Ubisoft and IFC Announce Short Film Competition Inspired By Assassin's Creed™ Video Game
SAN FRANCISCO - June 25, 2007 - Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, and the Independent Film Channel (IFC), the first and largest network dedicated to independent film, announced the creation of a short film contest inspired by the video game Assassin's Creed due out in November.
Beginning today, film students, video game fans and media arts aficionados are encouraged to submit their short film of six-minutes or less, based on Assassin's Creed themes for judging via IFC's Media Lab ( http://medialab.ifc.com), a ground-breaking, integrated program which offers filmmakers a destination for posting their independent films online. The grand prize winner will receive $10,000, an Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, an Xbox 360 version of Assassin's Creed and inclusion of their short film inside the Limited Edition version of the game. The winning film will also be aired on the IFC television network in November to coincide with the launch of the game.
"Assassin's Creed has the cinematic look and feel of an epic movie. This contest allows film makers of all levels a chance to showcase their creativity by expanding upon the mystery and themes of the Assassin's Creed video game," said Tony Key, vice president of marketing at Ubisoft. "Video games, like films, have the ability to tell rich and dynamic stories and the partnership with IFC for the Assassin's Creed short film contest is a way for Ubisoft to show its appreciation to the art. We're excited to see what people bring to the table; I have a feeling we won't be disappointed."
The Assassin's Creed franchise has captured the attention and imagination of video game audiences worldwide and the Assassin's Creed short film contest is an opportunity for fans and others to explore the mysteries and depth of the Assassin's Creed story, providing their own interpretation to what is poised to be one of the year's best video games.
"IFC reaches a tech savvy audience that is passionate about gaming and film, so it is a natural fit for us to team up with Ubisoft and present an Assassin's Creed film making competition. As a multi-platform brand, we fully intend to utilize both our on-air and online presence to make this venture a success," stated Lee Sparer, vice president of partnerships for IFC. "Assassin's Creed is one of the most visually stunning games to date and combined with the tremendously talented filmmakers on Media Lab, we are expecting to see some truly spectacular films."
Finalists will be selected by a panel of IFC and Ubisoft judges and their films will be posted on the IFC Web site, to be viewed and voted on by fans and visitors who will ultimately choose the grand prize winner. Two "runner-up" prizes include $2,500 cash, an Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, an Xbox 360 version of
Assassin's Creed and inclusion of their short film inside the Limited Edition version of the game. Their short film will be aired on the IFC television network. Winners will be announced on or before November 30.
About Assassin's Creed
The game is set in 1191 AD, when the Third Crusade was tearing the Holy Land apart. Shrouded in secrecy and feared for their ruthlessness, the Assassins intend to stop the hostilities by suppressing both sides of the conflict. Players will assume the role of the main character, Altair, and will have the power to throw their immediate environment into chaos and truly experience the art of a master assassin.
In 2006, Assassin's Creed received the Game Critics Award: Best of E3 2006 for "Best Action-Adventure Game" and swept the "Best PS3 Game" category across numerous video game Web sites.*
Assassin's Creed will be available in North America at the MSRP of $59.99 with the Limited Edition priced at $69.99 - ESRB rating is pending. For more information, please visit http://www.assassinscreed.com.
*1UP "Best PS3 Game," GameSpot "Best PLAYSTATION 3 Editors' Choice Winner," GameSpy "Best of E3 PS3 Game of the Show," Games Radar "Best of E3 PLAYSTATION 3," GameTrailers "Best of Show," IGN "Best PS3 Game of the Show"
About Ubisoft:
Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide and has grown considerably through a strong and diversified lineup of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 21 countries and sales in more than 50 countries around the globe. It is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers. Ubisoft generated sales of 680 million Euros for the 2006-07 fiscal year. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.
® 2007 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Assassin's Creed, Ubisoft and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries. "PlayStation", "PLAYSTATION", and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.
About IFC Television
The Independent Film Channel (IFC) is the first and most widely distributed network dedicated to independent film 24 hours a day, uncut, uncensored and commercial-free.
The network is part of IFC Companies -- the only brand to operate in every area of independent film to include television, production, financing, distribution, digital, on-demand and exhibition. IFC Companies uses its unique cross-platform position to broaden the audience of independent film and to provide independent filmmakers with a strong voice. IFC Companies is a division of Rainbow Media Holdings, LLC.