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.

Two Private Equity Firms Interested On Chrysler

February 14 was a sad day for Chrysler employees in the country. On that day, DaimlerChrysler Chief Executive Officer Dieter Zetsche announced that due to the poor performance of the U.S. brand, all options are open for the brand including its sale. The day also saw the workforce reduction carried out by the company as a part of its restructuring plan.

The speculations that Chrysler will be for sale is made even more plausible with the emergence of interested firms popping out and saying that they are interested in buying the U.S. arm of DaimlerChrysler AG. It can be remembered that Chrysler has already planed to cut down the number of their employees in the following months.

Aside from workforce reduction, the restructuring plan of Chrysler involves closing down of a plant and eliminating shifts on two plants. These steps, as Chrysler maintained, are necessary to address the reduced demand for their vehicles.

Recently, The Associated Press reported that there are now two firms which are most likely going to be the next owner of Chrysler. The Cerberus Capital Management LLC and a group of investors led by the Blackstone Group and Centerbridge Partners LP. These firms have expressed their intention to buy the troubled company. The American news agency reported that representatives of the group have made a visit at Chrysler’s headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

The Associated Press also spoke with a Chrysler insider who disclosed that potential bidders are now looking into Chrysler’s financial status.

Another firm that has shown interest in Chrysler is Canadian car parts manufacturer Magna International along with the largest car manufacture in the world, General Motors. Although the Canadian firm has shown interest, insiders said that the possibility of the Canadian firm buying the company has been reduced. There are also other firms that have shown interest on Chrysler although these are not as strong as the interest shown by Cerberus and Blackstone are Apollo Management LP, and the Carlyle Group. These firms have not yet made comments about their interest on the car maker.

As far as the rumored takeover of General Motors of the ailing Chrysler group, experts pointed out that it looks unlikely. While General Motors has yet to comment about the rumored interest they might have on the third U.S. car maker, speculations in the auto industry says that the world’s largest car manufacturer will not gain any advantage from the acquisition of the ailing group. On the other hand, another U.S. brand, Ford, when asked whether there is a possibility of them buying Chrysler, Ford CEO Alan Mulally flatly said that it will never happen.

On a sudden twist, DaimlerChrysler AG Chief Executive Officer Dieter Zetsche has announced that there is a possibility that Chrysler will still remain as a part of the German company. But the emergence of the two firms most interested in the purchase of Chrysler has a look similar to Nissan cornering lights which shows which way Chrysler is going in the future.

By Ryan Thomas.