The finalists of SKYY Vodka’s first-ever SKYY SHORT FILM PROJECT: One Script, Three Different Filmmakers, Three Very Different Films, was announced today at an Eyes on SKYY event at the SKYY View Lounge in Park City, Utah.

An innovative program supporting aspiring filmmakers in the short film format, the SKYY VODKA SHORT FILM PROJECT was launched in Park City in 2003 with call to entries ending June 30, 2003. Hundreds of filmmakers submitted a filmed “PITCH” about why they want to be a director and who their favorite director is and why.

Produced by Adam Kassen and Mark Kassen of Shades of Gray Productions, the finalists will shoot a five-minute short film in only 72 hours based on the same script in New York City in spring 2004. The finalists include:
• Ian Harrington, a Los Angeles-based filmmaker who has worked on films including Man On The Moon, Death To Smoochy, and Duplex. Ian is currently working on a documentary about the children of Northern Ireland.
• Chris Lopata, a New York-based filmmaker whose short films Burning House of Love, premiered at film festivals nationwide and Open Season, appeared on Showtime and HBO. Chris is planning to shoot his first feature SUCKER PUNCH in and around NYC with producers Paul Greenstone and Jesse L. Martin.
• Abdallah Omeish, a native of Tripoli, Libya worked as a photojournalist for Time Life before traveling to battle zones around the globe for an international relief organization. A Los Angeles-based filmmaker since 1999, Abdullah worked on the "One World" show and John Singleton's "Baby Boy." He is currently co-producing "Occupation 101," a film about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, shot on location.
The winner will receive recognition in an ad in Daily Variety; a DV film package; a screening of their film in New York City; a meet-and-greet to pitch top industry professionals as well as agents and other prizes and publicity.