MarketingVOX: With the ambition to drive user-generated content into the realm of higher art – or at least encourage commercial aspirations – YouTube is hosting a contest called Project Direct, a talent search for new directors.
The video sharing site partnered with Jason Reitman, the director of Thank You for Smoking, and Hewlett-Packard, which is helping to sponsor the project. Hopefuls may upload their work onto YouTube October 7 to November 9, after which Reitman and a panel of experts will select the top 20.
YouTube members can vote on the best of the top 20 until December 2. Shortly thereafter, a winner will be announced.
The grand prize includes nine days at a major international Film Festival, a private meeting with Fox Searchlight execs, and a $5,000 debit card.
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