Registration is under way for Renton FilmFrenzy V

For the fifth time next month, Renton will turn itself over to filmmakers for 50 hours. First, the filmmakers have to sign up for Renton FilmFrenzy V. Registration for the competition closes on Oct. 1.

By Dean Radford • September 5, 2012 2:04 pm
Renton FilmFrenzy V competition is in October.
Renton FilmFrenzy V competition is in October.

For the fifth time next month, Renton will turn itself over to filmmakers for 50 hours.

First, the filmmakers have to sign up for Renton FilmFrenzy V. Registration for the competition closes on Oct. 1.

This year’s competition is expected to draw at least 25 filmmaking teams in two divisions, student and open. The weekend of Oct. 5-7, they will write, film and edit their four-minute films.

The films are entirely shot in Renton and the filmmakers will need to include an iconic image of Renton in their films and a piece of dialogue that speaks about the city.

The teams will compete for $1,700 in prize money and a Curvee award. The winner of the Best Picture Curvee winner will screen at the Seattle International Film Festival in Renton in May.

“The Renton FilmFrenzy continues to expand and has become an integral part of the growing and strong Renton arts community,” said Mayor Denis Law, thanks to the partnerships with SIFF, Reel Grrls, theFilmSchool, area filmmaking programs and the Renton Municipal Arts Commission.

A team of judges will pick the winning films. All films will screen during the FilmFrenzy Screening on Oct. 22 at the Renton Civic Theatre.

Last year was the first time that all films were screened; Renton’s economic development director called the screenings “a tremendous success.”

“We had a full house in a cool, historic venue and the audience voted for their favorite film,” said Suzanne Dale Estey. The winning filmmakers received a special Curvee Award.

The next night, Oct. 23, is the Curvee Awards at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center, where the top films will be shown and the Curvee Awards presented.

The Renton Reporter will again host the online voting for the People’s Choice Award, which will be presented to the winner at a City Council meeting in November.

Dale Estey pointed to the importance of Renton’s relationship with SIFF.

“Renton’s position as a venue for the Seattle International Film Festival is opening new doors on a year-round basis, and helping to highlight the community as a thriving, creative hub for arts and culture, including film,” she said.

Here are the details:

• Filmmakers can enter their films in one of two divisions: Student Division (high school and below) and Open Division. There is a $50 entry fee for the Open Division and a $25 entry fees for student competitors.

• Films can be up to four minutes in length and must be shot completely in Renton. All genres of film are welcome, although films must be appropriate for all audiences. The films will be judged by local filmmakers, representatives from film organizations including SIFF and a Renton Municipal Arts Commission member.

• Full details, rules and applications

• Celebrating the slogan “Renton, Ahead of the Curve,” special “Curvee” awards will be crafted by local artisans and students for presentation to the award-winning filmmakers.

• Cash prizes: Best Picture, $500; Open Division: First prize, $250, second prize, $200, third prize, $150; Student Division: First prize, $250, second prize, $200, third prize, $150.

• Other awards: Screenwriter’s Award, Woman Filmmaker, Best Actor, Best Use of Renton, Special Judges Award.

• Jim Dever from KING 5 Television will again emcee the Curvee Awards Gala.

• Renton FilmFrenzy is sponsored by the Renton Community Marketing Campaign, which includes the Renton Chamber of Commerce, Renton School District, Valley Medical Center, Renton Technical College, Renton Visitors Connection and the City of Renton.