2010 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES AWARDS
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WHEN WE LEAVE (DIE FREMDE), DOG POUND, MONICA & DAVID, AND THE ARBOR WIN TOP AWARDS IN JURIED WORLD COMPETITIONS
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MORE THAN $150,000 HANDED OUT IN CASH PRIZES
The world competition winners for narrative and documentary films were chosen from 12 narrative and 12 documentary features from 20 countries. Two awards were given to honor New York films, which were chosen from seven narrative and six documentary features. Awards were also given for the best narrative, best documentary and student visionary films in the short film competitions. This year’s Festival included 85 features and 47 short films from 38 countries.
Also announced at the awards were the first-ever Tribeca Film Festival Virtual feature and short film winners selected by the online audience, The winner of The Heineken Audience Award, determined by audience votes throughout the Festival, will be announced on May 1 at the Festival Wrap party.
ANNOUNCES 2010 FESTIVAL DATES AND CALL FOR ENTRIES
AFI FEST Renews Commitment to Community with Free Tickets
Los Angeles' Longest Running International Film Festival
Also Announces New Award & Section for Filmmakers
LOS ANGELES, CA, April 27, 2010 - AFI FEST presented by Audi officially announced its dates and call for entries today for the 24th annual event. AFI FEST will be held November 4 through 11, 2010 in Hollywood, California at the historic Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Mann Chinese 6 at the Hollywood & Highland Center, and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
The market partner of AFI FEST, the American Film Market (AFM), will be held November 3-10, 2010.
Last year, AFI FEST broke new ground by offering free tickets to all of its screenings. With the support of Audi, the festival's presenting sponsor, and other committed sponsors, what began as a recession-inspired experiment has proven a new model for film festivals, where the price of admission is not a barrier to experiencing the best of world cinema. The success of last year's AFI FEST has led some other film festivals to explore adopting a free festival model.
Filmmakers are invited to submit narrative, documentary, experimental, animated and short films at AFI.com/AFIFEST or through Withoutabox.com. The final submission deadline for shorts (under 30 minutes) is July 30th, 2010, and the final deadline for feature length films (documentary and narrative) is August 13th, 2010. Decisions will be announced no later than October 8th, 2010. Filmmakers can call 1.866.AFI.FEST for more information.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes AFI FEST as a qualifying festival for the Short Films category of the annual Academy Awards. AFI FEST is the only film festival in the United States to hold the prestigious FIAPF accreditation (FIAPF.org), assuring a high standard of quality and reliability for the international film community.
AFI FEST also announced today that the 2010 edition of the festival will feature a new section and award to highlight films discovered solely through the submissions process. Films in this new section are eligible for a cash award of $5,000, which will be decided by the audience at AFI FEST.
AFI FEST Director Jacqueline Lyanga said, "We have found extraordinary gems in the submissions process over the years, and this is an opportunity to highlight the 2010 entries at the festival. These are films that tend to be truly independent endeavors; films that get made on pure passion and persistence."
"It is always a thrilling moment when a film that you have not been tracking surprises you and, immediately, you want to share it with others," said Lane Kneedler, Associate Director of Programming at AFI FEST. "This section will enable us to bring these films to an audience eager to see and experience the world's newest stories."
Last year's AFI FEST presented by Audi enjoyed record attendance, as audiences turned out in force to attend films and special events. Programming highlights from AFI FEST 2009 presented by Audi included seven consecutive nights of galas and tributes, including FANTASTIC MR FOX, PRECIOUS, THE MESSENGER, A SINGLE MAN, THE ROAD and a 50th Anniversary digitally re-mastered presentation of Alfred Hitchcock's NORTH BY NORTHWEST; tributes to Viggo Mortensen and Christopher Plummer, the latter featuring a screening of THE LAST STATION; red carpet appearances by Wes Anderson, Drew Barrymore, Angela Bassett, Kate Beckinsale, Nicolas Cage, Lee Daniels, Julie Delpy, Robert De Niro, Colin Firth, Tom Ford, Terry Gilliam, Woody Harrelson, Werner Herzog, Martin Landau, Julianne Moore, Mo'Nique, Bill Murray, Tyler Perry, Eva Marie Saint, Jason Schwartzman, Charlize Theron and Oprah Winfrey; and access to the AFI DigiFest new media conference.
