Winning Film from the Coca-Cola and Regal Films Programme to Debut at Regal Theatres across the US
Just in time for this summer’s hottest blockbuster releases, the Coca-Cola and Regal Films programme announced the student finalist winners of the 2018 programme at CinemaCon in Las Vegas.
Clara Montague and Eva Kirie from Ithaca College are the 2018 grand prize winners, and their 35-second film The Library will be shown exclusively at Regal theatres across the country starting in May this summer.
“Through the programme, we are proud to provide talented students with professional filmmaking experience that can help launch successful careers. We love watching young filmmakers see their work come to life on the big screen,” said Ken Thewes, Chief Marketing Officer for Regal Entertainment Group.
Students from 29 top college and university film schools participated in the 2018 programme. Five teams – Ithaca College, The School of Visual Arts, UCLA, Elon University and Columbia University advanced to this year’s finals and received US$15,000/£10,898 to create a 35-second commercial film.
“The film programme is unique in its benefit to students because it offers real-world experience. It is important to support young filmmakers, and this platform gives them a big stage to leap forward and accelerate their careers,” said Jason Blum, a two-time Emmy award-winning producer for The Normal Heart and The Jinx and a two-time Academy Award nominee for Whiplash and Get Out.
A Red Ribbon panel comprised of the softdrink brand, Regal, Deluxe‘s EFILM and entertainment and industry representatives selected this year’s winner based on set criteria: creativity, creative fit and entertainment value.
The winning film will debut at Regal theatres across the US.
“In partnership with Regal, we are proud to support this unique, exciting opportunity for young filmmakers.
“We are always impressed by the students’ creativity, ingenuity and incredible talent throughout the filmmaking process,” said Krista Schulte SVP, Strategic Partnership Marketing, Coca-Cola North America.
The programme provides unbeatable hands-on experience to young filmmakers. In addition, it continues to increase the number of participating schools and offers several opportunities for industry executives and talent to support creative students as members of the Red Ribbon panel.
Coca-Cola was a four-time global winner of the World Branding Awards in the Beverages-Softdrinks category.
