The Weinstein Company has come up with an interesting new way to market George Hickenlooper's new film, Factory Girl--a design contest! Designers are encouraged to show off their artistic skills by designing a poster for the film. The grand prize winner will receive a full-sized copy of the poster signed by the cast of Factory Girl, a private screening of the film for the winner and 25 of their friends, and the poster will be used to market the film in the winner's local theater as well as posted on the film's official website, www.FactoryGirlMovie.net.

I think this is a very clever way to market this film, that explores the rise and fall of 60s "it girl" Edie Sedgwick, who became the muse to Andy Warhol. The contest is clearly geared town atracting artists but I think it would more effective if they actually used the poster for the national campaign.

Independent filmmaking is already such a collaborative process. Filmmaker's must work with cinematographers, actors, costume designers, and musicians to create the film. Why not extend the step one further and go to artists who are looking to showcase their work. I think more indie filmmakers may want to look at this model.

I'm a fan of Hickenlooper so I'm interested to see the film and the winning poster. I guess we can all stay tuned...

Long live indie film,

Michelle