NEW YORK — Canon USA’s (www.usa.canon.com) Project Imagination: The Trailer contest (imagination.usa.canon.com) is now open for submissions. Based on the concept that anything in life can be made into a movie, and every movie starts with a trailer, Canon’s Trailer Editor tool allows users of all skill levels, even those who have never picked up a camera before, to easily turn everyday photos and video footage into a creative movie trailer, with titles, Hollywood-style voiceovers and epic soundtracks. One winning trailer, selected by director Ron Howard and The Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson, will ultimately inspire a short film in which Hutcherson will star and produce.
“There’s something so special about creating a project that has taken root outside of Hollywood. With one winning trailer created from everyday photos and videos as the film’s inspiration, the creative possibilities are endless, and that’s the most exciting part,” says Hutcherson, who is helping Canon engage a new audience through the Project Imagination: The Trailer campaign. “I’m also looking forward to collaborating on this project with Ron Howard, as he’s inspired me throughout my career.”
Submissions can be up to :60 in length, and must fall into one of six themes: Action/Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Children & Family, Sci-Fi, and Suspense/Thriller. Creative contributors Howard and Hutcherson will choose only one to inspire a short film starring Hutcherson. Each submission will be judged based on creativity demonstrated through characters and storytelling, how inspiring or imaginative the trailer is, results from a public vote, originality and overall impression.
“Most people have more imagination and creativity than they’ve ever given themselves credit for,” notes Howard. “And with Project Imagination: The Trailer, I encourage people to have fun with their storytelling. Don’t try to script anything — just go about your everyday life, shoot and collect. You’ll be surprised by how everyday photos and videos can turn into something truly captivating.”
Those interested in participating can visit (imagination.usa.canon.com) to view sample trailers from each genre, a welcome video from Ron Howard and an inspirational trailer from actress and filmmaker Bryce Dallas Howard, who was the first official “graduate” of Canon’s Project Imagination franchise, directing the short film When You Find Me in 2011. This time around, Dallas Howard directed Solemates, a :60 trailer about love.
The site also offers tiered options that enable people at any level of expertise to create and submit trailers into the contest. Participants can use the Trailer Editor tool to auto-generate a trailer, or use the tool’s advanced features to create more customization.
Submissions will be accepted up until 6 p.m. EST on April 29th.