About the American Film Institute
AFI is America's promise to preserve the history of the motion picture, to honor the artists and their work, and to educate the next generation of storytellers. As a national, public-supported educational and cultural organization, AFI provides leadership in film, television and digital media and is the only non-profit organization dedicated to initiatives that engage the past, the present and the future of the moving image arts.
AFI is America's promise to preserve the history of the motion picture, to honor the artists and their work, and to educate the next generation of storytellers. As a national, public-supported educational and cultural organization, AFI provides leadership in film, television and digital media and is the only non-profit organization dedicated to initiatives that engage the past, the present and the future of the moving image arts.
AFI preserves the legacy of America's film heritage through the AFI Catalog of Feature Films, an authoritative and scholarly record of American films made from 1896 to the present, and the AFI Archives, which contains rare and previously unseen footage from AFI's 40-plus year history.
AFI honors the artists and their work through a variety of programs and special events during the year, including the annual AFI Life Achievement Award and AFI Awards. For 37 years, the AFI Life Achievement Award has remained the highest honor for a career in film while AFI Awards, the institute's almanac for the 21st century, honors the most outstanding motion pictures and television programs of the year. AFI's 100 Years/100 Movies... series and definitive movie reference lists, as well as Target presents AFI Night at the Movies, have introduced and reintroduced classic American movies to millions of film lovers. And as the largest nonprofit exhibitor in the United States, AFI offers film enthusiasts a variety of events throughout the year, including AFI FEST presented by Audi, the longest running international film festival in Los Angeles; AFI-Discovery Channel Silverdocs, the largest documentary festival in the US; and year-round programming at the AFI Silver Theatre in the Washington, D.C. area.
AFI educates the next generation of storytellers at its world-renowned AFI Conservatory, offering a two-year Master of Fine Arts degree in six filmmaking disciplines - Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design and Screenwriting. AFI also explores new digital technologies through AFI Conservatory curriculum and workshops and at AFI DigiFest, and showcases the work of young storytellers at through AFI ScreenNation and emerging filmmakers through AFI Project: 20/20.
Additional information about AFI is available at AFI.com.
About AFI FEST
Celebrating its 24th year as a program of the American Film Institute, AFI FEST 2010 presented by Audi will take place November 4 through 11 in the heart of Hollywood. Kicking off the awards season each year, AFI FEST offers a crucial avenue of exposure to the entertainment community, while providing appreciative audiences with a festive atmosphere and the very best of world film, right in the center of the film capital of the world.
Celebrating its 24th year as a program of the American Film Institute, AFI FEST 2010 presented by Audi will take place November 4 through 11 in the heart of Hollywood. Kicking off the awards season each year, AFI FEST offers a crucial avenue of exposure to the entertainment community, while providing appreciative audiences with a festive atmosphere and the very best of world film, right in the center of the film capital of the world.
The American Film Market (AFM), November 3-10, 2010, is the market partner of AFI FEST. Together, AFI FEST and AFM provide the only concurrent festival/market event in North America. AFI FEST is the only FIAPF-accredited film festival in the United States. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes AFI FEST as a qualifying festival for the Short Films category for the annual Academy Awards®.
AFI FEST 2010 presented by Audi is sponsored in part by American Airlines, American Film Market (AFM) and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission. Additional sponsors include Stella Artois, Little Black Dress and the Hollywood & Highland Center. AFI FEST is proud to continue its collaborative partnership with the Skirball Cultural Center.
Additional information about AFI FEST presented by Audi is available at AFI.com/AFIFEST.
About Audi
Audi of America, Inc. and its 270 U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2009 Audi outsold all other luxury brands in Europe, while in the U.S. market Audi posted the largest market share gain of any luxury automotive brand. Over the next few years, AUDI AG expects to spend nearly $2 billion annually on new products and technology. Visitaudiusa.com or audiusanews.com
for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.
