Nuru Rimington-Mkalif is a 21-year-old, unknown, London-based filmmaker who suddenly finds himself represented by William Morris Agency and positioned to make a Hollywood feature film — because of an online contest.
Filmaka.com, the online studio created by former Fox TV chief Sandy Grushow and "Bend It Like Beckham Producer" Deepak Nayar, selected Rimington-Mkalif from among hundreds of online contestants. The site relied on a combination of online peer review from 3,600 members and the opinions of people like actor Bill Pullman ("Sleepless in Seattle") and producer Laura Bickford ("Traffic")
"I never allowed myself to think I would win," Rimington-Mkalif said in an interview. "I just focused on getting it done."
Rimington-Mkalif was one of 15 finalists who were told to create a short film around the theme "The Secret Adventures of…"
Filmaka will fund production of the film from backers such as Aramid Entertainment, and India’s Future Capital Holdings.
Studios often spend tens of millions of dollars to develop films that aren’t made or pay established talent to direct and produce it. This approach provides an alternate channel — as well as easy transition to making webisodes or TV shows. fX, the Fox cable channel, is also using Filmaka to scout for talent.
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This post was written by Michael Stroud on May 3, 2008
