Success in the Independent Film Industry requires Tremendous Dedication

"The Slamdance Screenplay Award received by Joshua Marston for MARIA FULL OF GRACE was the first public validation of the project... the publicity surrounding this award helped put the project in the public eye."
-Paul Mezey, producer, MARIA FULL OF GRACE

April 2008 marks a full year since we started working with Slamdance and I wanted to take a minute and highlight the work they are doing within the independent film industry.

Over the past year I have been given the opportunity to work with Peter Baxter and his team and what strikes me most is the level of dedication and hard work they pour into their professional lives in order to ensure the success of others. Their selfish desire to promote and cultivate new talent is only surpassed by their continual positive approach to every person and situation they encounter.

It comes as no surprise that they continue to get praise from the industry.

"I have found Slamdance to be an unmatched source of new talent. From new directors in the festival to undiscovered writers in the Screenplay Competition Slamdance remains a goldmine of new talent and material."
-Stephen Isreal, producer, SWIMMING WITH SHARKS

I have been a fan of independent films for years but I really had no idea what goes into creating a successful independent film.  My observations of this community over the past year has made one things clear, it's not easy. It requires a team of talented people with many complimentary skill sets to achieve success. Slamdance succeeds by not only showcasing talent but also providing each individual artist, director, producer, writer, etc. the opportunity to interact with experienced professionals to hone the skills of their craft.

"Some of the best material comes from Slamdance — I should know!"
-Lee Daniels, producer of MONSTER'S BALL, and the Slamdance winner and Sundance hit, THE WOODSMAN

So, if you are in the film industry and are looking the opportunity to shine, perhaps you should visit Slamdance.com and give one of their many competitions a try. Right now Slamdance is running their annual Screenplay Competition which strives to bring attention to the most talented emerging screenwriters and introduce them to the industry. They are accepting new screenplays in every genre, on any topic from every country around the world until June 2, 2008, which is the final submission deadline.

Based on community feedback, this is an opportunity you don't want to miss.

"When I wrote NEO NED I had absolutely zero contacts in the movie business. NEO NED was optioned and produced because of the exposure I got in the Slamdance screenplay competition. Van Fischer, the director, found my script while he was showing his first movie at the Slamdance Festival."
-Timothy Boughn, 1999 Slamdance Finalist NEO NED