12th Annual 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition to Launch June 2, 2016, at The Uptown

NEW YORK - April 15, 2016 - PRLog -- The Uptown, a high-energy casual American restaurant serving delectable, comfort-driven fare alongside a creative beer, wine and specialty cocktail list, will be hosting Film Lab's Twelfth Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout ("Shootout") Launch Party this year, which will take place on Thursday, June 2, 2016. The Shootout is a worldwide filmmaking competition celebrating gender and ethnic diversity in film in which filmmaking teams are given a common theme at the start and have 72 hours to write, shoot, edit, and complete short films up to five minutes in length. The films celebrate diversity and the filmmaking teams compete for industry mentorships, cash, prizes, and exhibitions ranging from the prestigious Asian American International Film Festival, the only festival of its kind on the East Coast, to CrossingsTV, AAFL TV and other exhibition venues.

The Shootout creates opportunities for filmmakers of color and women, with a focus on Asian Americans, to demonstrate their talent, gain exposure in the entertainment industry and create positive significant impact on the visibility of Asian and Asian American and other diverse stories and characters in film and television.  One of the Shootout requirements is that at least one key production member (e.g., director, producer or writer) and a principal actor from each team must be of Asian descent.

The 12th Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout begins on June 2, 2014, at the vibrant and exciting Uptown in Manhattan. The Uptown is one of the more versatile venues on the Upper East Side, offering outside dining, private party room, spacious dining room and vibrant bar scene.  The competition theme will be announced there at 8:00PM EST on June 2^nd and simultaneously posted on the internet at www.film-lab.org and https://www.facebook.com/72hrshootout.

For more, please visit www.film-lab.org and www.TheOppositeOfAFairyTale.com

About The Uptown

THE UPTOWN is a high-energy casual American restaurant and bar serving delectable, comfort-driven fare along side a creative beer, wine and specialty cocktail list.  The Uptown is one of the more versatile venues on the Upper East Side, offering outside dining, private party room, spacious dining room and vibrant bar scene. Their unique lay-out provides a perfect atmosphere for cocktails and appetizers after work, date nights, luncheons, parties and special occasions.  The Uptown features live music and weekly specials.  The Uptown is famous for its Skylight Room, which offers a private bar and party space under a thirty foot skylight, the Uptown's experienced event coordinator will work closely with clients to meet all their needs for birthdays, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, retirement - if you can think of the party, they can host it.  The Uptown is located at 1576 3rd Avenue NY, NY 10128 (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&...) and the phone number is 212.828.1388.  For more information:  http://uptownloungenyc.com/

About the Film Lab

The Film Lab is a non-profit 501(c)(3) headquartered in New York City that provides free or low cost programming to promote and support ethnic and gender diversity in film and television.  Its programs and newest production arm, AAFL TV, have been featured most recently on CUNY TV (http://youtu.be/NwHXHD00YIM).  The membership has grown to comprise professionals, artists and other talented individuals who all share the common goal of creating great film and promoting Asian American filmmakers and other filmmakers of color, and the visibility of their stories and characters in film and television.  Film Lab's programming includes the Industry Spotlight program, in which established industry professionals share their knowledge, expertise and advice via filmmaking workshops, screenings and more.  Other Film Lab programs include Unfinished Works, a program for aspiring writers in which selected writers have their pieces performed by Film Lab Actor Directory members in a public table read, followed by a workshop moderated by Film Lab Unfinished Works Coordinator Mahima Saigal.  The Film Lab also holds film competitions including the annual 72 Hour Shootout®, which has inspired hundreds of filmmakers by helping nascent talent take brave steps towards a filmmaking career.  The Film Lab management team consists of Jennifer Betit Yen (President and Board Member, founder of AAFL TV Production Arm), Chloe Jenkins (Treasurer and Board Member), Daryl King (Secretary and Board Member), Mahima Saigal (Unfinished Works), J.D. Brookshire and Cici Chu (2016 72 Hour Shootout interns), along with a dedicated Board and event volunteers. Board members include James Kyson and Aaron Woolfolk, among others.  For more: www.film-lab.org.