MONDAY, MAY 1, 2000
Mayor Williams And "The West Wing" Stars Announced First Film DC Screenwriting Competition
(Washington, DC) Mayor Anthony A. Williams today announced the first Film DC Screenwriting Competition during a press conference at One Judiciary Square. The Nation's Capital has become a popular location for Hollywood filmmakers in need of authentic locales for their Washington D.C.-themed feature films and television shows. As a result, the city of Washington receives an economic boost from the employment of local crew people, actors and area businesses.
Such films as Enemy of the State, No Way Out, and The Exorcist were shot in the District. Mayor Williams sees many advantages in furthering the city's ties with the entertainment industry. "The TV and film industries make a valuable contribution to our local economy, and provide a golden opportunity to showcase the revitalization of our city. I look forward to welcoming many more film crews to our Nation's Capital."
The Film DC Screenwriting Competition is intended to generate screenplays using actual Washington, D.C. locales, and to promote the prize-winning script to the film and television industry in Hollywood. The competition is open to all screenwriters, eighteen years and older, who reside in the District of Columbia. The winner will receive one round-trip airline ticket to Los Angeles, a rental car, and hotel accommodations for a three-day/two-night stay. The winner will visit the set of the Warner Bros./NBC-TV television series The West Wing, meet with the writers, and be offered a role as an extra. The competition winner will be announced by September 1, 2000.
The Mayor also announced a casting call for the upcoming movie Along Came a Spider starring Morgan Freeman, in conjunction with the Department of Employment Services, to take place between 9 a.m. and 12 noon on Wednesday, May 3, 2000.
Mayor Williams was joined by The West Wing producer Lewellyn Wells and several surprise cast members.
