Film Fest:Ford and JWT Showcase Filmmakers

PARK CITY, Utah--Focus in Film Productions, a new venture supported by Ford Motor Co. and J. Walter Thompson, has showcased three independent filmmakers who debuted their work for Atom Films during this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

In each flick, the Ford Focus plays a supporting role--“showcasing the resourcefulness, creativity and innovative thinking coming from young and upcoming talent.”

“Ford and JWT are truly committed to the spirit of independent filmmaking,” says Jan Klug, a Ford marketing communications manager. “From co-producing these three films and being a driving force, to promoting the films online, Ford is dedicated to empowering emerging filmmakers to create quality short films.”

“Little Man on Campus,” from director Morgan Lawley, tells the story of an undersized, uncoordinated, high schooler who has trouble living up to his father’s macho-jock hopes. At the end of the story, of course, he gets the car (a new Ford Focus), the girl (a dazzling blonde), and becomes the hot new star in school. As a bonus in this one, there is a cameo appearance by Barry Livingston, who played Ernie on the long-ago TV show “My Three Sons.”

The movie entitled “gulp” was honored by being selected to premiere in the Official Sundance Screening Room. The film, by director Jason Reitman, depicts the rather pathetic efforts of a young man to save his tropical fish, with humorous difficulty.

“The Kiss” deals with just that...and the situation gets pretty steamy. Co-directors Anthony and Joe Russo build anticipation for several minutes before the viewer gets an unexpected payoff.

After debuting at Sundance, all the flicks are to be available for viewing at www.focusinfilm.com website. The films were produced with support from Ford, with coordination from J. Walter Thompson.

The www.focusinfilm.com website viewing theatre will have links to and from the Focus youth destination site www.focus247.com.