‘MUSTANG STORIES’ INSPIRE FILMS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Image by ripismoney via Flickr

• The Ford Mustang has inspired a global audience of filmmakers to create short films as part of the “Mustang Stories” contest. Trailers for the films debut each week on NBC’s “Knight Rider” TV series, which airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EST
• Full films can be seen exclusively at www.the2010mustang.com after each debut
• Winner of the film segment of “Mustang Stories” gets the chance to direct a promotional film for the 2010 Mustang launch

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 22, 2008 – A cranky grandfather. A young woman shockingly discovers her boyfriend doesn’t understand her. A man obsessed with his neighbor’s prized possession. A wife struggling to regain her husband’s affection.

The cast of a new reality show? No. Instead, they’re all part of the plotlines of short films featuring the Ford Mustang created through a partnership among Ford, worldwide advertising agency JWT Team Detroit and Filmaka, a celebrated global digital entertainment studio and online creative community.

Each week, a 60-second trailer of one of the short films debuts during NBC’s “Knight Rider” TV series, which stars a Shelby GT500KR as the new KITT and airs at 8 p.m. EST on Wednesdays. The full films then can be viewed exclusively at www.the2010mustang.com.
Twenty-two semifinalists were picked to produce their short films from nearly 400 scripts from filmmakers from 28 countries on six continents. Ford, JWT and Filmaka then selected 10 finalists.

“We’re extremely pleased with the creative ways the filmmakers used the Ford Mustang as inspiration for their stories,” said Caroline Pernot, Ford Car communications manager. “The films are interesting, fun and offer plenty of surprises – just like Mustang.”

Films will debut through Nov. 19. The grand-prize winner receives the chance to direct a promotional film for the 2010 Mustang launch. Among the contenders:

• “Numskull” – A visit to grandpa’s farm takes several unexpected twists.
• “The New Girl” – The “other” woman (and man) strains a relationship.
• “Father’s Day” – Repeated test drives in a vintage Mustang drive a sales representative batty. Filmed in Great Britain.
• “My Father and I” – A son rewards his father’s love. Filmed in Hong Kong.
• “Neighborly Love” – Residents go to great lengths to be near the only Mustang in the neighborhood. Filmed in Great Britain.
• “U Better Say Mustang or Else” – What you see in clouds says a lot about you. Or not enough.

“I’ve been a Mustang fan since I was a kid – my parents had a ’67 Burgundy Hardtop – and to have a chance to create a story around such an American icon is very exciting,” said Jon Hill, who directed “The New Girl.” “And then, to work with a world-renowned agency and client team in JWT Team Detroit and Ford is an enticing opportunity for an indie-filmmaker, coupled with a chance to get your chance in front of millions of people.”

To see all the films, visit www.the2010mustang.com and click on “Mustang Films” after the “Tell Your Story” prompt on the home page.

Enthusiast also can see a glimpse of the 2010 Mustang and vote for the winner of the “Mustang Stories” contest at www.the2010mustang.com. The stories and photos from the top 25 finalists are online, with the winner receiving a brand-new 2010 Mustang and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Los Angeles International Auto show in November for the 2010 Mustang reveal. Voting ends Oct. 28. The winner will be announced Oct. 30.

“As we count down to the launch of the 2010 Mustang, www.the2010mustang.com, with stories, films and exclusive weekly photos of the 2010 Mustang, is a great place for enthusiasts to get information on the new Mustang,” said Mustang Brand Manager Fritz Wilke.