About AFM
The business of independent motion picture production and distribution -- a truly collaborative process -- reaches its peak every year at the American Film Market. More than 7,000 industry leaders converge in Santa Monica for eight days of deal making, screenings, seminars, red carpet premieres, networking and parties. Participants come from over 70 countries and include acquisition and development executives, agents, attorneys, directors, distributors, festival directors, financiers, film commissioners, producers, writers, the world's press and all those who provide services to the motion picture industry.
AFM is the premier global marketplace for Hollywood's decision makers. In just eight days, more than $800 million in deals are sealed -- on both completed films and those that haven't started shooting yet -- making AFM the must-attend industry event.
The American Film Market is produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), the trade association representing the world's producers and distributors of independent motion pictures and television programs. More information can be found at IFTA-online.org and AmericanFilmMarket.com.
Audi of America, Inc. and its 270 U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2009 Audi outsold all other luxury brands in Europe, while in the U.S. market Audi posted the largest market share gain of any luxury automotive brand. Over the next few years, AUDI AG expects to spend nearly $2 billion annually on new products and technology. Visitaudiusa.com or audiusanews.com
for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.
About AFM
The business of independent motion picture production and distribution -- a truly collaborative process -- reaches its peak every year at the American Film Market. More than 7,000 industry leaders converge in Santa Monica for eight days of deal making, screenings, seminars, red carpet premieres, networking and parties. Participants come from over 70 countries and include acquisition and development executives, agents, attorneys, directors, distributors, festival directors, financiers, film commissioners, producers, writers, the world's press and all those who provide services to the motion picture industry.
AFM is the premier global marketplace for Hollywood's decision makers. In just eight days, more than $800 million in deals are sealed -- on both completed films and those that haven't started shooting yet -- making AFM the must-attend industry event.
The American Film Market is produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), the trade association representing the world's producers and distributors of independent motion pictures and television programs. More information can be found at IFTA-online.org and AmericanFilmMarket.com.
For additional information contact:
Marsha Conner
American Film Institute
323.856.7766
mconner@AFI.com
Marsha Conner
American Film Institute
323.856.7766
mconner@AFI.com
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“In every city, including the capital of the most powerful country in the world, there is another city, a city of forgotten people and unspeakable shame.”
“THE OTHER CITY”
A NEW FILM ABOUT HIV/AIDS EPIDEMIC IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
WORLD PREMIERE
AT
NINTH ANNUAL TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL
APRIL 26
New York, NY (April 1, 2010) – Washington, D.C. has a higher rate of HIV/AIDS infection than several countries in Africa. The figures are startling. At least 3 percent of the capital city's population is HIV-positive -- far surpassing the 1 percent threshold that constitutes a "generalized and severe" epidemic.[1] The Other City, a new film by director Susan Koch, written by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas, deals with this controversial topic and will have its world premiere at the Ninth Annual Tribeca Film Festival on April 26th.
Produced by entrepreneur and philanthropist Sheila C. Johnson, The Other City spotlights personal stories of those that live in the shadow of the Capitol but remain virtually invisible to the lawmakers and politicians who work there. Tackling issues of homelessness, drug addiction, access services and the lingering social stigma accompanied by a diagnosis of HIV or AIDS, The Other City illustrates indelibly the steep cost we pay – in the loss of countless lives because of denial and ignorance.
“HIV/AIDS intersects and reflects many of the injustices and inequities that plague our capital and our nation – from poverty to race and homophobia, to health care, incarceration rates and education,” says film director Susan Koch. I hope this film will not only spark much needed dialogue about AIDS in America, but also make us aware of ‘the other city’ that is part of every large city in America.”
The Other City features a cross-section of powerful personal stories of individuals representing demographic groups impacted and affected by HIV/AIDS, and features commentary by Colbert King, Pulitzer prize winning columnist at the Washington Post, Frank Rich, columnist for the New York Times, U.S. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), David Cantania, Chairman DC Health Committee, Kevin Frost, CEO amfar, author and HIV/AIDS activists Larry Kramer, Shannon Hader, Director of DC HIV/AIDS Administration for the DC Department of Health.
