FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAN DIEGO—In association with Apple Computer Inc., American Academy of Arts (A3) announces the debut of a new program intended to challenge student filmmakers around the world to demonstrate their stuff. Debuting Friday, Nov. 7th, a pilot run of the new online "RedEye" program will provide competing teams with a short screenplay written by a Hollywood screenwriter that they then have to cast, shoot, edit, score and deliver a finished movie of in 24 hours.

Ross Kallen and Dan Senstock are the project coordinators who came up with the idea, along with other Apple Distinguished Educators. "With the ongoing convergence of film and digital technology, and the ability of the Internet to enable students on a global level to participate simultaneously, we're able to push the envelope of digital arts education by extending both its reach and ultimate output," explained Kallen. "In one day, we'll be able to see how students can apply their media skills in a real-world test. They all get the same script that's been tailored for their budget and time constraints, and they're allowed to interpret it however they wish so long as they tell the same story. What's really great is that the ending has been left off, so it's possible that every movie will wind up totally different."

Geared to demonstrate the viability of an extended international program expected to go "live" early 2004, featuring four separately themed categories a year (narrative, documentary, experimental and public service announcement), Friday's RedEye is launching with student teams from select schools across the U.S. The category for the pilot is "Narrative."

At 5:00 p.m. (EST), students will be able to retrieve Rude Awake, the 3-page script by film & TV writer Michael Steven Gregory, from a designated website. They have until 5:00 p.m. the next day to upload their completed film to a secure online dropbox. Shortly thereafter, the films will be made available for viewing to the pubic.

The American Academy of Arts provides programs that offer hands-on, project-based learning with a focus on digital media. Bringing in professional television and film producers, directors, graphics specialists and production teams to mentor students, its unique approach to education provides real-world experience on both professional-level and student projects, utilizing the latest media technology. Programs sponsored by the American Academy have won numerous awards at the state, national and international levels. Most recently its programs received recognition for student Television Excellence from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

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