Mustang Fans Short Films to be shown during Knight Rider Series

Not only has the Mustang replaced the Trans Am in the remake of Knight Rider, but enthusiasts of the pony car have been invited to write about and even produce 45 second to 5 minute films, relating to the iconic marque, that will be shown during episodes of the TV series.

Press release outlines marketing plans

Here at LotPro.com, many of us are fans, if not aficionados, of the original pony car. In a recent press release, Ford Motor Company laid out its plans surrounding the introduction of the 2010 Ford Mustang, set to debut at the L.A. Auto Show this November. In addition to short stories submitted by Mustang fans, the intro web site has been expanded to include independently developed short films. Portions of these films will also be shown during weekly episodes of the “Knight Rider” series.

Here is the release:

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 23, 2008 – With worldwide Mustang enthusiasts anticipating the reveal of the 2010 Ford Mustang, those passionate about the iconic pony car are using the time before launch to tell their stories about their favorite muscle car through the essay contest at www.the2010mustang.com.  Filmmakers also now get to share their “Mustang Stories,” thanks to an innovative campaign recently launched between Ford, JWT Team Detroit, and Filmaka, a global digital entertainment studio and celebrated online creative community.

“We’re always looking for innovative ways to connect with our customers,” said Caroline Pernot, Ford car communications manager.  “We wanted to see how filmmakers interpreted our ‘Mustang Stories’ contest and are delighted to be able to reach an even wider audience through the new Knight Rider TV series, which stars our Shelby GT500KR.”

Video clips – essentially 30- to 60-second “trailers” – will be shown on NBC’s Knight Rider TV series, which debuts on Wednesday, Sept. 24 (8 p.m. EST).   Viewers then can watch the films, which last from 45 seconds to five minutes, in their entirety exclusively at www.the2010mustang.com.

Nearly 400 scripts were submitted by filmmakers from 28 countries on six continents, and 22 semifinalists received $5,000 to produce their short films in two weeks.  Ford, JWT and Filmaka then selected 10 winners who received additional $5,000 prize money. A new film will be introduced each week during Knight Rider episodes.  The grand-prize winner receives the chance to direct a promotional film for the 2010 Mustang launch.

The first winning film, “Numskull,” is directed by Zack Resnicoff and written by Sonny Calderon, who are based in New York and Los Angeles, respectively.  More winning filmmakers will be announced soon.

“Working with Ford gives us the opportunity to help a powerhouse brand connect with its consumers through high-quality, original content,” said Sandy Grushow, president, Filmaka.  “Meanwhile, our winning filmmakers got to have their creative vision seen by one of the world’s most respected agencies as well as millions of television viewers.”

How to enter:

To enter the “Mustang Stories” contest, enthusiasts should visit www.the2010mustang.com for details.  Submissions must be received by midnight EST on Oct. 15.  Voting will take place from October 18-30, with the winner announced Oct. 30.  The grand prize winner receives a 2010 Mustang and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Los Angeles International Auto show in November.

Tags: Auto Show, detroit, Ford, ford motor company, ford mustang, knight rider, la auto show, mustang, nbc