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Part Two Monday, 25-Oct-1999 22:52:54
In addition to the festival's net proceeds going to his Environmental Fund, DiCaprio recently contributed a multimedia wing to the new Los Feliz Public Library, constructed on the site of his childhood home in East Hollywood. "We're trying to make this as selfless as we possibly can and still survive," says Smith. No doubt DiCaprio's name will attract huge interest, but the site is well-prepared. Apple Computer has joined forces with LeoFest to provide complete on-site technical support, including use of their global network of 900 servers. "This is all about ease of access," says Smith. "By working with Apple, we know we can guarantee the convenience of worldwide local downloads, smooth high-speed connections and an overall experience for both the film maker and visitor alike that is both pleasant and uninterruped." After all the films have been previewed and sorted, a "select, celebrated committee of great and renowned film makers" will choose 50 to 60 of the best films for consideration in the final running. And when this year's festival concludes, the ball will get rolling on 2000. But the showcase is only part of the plan. Potential marketing and distribution deals could also be in the works for the winning films, leaving a middleman out of the loop. "We want these film makers to make money," informs Smith. "The artist is the one who deserves to be rewarded. Not the people who schlep (the film) around to the stores. And traditionally, the schleppers are all taking major bucks out of the center of it." Though all roads point to a global, downloadable society, the fact remains that Internet's capabilities are still overshadowed by television's immediacy. But Smith recognizes this. "We'll just be there early," he states. "Because of Leo's involvement, we can afford to be in early and keep it running and just be in place when the technology gets there." Cutler shares the same sentiment. "The revolution got here before anyone was quite prepared for it. Well, we're prepared. We want to take a leadership position in the evolution of how entertainment content is distributed and exhibited to the public." In time, everyone involved hopes that LeoFest will proceed to the next level: the online broadcasting of feature films. But for now, they're going to have their hands full with the shorts. Smith says the fledgling project has already established alliances and affiliations with such venerable organizations as the American Film Institute, American Cinemateque and the Independent Feature Project/West. "We know we're in the right place at the right time. We hope that with Leo's visibility and our relationship with Apple, the AFI and IFP/West, we'll be able to attract a level of attention that other online (festivals) may not be capable of. But most of all, we want the film makers--regardless of their experience--to have a place to come where they *know* their films will be seen." For full submission guidelines, visit www.leofest.org AquaBlue |