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Film talent »
Festival seeks Michigan-
based filmmakers
by CHRIS GRAY
Observer Staff Writer
Talents in the film industry from all across Michigan have a chance to shine during the first-ever Blue Water Film Festival.
The Thespis Group of Port Huron will host the first annual event in Port Huron this fall, where filmmakers from the state can submit entries for the chance to win cash prizes.
The event will take place Oct. 9 and 10 at the McMorran Place Theatre in Port Huron.
Jeff Pedue, chairperson of the festival, said the Thespis Group
"We decided to keep it Michigan-based, because most film contests are national or international," he said. "This will give more opportunity to filmmakers that are maybe a little leery about airing at other festivals."
Entries for the contest may be long features, short features, animation and documentaries. There is no age limit on who can submit works, but the submitter must have a Michigan address.
A panel of five to seven judges are committed to the event. They will review and determine the finalists, who will receive complimentary passes for all events related to the festival, including the screenings to be held 9 a.m. the Saturday of the event.
The winning film will receive a $1,000 prize; second place earns $750 and third place wins $250. The Viewer's Choice winner will receive an additional $500.
So far, Pedue said there have been a handful of submissions, but they have garnered a lot of phone calls and e-mails asking about the contest, as well as multiple downloads from the festival's site.
"I'm just afraid we'll get 300 in one day when the deadline goes closer," he said with a chuckle. "But we do want a lot - from the U.P. all the way down to the south border."
All entries must be postmarked by Aug. 31 and mailed to the Blue Water Film Festival, 504 Grand River, 3rd Floor, Port Huron, MI 48060.
The festival is endorsed by Governor Jennifer Granholm, State Rep. Phil Pavlov and Port Huron Mayor Brian Moeller.
The Great Lakes state offers one of the most lucrative tax breaks for filmmakers - those who film in Michigan will have up to 42 percent of the money they spent refunded to them.
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