[NEW YORK, NY, February 13, 2006] - The New York Television Festival (NYTVF) today announced that it began accepting submissions to the second annual Independent Pilot Competition on February 1st, 2006.   The NYTVF, which will be held in New York City in mid-September, is the first-ever Independent Television showcase, uniting prominent industry figures, artists, and TV fans in one forum.

“Last year, the Festival demonstrated that there are artists out there all over the world with the talent and dedication to produce innovative and groundbreaking television,” said NYTVF Founder and Executive Director Terence Gray.  “The goal of the Festival this year is to further our progress in establishing a permanent platform to promote their work in an effort to infuse television with fresh, creative voices.”

In its inaugural year, the 2005 New York Television Festival received over 230 original independent pilots produced by artists from 24 states and 7 foreign countries.   The 2005 NYTVF was presented in association with TV Guide, worked in partnership with the William Morris Agency, and worked in conjunction with the Mayor’s Office of New York City. Official Network Sponsors included NBC Universal, FOX, Comedy Central, VH1, VH1 Classic, Spike TV, A&E Networks, Rainbow Media, TV Land, & Court TV.

The submission period for the 2006 independent pilot competition began Feb. 1, and will end at midnight July 7. There is no fee for students with a valid ID.

Officially selected pilots featured at the 2006 NYTVF will be placed in one of five categories: Comedy, Drama, Reality, Educational, and Animation.  To be considered for competition, pilots in all categories except Animation must have a running time of 15 to 22 minutes.  Animated pilots may have a running time of 2 to 20 minutes.  Click here for official rules and eligibility requirements.

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About the New York Television Festival
The NYTVF was founded in 2005 as the industry’s first recognized platform for independent television.  Held annually in the fall in New York City, the birthplace of modern television, the Festival unites artists, executives, industry figures, and fans together in one forum to celebrate the medium and to help shape its future.  Along with the Independent Pilot Competition, the Festival features panel discussions, premiere screenings, and other special events designed to honor television as an institution and as an art form. The 2006 NYTVF will be held in Midtown Manhattan from September 12 through September 17.



Contact: Press inquiries may be sent to Eben Russell at: eben@nytvf.com