Prize Foundation 2024 - Sponsorship Opportunities

ABOUT THE PRIZE

CONVERTING CULTURE INTO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

As the success of Prize Foundation continues, Shreveport and Northwest Louisiana have become a burgeoning hub of economic activity and a beacon for the Creative Class. We have a proven track record of activating and elevating filmmakers, culinary artists, entrepreneurs, musicians, designers, craftspeople, and other motivated individuals — some have even found a new home in our community. Prize is more than just a series of events and festivals; we are an engine for economic activity, a spark for community engagement, and a driver for the kind of change that will continue to make Shreveport and Northwest Louisiana a premier creative and entrepreneurial destination in the United States.

YOUR MISSION (SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT)

Join the Prize Foundation to promote economic growth, workforce development, youth job training, Creative Class entrepreneurial business build-out, and increased tourism through education, entrepreneurship, conferences, contests, and festivals in Shreveport and Northwest Louisiana.

OVER A DECADE OF IMPACT

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

INCEPTION OF LOUISIANA FILM PRIZE AND PRIZE FOUNDATION

- Over 80 film teams converge on Shreveport to compete for the largest cash prize for a short film on Earth.

- 600 attendees are welcomed at the inaugural Prize Fest.

ADDITION OF MUSIC PRIZE COMPETITION

- First Music Prize winner is AJ Haynes. Her band, Seratones, named among best of SXSW 2019 by Rolling Stone.

- Music and Film education sessions added to the annual lineup.

CREATION OF STARTUP PRIZE ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETITION

- 92 Startups and 145 entrepreneurs are trained by local and national business mentors in its first year.

- Music Prize becomes Grammy-affiliated and attracts celebrity judges like Jerry Harrison of The Talking Heads.

SERVING UP A FOOD PRIZE CULINARY COMPETITION

- Inaugural Food Prize competition invites five local chefs to cook live before an audience of hundreds.

- MTV.com writes article “We’re Calling it Now: The Next Big Filmmaker is Coming from [Film Prize].”

ECONOMIC IMPACT EXCEEDS $12 MILLION

- With over 125 filmmaking teams, 85 regional music submissions, 200 entrepreneurs, and over 3,000 festival attendees, Prize reaches new audiences which travel from New Orleans, Dallas, Austin, Jackson and as far away as Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, and Seattle to attend Prize Fest.

2017

INTRODUCTION OF FILM PRIZE JUNIOR STUDENT COMPETITION AND FESTIVAL

- 48 teams and 170+ students from 15 NWLA High Schools create short films for Film Prize Junior competition.

- Film Prize crosses 600 teams since 2012, collectively making the equivalent of over 50 feature films.

2018 CULTIVATION OF A COMMUNITY

HIGHLIGHTING NEW CULTURE WITH TACO WARS HISPANIC FOOD CELEBRATION

- Inaugural Taco Wars draws 3,500+ attendees, featuring 12 local taquerias, delivering over $20,000 to local business.

- Film Prize Junior becomes state-wide competition, welcoming south Louisiana to join the competition in Shreveport.

- New economic impact study of Prize Foundation crosses $20 million since its inception.

2019 PERSEVERING THROUGH A GLOBAL PANDEMIC

- Prize Fest passes 5,000 attendees. Mentor list includes internationally-renowned chefs, filmmakers, and musicians.

- Three new local restaurants have been started by Food Prize chefs after their participation in our competition.

- Introduction of Fashion Prize competition - a regional call for designers to compete for a New York mentorship.

2020 2021 BACK IN THE STREETS

- Prize pivots to online streaming, creating free movie nights and PrizeCast, a daily show with over 400,000 streams.

- All festival events from Film Prize Junior to Prize Fest moves online with 100,000 unique streams of festival content.

- Most diverse winner pool in Prize history, including Film Prize’s first woman winner and first Black fashion winner.

- Prize Fest expands to two weekends and creates a world class experience.

