Technology advancement has created a boom in independent filmmaking. Although independent filmmakers have been putting their nose to the grind for decades, there is a new era in indie filmmaking. The recognition for indie filmmakers while increasing is still lagging behind the surge.
Low-budget independent filmmakers now have a new awards program, the I See You Awards, designed specifically for them! Yes, there are plenty of film festivals, but there has not been a Hollywood-style awards program geared for recognizing and rewarding low-budget filmmakers until now.
The I See You Awards, was created by Terri Lee, a professional film critic, and member of the prestigious Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), the largest film critics group in the United States and Canada. After years of reviewing movies for all of the major Hollywood studios, Lee noticed there was a void for small independent filmmakers. She felt producers of low-budget independently produced movies deserved recognition for their films as well.
When asked about her passion for the indie film industry, Lee responded: “in addition to being a film critic, I’m also an indie filmmaker, so I know the challenges that independent filmmakers face as they work to bring their projects to the big screen.” Lee said the I See You Awards was birthed when she reflected on the need for indie filmmakers to see their sacrifices and dedication recognized.
Although there are thousands and thousands of film festivals, in order to win an award the filmmaker must enter their films in each festival they are interested in. The process is time-consuming and can get very expensive.
To open the awards up to as many deserving filmmakers as possible, awards in the feature film category will be categorized based on the film’s budget, with ranges from a zero budget to $700,000.
Short films will not be categorized by budget, however, a short film should not exceed 35 minutes and the budget should not exceed $50,000.
Call for entries are now open and the “blue carpet” carpet awards ceremony will be held in Detroit on August 27, 2017. An array of prizes including worldwide recognition, media publicity, and more.
