As we reflect on the creative journeys that have shaped the landscape of film and digital storytelling, one initiative stands out — Project Imaginat10n. Launched in 2013 by Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, and two-time Academy ® winner Ron Howard, the project called upon the collective creativity of the masses. Through a unique photo contest that spurred ten distinct short films, the initiative reimagined the traditional boundaries between audience and creator. Today, we take a nostalgic look at this groundbreaking project, its incredible line-up of celebrity and consumer directors, and the innovative works of art that resulted from this unprecedented collaboration.
Project Imaginat10n: A Journey in Creativity
The “Project Imaginat10n” Film Festival began with the global premiere of ten short films at Lincoln Center in New York . Screenings were subsequently held in Los Angeles, CA, hosted by Bryce Dallas Howard, and in Brooklyn, NY, hosted by James Murphy. The Film Festival was celebrated on Yahoo Screen where consumers could view each of the 10 films.
Inspiration from the Masses
The project launched with a photo contest inviting the public to interpret 10 storytelling themes through photography. From thousands of submissions, 91 winning photos were selected. The directors, which included Jamie Foxx, Eva Longoria, Georgina Chapman, James Murphy, and Biz Stone, each chose nine photos from these to inspire their films. A 10th photo in the Discovery theme, selected by Ron Howard, was utilized in all films to create a common thread.
Engaging the Community
Canon gave consumers of all skill levels an opportunity to showcase their creativity and storytelling abilities by undertaking the same creative exercise—selecting photos from the same pool as the celebrity directors to inspire short films. From hundreds of user generated films submitted, Ron Howard and Bryce Dallas Howard selected five winning films.
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Reflecting on the project, Ron Howard expressed pride in part of this creative journey with Canon, praising the ten inspiring films as a testament to the power of the imagination. Canon U.S.A., on their part, acknowledged the project as a user generated project from start to finish, and expressed their pleasure in taking the concept of a film festival to a new level.
The Films of Project Imaginat10n
To see the full list of films, including those by celebrity directors Jamie Foxx, Eva Longoria, Georgina Chapman, James Murphy, Biz Stone, and winning consumer directors, click next.
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