- Prize introduces Comedy Prize — an all-new competition aimed at stand-up comedians from across the country.

- Expanded our national reach and mentorship through our newly formed online presence.

2022 GROWTH RETURNS

- Record year for Film Prize registrations & our youngest Top 20 director to date (a former Film Prize Junior winner)

- Taco Wars returns with record-shattering attendance and the most tacos ever sold in a single event in Shreveport.

- Continued expansion of Film Prize Junior with a return to Artbreak and over 80 completed student films.

2023 LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

- Louisiana Film Prize sees its first Black woman filmmaker grand prize winner.

- First Golden Fork Chef to be named a James Beard Award Semi-Finalist

- Record submissions for Film Prize and Music Prize.

FILM PRIZE

THE ORIGINAL PRIZE COMPETITION

Our vision for a better community started with creating a competition with the largest cash prize for a short film on Earth. To compete, filmmakers can make their film in Louisiana where they can win up to $25,000. If they film in Caddo Parish, however, they can win $50,000. Twenty films are selected and screened at Prize Fest where the audience and a panel of judges select the winner. The Top 5 films receive a grant which helps them fund entry fees into more festival, and select filmmakers receive grants toward their next Film Prize project.

This formula has resulted in the creation of over 1,100 short film projects equating to well over 100 feature films of content. These filmmakers have gone on to win awards and praise at other nationally-recognized festivals and even become Oscar® qualified.

INCENTIVIZING PRODUCTION AND ENGAGEMENT

Sometimes an incentive is all someone needs to step outside of their comfort zone and take a chance to do something amazing. Our cash prize — the largest cash prize for a short film in the world — is an incredible motivator to Film Creatives and ensures that we are able to discover hidden local talent and attract outside competitors to our community.

BUILDING A LASTING, SUSTAINABLE FILM COMMUNITY

Film Prize has done more than just attract Creative Entrepreneurs to make their films in Northwest Louisiana, the endeavor has helped these men and women find a home here. We’re incredibly proud that filmmakers from Austin, Atlanta, Arkansas and beyond have moved to Shreveport and Bossier City because the Prize has shown them the beauty and spirit of our city.

PROGRAM STATS

• Over 1,100 teams since 2012.

• Equivalent of 122 independent feature films of runtime.

• $25M in economic impact.

• 9 filmmakers relocated to SBC.

• Gender parity achieved.

2023 STATS

• Film Prize University industry mentorship event tied for record attendance.

• Over 4,000 in attendance for Film Prize in-person and online.

• Named a MovieMaker Magazine Best Short Film Festival in the World.

CONNECTING FILMMAKERS WITH INDUSTRY PROS

It’s called Show Business, not Show Art. We believe that arts and culture are economic tools not only for the Creatives but the entire product pipeline — from conceptual development to production and exhibition. We connect our filmmakers and their teams with industry experts and critics to ensure they have access to the information that will help them refine and market their craft.

FILM PRIZE JR

PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION

No plan for the future of our community can be complete without bringing the future entrepreneurs into the fold. Film Prize Junior — the middle school and high school version of the award-winning Film Prize — does just that. Students compete for scholarships, schools are rewarded with grants for equipment, and teachers are incentivized with cash prizes.

Film Prize Junior has become a statewide competition partially funded by a State of Louisiana grant to assist us in film education. We are cementing an intra-state coalition that aims to cultivate the next generation of Creative Entrepreneurs.

RESHAPING THE NARRATIVE OF STUDENTS’ FUTURES

In some educational settings, the path of learning is often on rails, focused on meeting the deadlines to pass standardized tests and college applications. Film Prize Junior opens a window into a world driven by Creative Entrepreneurship that allows students to see possible career paths they may not have considered before. Even a glimpse into non-traditional career paths can change their perspective on life forever.

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATORS

Teachers want nothing more than for their students to succeed, and not all students are interested in sports, debate team, or theater. Film Prize Junior gives teachers yet another avenue for engagement that utilizes young peoples’ understanding of video media and virtual storytelling, meeting them where they are while sideloading important life skills.

