2015 Little Hollywood Shootout Kicks Off March 11, at High Noon in Kanab
KANAB, Utah – The unmistakable landscape contained in the Kanab area has made this part of southern Utah a favorite destination for filmmakers since the 1920’s. To pay homage to the filmmaking tradition, the 5th annual “Little Hollywood Shootout,” kicks off at the historic Parry Lodge in Kanab, Utah on March 11, 2015. The “shootout” is a quick-turnaround film challenge requiring filmmakers to produce a short film with Kane County locations as the backdrop.
The challenge starts at high noon on Wednesday, March 11, at Parry Lodge, where film production requirements such as locations and a theme will be revealed to participants. Competitors will then have 51.5 hours to write, direct, edit, and complete a five-minute film. Film submissions are due at 2:30 pm on Friday, March 13, and the shootout films will be premiered at a community screening on Saturday, March 14, films at the Crescent Moon Theater.
“The shootout has become the Thunderdome of quick turnaround film challenges and not only does it build on the film heritage of southern Utah, but provides aspiring filmmakers an opportunity to work in the same place where legends like John Ford and Clint Eastwood also worked,” explained Kane County Film Commissioner, Kelly Stowell, one of the organizers and founder of the event. “We look forward to the film challenge and participants are going to love what we have planned this year,” commented Stowell.
Prospective filmmakers of all ages from beginners to veterans are invited to take part in the challenge. Primary filming locations are required to take place in Kane County and editing and post-production can take place at the participants desired location. Two divisions are available for participants with one category intended for novice filmmakers of all ages looking to gain experience and the other designed for competitors who have experience in film production.
This year’s offerings include the addition of the Little Hollywood Education Series. After the main competition ends and before the award ceremony on March 14, educational seminars, workshops, historic movie set tour, and networking events will take place.
“In addition to the film competition, and building on the success of last years event, we are happy to offer educational seminars once again,” said Nathan Riddle, co-organizer of the event. Riddle also said, “the Little Hollywood Education Series brings additional value through education and network opportunities for participants on top of the prizes and exposure for participants.”
Sponsors of the event include Kane County Office of Tourism and Film Commission, Center for Education, Business, and the Arts, Kanab City, Utah Film Commission, and IAPFilms. Sponsorships opportunities are also available to interested groups.
“We appreciate our sponsors and this event would not be possible without them” said Nathan Riddle. “The education seminars are free and open to anyone interested in learning to make films or hone their skills” stated Riddle. Festivities of the Shootout conclude with film premiers and awards ceremony will take place at Kanab’s Crescent Moon Theater, showcasing all submitted films on the evening of Saturday, March 14, 2015. The screenings precede the Mesozoic concert starting at 6:30 pm. Community members and participants are strongly encouraged and invited to attend. For more information about the Little Hollywood Shootout or to register your team, visit www.littlehollywoodshootout.org or call 4358990443.
