LOS ANGELES, May, 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Openfilm.com, a fast-growing online community where independent filmmakers and film lovers discover and distribute independent film, will give filmmakers and fans of James Caan ("The Godfather," "Elf," "Misery") Chairman of Openfilm's Advisory Board, the opportunity to ask the actor questions during a free live webcam chat on Thursday, May 20, 2010, from noon to 1:00 p.m. PST. Anyone can register to watch or submit a question at http://www.openfilm.com/chats/26.
From how to break into the film business to reflections and anecdotes about his incredible career, Caan hopes to share some of his hard earned wisdom with others who are passionate about the art of making films and watching them. It is also an opportunity for filmmakers who are vying to win cash and a movie financing deal valued at $250,000 from Openfilm to ask Caan for advice.
Last month, Openfilm.com announced that it will award $1 million to independent filmmakers. One winning independent filmmaker will be selected to receive $50,000 in cash and $200,000 in financing from each quarterly contest. The Openfilm community will pick the finalists and the winning film will be selected by Openfilm's Advisory Board. The first round of competition is now going on and filmmakers can submit their entries at http://www.openfilm.com/studio/submit.
Openfilm's technical team is comprised of engineers who are PhDs and mathematicians. The group is developing a portfolio of Intellectual Property, including proprietary technology platforms that will transform how films are marketed and distributed on the Internet.
The company's Advisory Board, led by Caan, includes Robert Duvall, Oscar © and Emmy © award-winning actor and filmmaker; Mark Rydell, Co-Artistic Director, The Actors Studio and Oscar © - winning director, "On Golden Pond"; and James' son, filmmaker and actor Scott Caan ( "Ocean's 11," "Mercy" / IFC Films Summer 2010 release, "Entourage" ). Other members of the Advisory Board, along with celebrity guests, will host future live webcam chats, and provide feedback, comments and distribution advice for short films submitted to Openfilm's Get It Made film competition.
Openfilm is being funded by entrepreneur and founder of Enerfund, Mike Zoi. Zoi was the co-founder of Ener1, NYSE: HEV, an alternative energy company.
About Openfilm
Openfilm is a technology company that is advancing the distribution of independent film. The company has an exceptional team of engineers, many of whom hold PhDs, who are developing Openfilm's IP portfolio. The company's online platform provides filmmakers with a variety of revenue sharing opportunities. Through Openfilm's software, films are presented in the highest quality available online. Led by an Advisory Board of established industry heavyweights, James Caan, Scott Caan, Robert Duvall and Mark Rydell, Openfilm will transform the way independent films are discovered, financed and distributed.
Openfilm Studios is the co-located production arm of Openfilm's independent filmmaker community. The directors of these winning films will win finance and management contracts to produce their next film with Openfilm Studios.
Openfilm
CONTACT: Brenda Nieborsky, bnieborsky@openfilm.com, +1-917-975-3984; or
Serena Ehrlich, serlich@rogersandcowan.com or Susan Yin,
syin@rogersandcowan.com, both of Rogers & Cowan, +1-310-854-8100
Web Site: http://www.openfilm.com/
