Press Releases

LOS ANGELES, August 12, 2020 -- Gemstone Studios, the boutique production unit of Sony Pictures Television (SPT), in partnership with Ideas United and Academy AwardÒ winning actor Geena Davis’ Bentonville Film Festival (BFF), today announced at BFF the opening of its first Rising Storytellers Search, a competition seeking underrepresented female-led narratives. Aspiring storytellers are invited to submit pitch videos of up to six minutes in length to https://risingstorytellerssearch.com to compete for the chance to win a development deal with SPT’s Gemstone Studios and other prizes.

“As Sony Pictures Television’s indie production label, Gemstone Studios places an enormous value on undeniable storytelling representative of the diverse slate of creators that exist today,” said Marie Jacobson, EVP of Gemstone Studios. “Our Rising Storytellers Search is mining for the very voices audiences crave right now. We want to celebrate female-led stories and invest in breaking new talent at a time we need them most.”

Applicants for the Rising Storytellers Search have until September 21, 2020, to send in video submissions explaining why their passion project deserves a Gemstone Studios development deal. Four finalists will each be assigned a mentor from both Sony Pictures Television and Ideas United, and awarded the resources required to elevate their pitch to a panel of judges. Judges include Executive Producer Sonay Hoffman (For Life), writer/director/BFF Jury winner Diane Paragas (Sony Pictures’ Stage 6 Films’ Yellow Rose) and Executive Producer/Showrunner Esta Spalding (On Becoming a God in Central Florida). The Rising Storytellers Search is being launched in collaboration with the Bentonville Film Festival, Celtx scriptwriting and pre-production system, Josefinas footwear, Ideas United and Sony Electronics’ Imaging Division.

“BFF was the perfect place for Sony Pictures Television to launch their Rising Storytellers Search. BFF serves as a platform for underrepresented storytellers and to have Sony Pictures make this announcement during our festival proves that our mission is being heard and supported. We are honored to have Sony Pictures join us and grateful that they are recognizing storytellers who are changing the narrative,” said BFF President of Programming Wendy Guerrero.

“We are excited to be a collaborative partner for the Gemstone Studios Rising Storyteller Search, an innovative and inclusive platform, identifying the rising and diverse voices that represent our world,” said A.P. Chaney, Creative Director with Ideas United. “For too long, gatekeepers in our space have lacked representation of those who actually reside in it. As an African-American woman in this space, I am inspired and encouraged that this door will open opportunities to those who are often overlooked. Today, it is our hope that this platform will reflect the community of talented content creators as we hear and embrace their stories.”

The creator of the winning proposal will be offered a development deal with SPT’s Gemstone Studios along with a Sony Alpha Camera Body, Model a7S III, lenses, other camera equipment and access to Sony DMPC technical-virtual training. In addition, the three finalists will each receive a Sony Alpha Camera Body, Model a7 III as well as other items. The winner and the finalists will also receive a 24-month subscription to Celtx Video Production Studio Software with personalized instruction and training, as well as Josefinas products.

Applicants can submit videos of up to six minutes in length for their original series pitches. All submissions must be received by September 21, 2020. For more information on the program and submission guidelines, and to enter for free, please go to https://risingstorytellerssearch.com.

About Gemstone Studios
Sony Pictures Television’s Gemstone Studios is a boutique label dedicated to premium independent production. Gemstone Studios seeks to complement the traditional studio approach with gutsy, signature shows from a diverse slate of storytellers. Gemstone’s indie mandate leans heavily on creative, efficient execution and innovative packaging to deliver premium series to networks and platforms in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

About Ideas United
Ideas United is a creative studio changing the way stories are told. Its in-house team works alongside its global talent network to shape experiences, rethink conventions, and speak to new audiences across four key categories: students, brands, universities & nonprofits, and originals. Founded in 2001, Ideas United has created a more progressive model to tell stories built on partnerships and diverse perspectives. Learn more at ideasunited.com

About the Bentonville Film Festival
The Bentonville Film Festival Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on promoting underrepresented voices of diverse storytellers. We want to amplify female, LGBTQ+, people of color, and people with disabilities in entertainment and media. We do this through research, education, and supporting the production and distribution of inclusive content.

The Foundation believes that by taking real action with content creators, talent, influencers, advertisers, and content distributors, we can accurately reflect the gender balance and diversity of our country. Our goal is to create a seismic change in how media inspires young minds to do great things.

The Bentonville Film Festival Foundation is focused on working with its partners to foster inclusivity in media and entertainment to produce a positive influence in the community at large.