Jon Katzman is a producer and former television executive, the Director of the Semester in LA program for Columbia College, and an entrepreneur focused on opportunities in media and technology. Jon is also the Director of the Third Screen Film Festival, now in its fourth year. YII caught up with Jon to find out more about this innovative competition.

What is the Third Screen Film Festival?

It’s an online and mobile film festival which provides a platform for talented short-form filmmakers. Films of up to eight minutes are judged by internet viewers and a panel of industry judges. Submission is free and the filmmakers get access to our sponsors, which in the past have included MTV and A & E, and their accompanying platforms. (Sponsors for this year are being finalized now.)

What inspired you to start this festival?

Working with Columbia College students, some of whom are budding producers and directors trying to break into the industry, I know how difficult it is for outsiders to get their work seen. And I also know, from being an executive in the industry, that if you send people a link, they are more likely to watch.

Who are the judges?

Television, film, and new media professionals. This year’s lineup includes David Gale, former MTV movie executive now overseeing their online content, Yvette Lee Browser, creator of “Living Single,” and feature and television writer/producer Dave Garrett.

Do the films have to be created specifically for mobile outlets?

No, because nobody knows what mobile wants. We are hoping for new, original, distinctive, and compelling content that will help people decide what mobile wants.

How are entries judged?

They are in competition with each other on the website for viewer votes and then finalists (less than 20 out of 100s of submissions) are voted on for judges. Prizes go to the judge’s choice as well as the top vote-getter.

How are the winners announced? What is the prize?

We do a big event each year to celebrate the winners and their films. Both the Grand prize (top vote getter on-linr) and the jury prize (chosen by the panel of judges) receive cash. The amount varies, but usually somewhere around $5,000.

Who are the contestants?

They come from all over the world. There are lots of animators, and definitely people with experience, for the most part.

What was the most difficult aspect of creating it?

The website design. We had to start from scratch once, revise 2 – 3 times. But outreach to the film community has been very well-received, suprisingly easy.

What is/was the best aspect of running it?

Getting access to talented filmmakers from all over the world, and having the opportunity to talk with them and establish relationships. Connecting filmmakers and judges to develop projects together, and learning how new media works. It looks like we’re going to have opportunity to distribute winners internationally, assuming the filmmakers are interested.

What is the time-frame for this year’s contest?

We’ll be launching site in about a month (once sponsorship is finalized). Submissions will go in two semi-final rounds (enter in a month or so for the first round or in a few months for the second round).

Readers- We’ll be announcing here at YII when the first round of competition begins or you can check in directly at the Third Screen Film Festival site. 

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