Winners, and one (1) Grand Prize Winner.  Entries will be judged based on filmmaking ability, production value, originality, successful incorporation of the theme, and overall creativity.  All of Individual Awards will be determined by the Final Judging Panel.
In the rare event of a tie, the Round One Judging Panel will determine the winner.
Final Judging Panel
As of 5/24/08.

Karin Chien
Karin is an independent film producer based in New York City and Los Angeles. She recently wrapped post-production on Undoing, which premiered at the 2006 Los Angeles Film Festival, and is currently in post-production on Following Rosa, which filmed in the Philippines in Fall 2005. Ms. Chien also produced The Motel, MVP, and Robot Stories.

Michael Kang
Michael’s feature film directorial debut The Motel premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and internationally premiered at the Pusan Film Festival. The film received the Humanitas Prize as well as three top jury prizes from the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival, The San Diego Asian Film Festival and The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. Most recently, Michael’s second feature film West 32nd premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City.

(No Photo Available)

Marci Phillips
Marci is the Executive Director of Primetime Casting for ABC Entertainment and is responsible for their New York comedy casting. Along with her associates, Marci casts for all ABC and Touchstone pilots (comedies and dramas), new series regulars, TV movies and alternative series.

Jean Tsien
Jean studied film production at New York University and has been working in the field of documentary for the past 20 years as editor, producer, writer and consultant on cinema verité, historical, art, and feature films. Her editing credits include the 2001 Academy Award nominee for Best Documentary Feature, Scottsboro: An American Tragedy. Her recent editing credits include Dixie Chicks: Shut Up & Sing, a feature documentary about freedom of speech, and the critically acclaimed, 2007 Silverdocs Sterling award winner, Please Vote for Me.

Alice Wu
Alice is a director and writer. Her most noted work is her 2004 film, Saving Face. Before becoming a filmmaker, Wu worked as a software engineer for Microsoft in Seattle in the late 90’s. She then left the corporate world to pursue a filmmaking career full time. She gave herself a five-year window to do that. In 2001, the script for Saving Face won the CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) screenwriting award. She is now working on a film based on Rachel DeWoskin’s memoir Foreign Babes in Beijing: Behind the Scenes of a New China.

2008_Shootout_Registration_and_Submission.pdf

THE FIRST STEP: READ THE RULES
Read the Rules…The Official 72 Hour Film Shootout Rules 2008.  Though the premise of the competition is pretty simple, there are many answers to important questions you may have regarding the smaller details (i.e. releases, format, etc.)
Still Interested? JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST (SEE ABOVE) Most, if not all email communications regarding the Shootout including important dates etc. will be directed towards this Email List.  So make sure you’re on it!  If you have problems joining the email list, email us at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
STEP TWO: HOW TO REGISTER
Submit an Entry Form along with entry fee as determined below.
Official Entry Form can be found in the Shootout Registration. Click Here to download Registration Form. (Link to PDF of Registration Form).

EARLY REGISTRATION - $50
POSTMARKED BY: June 3, 2008

GENERAL REGISTRATION - $100
POSTMARKED BY: June 13, 2008

LATE REGISTRATION - $150
MUST ARRIVE BY: June 19, 2008

Complete all forms and mail to:
72 Hour Film Shootout c/o MOCA
70 Mulberry Street
New York, NY 10013
Make Check Payable to: Asian American Film Lab
STEP THREE: PRE-PRODUCTION
Once we have received your Entry Form and Entry Fee, we will notify you that you are eligible to compete.  Now what to do?  Well…get ready to compete!  Although the majority of the work is restricted to the Competition Period, there is some prep work you are allowed to do.  As stated in the Rules: “Only the following work can begin prior to the Competition Time Period: Organizing Crew, Organizing Cast, Securing Equipment, Scouting/Securing Locations.” So grab your friends and dust off that camera…you don’t want to have to deal with this during the shootout.  We would also suggest that you prepare your releases during this time (Talent, Location, Music etc.)
STEP FOUR: PRODUCTION
You’re ready to pounce.  You have your camera, your actors and crew, now you’re just waiting for the announcement of this year’s theme. 

On Friday, June 20th, 2008, at 8:00 p.m. EDT – THEME WILL BE ANNOUNCED…Go! Go! Go! Go!

From this point until Monday, June 20th, you will be frantically putting your five minute film together.  You will experience that rare and welcomed rush of adrenaline mixed with euphoria triggered by the dopamine pump that has now become your spine.  Now would be a good time to fill out your Submission Documents including the Particpants Agreement which all of your team members are required to sign.  You don’t want to be rushing to Fedex with submission in hand and then realize you didn’t get all of the required signatures. All required Submission Documents can be found here .(Link to PDF Submission Documents)

Though this will be the quickest 72 Hours of your life, take time to enjoy the process! 
STEP FIVE: ARGUABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP (and we trust that all of you will reach this point!)
Your film is finished. Here’s how to prep and submit it to us.

Your Film:

1. Provide two copies of finished product on miniDV tape (NTSC Standard Definition Format).
2. Your film, including credits, should not exceed five (5) minutes in length.
3. Finished film must begin with:
  10 seconds of bar and tone
  Team name, date, title, running time
  10 seconds of black
Note: These required items are not part of the five (5) minute limit.
4. Films must include the following credit:
  “This film was made possible in part by the support of the 5th Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout presented by the Asian American Film Lab.”
Required Shootout Submission Documents:

1. Submission Information Form – Click Here, (PDF of Shootout Submission documents).
2. Final roster for your team including each person that participated during the 72 hours.
3. Affirmation of Team Leader.
4. Participants Agreement for all participating team members including team leader.
5. Parent/Guardian Release (only required for members under 18 years of age).
*All required submission documents can be found in the Shootout Registration and Submission Documents

If we do not have these documents, we will not accept, judge, or screen a team’s work, even if only one member fails to sign.

Submitting Your Work:
The participating group must complete its film/video work and have it postmarked by Monday, June 23, 2008.  All teams must send their submissions via mail carrier (USPS, FedEX, DHL, Airborne delivered packages are the only ones that will be accepted) to arrive at the Entry Address, Museum of Chinese in America, Attn: 72 Hour Film Shootout, 70 Mulberry Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10013 by 10:30 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, June 24, 2008.  It is HIGHLY recommended teams use OVERNIGHT carrier.  Filmmakers may opt to use non-overnight delivery services to save money, however at their own risk.  NO DROP-OFFS (including messenger service) WILL BE ACCEPTED.  Only works that are received by the above deadline via the aforementioned official mail carriers will be admitted into the Competition.

MAILING ADDRESS:
Museum of Chinese in America
Attn: 72 Hour Film Shootout
70 Mulberry Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10013
(212) 619-4785
STEP SIX: THE WAITING GAME
June 24th to July 13th – During this time we will collect all entries and the judging process will commence.  See judging section for more details.

STEP SEVEN: CELEBRATION
Stay tuned for the announcement of the screening of the top ten Shootout films and Awards Ceremony at the New York Asian American International Film Festival will be held on July 13, 2008. Wrap Party to follow!
Date TBD – Begin online component; where you and your peers vote for the best film!