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 Intends to Save by Using 'Imported' Parts

To cut costs, Chrysler is outsourcing beyond North America and employing frugal plans to reduce expenses by $1,000 per vehicle.

"We are willing to import with the focus on being competitive," said Tom LaSorda, Chrysler head during the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. LaSorda also stated that within 6-12 months, Chrysler would point out cost reductions averaging $1,000 per vehicle, a portion of which comes from outsourcing. He added, "We are going to source where we can get good low-cost components and high quality."

LaSorda also noted that the automaker will concentrate on increasing sales beyond North America. It can be recollected that in said territory, Chrysler usually generates 85-91 percent sales.

Further, LaSorda reported talks about a production alliance with China's Chery and a non-Chinese company. However, LaSorda did not give further detailsabout the possible alliance. Chrysler, an American automobile manufacturer, existed independently from 1925 to 1998. Then, Chrysler and its subsidiaries became part of DaimlerChrysler AG when merger with Daimler-Benz was acknowledged in 1998.

It can be recalled that last year was one of the most remarkable years for Chrysler. Last year, a bench trial in Wilmington Delaware has started. The parties of said trial are Kirk Kerkorian and DaimlerChrysler AG. It was all about the allegations about Jürgen Schrempp of Daimler Benz AG, regarding uttering lies and manipulating the Security and Exchange Commission as well as the Chrysler Corporation's shareholders. Kerkorian was one of the biggest stockholders then. Said case delved on merger of the companies as a merger of equals and not an outright acquisition. Further, the judge favored DaimlerChrysler. Nevertheless, another case was amicably settled for $300 million in 2003.

Nowadays, Chrysler takes extra effort to clear the clouds blurring its reputation. It is also concentrating on how to cut costs without compromising the quality of Chrysler car parts hence; the decision of outsourcing from other territories.

Critics in the auto industry are eyeing on the workflow and performance of Chrysler vehicles. Moreover, the automaker is struggling to put up a good fight with other automakers. Now it is devising several plans to augment its production and sales.

By Joe Wayne.