“When I first came to D.C. in 2003 as a reporting intern at The Washington Post, I was a bit starry-eyed,” says film writer Jose Antonio Vargas. “But in my first few months living in the city -- riding the bus across town, walking around the neighborhoods -- I grew to know a whole other Washington, a predominantly black city that does not have a vote in Congress, a city with a sizable gay population and a growing Latino community. I discovered a disease that decade after decade has kept on spreading within the city walls, just a few steps from the White House. With this film, I feel it is time to re-start the conversation about a devastating epidemic that is not going away. To me, 'The Other City' is America's underclass as told through a virus."
More than 1 million people in the U.S. are living with the HIV or AIDS. On average, someone in the U.S. is infected with HIV every nine and a half minutes. And while Washington has the highest HIV/AIDS rate in the country, other American cities are seeing epidemic-like figures. Nationally, the leading cause of death for black women ages 25 to 34 is AIDS. In New York City, 1 in 8 injection-drug users and 1 in 10 men who have sex with men are HIV-positive.
"We have documented those raw, personal stories, and given viewers unprecedented access to those living on the front lines of the AIDS epidemic,” says producer Sheila C. Johnson. “By showing the ‘two Washingtons’ -- one that is affluent and powerful, the other that is overwhelmingly poor and powerless -- we also cast a spotlight on several large cities across America that are home to a ‘shadow’ population, dealing with epidemic-like numbers of people with HIV/AIDS.”
For more information about the Tribeca Film Festival and for screening schedules for The Other City, visitwww.tribecafilmfestival.com.
ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS
Susan Koch (Director)
An Emmy- and Peabody-winning filmmaker, directs and produces documentaries and non-fiction programming for worldwide distribution. Her feature documentary,Kicking It, about homeless soccer players who compete in an international tournament, premiered at the 2008 Sundance and Tribeca Film Festivals, was released theatrically and on DVD. It was broadcast on ESPN. Koch codirected and produced Mario's Story, about a young Latino, Mario Rocha, who was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison on the basis of one eyewitness and no physical evidence. Mario's Story received the Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature at the Los Angeles Film Festival and was broadcast on Showtime in 2009. Koch received a prestigious Soros Justice Media Fellowship for her work with this film. Koch directed the critically-acclaimed documentary, City at Peace, featured at film festivals throughout the world and broadcast on HBO. Her work has appeared on ABC, NBC, PBS, HBO, Showtime, MTV, ESPN, The Discovery Channel, National Geographic, Turner Broadcasting, American Movie Classics, The Learning Channel and the Travel Channel.
Jose Antonio Vargas (Co-Producer and Writer)
A multimedia journalist. He's the Technology & Innovations Editor at The Huffington Post, where he oversees the Technology and College sections, and was previously a feature writer and national political reporter for The Washington Post, where he covered technology culture, HIV/AIDS in Washington, D.C. and the 2008 presidential campaign, among other topics. He won a Pulitzer Prize as a part of a team that covered the 2007 massacre at Virginia Tech. The media's evolution -- and the breaking down of barriers between print and broadcast journalism -- has guided his nearly 12-year reporting career. He's written for daily newspapers (Philadelphia Daily News, San Francisco Chronicle) and national magazines (New York and Rolling Stone). He's also appeared on several television broadcasts, including CNN, MSNBC, and PBS NewsHour. He serves on the advisory board of the Knight Batten Award for Innovations in Journalism, housed at American University in D.C., and he's a very proud graduate of Mountain View High School and San Francisco State University. He currently lives in New York City.
