The Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank, has extended its entry deadline and announced its panel of judges for PROJECT FX, its statewide student film festival.
Students ages 16-25 who are enrolled in a New Jersey high school or college have until midnight on March 1 to enter their films at www.projectfxbasie.com. The winner in each category will receive a paid internship with Sony Pictures Classics, New York, and a screening of their work during the first Indie Street Film Festival in Red Bank in July.
The 2016 panel of judges includes Tom Bernard, co-president, Sony Pictures Classics; Bonnie Bernstein, Howell native and ESPN/Fox Sports host; Alex Biese, entertainment reporter, Asbury Park Press; T.J. Bryan, radio host, WJRZ-FM and owner of Shoreflicks; Nina Danevic, film editor; Kate Lear, Broadway producer and daughter of Norman Lear.
Also, Robert O’Connor, founder and creative director, FilmOneFest; Brian O’Halloran, actor; Timothy Hutton, Academy Award winning actor; Nick Paleologos, executive director, New Jersey Council on the Arts; Adam Philipson, president and CEO, Count Basie Theatre.
And, Rena Ronson, partner and head of UTA Independent Film Group at United Talent Agency; Linda Safran, member, National Board of Review of Motion Pictures; James Schamus, screenwriter and producer; Maureen Van Zandt, actress; Michael Vickerman, writer; and Alicia Yerves, social media manager, Two River Theater.
On March 10, the Count Basie Theatre will reveal 20 films, 10 entries from New Jersey high school students and an additional 10 from students attending New Jersey colleges, as finalists for the competition. The public will have an opportunity to cast votes by “liking” or “sharing” the films on Facebook, a tally which will figure into each film’s final score. Voting will also consist of scores from the judge’s panel, as well as an audience vote at the April 17 film festival.
For more information about PROJECT FX or other Count Basie Theatre events, contact Jonathan Vena at [email protected] or call 732-224-8778, ext. 107.