PROGRAM STATS

• 2,000+ student participants.

• $30,000 in equipment grants.

• Title One school recruitment.

• Gender parity achieved.

2023 STATS

• Biggest Film Prize Junior ever.

• 92 student films completed.

• 69 schools from across Louisiana.

• 51 Title One Schools participated.

DELIVERING CAREERAGNOSTIC SKILL SETS TO

STUDENTS

Film Prize Junior provides an opportunity for students to engage in a large nontraditional competition project that demands collaboration, negotiation, project management, creativity, and independent skill development. Armed with the knowledge of their capabilities, Film Prize Junior students can graduate more ready for the workforce or entrepreneurship.

FOOD PRIZE

CREATING A WORLD-CLASS FOOD SCENE

Since 2015, the Louisiana Food Prize has focused on cultivating and evolving the culinary culture of our region. The result of this effort has put our region on the map as a burgeoning hotspot for food and drink!

From the Golden Fork Dinner Series to Come and Get It, Food Prize dedicated to providing opportunities for collaboration, inspiration, and professional growth while shining a bright light on the incredible culinary talent we have here to our own community and the rest of the world. Food Prize has provided a platform for our local chefs to reach larger audiences, build community with one another, and to further expand their opportunities for connection with talented chefs from around the country. This nationally unique program continues to lead to delicious results!

CELEBRATING LOCAL EXCELLENCE IN THE CULINARY ARTS

An accessible but challenging diverse food culture is key to breaking down barriers, and no one is better suited to bring that to life than local Culinary Creatives. Competing chefs stretch their culinary talents by hosting elaborate dinners through the Society of the Golden Fork dinner series. The top-scoring chefs advance to compete at Prize Fest.

CREATING WITH NATIONALLYRENOWNED CHEFS

Food Prize attracts nationallyrenowned chefs to our city for Prize Fest. We connect these chefs with our local Golden Fork finalists, providing opportunities for further learning and potential partnerships. This unique experience provides mentorship opportunities for our chefs, leading to delicious results!

PROGRAM STATS

• 5 local restaurants started by competition chefs.

• Competition highlights local culinary talent and connects them with national mentor chefs.

2023 STATS

• Twelve local chefs paired up to create six amazing dishes for Come and Get It!

• Celebrated new chefs who are building new businesses in Shreveport and Bossier City.

• Highlighting local mixologists with the Golden Shaker competition.

WORKING TO ELEVATE LOCAL CULINARY CULTURE

An important component of building a community that is attractive to tourism and new business is a strong food culture. Food Prize was designed to energize, educate and activate our restaurant and chef community. Through our mentorship programs, events and competitions, Food Prize has helped establish Northwest Louisiana as a food capital on the rise.

STARTUP PRIZE

ELEVATING BUSINESSES WITH COMPETITION

Startup Prize is one of the most unique entrepreneurial competitions in the country. Not just another pitch competition, we pride ourselves on activating, evolving, and transforming startups and connecting them with investors, world-class mentors, and resources that help Startup Prize competitors find success in their endeavors.

For 2023, Startup Prize will once again focus on health to highlight and take advantage of Northwest Louisiana’s robust health tech and medical innovation resources. We will also host our second Innovation: Health conference, which will connect thought leaders across the country to discuss the future of the health sector — from surgical devices and therapeutics to tech or other wellness-based services, Startup Prize will ensure that entrepreneurs have the edge they need to succeed. No incubator or accelerator does it like Startup Prize.

NATIONALLY-UNIQUE MODEL FOR ELEVATING ENTREPRENEURS

Accelerators, incubators, and startup competitions are a dime a dozen. So why do entrepreneurs consistently call Startup Prize the most unique and fulfilling entrepreneurial experience? We provide opportunities for mentorship and fellowship that are often set aside in favor of day-to-day operations. Our intense retreat model increases retention and provides meaningful professional development.

