2013 marks the second year the Academy showcases the next generation of filmmakers at the Oscars. And this time, they have enlisted the help of Channing "Magic Mike" Tatum to find those very fortunate kids.
Our boy Tatum — who is currently on location for 22 Jump Street— showed up via Skype on The Ellen DeGeneres Show recently to talk about his new projects, but also the Team Oscar college search. The lucky contest winners receive a whole weeklong “Oscar experience“ and serve as onstage ushers at the 86th Oscar program next year.
[jump]“It’s inspiring to see talented young people passionate about movies, and I’m excited to help shine a spotlight on them through Team Oscar,” Tatum told DeGeneres.
He, 86th Oscar producers Craig Zadan and Neil Maron and many others will choose the final winners. Student participants are asked to submit 60-second videos submitted explaining why they represent the future of film.
“Team Oscar” is the new concept, based on last year's contest, “The Oscar Experience College Search,” started by Seth MacFarlane. I don't know if this is necessary but, Family Guy creator, among plenty of other amazing work, was the anchor for last year’s contest during a surprise visit to a UCLA film class.
“We were very happy to have created this college program for last year’s show. It was a huge success, and we’re excited to take it to the next level,” Zadan and Meron elaborated. “With Channing Tatum set to help us discover a new group of talented young filmmakers and The Ellen DeGeneres Show on board to chronicle their stories, we feel Team Oscar will be more rewarding and exciting than ever.”
DeGeneres will be hosting the 86th Academy Awards March 2, 2014. Click here to enter.
Watch a Team Oscar teaser/primer/how-to: