The US most intensely creative and up-and-coming filmmakers are ready to make their debut as the Sprite Films program returns to spotlight bold and innovative talent. Eight promising filmmakers have been chosen by Sprite to make a name for themselves in the film industry with the unique opportunity to participate in a film competition spanning multiple colleges and universities across the United States. Sprite is providing a nationwide platform to shine a light on the aspiring filmmakers, and is also introducing the filmmakers to seasoned actor Tyrese Gibson who will provide guidance and insight to ignite the film students’ creativity and overall experience throughout the filmmaking process.

An Invitation to participate in this year’s Sprite filmmaking contest

“Sprite Films is offering talented film students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share on America’s stage their perception of being true to yourself, which is this year’s program theme,” said Karen Oettl, Brand Manager at Sprite. “The six winning scripts showcase the innovative spirits and intensely creative skills that these filmmakers encompass, and fans across the nation will have the chance to watch first-hand and vote for their favorite come August 1.”

The eight selected filmmakers will attend the gathering of the motion picture theatre industry at CinemaCon, April 25-26, 2012 in Las Vegas with Gibson. They will attend workshops sponsored by Universal Pictures and will have one-on-one face time with Gibson to discuss their film projects and future plans in the film industry. The filmmakers are a diverse group of students from colleges and universities across the United States.

The filmmakers’ winning scripts will be produced into individual short films that will compete against one another in a contest that will run from August 1 through August 31 on Sprite.com. Consumers can view and vote for their favorite film every day during the voting phase, and will be entered with each vote into the Universal Orlando Resort for a chance to win a trip to Universal Studios for four people—with hotel, airfare and park tickets included.

“The opportunity to showcase creativity and build upon filmmaking skills is so important to up-and-coming filmmakers today, and that’s why I support the Sprite Films program,” said actor, Tyrese Gibson. “Sprite Films is really giving these film students the chance to not only gain exposure on a national stage, but also to lend support as they work towards their dreams in the film industry.”

The Sprite Films program was formerly the Coca-Cola Refreshing Filmmaker’s Award, which was presented annually by Coca-Cola beginning in 1998.