CREATING A PIPELINE FOR LOCAL AND NATIONAL STARTUPS

All competing startups are provided with opportunities to engage with other startup/ health-focused organizations from Oschner and LSU Health Shreveport to Blue Cross Blue Shield of LA and EAP. We connect our startups with world-class mentors, locally and around the country, ensuring entrepreneurs have the edge they need not only to get off the ground, but to succeed in an ever-shifting business environment.

PROGRAM STATS

• 500+ startups elevated

• 45+ funding offers facilitated.

• 1,200+ program participants.

2023 STATS

• Program focus on health and medical-based startups.

• Hybrid model included online and in-person events.

• Gender parity achieved alongside diverse competitor pool of founders.

• National partnerships include MassChallenge, Health Wildcatters and Harvard iLabs.

LEVERAGING OUR AREA’S STRENGTH IN HEALTH INNOVATION

Northwest Louisiana is a hub of health tech and innovation. We take advantage of the expertise and opportunities we have right in our backyard and shine a bright light on the potential for growth here in our region. We link health-focused startups with a variety of service providers and resources that show our city and region are capable of meeting the needs of entrepreneurs at almost any scale.

MUSIC PRIZE

TURNING OUR MUSIC SCENE “UP TO 11”

Music is a cornerstone of Shreveport and Northwest Louisiana history. From Leadbelly, Hank Williams Jr., and Elvis to Kix Brooks, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and The Residents, our community has been a platform for incredibly successful musicians since the beginning of broadcast radio. Music Prize continues that legacy by providing local and regional artists an opportunity to perform and grow through mentorship with industry professionals, fellowship with other musicians, and the cultivation of a market for live music.

The first-ever winner of Music Prize, AJ Haynes, subsequently started her band, Seratones, which was named as one of the top bands at SXSW 2019 by Rolling Stone Magazine. Our 2022 grand prize winner, The American Hotel System has since been signed by SONO/Universal Music Group with a new album coming in 2023.

FROM THE GARAGE TO ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE

Music is made to be heard, and there’s no better platform than Music Prize at Prize Fest. Our model of competition and mentorship provides musicians the opportunities to hone their sound and elevate to new heights. We want to see the musicians both within and without our community find success in their craft, and put Shreveport and Northwest Louisiana back on the map.

MENTORSHIP WITH NATIONAL PROFESSIONALS

Just as important as playing music is an artist’s professional development. Any musician that wants to grow needs to understand the constantlyevolving music industry. We require all artists to attend a conference called MPCon which features industry professionals from across the country, to break them out of the garage and put them on a path to a career as a musician.

PROGRAM STATS

• Over 300 musicians elevated

• 3 bands signed or represented.

• Grammy (Music Recording Academy) affiliation

• 35% minority winners

2023 STATS

• 11 bands, 2 nights of live music.

• Local and national acts attended and played Music Prize.

• Hosted third year of MPCon, a 2-day conference where experts meet with musicians to elevate their music careers.

REBUILDING OUR REGION AS A MUSIC POWERHOUSE

This year, the Music Prize will continue our effort to rebuild Northwest Louisiana’s prestige as a place that changes the music industry and introduced new artists in the way the Louisiana Hayride introduced talents like Elvis to the world. Through our conference/ showcase model, we can reclaim the title as one of a place that discovers and elevates new music talent.

COMEDY PRIZE PRIZE ISLAND

MAKING PRIZEPORT A CAPITAL OF COMEDY

Comedy Prize, the newest member of the Prize Family, returns after capturing a record number of entries in 2023 and selling out for the third year in a row. At Prize Fest, five comedians will compete for the vote of comedy industry mentor judges, delivering side-splitting laughs, for a chance to walk away with the big cash prize. Also returning will be Comedy Prize University where comedians connect with the mentor judges to grow and create industry connections to grow their career.

2023 STATS

• A record 163 submissions for consideration to Comedy Prize.

