OPEN: THE SMALL BUSINESS NETWORK(SM) FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS DELIVERS UNIQUE AWARDS PACKAGE TO EMERGING FILMMAKERS AT TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL
$25,000 and Six-Month Publicity Effort with PMK/HBH Public Relations to Help Winners Raise Profiles in the Entertainment Industry
NEW YORK, May 13, 2003 -- Recognizing an independent filmmaker's need for financial resources and exposure within the entertainment industry, OPEN: The Small Business Network, American Express' small business division, awarded two cash prizes of $25,000 to emerging filmmakers at a ceremony on Sunday celebrating the conclusion of the 2003 Tribeca Film Festival. In addition, each winner will receive the services of a PMK/HBH publicist for six months, with founder and principal Pat Kingsley supervising publicity efforts surrounding each winner's work.
As part of the 2nd Annual Tribeca Film Festival, the OPEN Network sponsored two awards for films screened at the festival: “Emerging Filmmaker – Narrative” was awarded to Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi for It Is Easier for a Camel..., and presented by director Martin Scorsese; and “Emerging Filmmaker – Documentary” was awarded to Mohamed Zran for Song of the Millennium, and presented by director Jay Roach.
“Cash and visibility are two critical elements for independent filmmakers attempting to succeed in the movie business, and I am delighted that the OPEN Network has been able to provide access to both,” said Kerry Hatch, executive vice president and general manager of OPEN: The Small Business Network from American Express. “By providing our winners with significant financial resources and access to the services of one of the entertainment industry's premier public relations agencies, our hope is that these two talented filmmakers can build on the momentum of these prestigious awards and advance their careers.”
Services provided by PMK/HBH Public Relations will include publicity efforts surrounding the filmmakers and their work; outreach to local and national trade and general media outlets; and networking within the entertainment industry to create awareness about the winners' works.
“We are thrilled to have American Express as our founding partner, and are very pleased they have been able to expand their awards this year,” said Jane Rosenthal, co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival.
Last year, the OPEN Network presented a single $25,000 prize for the Emerging Filmmaker Category. The winner, Eric Eason, will debut Manito, his first full-length feature film on June 13 in six U.S. cities. Manito also won a number of awards following last year's Tribeca Film Festival, including the “Prix Tournage” award for Best American Film at the Avignon Film Festival.
American Express is the Founding Sponsor of the Tribeca Film Festival. Part of a multi-year relationship, the festival is one of a series of events – large and small – that American Express is sponsoring to draw people to Lower Manhattan and help create a sense of excitement in the area.
PMK/HBH Public Relations
PMK/HBH Public Relations is widely recognized as a leader in entertainment public relations. With offices in New York and Los Angeles, the firm, a subsidiary of the Interpublic Sports and Entertainment Group, handles a variety of accounts in the motion picture, television, music and theater industries.
OPEN: The Small Business Network from American Express
The OPEN Network offers small business owners a wide range of tools, services and savings designed to meet their evolving needs. This includes charge and credit cards, convenient access to working capital and credit information, expense management reporting, convenient online account management capabilities and savings on business expenses from an enhanced lineup of partners.
American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a world leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, business services, insurance and international banking.