The USC School of Cinematic Arts has re-imagined and revamped its annual First Look Festival by uniting four separate divisions under the umbrella of one multi-platform festival. The Festival is set for May 2-5 at the Directors Guild of America.

For the first time, the First Look Festival will showcase original works from students in the Film Production, Animation/Digital Arts and Interactive Media Divisions. Each of the individual divisions will host its own exhibition over the course of three evenings during the festival to and celebrate the achievements of select students.

Kicking off the festival is the annual First Pitch event that brings together students in the writing program and industry professionals in a bona fide ‘pitch’ session.

The Festival Highlights:

· First Pitch on May 2 will provide a forum for graduating M.F.A. and B.F.A. screenwriting students to solicit or “pitch” their film and television scripts to participating members of the industry’s top production companies, management firms and agencies. This event is closed to the public.

· First Film on May 3 will present short films from six finalists in the SCA film production program; the films will be selected at the end of a two-day screening series at USC preceding the event.

· Adobe First Frame will showcase works from students in the John C. Hench Division of Animation and Digital Arts on May 4.

· First Move will offer original works from students in the Interactive Media Division’s inaugural event on Friday, May 5.

Regarding First Look’s inaugural presentation, SCA Dean Elizabeth Daley says, “As always, I’m eager to see and experience the work of our remarkable young women and men. We have made the festival a true collaborative event, which mirrors the interdisciplinary efforts of our students from across the school.”

Chris Arrant

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