Top Filmmakers Line Up to Get a Look at the Top Contenders in the $50,000 Kairos Prize Script Contest; Deadline Dec. 15
Contact: Melany Ethridge, A. Larry Ross Communications, 214-912-8934, melany@alarryross.com
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 11 /Christian Newswire/ -- Just about every top studio in Hollywood has added its name to the list of those signing up to read the winning entry of the annual John Templeton Foundation $50,000 Kairos Prize for Spiritually Uplifting Screenplays. Names like Dick Cook (Disney), Penney Finkleman Cox (Sony Animation), Jeffrey Katzenberg (Dreamworks) and Amy Pascal (Columbia Pictures) are just the tip of the iceberg of studio executives and producers who want an early look at what could just be the next big Christian blockbuster.
“We have seen the tide turn in Hollywood these past two years, and these industry leaders now recognize that moral and spiritual films have the broadest appeal,” said Dr. Ted Baehr, chairman of the Christian Film & Television Commission™, which partners with the Templeton Foundation in awarding the Kairos Prize. “There could not be a more perfect time to introduce these hundreds of original Christian scripts to these leaders, showing again that this contest is very aptly named, Kairos being the Greek for ‘at the right time’ or ‘the critical moment.’”
While last year’s winner of the contest saw his screenplay reviewed and considered by several top Hollywood decision makers, this year’s list of those who will be reading the winning script reads like the who’s who in any industry trade publication. In addition to those listed above, other studios wanting in on the action include Warner Bros., Fox, Buena Vista, New Line Cinema, and many other smaller and independent studios – nearly 35 names altogether, all of them successful in the industry.
“We are very excited about what this means for the continued success of the Christian and family film genre in Hollywood, and for the continued success of Hollywood when it produces films that appeal to the masses,” Dr. Baehr said. “We just want to encourage anyone out there with a new idea to get it written down and turned in by the Dec. 15 deadline.”
Criteria for the Kairos Prize describe screenplays that are wholesome, uplifting and inspirational, and which result in a greater increase in either man’s love for or understanding of the “one true creator God.” The prize values awarded are $25,000 for first place, $15,000 for second, and $10,000 for third. The value of the Kairos Prize makes it competitive with some of the biggest contests in the industry, and puts it at the top for awards in this category.
More information and submission guidelines are available at www.kairosprize.com. The final deadline for entries is Dec. 15. Quarter-finalists will be notified by early February, 2007.