• Finalists from across the country including California, Illinois, Texas, Washington, and Arkansas.

• Sold out stand-up event at Prize Fest for the third year in a row.

• Diverse competitor pool including women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ participants.

THE VIBRANT MEETING PLACE OF PRIZE NATION

Nestled just outside the vibrant VIP Lounge in the center of Texas Street, Prize Island emerges as a transient oasis during Prize Fest. This ephemeral outdoor popup park and lounge space captures the essence of the festival experience, offering a sanctuary where attendees can find space to meet up, relax, enjoy some special performances — seamlessly blending the laid-back ambiance of an island respite during the day with a pulsating neon glow at nightfall. As an integral part of Prize Fest, Prize Island embodies the spirit of community and celebration, providing a dynamic platform for artists, musicians, and revelers to come together.

oh yeah... and this happened.

LET’S TALK SPONSORSHIP

YOUR BRAND CAN BE PART OF OUR SUCCESS

Here at the Prize, we know we could rule the world if we had enough of two things: money and time. We rely on sponsorships from people like you to unlock the resources needed to create the social, economic, and educational opportunities our programs are designed to bring to the fore.

Each year, we reach tens of thousands of competitors and attendees through our innovative events including filmmakers, chefs, musicians, entrepreneurs, fashion designers, comedians, students, festival-goers, VIPs, and audiences from Shreveport, Bossier City, and the Northwest Louisiana region. Our reach represents one of the most sophisticated and forward-thinking audiences of its kind. Your brand can be exposed to these taste-makers and influencers in ways which no other opportunity can provide.

Prize offers a cutting-edge and value-focused VIP experience that rivals national experiences. Sponsors are provided with VIP access to Prize Fest which includes priority event entry and access to dazzling lounges filled with complimentary food and drink, Creative competitors, international judges, sponsors, bon vivants, and more.

HOW IT WORKS

STREAMLINED SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

With over ten years of the Prize under our belts, we have re-shaped our sponsorship opportunities to help you stay involved in all of our activities, allowing you to better support our year-round mission of elevating and transforming Northwest Louisiana through education, events, and competitions that drive a creative, entrepreneurial economy.

STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR LEVEL

Think about what you can afford to make the largest impact in our community — then take a look at the sponsor loot! Each sponsorship level is packed with perks like VIP and General Admission Passes to Prize Fest, branding placement, and advertising opportunities which are meant to maximize your exposure and your Prize experience. Passes and event tickets to Northwest Louisiana’s most amazing events are great ways to thank your friends, family, employees, and clients for everything they do.

STEP 2: PICK YOUR PRIZE

Sponsors now have a presence at ALL of our Prize events, maximizing your brand’s exposure throughout the year. However, you may want to select a specific Prize audience to focus on for your message! Whether it’s reaching food lovers through Food Prize, students and parents through Film Prize Junior, massive audiences at Film Prize, or any of our other amazing events and competitions, we are here to ensure that you get the most value and recognition for your contribution.

STEP 3: MAKE IT RAIN

Prize Foundation operates year-round events and competitions beginning in the spring with Film Prize Junior and Taco Wars, into the summer with Food Prize Chef Dinners and Startup Prize Entrepreneurial Qualifiers and into fall culminating with Prize Fest featuring film, food, music, fashion, and comedy. The sooner you become a sponsor, the more bang you’ll receive for your buck. Become a sponsor now to ensure you are a part of all that is the Prize Foundation.

TAX DEDUCTIBLE

The Film Prize Foundation, Inc. (dba “Prize Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your donation is tax deductible under IRS guidelines.

GOLDEN TICKETS PRIZE SPONSOR BENEFITS

Our sponsor benefit system increases the value of your contribution to the Prize Foundation to a new height and give you an unprecedented level of control over your Prize Experience.

