Today Ubisoft and the Independent Film Channel (IFC), announced the creation of a short film contest inspired by the video game Assassin’s Creed due out in November.
Beginning today, film students, video game fans and media arts aficionados are encouraged to submit their short film of six-minutes or less, based on Assassin’s Creed themes for judging via IFC’s Media Lab (http://medialab.ifc.com), a ground-breaking, integrated program which offers filmmakers a destination for posting their independent films online. The grand prize winner will receive $10,000, an Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, an Xbox 360 version of Assassin’s Creed and inclusion of their short film inside the Limited Edition version of the game. The winning film will also be aired on the IFC television network in November to coincide with the launch of the game.
“Assassin’s Creed has the cinematic look and feel of an epic movie. This contest allows film makers of all levels a chance to showcase their creativity by expanding upon the mystery and themes of the Assassin’s Creed video game,” said Tony Key, vice president of marketing at Ubisoft. “Video games, like films, have the ability to tell rich and dynamic stories and the partnership with IFC for the Assassin’s Creed short film contest is a way for Ubisoft to show its appreciation to the art. We’re excited to see what people bring to the table; I have a feeling we won’t be disappointed.”
The Assassin’s Creed franchise has captured the attention and imagination of video game audiences worldwide and the Assassin’s Creed short film contest is an opportunity for fans and others to explore the mysteries and depth of the Assassin’s Creed story, providing their own interpretation to what is poised to be one of the year’s best video games.
“IFC reaches a tech savvy audience that is passionate about gaming and film, so it is a natural fit for us to team up with Ubisoft and present an Assassin's Creed film making competition. As a multi-platform brand, we fully intend to utilize both our on-air and online presence to make this venture a success,” stated Lee Sparer, vice president of partnerships for IFC. “Assassin's Creed is one of the most visually stunning games to date and combined with the tremendously talented filmmakers on Media Lab, we are expecting to see some truly spectacular films.”
Finalists will be selected by a panel of IFC and Ubisoft judges and their films will be posted on the IFC Web site, to be viewed and voted on by fans and visitors who will ultimately choose the grand prize winner. Two “runner-up” prizes include $2,500 cash, an Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, an Xbox 360 version of Assassin’s Creed and inclusion of their short film inside the Limited Edition version of the game. Their short film will be aired on the IFC television network. Winners will be announced on or before November 30.