The Caucus for Producers, Writers & Directors Foundation has selected six student filmmakers
from diverse backgrounds to receive $25,000 collectively in the Foundation's Spring 2007 Student Grant Program,
it was announced by Foundation President Chuck Fries. Students receive assistance to complete their student thesis films.
These grants now bring a total to date of $346,500 plus $74,500 in-kind grants to Gold Circle Outstanding Student Film Awards for
a sum of $421,000 presented to 64 students since the awards program was established in 2001.
Recipients of this year's grants are Kevin G. King, San Diego State for his film "Dark and Bloody Ground", Hezekiah Lewis, UCLA, for his film "Warrior Queen", Maarit J. Nissila, AFI for "The Life and Death Experiences of Young Beth Byrd",
Enrica Perez, Columbia U for "Taxista" and Thabo Wolfaardt, UCLA for "Joburg".
The Caucus Foundation is primarily funded by proceeds of the Caucus annual black tie dinner and grants from Hollywood Foreign Press Association,
Microsoft, Hollywood Charities Foundation, American Video Group and The Caucus. The aim of the Caucus Foundation grants is to help combat the lack of diversity in content and people behind the camera in the entertainment industry. Eligible awardees must be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate, graduate or fellowship program and working to complete a thesis film, TV or interactive project for their degree. Applicants are required to submit a final script, final budget, rough cut, financing plan, shooting/post schedule, crew list and student status.
"We are proud to offer this awards program designed to help aspiring filmmakers who might not otherwise have the funds available to finish their projects," said
Foundation President Fries. "Each film tackles a serious issue and the slate of films covers a broad spectrum of diversity," he said. "And, our Caucus members,
as professional producers, writers and directors participate in the program by offering hands-on expertise to the grant winners as they complete their films."
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