We LOVE our sponsors! How much do we love you? This year we are offering our sponsors Golden Tickets as part of their package.. What are Golden Tickets? Basically, they are magical tickets that can become whatever you want them to be (within reason). You want an extra Film Prize VIP pass? Use your Golden Ticket. You want your favorite aunt to be a VIP at Music Prize? Use a Golden Ticket. You get the idea. Each sponsorship level gets an allotment of Golden Tickets. How you use them is up to you (and your favorite aunt)!

Choose any combination of passes until your Golden Tickets are depleted. Check out the chart below to see how your Golden Tickets can be put to work including special experiences only available to sponsors.

Check out the chart below and see how your Golden Tickets can be put to work.

All Events include Food, Beverages and Preferred Seating. Each pass is 1 Golden Ticket.

PRIZE FEST WEEKEND (OCTOBER

16-20)

Music Prize VIP Pass

Food Prize: Come and Get It

(Limit 10 per sponsorship)

Film Prize VIP Pass

Comedy Prize VIP Pass

(Limit 8 per sponsorship)

*Available only to sponsors.

SPONSOR BENEFIT KEY

Number of General Admission Music and Film Passes.

Number of Golden Tickets (used for Premium Experiences like VIP and Food Prize).

Size of your ad in the Prize Fest program.

Social Media shout-outs for your brand.

Your brand will appear on print and web media.

Ad or logo on screen during Prize Fest.

Custom brand package (on request)

You get first dibs on special events throughout the year, may also purchase up to 4 additional VIP passes at 50% off, and 10% off tickets.

HOW AWESOME IS THE PRIZE?

“I laughed at Comedy Prize, I cried at Film Prize, I filled my belly with Regina’s prize winning and scandalously delicious Biscuit & Brisket dish at Food Prize, and lives were changed forever. Come on! A weekend doesn’t get better than that.”

Darion D’Anjou Award Winning Writer-Director

“Being the 2018 Startup Prize winner... helps validate and push us to the next level with resources and expertise that are invaluable at this stage. I can’t wait for what’s next and to contribute to what the Startup Prize is creating. It’s special and awesome!”

Arthur Bart-Williams 2018 Startup Prize Winner

“Being a part of Film Prize Junior was an amazing and unforgettable experience. It made us feel like our voices as young filmmakers really mattered.”

Maria Vu 2018 Film Prize Junior Winner

“The confidence [Food Prize] has given me as a chef is unmatched. To be in the circle of competing chefs, getting to meet other chefs from out of town, learning methods and techniques – I take something away from every interaction.”

Tootie Morrison 2021 Food Prize Winner

NATIONAL PRAISE FOR PRIZE

“Step aside, California”

“Fabulous and Original”

Hank Stuever

The Washington Post

“ ”

Beyond the radiant joy the festival exudes, and the way it gives back to its community, it’s fast becoming one of the best platforms I can imagine for an emerging filmmaker. Their massive prize is life-changing money. It’s the kind of award that doesn’t just look good on your website or bio blurb, but that can prove the start of a full-length feature or a production company. Mark my words: within this decade we’ll see a major filmmaker rise out of the LA Film Prize.

Kristi Puchko

Entertainment Journalist and Film Critic

“After a decade on the circuit, that was by far my favorite event, set of films, and group of people I have met at a single festival.”

Judah Ray Producer/Director/Screenwriter

“

“If you want to see a real-world example of how entrepreneurial culture can empower a place, take a look at the energy that surrounds the Startup Prize, and the culture it has helped catalyze.”

Mark Newberg Impact Strategist

“

It is my hope that this festival will continue to grow and garner the support it so richly deserves. In supporting this festival, one is supporting the arts, culture and job creation and growth. I look forward to seeing this festival becoming the ‘go to’ festival of films and music.

”

Mikel Rouse New York based Filmmaker/Composer

We’re Calling It Now: The Next Big Filmmaker Is Coming From This Festival

Katie Calautti Film Journalist, MTV.com

”

SCAN TO WATCH THE HYPE VIDEO!