Major exposure is part of the deal for amateur filmmakers, photographers and artists at a new multi-media showdown, taking place at MY Millennium Place next weekend.
Part of Whistler-Blackcomb/Westbeach’s Shoot Your Friends — Reel 2 Rail Jam, the multi-media showdown presents an opportunity for up-and-coming amateurs to showcase film/video footage, photography and street/underground art inspired by snowboarding and the snowboarding lifestyle.
The Showdown takes over MY Place on March 26. Organizers are calling for submissions to be dropped off between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Photo prints and artworks require their own display mechanism (easel/table, etc.) and will be displayed from 3 to 9 p.m.
A shortlist of 10 film submissions will be screened in the MY Place theatre starting at 7 p.m., followed by an awards reception at 8 p.m. with prizes in all categories. The event is free to attend with a $10 submission fee.
Organizers are adamant that the contest remain a forum for amateurs, insisting on "no published or professionals."
Westbeach’s Tenaya Nash said the contest offers an opportunity for exposure. The company makes use of art and eclectic animated films on its website, and is always looking for new talent.
"If you enter it, it’s gonna get out there," Nash said. "This is just to support and to recognize the local people, your average guy working here or there, who may be really talented and could head down this avenue.
"I work in the industry and we need those people... You can’t have a pro snowboarder without the photographer."
Reel 2 Rail continues Sunday, March 27 with a BBQ and rail jam on Whistler Mountain from noon to 4 p.m. Aspiring snow action filmmakers can take advantage of the expertise of local shooter Brian Hockenstein and his crew who will be on hand to give camera and filming tips.
For more information on the event including submission guidelines go to www.westbeach.com.
Video Jamboree screening night postponed
The First Annual Ski and Snowboard Video Jamboree is postponing its screening night until May, said organizer Brian Hockenstein, to allow local filmmakers a post-season break to prepare submissions.
The event is calling for five-minute films depicting mountain activity and lifestyle. The screening night was originally set for the end of March.
For more information go to www.underexposed.ca or call 604-698-2514.
