New Company Announced to Support Short Filmmakers:
Dual Approach with Annual Film Festival & Short Film Distribution


Very Short Movies (VSM) launches Company with ambitious plans to present world-class shorts festival in Hollywood, the Golden Star Shorts Fest. In addition to providing short filmmakers with festival exposure, VSM will help to secure appropriate distribution opportunities for select entries. VSM aims to set itself apart from the plethora of festivals by focusing on movies in the under 10-minute category. “With so many film festivals, we understand the value in finding a niche. Audience interest in short films continues to grow, as will the distribution opportunities for this specialized content. VSM intends to satisfy both demands,“ says Founder and President Serge Polakoff.

From on/off-line exhibition to a broad range of distribution channels, VSM launches with a series of Quarterly Competitions. Finalists will have the opportunity to participate in the annual Film Festival, taking place in Hollywood in the Winter of 2006. There, movies will compete for the Golden Star Awards. The event will provide filmmakers with terrific exposure to live audiences and representatives of the entertainment industry.

Anchored by the VSM website, participating filmmakers will receive unparalleled promotional opportunities for their projects. All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of industry professionals. Winners in six primary categories will receive Golden Star Awards, which will include cash and production service prizes. Categories will include: Drama, Comedy, Animation, Documentary, Experimental and Music. Honorable mentions will be awarded in each category. Additional prizes will include the Grand Jury Prize, New Frontier Award and Audience Awards. Finalists from each of the quarterly competitions will be announced and promoted on the VSM website (www.VeryShortMovies.com).

In addition to being in contention for a variety of promotional opportunities, selected entries will have the option to consider distribution platforms and revenue opportunities. VSM will form strategic alliances with appropriate traditional distribution companies and pursue unique distribution outlets related to the growing market of new technologies, from cell phones to PDAs.



“As new technology platforms continue to emerge, VSM will be in a position to capitalize on these unique distribution opportunities for short filmmakers, helping them to maximize their revenue potential, “ says Polakoff.

Festival Consulting Group, a company designed to provide festivals with a full menu of services, has been working with VSM on the development of the company and website. They will continue to work with VSM and support the Festival in an advisory capacity going forward.

Serge Polakoff has a unique background, having been successful in a variety of industries, as an artist and business leader. More than a decade ago, after many productive years in the Real Estate development business, Polakoff turned his attention to the art and entertainment sectors. He has the rare combination of artistic and business expertise to realize his vision for VSM and bring valuable industry exposure to help filmmakers getting to their next level.

Information on Festival entries can be found at VeryShortMovies.com
The deadline for the first cycle is September 15, with a late deadline of September 30. For additional info, please contact VSM at info@VeryShortMovies.com.