LOS ANGELES, CA, January 14, 2009 – Crew Creative is excited to launch Crew Labs, a competition designed to encourage and promote independent filmmakers who have completed a feature length film for $5,000,000 or less.

The winning filmmaker will receive a professionally produced marketing package that includes a poster, website and trailer for their film. The approximate value of this package is $100,000 USD and is courtesy of Crew Creative.

After pouring their blood, sweat and tears into a project, it’s heartbreaking to play to an empty theater. All too often filmmakers have just enough money to get their film in the can, leaving nothing for the creation of marketing collateral. Additionally, filmmakers don’t necessarily have the experience or background to create these materials on their own. The creation of beautiful one-sheet art, engaging web sites and attention-grabbing trailers is an art unto itself – an art that Crew Creative has been perfecting for almost a decade.

Jenny Wall, President of Crew Creative, notes: “As the distribution landscape becomes more and more fractured, independent films must now, more than ever, rely on ingenuity to create the necessary tools to sell and market themselves effectively. Through our Crew Labs competition, Crew Creative will work directly with filmmakers to help ensure that the winning project has the best possible opportunity to connect with audiences and distributors successfully.”

Crew Creative is passionate about film and has worked with some of the most creative independent filmmakers in the business, including John Cameron Mitchell (Shortbus), Rachel Grady & Heidi Ewing (Jesus Camp), Alan Ball (Towelhead), Steven Martini (Lymelife) and numerous others. Crew looks forward to adding the winner of the Crew Labs competition to its roster!

The competition opens for entries on January 15, 2009, and closes on April 20, 2009. A winner will be announced on or about July 31, 2009.

Founded in 1999, Crew Creative is an award-winning marketing agency delivering creative and strategic solutions for marquee entertainment clients and lifestyle brands. The company was founded with a single purpose: to deliver outstanding creative. In print, interactive and AV, Crew takes pride in their work, their clients and their ability to connect with audiences in a culturally relevant way.

For additional information and full competition and submission guidelines please visit: www.crewcreative.com/crewlabs

Contact: Adrian Salpeter or Tamara Krinski                                                                                                                                               Program Directors, Crew Labs