NBC and Asian American Film Lab to Collaborate to Promote Diversity

NEW YORK - Oct. 1, 2014 - PRLog -- The Asian American Film Lab™ (“Film Lab”), is excited to announce a special collaboration with NBCUniversal’s renowed Talent Infusion Program for the 2015 72 Hour Shootout, the Film Lab’s well-known annual global filmmaking competition which promotes and supports diversity in media.

The top ten films of the 2015 72 Hour Shootout will have exclusive screening consideration for the NBC Shorts Film Festival semi-finals.  The winner of Best Acting will receive a very special casting mentorship from Jandiz Estrada, Manager of Talent Diversity Initiatives for the NBCUniversal Talent Infusion Programs, which will be based on Ms. Estrada’s availability but will likely include two meetings, a general in Los Angeles and an audition coaching.  The winner of Best Screenwriter will receive a special mentorship award from Grace Borrero Moss, Manager of Entertainment Diversity Initiatives for the NBCUniversal Talent Infusion Programs, which, subject to Ms. Moss’s schedule, will include feedback on one teleplay and up to two in-person meetings in Los Angeles or New York.  In addition, the Film Lab’s annual Holiday Gala this year will include a raffle for, among other things, a one-time mentoring session with Ms. Estrada for a very lucky actor or actress.  Film Lab President and actor Jennifer Betit Yen, commented, “The face of our nation is becoming more and more multi-cultural and multi-ethnic and it is exciting to embrace and celebrate that through film and television!”

The NBCUniversal Talent Infusion Program is dedicated to expanding opportunities for diverse writers, directors and actors.  Ms. Estrada explained, “We are honored to be able to assist the Film Lab in promoting and supporting ethnic, cultural and gender diversity in mainstream media.”

About NBC Universal Talent Infusion Program

More information on NBCUniversal’s programs can be found online at http://www.nbcunitips.com

About Asian American Film Lab

The Film Lab began in 1998 as 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 Asian American filmmakers and other filmmakers of color, and the visibility of their stories and characters in film and television.  The Lab now runs monthly programs to promote gender and ethnic diversity in film and television.

The Asian American Film Lab and Jennifer Betit Yen created AAFL TV in August 2013 to address an explosion of interest in diverse, original creative content along with a corresponding rising level of dissatisfaction with mainstream programming for a lack of diversity and/or perpetuation of racial stereotypes.  AAFL TV partnered with NYCMedia, New York City’s flagship media station, to begin airing a television series entitled “Film Lab Presents,” consisting of 30 minute episodes of racially diverse original contemporary entertainment content in January 2014.  The Film Lab currently airs television series on NYCLife and CrossingsTV.  The series are directed by Ryan Hayward.

The Film Lab is run under the direction of President Jennifer Betit Yen.  Board members include Edwin Wong, James Kyson, Perry Tsao, Erik Lu, Aaron Woolfolk, Aurora Betson, and Daryl King.

The Film Lab’s other programming includes filmmaking workshops with industry professionals, screenwriting contests, and film competitions, including the annual 72 Hour Film Shootout.  This annual competition, now in its tenth year, has inspired hundreds of filmmakers by helping nascent talent take brave steps towards a filmmaking career.

The Asian American Film Lab is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
www.asianamericanfilmlab.com (view past Shootout films on “AAFL TV”)

info@film-lab.org