SMPTE Launches The Vista Project

SMPTE has officially launched The Vista Project. The initative aims to discover emerging talent in the creative and engineering sectors and support future filmmakers in developing interactive cinema experiences.

The competition is open to students enrolled in a two- or four-year accredited university level undergraduate or graduate programme. Five finalists will be awarded with $5,000 to create a 10-minute short that could serve as a template for a long-form interactive cinema experience.

The top two shorts will be screened at CinemaCon in March 2017, with the winner receiving an additional $5,000 First Prize, and the runner-up receiving $2,500. Both shorts will be showcased in select theatres following the event.

To enter, students first need to submit a 400-word (maximum) executive summary of their planned projects, plus a detailed budget, describing how they would use the $5,000 in award funds. The entry deadline is 30 September. Further instructions are available at www.thevistaproject.com.

Each project should focus on big-screen storytelling with a suggested second-screen interaction, such as with a mobile or tablet device. Participants are encouraged to target their own demographic of digital contemporaries with an immersive approach to film that maintains elements of strong story structure, protagonists, and dialogue.

Bud Mayo, founding chair of The Vista Project, said: "The Vista Project is designed to encourage and incubate a new generation of cinematic storytellers. It provides a unique platform and artistic palette for young filmmakers, teaming them with some of the best and brightest up-and-coming technologists, as well as well-established industry mentors from SMPTE. We are excited to launch this competition."

David Passman, president and CEO of Carmike Cinemas, added: "We are pleased that The Vista Project, which is focused on offering theatrical exhibitors attractive and immersive content options, is moving forward with its official launch and upcoming student competition."

The five finalists for The Vista Project competition will be chosen in conjunction with the SMPTE Centennial Gala Celebration in Hollywood, California, in October.

"The Vista Project is enabling SMPTE to build and sustain additional opportunities for students to interact, learn, and grow with one another and – with the support of industry leaders – to develop next-generation cinematic content for future audiences," said Barbara Lange, executive director of SMPTE. "We are truly delighted to partner with Bud Mayo, other members of The Vista Project committee, and students and faculty from some of the world's leading film schools on this worthwhile endeavour."

The Vista Project can be followed on social media via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Image: Bud Mayo, founding chair of The Vista Project and President of Carmike Cinemas Alternative Programming and Distribution Division.

www.smpte.org

(JP/LM)