Sheila C. Johnson (Producer)
An entrepreneur and philanthropist whose accomplishments spans the areas of hospitality, sports, TV/film, the arts, education and humanitarian causes. She is CEO of Salamander Hospitality, LLC, a company she founded in 2005, overseeing a growing portfolio of luxury properties, including Woodlands Inn, in Summerville, SC; Innisbrook, a 72-hole Golf & Resort Spa in Innisbrook, FL; and the much anticipated Salamander Resort & Spa, currently being constructed in Middleburg, VA. As President and Managing Partner of the WNBA's Washington Mystics, and a partner in Lincoln Holdings, LLC, Johnson is the first African American woman to have a stake in three professional sports teams, including the Washington Wizards (NBA) and the Washington Capitals (NHL). She is also a TV pioneer, having been a founder partner of BET (Black Entertainment Television) and the creator of the award-winning program Teen Summit. Currently, Johnson is producing films with humanitarian messages, including Kicking It, A Powerful Noise and She Is the Matador. In 2006, Johnson was named global ambassador for CARE, a leading aid organization fighting global poverty by empowering women. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and serves as Chair of the Board of Governors of Parsons The New School for Design in New York. An accomplished violinist and a fervent supporter of the arts and education, Johnson was appointed by President Obama to the President's Committee of the Arts and the Humanities, and she sits on the boards of Americans for the Arts, the Jackie Robinson Foundation, the Tiger Woods Foundation, the University of Virginia Curry School of Education, Howard University and the University of Illinois Foundation.
About The Tribeca Film Festival
Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff founded the Tribeca Film Festival in 2001 following the attacks on the World Trade Center to spur the economic and cultural revitalization of the lower Manhattan district through an annual celebration of film, music and culture.
The Festival’s mission is to help filmmakers reach the broadest possible audience, enable the international film community and general public to experience the power of cinema and promote New York City as a major filmmaking center. Tribeca Film Festival is well known for being a diverse international film festival that supports emerging and established directors.
The Tribeca Festival has screened over 1100 films from over 80 countries since its first festival in 2002. Since its founding, it has attracted an international audience of more than 2.3 million attendees and has generated an estimated $600 million in economic activity for New York City
[1] As determined by the United Nations Joint Program on HIV/AIDS and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
ROBERT DE NIRO, JANE ROSENTHAL AND ACADEMY AWARD® WINNER
ALEX GIBNEY KICK OFF 2010 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL
New York, NY – April 20, 2010 – Tribeca Film Festival co-founders Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal kicked off the ninth annual Tribeca Film Festival (TFF) today at a press conference at the Borough of Manhattan Community College in lower Manhattan. De Niro and Rosenthal were joined by Alex Gibney, who directed three films featured in this year’s Festival; Tribeca Enterprises Chief Creative Officer Geoff Gilmore; TFF Executive Director Nancy Schafer; and John Hayes, Chief Marketing Officer for American Express, the founding sponsor of the Festival.
The 2010 Tribeca Film Festival will run from April 21 – May 2 and will include 85 features and 47 short films representing 38 different countries. The film slate, chosen from a record 5,050 submissions, features 44 world premieres, 7 international premieres, 15 North American premieres, 6 U.S. premieres, 12 New York premieres and 1 restored work. In addition to the film line-up, there will also be a range of panel discussions involving filmmakers and industry experts, gala premieres of highly anticipated new studio releases – including DreamWorks Animation’s “Shrek Forever After,” which will open the Festival – and an array of free, community events, including the popular Tribeca Drive-In, the Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day and the Tribeca Family Festival Street Fair.
“This year, Tribeca has stayed true to its mission and has expanded to find new ways for filmmakers to reach new audiences,” said Rosenthal. “Whether you’re an accomplished or emerging filmmaker, a movie junkie or someone who enjoys a good film now and then, there’s something for you at Tribeca.”
“It’s great how much the Festival continues to grow,” said De Niro. “One of the strengths of Tribeca is the feeling of community. I look forward to hearing what our audiences think about the terrific slate of films in this year’s Festival.”
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New York, NY and Chicago, IL (April 14, 2010) – Tribeca Enterprises and Flashpoint Academy today announced that Tribeca Educational Ventures LLC, a Tribeca Enterprises subsidiary, will partner with Chicago-based Flashpoint Academy of Media Arts & Sciences. The two-year Digital Media Arts College is set to be re-named Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy and will provide students with an enhanced hands-on education in film and broadcast, game and interactive media development, recording arts and visual effects and animation.
