SUBMITTED BY pimpjoe_esb
March 30, 2006 — Universal Pictures today announced that 25-year-old Southern California production coordinator Christopher Ell won the grand prize in its "Slug It Out!": "Slither" TV Spot Contest. Coinciding with the promotional launch of the new genre-bending horror film Slither, the aspiring filmmaker nabbed the contest prize of $25,000 and will be rewarded with an airing of his spot during NBC's top-rated My Name is Earl on Thursday, March 30, during the 9:00 - 9:30 p.m. EST/PST broadcast. Slither oozes into theaters nationwide on March 31, 2006.
Ell's creation was chosen from hundreds of entries as the top creative by Slither director James Gunn and one of its producers, Paul Brooks. Online visitors to the film's official web site, Slithermovie.net, were given hands-on exposure to the world of theatrical motion picture advertising as they assembled the ultimate TV commercial to promote the film. Visitors took Universal-supplied assets including clips, music cues, sound FX and graphics and built a customized version of a Slither TV spot.
Adam Fogelson, president of marketing, Universal Pictures commented, "User generated content is key to 'Slither''s core marketing campaign. With more than 1,100 submissions in little more than a week, it looks like fans of the horror genre appreciate the direct outreach. We congratulate Chris and commend everyone who answered the call to design disgusting and hilarious creatives."
A surprised Ell said, "As a filmmaking up-and-comer, I'm looking forward to where the exposure may take me, even if it is just 30 seconds of fame. I knew when I entered the contest, I'd be up against many cool, unique and slimy shorts. I feel blessed the filmmakers thought my entry captured the spirit of the film."
The "Slug It Out!" online contest received entries from Feb 27 - March 9. Twenty-five finalists were chosen from that pool by Universal Pictures. In addition to grand prize winner Ell, four first prize winners were selected by director Gunn and producer Brooks. The first prize winners will each receive $1,000 and a Slither movie poster autographed by Gunn and the film's cast. Twenty runners-up will receive Slither merchandise and a Universal Pictures horror DVD.
You can also watch the filmmaker's winning spot by clicking the link below.
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