Grushow, Nayar Team for New Digital Studio

LOS ANGELES, April 21:
Sandy Grushow, previously the chairman of FOX Television Entertainment Group,
and film producer Deepak Nayar have launched Filmaka, a global digital
entertainment studio and online creative community.

Filmaka aims to provide
professional opportunities for undiscovered filmmakers and writers from around
the world through a variety of competitions that are juried by industry
leaders. Filmaka community members submit content in response to requests from
the Filmaka studio for either live-action comedy or drama, animation or branded
entertainment. Content may be featured online at www.filmaka.com.

The judging panel includes
Colin Firth (Bridget Jones Diary),
Werner
Herzog (Rescue Dawn), Neil
LaBute (Nurse Betty), John
Madden (Shakespeare in Love),
Zak Penn (X-Men: The Last Stand),
Paul Schrader (Raging Bull),
Bill Pullman (Independence Day)
and Wim Wenders (Wings of Desire).
The winner of that final competition, to be announced on April 28, will direct
a feature film produced by Filmaka. William Morris Agency will represent
Filmaka, with the top finalists flown to Hollywood each year for a chance to
meet with the agency for possible representation.

FX and SAB Miller have
already come on board, enlisting Filmaka to create content for traditional and
digital media and integrated marketing campaigns. Filmaka has also entered into
revenue-sharing agreements with several distribution partners, including
YouTube and Vuze, which will both have Filmaka-branded VOD channels, and Play
TV UK, which will have branded VOD and 24/7 linear channels.

Grushow will lead Filmaka
as president. During his tenure at FOX, he ushered in hit shows like American
Idol, 24, Party of Five, The Simpsons and The X-Files.
Meanwhile, Nayar has worked on movies like Bend it Like Beckham and Buena Vista Social Club.

Filmaka conducted a
year-long beta prior to the official launch to develop and mentor the
community, and to begin generating content. During that time, Filmaka amassed
an active community of more than 3,600 aspiring filmmakers from 95 countries on
six continents who created 80-plus hours of content. Additionally, a range of
more than 40 web series are in production with filmmakers in ten countries.

"Having worked with
filmmakers like David Lynch, Paul Schrader, and Wim Wenders, the quality of
work and contribution from Filmaka members continues to impress me," said
Nayar.

—By Irene Lew