Justin Lee Selected as Coordinator of the Tenth Annual 72 Hour Shootout!

NEW YORK - Feb. 18, 2014 - PRLog -- The Asian American Film Lab (“Film Lab”) is pleased to announce that, after conducting multiple interviews and reviewing numerous applications, Justin Lee has been selected as the Shootout Coordinator for the Tenth Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout™ (“Shootout”)! The Shootout™ is a worldwide competition, celebrating diversity and artistic self empowerment, in which filmmaking teams are given a common theme at the start and then have 72 hours to write, shoot, edit, and complete short films up to five minutes in length.  Teams compete for cash and prizes, as well as the chance to have their films screened at the prestigious Asian American International Film Festival, organized by Asian CineVision, the only festival of its kind on the East Coast, and at the Asians on Film Festival in Los Angeles, California.  This year, competitors will also have an extended period of time to submit a second entry for televised broadcast on the Film Lab’s new series, Film Lab Presents!

The Shootout is intended to create opportunities for filmmakers of color, with a focus on Asian Americans, to demonstrate their talent, help them gain exposure in the entertainment industry, and impact the visibility of diverse stories and characters in film and television. One of the Shootout requirements is that at least one key production member (e.g., director, producer, or writer) and a principal actor from each team must be of Asian descent.

The Shootout Coordinator position changes each year in order to give a fresh, dynamic new take on every Shootout and every year numerous qualified candidates submit for the position.  The Film Lab is delighted that Justin Lee will be coordinating this year’s Shootout.  Mr. Lee is an independent writer, director and producer.  He has extensive experience in the world of media and entertainment and is cognizant of the fact that Asian Americans are often misrepresented and/or underrepresented in mainstream media.  When asked what intrigued him about the Shootout, Lee explained, “If the media can’t represent us in the right light, there [are] a whole lot of talented individuals out there who can.”  Lee plans to challenge stereotypes and preconceived notions about people and races in the 2014 Shootout, stating, “It’s going to be about putting individuality into your craft.  No one but Wes Anderson could make The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou; only Wong Kar-Wai could make Chunking Express.  I want to see films [that express the individual], not just something with a twist.”

Early bird registration opens on March 1, 2014, on the Film Lab website (www.film-lab.org).  In connection with the Shootout, the Film Lab will be hosting several pre-launch events including a FREE interactive filmmaking how-to workshop to teach first-time and veteran filmmakers alike how to create their best possible film within 72 hours and a team-building and networking event for Shootout registrants to attend to meet like-minded individuals and put their Shootout teams together.  For further information about the Film Lab and the Shootout, including viewing past winning films, please visit us on the web at www.film-lab.org or email Shootout Coordinator, Justin Lee, at Shootout@film-lab.org.  For free access to videos and updates, subscribe at www.youtube.com/asamfilmlab.  Filmmakers can also network on the Shootout Fan Page (www.Facebook.com/72HourShootout)!  For photos of the West Coast Shootout premiere, visit https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10200600485574259.1073741848.1823087136&type=1&l=f15c064dac.

About The Asian American Film Lab

The Asian American Film Lab (Film Lab) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to the promotion and support of gender and ethnic diversity in film and television through free monthly educational and outreach programming and the acclaimed annual 72 Hour Shootout filmmaking competition.  This annual competition has inspired hundreds of filmmakers by helping nascent talent take brave steps towards a filmmaking career. The Film Lab was formed in 1998 by collaborative of New York-based filmmakers whose goals were to hone their craft and to share their knowledge, experience and resources. The membership has grown to comprise professionals, artists and other talented individuals who all share the common goal of creating great film and promoting all filmmakers of color, with a focus on Asian Americans, and the visibility of their stories and characters in film and television.

The Film Lab is run under the direction of President Jennifer Betit Yen.  Acting and Advisory Board members include Aaron Woolfolk, Eric Lin, Bea Soong, John Woo, Erik Lu, and James Kyson.

The Film Lab is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Membership and all contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

http://www.asianamericanfilmlab.com/

shootout@film-lab.org / info@film-lab.org