Working in conjunction with Palm Pictures and RES, Perrier will select five filmmakers from among several thousand submissions in an open call to discover Perrier Across America. Perrier and Palm Pictures / RES will supply the five finalists with vehicles, digital cameras, professional producers and other resources to realize their vision of Perrier Across America as they drive across the country shooting a short film. Although Palm and Perrier will produce five films, online audiences will choose one finalist to feature their Perrier Across America short during the 2002 national RESFEST film festival tour and on two select Palm Pictures' DVD titles. Perrier will also become the official water sponsor of RESFEST. Perrier and Palm Pictures will support the competition with an online, email, and print campaign (already dubbed Perrier America), as well as radio promotions on Access Hollywood Radio featuring Nancy O'Dell.
"Perrier feels film speaks to the American experience more directly and effectively than any other art form, and it is the most recognizable and pervasive element of American culture abroad," said Elena Paraskeva, Marketing Manager of International Brands at the Perrier Group of America. "Independent film is the 'Bubbling Under' facet of film at large, with young talent and an intense creative ferment."
"Each year we hope to evolve the "Bubbling Under" concept in every field of artistic endeavor we support," Paraskeva continued. "Coming off a successful first year supporting independent film with The Perrier Bubbling Under Award for first-time feature directors, the program this year shifts from recognizing finished works to a more active participation role by the filmmaker. Choosing Palm Pictures as our partner not only reinforces the independent spirit of the program, but also taps their respected creative and organizational expertise. We're grateful for their participation."
"We are excited to be working with Perrier on this new initiative. Perrier is leveraging the robust integrated media platform that Palm Pictures has created. We can offer a corporate partner the ability to build a next generation marketing program including our film, music, events and online properties," said David Beal, President of Palm Pictures. "Perrier is creating an immersive campaign blending their message with the endeavors of our filmmakers."
In their first year, Perrier created The Perrier Bubbling Under Award and partnered with five film festivals (The Hamptons International Film Festival, Nantucket Film Festival, Florida Film Festival, Taos Talking Picture Festival and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival) to choose a first-time feature film director from each festival as a finalist. A jury of prominent independent film directors and executives then selected Eva Gardos for her feature debut "An American Rhapsody" at a ceremony and screening in New York City last November; she captured the grand prize, a $50,000 grant towards her next production.
Source: Perrier
