Verizon and Asian CineVision Hold First-Ever V-Clip National Competition

NEW YORK - Verizon is sponsoring the first-ever V-Clip National Competition at the New York Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF), produced by Asian CineVision (ACV). The competition invites amateur filmmakers and storytellers across the country to submit a 15-second video clip that celebrates or highlights the spirit of the Asian-American film experience. The clip can be submitted in any format including film, video, animation, motion graphics or shot from a cell phone. Verizon is the platinum and leading sponsor of the AAIFF, which will be held July 13-21.

"As Verizon establishes a foothold in the entertainment industry by rolling out our FiOS TV video service through our fiber-optic network, we are proud to be the largest sponsor of the 29th Asian American film festival," said Jeff McFarland, director of multicultural marketing for Verizon.

Clare Fang, group manager of Asian marketing for Verizon, said, "The competition allows Verizon to be a part of this outlet, which really encourages participants to use their broadband to submit their creative V-Clips. As a leading provider of broadband products and services, this opportunity allows us to further demonstrate our continued support of the Asian-American community."

The V-Clip Competition is an entertaining experience for both moviegoers and moviemakers attending the AAIFF. Each entrant must complete an entry form to register for the competition and submit the form and a $20 entry fee by June 16. Up to three V-Clips can be submitted per entry form. The clips are due June 19 by e-mail or must be postmarked by June 23 if regular mail is used. Each clip must cleverly and creatively incorporate the full Verizon logo, which includes the check mark and the word "Verizon," as part of the clip for at least one second. Clips can be submitted in any language, but English subtitles are required for submission in foreign languages.

Judges from ACV and Verizon will select ten finalists based on creativity, originality, artist's proficiency in the successful and creative incorporation of Verizon's logo, and how the video clip highlights or celebrates the Asian-American film experience or both. The finalists' video clips will be screened during the film festival.

In addition, a grand-prize winner and two runner-ups will be announced during the closing night award ceremony at Asia Society on July 21. The grand-prize winner and runners-up will receive the latest in digital entertainment devices, including a flat-screen TV, 6.0 mega pixel digital camera, and a video mp3 player.

AAIFF, also known as The First Home to Asian American Cinema, was founded 29 years ago. It is dedicated to screening works by media artists of Asian descent and is the leading showcase for Asian-American film and video. Films and video will be screened around New York City during the festival, which will also be held on Long Island, Aug. 3-6.

For more information about the upcoming AAIFF and details about the V-Clip National Competition visit www.asiancinevision.org.

Over the years, Verizon has been a strong supporter of Asian communities around the country, a role exemplified further by Verizon's recent sponsorship of the Annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival.

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), a Dow 30 company, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 53 million customers nationwide. Verizon Business operates one of the most expansive wholly-owned global IP networks. Verizon Telecom is deploying the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network to deliver the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services to customers. Based in New York, Verizon has a diverse workforce of more than 250,000 and generates annual consolidated operating revenues of approximately $90 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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