May 23, 2013 – NEW YORK — SAG-AFTRA and The Asian American Film Lab™ (“Film Lab”) are pleased to announce an agreement enabling SAG-AFTRA members to more easily participate in the 2013 72 Hour Shootout™ competition (the “Shootout”), a worldwide filmmaking competition (www.asianamericanfilmlab.org).

The Shootout, now in its ninth year, has inspired hundreds of diverse filmmakers by helping nascent talent take brave steps towards a filmmaking career. The Film Lab management, many of whom are members of SAG-AFTRA themselves, expressed gratitude to SAG-AFTRA for “helping pave the way for diverse talent to gain recognition and exposure in the Shootout while maintaining protection and support for the actors.” A complete list of requirements can be found on the Shootout page of the Film Lab website: www.asianamericanfilmlab.org.

For a recent overview of the Shootout, please check out Backstage Magazine at: http://www.backstage.com

About Asian American Film Lab and the 72 Hour Shootout

The Film Lab began in 1998 as collaborative of New York-based filmmakers whose goals were to hone their craft and to share their knowledge, experience and resources. The membership has grown to comprise professionals, artists and other talented individuals who all share the common goal of creating great film and promoting Asian American filmmakers and the visibility of their stories and characters in film and television.  The Lab now runs monthly programs to promote gender and ethnic diversity in film and television.

The Film Lab is run under the direction of President Jennifer Betit Yen.  Board members include Aaron Woolfolk, James Kyson Lee, Bea Soong, Erik Lu, Peyton Worley, Eric Lin, and John Woo.   T

The Film Lab’s programming includes filmmaking workshops with industry professionals, screenwriting contests, and film competitions, including the annual 72 Hour Film Shootout (the “Shootout”)

‘)}