Haydenfilms 2.0 Film Festival Holds Its First Roadshow and Seminar

The Haydenfilms 2.0 Film Festival, one of the first major international online competitions for independent films of all genres, held its first-ever roadshow and seminar at Kutztown University, an event designed to bring together executives, filmmakers, actors, directors, producers, educators, students and allied businesses from the movie industry.

The two-day seminar hosted by the Kutztown University Alumni Association included short film screenings from Haydenfilms first and second festivals, industry workshops and industry panel discussions. Among the participants were veteran film and TV character actor Clint Howard, who most recently appeared in “Cinderella Man,” directed by his brother Ron Howard, and John Burgess, a rising independent director whose film, “Powder Puff Principle” won the $10,000 grand prize in the Haydenfilms 2.0 Film Festival earlier this year. Clint Howard also starred in Burgess’ film.

Hayden Craddolph, founder of the film festival in 2001 and later established Haydenfilms LLC, an independent film and production company, said he was very pleased with the success of the Kutztown roadshow. “Our goal is to do everything we can to support independent filmmakers by giving them access to the resources they need to be successful and to contribute to global cinema. We are planning to take the Haydenfilms roadshow to other college campuses across the country.”

Among the sponsors of Haydenfilms 2.0 Film Festival and the roadshow are Miller Lite, Adobe and Z-Coil Pain Relief Footwear

The Haydenfilms Film Festival is an online film festival held annually at www.haydenfilms.com and features up-and-coming short films submitted by the international independent filmmaking community. The third season, Haydenfilms 3.0 Film Festival, launches in June.

“Last season's festival was very competitive," Craddolph said. "The success of our first roadshow at Kutztown University confirms that these films have an audience and we are proud to be able to bring them to college students interested in film."

Finalists for the Haydenfilms 2.0 Film Festival submitted short films--none longer than 35 minutes--that were reviewed by a panel of 10 film industry experts who selected this season's 50 best entries from nearly 200 submissions. Top films were showcased on Haydenfilms.com, where member votes determined the final four. Top films will be showcased at Haydenfilms.com through August 29, 2007; after that, they will be replaced by third-season finalists.

Craddolph said that in addition to the film festival entries and news, content on the www.haydenfilms.com website continues to expand in other areas that will benefit independent filmmakers.

About Haydenfilms LLC:

Haydenfilms LLC, founded in 2001, is an independent film production and distribution company based in Kutztown, Pa. Its mission is to create and foster an online network of independent and student film producers, and to provide the support and resources necessary for filmmakers to succeed. The Haydenfilms Online Film Festival was the first online festival to accept all short films, regardless of genre, and the first to offer a $10,000 grand prize. The Haydenfilms website provides industry news, a crew database, production boards and shopping for filmmaking software and equipment.