NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS

FilmsKayCee Pictures presents

NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS

GALLERIA 6 CINEMA

August 12th, 2023

6pm-9pm

“Cinema is not only about making people dream. It's about changing things and making people think.” – Nadine Labaki.

About Us

FilmsKayCee Pictures has always loved to see the rise of many talent in the local and national film industry, especially when the spotlight has shone on underrated talent. This is what we try to do with our events is give those high-quality, yet-to-be-seen talent an outlet to be seen and network with those around them. Previously we have ventured into the screening world with our "Network and Net Worth Night" trilogy, all which have been major successes. And now, we are bringing to life our first Film Festival titled "Night of Champions" which will feature a selection of submitted short films that will be given awards decided by a poll of the audience. We encourage anyone, pro or beginner, to submit as what we look for in our lineup is major storytelling and impactful moments.

GET TO KNOW THE HOSTS

Kevin L. Coffman

At a young age, Kevin L. Coffman became obsessed with creating characters, writing stories, and even using the camcorder to make his own movies with the help of his siblings and cousins (one who still stars in Coffman's works today). Inspired by the world around him, good and bad, Coffman's work emulates true emotion and isn't afraid to hold back when it comes to telling powerful stories. Coffman has produced three feature-length films under his company "FilmsKayCee Pictures" and is currently at work on his biggest one yet, "The Hall Monitor" , slated to shoot in June of 2024

Coffman has credited his family as his major support. "From taking me to my very first premiere, to seeing that new Sandra Bullock movie on your birthday, even going to see Godzilla no matter how much you despise it (you know who you are), my family has always been supportive. Even if we disagree on a factor of this ambition, I never doubt their support. They've taught me to seek a profession to utilize my creativity as well as the value of working harder to achieve any goal. No obstacles." Coffman says the biggest

supporters in his family are his grandparents, Kenneth and Sharon Kelton.

Some of Coffman's favorite films include Ferris Bueller's Day Off,

Top Gun: Maverick, Across the Spider-Verse, Deadpool, Falling Down, Rocky IV, JOKER, and Breaking.

GET TO KNOW THE HOSTS

James Blaze Blake

James Blaze Blake has led an action-filled life ever since joining the United States Marine Corps. After receiving a purple heart, Blake retired from service and spent most of his time as a sports analyst and bouncer for various clubs around St. Louis.

He first caught the acting bug in his grade school production of Peter Pan where he was the first black male to portray the title role. However, this casting choice was met with controversy and was almost shut down. Blake remembers being told he "should have played Peter Pan's shadow" by many.

Despite this, Blake retained the acting bug and starred in his first feature film role in FilmsKayCee Pictures's "RAVE" where he portrayed the sidekick to the title character. He has since acted in a couple other FilmsKayCee Pictures short films such as "Rumble" and "Mr. Happy". He is currently developing a film as part of a collaboration with FilmsKayCee Pictures called "The Hooded Shroomlin", a stoner-comedy in which he hopes to incorporate new age animation with live-action elements.

When he isn't partaking in the acting business, Blake is an avid sports analyst, a semi-pro rugby player, a DJ, but most importantly a full-time father to his three year old son Julian.

Some of Blake's favorite movies include Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Rocky, Spider-Man, Holes, White Chicks, Forrest Gump

GET TO KNOW THE HOSTS

Julianna Busse

Julianna Busse was bit with the theater bug at a young age and has honed her talent for musicals, recently starring in productions such as "Little Shop of Horrors" and "Grease". An aspiring actress looking to add to her professional resume, Busse ventured to the screen and began auditioning for short films, landing her first short film role in "Mr. Happy and His Sidekick" and is set to star in the upcoming feature "The Hall Monitor" where she plans to exhibit all talents musically and acting-wise.

Bringing 100% to every role she plays, Busse works hard to ensure a long and successful career as an actress.

Some of Busse's favorite movies include Grease, Frozen, and In The Heights

GET TO KNOW THE HOSTS

Kendrick Dell

In a short time, Kendrick Dell has made a name for himself in St. Louis as an actor. He developed a love for acting when he was in the short film "Follow Me" and has acted in different roles ever since, including a TV show pilot "Peoria", short film "The Duck and the Dragon" and even starred as a live-action adaptation of Dexter from "Dexter's Laboratory" in FilmsKayCee Pictures's "TEAM PPG".

Kendrick works hard to hone his skills as a comedian and a dramatic actor, ready to take any role that comes his way.

Some of Kendrick's favorite films include Spider-Man 2 and Star Wars Episode 3.

GET TO KNOW THE HOSTS

Chris Griffen

Christen Griffin is a college student at Southeast Missouri State University. He has an interest in writing, specifically

screenwriting and filmmaking.

Throughout his youth he has written many speeches and film ideas just to name a few. In fact, his short film script titled “Behind the Lights” was selected into the Venice Shorts film festival last fall.

Writing is a tool that Griffin uses to escape the world. Griffin he describes his writing method as raw and real to life , "Whenever I am mad or sad, I write about it", he states. "If a tragedy unfolds around me or around the world, I write about it. There are so many things to write about. I believe that through my words, I can impact the world. Therefore, I write. I don’t just write for myself; I write to heal the issues in society".

Some of Griffin's favorite movies are Karate Kid II, Forrest Gump, and Glory Road.

RULES AND GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSIONS

Anyone can enter whether you're around the corner or 500 miles away! We'd love to see what all you creatives have to offer!

All films considered must be less than 30 minutes.

There will be a $20 submission fee that will also guarantee you one free ticket to the show. (Please note: Submitting a film does not guarantee selection for final screening)

You may submit a film for multiple categories but must submit for one category at a time. (ie. 2 categories= $40)

If your film has been chosen for the final screening, please be sure you are available the night of the screening to potentially accept an award should you win. If you absolutely cannot make it, anyone accepting on your behalf must be a direct part of the film you submitted. Furthermore, this must be communicated at least 3 days prior to the event. Anything otherwise may result in your content being removed from the screening without a refund.

Films involving graphic nudity, sex, explicit fetish talk/roleplay, will NOT be considered. If you are concerned about how graphic your film is, either edit it out or message event coordinator Kevin L. Coffman for discussion before sending it in. It will be expected you have read these before sending your film in as all submissions are nonrefundable.

Films including R-rated dialogue will be considered for final screening so long as a disclaimer is allowed to air before the film for younger viewers who may be in the audience.

If your film is or is not selected for the Night of Champions, we will reach you via email.

Should your film be selected, you will receive further instructions.

Please exhibit good sportsmanship for your fellow filmmakers! This isn't just a night to win, but a night to network!

Keep an Eye Out For A Surprise Screening While The Voting is tallied!

Finally...the most important rule of all...BE CREATIVE AND HAVE FUN!!!!

TICKET PURCHASE INFO

To attend NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS, please send $15 per ticket

to one of these sites (please make sure to label the purchase "Fest Ticket in notes")

CashApp: $fkcpictures

Venmo: filmskayceepictures@gmail.com

PayPal: paranoidimposter@gmail.com

You will be sent a confirmation email detailing the check-in process of the main

event.