Founded in 2007, Flashpoint was created as an alternative to traditional media arts education. The school focuses on immersive learning using the tools, methods, latest technology and trends used in today’s converging digital entertainment industries. Currently, 450 students learn to produce films, video games, music videos, animation and broadcast projects inside Flashpoint’s 75,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility and two large-scale production stages in Chicago. Flashpoint’s first class graduated in the spring of 2009, with students going on to careers and internships with media, gaming and production companies, including Reveille, FOX Searchlight, Tap Me! Games and Robomodo Games, Draft FCB, Young & Rubicam, Chicago Recording Company and IATSE Local 2.
Tribeca has become a 50% partner in Flashpoint and will enhance the college’s curriculum and programs by offering students access to industry-recognized talent and visiting lecturers, increasing real world work experience through student participation in Tribeca Enterprises initiatives and Tribeca Film Festival projects; and by providing access to Tribeca partners, sponsors and industry contacts that strengthen student job prospects upon graduation.
“Flashpoint stood out as an extraordinary opportunity to complement and expand our educational and digital media ecosystem,” said Craig Hatkoff, Co-founder of Tribeca Enterprises. “Tribeca Flashpoint’s platform is scalable; the emphasis on hands-on learning using the latest technologies will prepare the first generation of digital natives for the transition from the classroom into the marketplace. We believe innovation and creativity are teachable skills that will be necessary for success amidst the ongoing disruption of traditional business models.”
“Education has always been a part of the fabric of Tribeca,” said Jane Rosenthal, co-founder of Tribeca Enterprises. “The media industry is rapidly evolving and the skills required for success are as well. We are excited about Tribeca Flashpoint’s ability to provide students with a digital media education, training, opportunities and hands-on experience they need to become the future of our industry.”
“Flashpoint Academy has always used a forward-thinking, collaborative approach to digital media education,” said Flashpoint CEO Howard A. Tullman. “As these crucial media industries continue to merge – with games demanding increased narrative structures – and films requiring more and more animation, visual effects as well as powerful music, we think convergence is the key to the future. Working hand in hand with Tribeca, we are confident that the school will continue to be a leader in education and provide our students with even more opportunities to break into all of these industries.”
“Tribeca’s investment in Flashpoint is part of our continued commitment to our industry,” said Tribeca Enterprises co-founder Robert De Niro. “We have always sought to nurture young aspiring talent and I am proud that this new venture will continue to do just that.”
Tribeca Enterprises is the umbrella organization for the Tribeca Film Festival, Tribeca Cinemas, the Doha Tribeca Film Festival, a new national distribution initiative, Tribeca Film and the first-ever Tribeca Film Festival Virtual. Through its investment in Flashpoint, Tribeca will further extend its digital media portfolio and presence beyond New York City. Tribeca Flashpoint has the opportunity to strengthen the media arts education landscape and create new opportunities for digital media students by focusing on hands-on experience and job-placement.
Tribeca Flashpoint students will receive a comprehensive digital media arts education based on a collaborative, real-world model and graduate from Tribeca Flashpoint equipped with the skills and work product to enter the digital work force.
Enrollment for the fall 2010 semester at the Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy is currently open. For additional information, please visit www.tribecaflashpoint.com. Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy is located at 28 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL.
About Tribeca Enterprises
Tribeca Enterprises is a diversified global media company based in New York City. Established in 2003 by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff, the company currently operates a network of branded entertainment businesses including the Tribeca Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival International, Tribeca Cinemas, and the newly announced distribution initiative, Tribeca Film. The Company's mission is to provide artists with unique platforms to expand the audience for their works and to broaden the access point for consumers to experience independent film and media. Jonathan Tisch, through Walnut Hill Media, is a minority investor in Tribeca Enterprises and is a member of the Board of Directors.
Tribeca Enterprises and Flashpoint Academy Announce Strategic Partnership Set to Operate Under New Banner: Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy
Tribeca Becomes Fifty-Percent Partner in Chicago-Based Digital Media Arts & Sciences Academy, Expanding the Digital Media Education Model
Academy Expands Tribeca’s Presence in Education, Innovation and Digital Media
New York, NY and Chicago, IL (April 14, 2010) – Tribeca Enterprises and Flashpoint Academy today announced that Tribeca Educational Ventures LLC, a Tribeca Enterprises subsidiary, will partner with Chicago-based Flashpoint Academy of Media Arts & Sciences. The two-year Digital Media Arts College is set to be re-named Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy and will provide students with an enhanced hands-on education in film and broadcast, game and interactive media development, recording arts and visual effects and animation.
