by Justin Vick

MOORESVILLE – The Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce is launching a festival to provide a platform for local independent filmmakers and promote the Lake Norman region.

The LKN Independent Film Competition begins Monday, Aug. 1. Filmmakers living within 100 miles of Mooresville will have 4 1/2 months to create a 10- to 13-minute short film.

Most of the film must be shot within a 100-mile radius of Mooresville’s 28115 zip code and incorporate a brochure of Lake Norman in a meaningful way.

Films must qualify for a “G-rating,” with no profanity, violence or nudity.

“I think it can showcase talent that has been somewhat hidden in this region, but at the same time, if anyone has been paying attention, we have all types of activity with films being produced in this area right now,” Karen Shore, chamber president and CEO, said. “It’s an industry that we tend to take for granted.”

The Charlotte Regional Partnership credits the film industry for injecting $500 million to the economy.

North Carolina recognizes the economic impact of the film industry as well, offering tax credits up to 25 percent for productions that spend at least $250,000 locally.

“Mooresville has got a number of A-list production people,” said Tim Vogel, a director with Charlotte-based Lancer Entertainment Group. “It’s kind of like an underground world. It’s really kind of quiet, but the Charlotte area, in general, is really starting to catch the eye of (Los Angeles).”

Vogel also serves as competition director for the LKN Independent Film Competition. One advantage the competition has over other film festivals is prize money, he said.

The best film will win $2,500. The best 20 films will air during a film festival in February at the Charles Mack Citizen Center, as well as MI-Connection’s Channel 4.

Entries must be postmarked by Dec. 15. Entries cost $55 by Oct. 15, $65 by Nov. 15 and $75 by Dec. 15.

Business sponsorships are also available at $500, $1,200 and $2,500.

Vogel hopes some of the filmmakers will take advantage of the chamber’s database and work some of the businesses from the community into the production.

“It’s all about exposure. I’m trying to expose up-and-coming filmmakers,” Vogel said. “It’s nice if they pick a business they are fond of and work a script off that.”

For rules and more information, call 704-664-3898 or go to www.lknifc.com.