The franchise raised a few eyebrows with Kristen Stewart’s story arc, but Twilight author Stephenie Meyer is fully committed to gaining greater exposure for emerging female talent. Together with Lionsgate and Women In Film she is launching a competition to select five directors who will create shorts set in the Twilight universe. And where can you see these hotly-anticipated nuggets? Facebook.
Meyer and Stewart are on the judging panel, as well as acting in a mentor capacity. They’ll select the lucky helmers before the entries are thrown open to fandom, who can vote for a grand prize winner. In addition to Facebook the Tongal platform will be used in this part of process. Meyer has issued the following statement:
The female voice is something that has become more and more important to me as I’ve worked in the film industry. I’m honoured to be working with Women In Film, Lionsgate, and Facebook on a project dedicated to giving more women a chance to be heard creatively.
Lionsgate commented:
Our partnership with Facebook and Women In Film underscores the opportunities for growing our franchises in exciting new directions, and we’re pleased to introduce fresh creative talent to the Twilight universe as part of our commitment to female empowerment in front of and behind the camera.
This laudable initiative is the latest development in an ongoing relationship between the corporate sphere, creatives and public – one that’s going to be watched closely by others looking to extend the life of their properties. THE STORYTELLERS – NEW CREATIVE VOICES OF THE TWILIGHT SAGA has been announced as the rather elaborate title for the new venture, headed for a smartphone screen near you soon.
Source: Variety