Founded in 2007, Flashpoint was created as an alternative to traditional media arts education. The school focuses on immersive learning using the tools, methods, latest technology and trends used in today’s converging digital entertainment industries. Currently, 450 students learn to produce films, video games, music videos, animation and broadcast projects inside Flashpoint’s 75,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility and two large-scale production stages in Chicago. Flashpoint’s first class graduated in the spring of 2009, with students going on to careers and internships with media, gaming and production companies, including Reveille, FOX Searchlight, Tap Me! Games and Robomodo Games, Draft FCB, Young & Rubicam, Chicago Recording Company and IATSE Local 2.
Tribeca has become a 50% partner in Flashpoint and will enhance the college’s curriculum and programs by offering students access to industry-recognized talent and visiting lecturers, increasing real world work experience through student participation in Tribeca Enterprises initiatives and Tribeca Film Festival projects; and by providing access to Tribeca partners, sponsors and industry contacts that strengthen student job prospects upon graduation.
“Flashpoint stood out as an extraordinary opportunity to complement and expand our educational and digital media ecosystem,” said Craig Hatkoff, Co-founder of Tribeca Enterprises. “Tribeca Flashpoint’s platform is scalable; the emphasis on hands-on learning using the latest technologies will prepare the first generation of digital natives for the transition from the classroom into the marketplace. We believe innovation and creativity are teachable skills that will be necessary for success amidst the ongoing disruption of traditional business models.”
“Education has always been a part of the fabric of Tribeca,” said Jane Rosenthal, co-founder of Tribeca Enterprises. “The media industry is rapidly evolving and the skills required for success are as well. We are excited about Tribeca Flashpoint’s ability to provide students with a digital media education, training, opportunities and hands-on experience they need to become the future of our industry.”
“Flashpoint Academy has always used a forward-thinking, collaborative approach to digital media education,” said Flashpoint CEO Howard A. Tullman. “As these crucial media industries continue to merge – with games demanding increased narrative structures – and films requiring more and more animation, visual effects as well as powerful music, we think convergence is the key to the future. Working hand in hand with Tribeca, we are confident that the school will continue to be a leader in education and provide our students with even more opportunities to break into all of these industries.”
“Tribeca’s investment in Flashpoint is part of our continued commitment to our industry,” said Tribeca Enterprises co-founder Robert De Niro. “We have always sought to nurture young aspiring talent and I am proud that this new venture will continue to do just that.”
Tribeca Enterprises is the umbrella organization for the Tribeca Film Festival, Tribeca Cinemas, the Doha Tribeca Film Festival, a new national distribution initiative, Tribeca Film and the first-ever Tribeca Film Festival Virtual. Through its investment in Flashpoint, Tribeca will further extend its digital media portfolio and presence beyond New York City. Tribeca Flashpoint has the opportunity to strengthen the media arts education landscape and create new opportunities for digital media students by focusing on hands-on experience and job-placement.
Tribeca Flashpoint students will receive a comprehensive digital media arts education based on a collaborative, real-world model and graduate from Tribeca Flashpoint equipped with the skills and work product to enter the digital work force.
Enrollment for the fall 2010 semester at the Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy is currently open. For additional information, please visit www.tribecaflashpoint.com. Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy is located at 28 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL.
About Tribeca Enterprises
Tribeca Enterprises is a diversified global media company based in New York City. Established in 2003 by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff, the company currently operates a network of branded entertainment businesses including the Tribeca Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival International, Tribeca Cinemas, and the newly announced distribution initiative, Tribeca Film. The Company's mission is to provide artists with unique platforms to expand the audience for their works and to broaden the access point for consumers to experience independent film and media. Jonathan Tisch, through Walnut Hill Media, is a minority investor in Tribeca Enterprises and is a member of the Board of Directors.
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