Chrysler Film Project Named Five Lucky Finalists

The Chrysler Film Project is a film-based competition that focuses on the new emerging filmmakers in the U.S. by developing an original short film that features Chrysler branded vehicles along with Chrysler auto parts. Among the hundreds of entries, the judges narrowed down the selection and chose the five finalists that will continue their ultimate goal for a one million dollar movie production deal courtesy of Chrysler Motors and Silverwood Films.

David Rooney, Chrysler Brand Marketing and Communications Director, said, "At Chrysler, we are committed to inspiration and we are pleased at this opportunity to bring a new talent to a wider audience. The Chrysler Film Project illustrates how mainstream brands can directly impact the arts and bring inspiration to life.”

"We admire the Chrysler brand and its continued efforts to provide unique platforms for independent filmmakers to get their work recognized on the big screen. This is a great opportunity for all parties - the Chrysler brand, Silverwood Films and the winning filmmaker - to have a voice in the film industry and showcase out- of-the-box thinking," says Lynette Howell producer of Silverwood Films.

The Five finalists will now enter the second stage of the competition where they will direct and edit a three- to five-minute short film that will feature some of Chrysler's newest vehicles, which include the 2007 Chrysler Aspen and Chrysler Sebring. The film entries will be judged according to the originality of the film, level of interest of the story, and the overall quality of the film. The overall winner of the Chrysler Film Project will soon be announced this September.

Derek Cianfrance is one of the five finalists. His entry is titled ‘Blue Valentine’. The film ‘We Neighbors’ was created by Paul Fitzgerald. Jonathan Jardine was behind the film ‘Touch’ while Pamela Smith did the work on the film ‘Love On Spec’. As per the film entry ‘Dirty Girl’, it was Abe Sylvia who did the project.

"We're pleased that the quality and level of filmmaking is so extraordinary. The fact that the screenplays of these five nominees have yet to be made into films underscores the significant challenge that talented emerging filmmakers have in making their first feature films. Chrysler and Silverwood are providing a real and significant new opportunity that previously hadn't existed for these five directors," said Michelle Byrd, Executive Director of Independent Feature Project (IFP).

By Sarah McBride.

Chrysler Vehicles to be Equipped with Backseat TV

Innovations in the auto industry continuously pour in year in and year out. The race among auto makers to provide their consumers with the best features has led to the development of advanced vehicle features.

Partnering with other industries, car makers are able to provide their customers with the latest in auto convenience and comfort. Chrysler is one car maker to join the force with another company so as to provide promising features for their vehicles.

The member of the Big Three recently announced that they have formed a partnership with the SIRIUS Satellite Radio to equip the 2008 model year Chrysler Group vehicles with SIRIUS’ Backseat TV™.

The Backseat TV™ is an innovative and cutting edge television technology which delivers TV signals directly to cars on or off the road. The TV service provides family TV for backseat occupants which are mostly occupied by kids. Backseat TV™ allows owners of selected Chrysler models to gain access to three family entertainment channels.

The initial lineup of TV programming that SIRIUS offer consists of Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, and Cartoon Network. These programmings are aimed for children, who more often than not, will occupy the backseat of a vehicle. Chrysler will equip select 2008 model year vehicles with the feature and the list of vehicles does include the 2008 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Jeep Commander, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Frank Klegon, the Executive Vice President for Product Development at Chrysler group, has this to say at the announcement of the partnership: “Chrysler Group is committed to offering innovative technologies that are right for our customers. SIRIUS Backseat TV makes its world debut in Chrysler Group's all-new 2008 minivans and marks the third SIRIUS service - - along with SIRIUS radio and SIRIUS real-time traffic -- available to Chrysler Group customers.”

For the SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Mel Karmazin, the Chief Executive Officer, has this to say: “SIRIUS is dedicated to bringing Chrysler Group customers the best in-vehicle entertainment available anywhere, whether it is through radio or video. SIRIUS Backseat TV, with its best-in-class programming from our partners -- Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network -- further enhances the already exceptional driving experience for Chrysler Group customers. In SIRIUS' first venture in visual entertainment, I am pleased to have the three most original family-centered programming providers in TV. Just as we provide the Best Radio on Radio, this allows us to launch SIRIUS Backseat TV as the Best TV in the Backseat.”

This technology is just starting its career in the auto industry. With the expected success of the technology, it is just a matter of time before features such as the Backseat TV™ become standard feature for many vehicle models.

By Anthony Fontanelle.