Last Chance to Submit Films for "I Love New York" Short Film Competition

New York (PRWEB) July 11, 2008 -- Aspiring filmmakers 14 years old and above have one more chance to take advantage of the opportunity to tell the world why they love New York and have their work judged by a star-studded celebrity panel. Filmmakers -- professional, student, and amateur -- may submit their :60 second entries for Empire State Development's (www.iloveny.com) "I LOVE NY" short film competition until July 15th.

A panel of entertainment industry celebrities with a strong New York State connection will judge the submissions, including Academy Award-winner Philip Seymour Hoffman, Emmy-winner Tina Fey and MTV Movie Award- winning filmmaker Doug Liman.

As part of the recent relaunch of the "I LOVE NY" campaign, residents and visitors alike are invited to document the myriad sites, sounds, tastes and destinations they love throughout the Empire State on film. The competition, which is being executed by Civic Entertainment Group, is seeking to raise awareness of the entire State as a world-class vacation destination.

The Grand Prize Winner's film will appear as part of a commercial during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade broadcast, as well as on jetBlue Airways seatback televisions and the Independent Film Channel (IFC). Several New York State film festivals will also show the winning film. Prizes including Sony professional HD video equipment, a scholarship to a filmmaking workshop, a mentorship with a major filmmaker and New York film festival getaways will be awarded in nine categories including best young filmmaker (18 and younger), best student filmmaker and best regional film. The winners will also have their film stored in the Eastman House in Rochester, New York alongside the personal collection of acclaimed producer Martin Scorsese.

Filmmakers should submit their entries at www.metacafe.com/iloveny. All content must be original and must be filmed in New York State.

About New York State

New York State features 11 beautiful vacation regions. New York's attractions span landmarks such as Niagara Falls, the Empire State Building and Allegany State Park to treasures like the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and the Museum of Glass in Corning. Whether it's wide-ranging outdoor activities like fishing, hiking and boating, culinary wonders and farm-to-table fresh foods, or the rich history and culture of one of the 13 original colonies, New York State offers diverse activities for all travelers. For more information, visit www.iloveny.com. Media can find press releases and more at thebeat.iloveny.com.

###