ON Networks(R) (ON), in partnership with South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and Festival, today announced it is now accepting submissions for the recently announced Greenlight Awards(TM) at http://www.thegreenlightawards.com. The site can also be accessed through the SXSW or ON websites.
The Greenlight Awards competition is the industry's first to recognize the next great, original and episodic digital series. Finalists will compete in two categories - best concept and best show - and will be judged by a panel of prominent industry judges who represent independent content creation, digital distribution and new media. Among them are actor Luke Wilson, writer/director Richard Linklater, and Zadi Diaz, co-creator and host of the hit web series EPIC-FU. Additional judges will be announced later this month.

The winners of this exciting new media challenge will be recognized at the Greenlight Awards event during SXSW 2008, March 7-15. They will receive cash awards of $2,000 and $10,000 and an opportunity to develop and distribute their shows through ON Networks. Submissions will be accepted through February 15, 2008. Details on the awards submission criteria can be found at http://www.thegreenlightawards.com.

"The digital content era is upon us as more and more people tune in to new devices and networks like IPTV and the Web to discover what's next in entertainment," said Jen Grogono, co-founder and Chief Content Officer for ON Networks. "We are honored to have our distinguished panel of judges join us as we kick-off digital TV's first creative competition."

Unlike traditional television series, which are limited by broadcast schedules and narrow distribution, digital TV series vary in length and are available to consumers anywhere and anytime via the web, mobile devices, gaming consoles, IPTV and digital cable systems. As a result, digital series give advertisers, writers, talent and producers global access to potential audiences along with new channels for revenue.

"Talented filmmakers, creative artists and producers deserve an event that recognizes their unique contributions to entertainment in the new media age," said SXSW Film Festival Producer, Matt Dentler. "The Greenlight Awards does just that and we're honored to work with ON Networks and our judges to discover and recognize the next big thing in digital entertainment."