The Phoenix Comicon launches its first
annual Film Challenge for local film creators: develop a short film using a
character offered up by a local comic artist. The film can be of any
genre and anywhere between "super short" and 15 minutes long.

"We want to
see what this town has got!" says Stacy Layton, the Arizona Creators
Film Challenge Manager.

Film makers have 11 characters to choose
from. Teams must register and submit their films before the 27th of
April. If they register after April 1st, there is a $50 registration
fee. Registration is free before April 1st. They can begin
filming their entries now. The true challenge we will be to finish and
submit their films by the April 27th deadline. The films will be
screened during the Phoenix Comicon convention from May 27-29. The
prizes will be awarded on May 30th, though creators will not need to be
present to receive their prize. There is also a separate category for students
in college, high school, and middle school.

"Creativity
knows no age," says Bill Swartz, Phoenix Comicon Film and
TV Programming Director, "We want to foster the arts as this city
continues to expand."

The first 5 teams to enter the contest
will receive a $10 iTunes Gift Card, and all teams will receive four
free passes for the Phoenix Comicon, each of a $30 value, just for
entering the Film Challenge. After the screenings, the creators of the
Top 3 Films will receive cash prizes.

Phoenix Comicon is the
signature pop culture event of the southwest, presenting guests and
programming for hobbyists and fans by
attracting the top segments of the comics, anime, sci-fi, film, TV, and
gaming industries.  Entering its ninth year, Phoenix Comicon
is expected to draw over 10,000+ attendees
to its May 27-30, 2010 convention held at the Phoenix
Convention
Center and Hyatt Regency located
in downtown Phoenix.

For more information, please go to http://www.phoenixcomicon.com.