Wendi McLendon-CoveyHosted by famed funny man Carlos Alazraqui, the L.A. Comedy Shorts Film Festival celebrated the hilariously talented Wendi McLendon-Covey, who received the 3nd Annual COMMIE AWARD in recognition of her comedic genius. Also joining in the festivities as presenters were Aisha Tyler (Archer),Judy Tenuta (comedian), Laraine Newman (SNL), Lynne Stewart (Pee Wee’s Playhouse), MindySterling (Austin Powers), Rex Lee (Entourage), Maurice LaMarche (Futurama) and David Higgins(Malcolm in the Middle).
Awards were handed out to the winning filmmakers and screenwriters who competed for over $30,000 in cash and prizes in the following categories: The Funny or Die Best-of-Fest Grand Prize, Atom.com Best Comedy Short Film (30 minutes or less), Atomic Wedgie Best Comedy ‘Shortie’ Short (5 minutes or less) and Atom.com Best Animated Comedy Short (30 minutes or less), as well as the Elevate Best Student Short and the State Tax Credit Exchange Audience Choice Award.
The winning films of the 2011 Los Angeles Comedy Shorts Film Festival are:
Funny or Die Best of Fest Grand Prize Short:
Bear Force One, directed by Andy Mogren
Two eager, naive guys pitch their idea for the movie 'Bear Force One' to a Hollywood executive. While leaving Alaskan bear country, bears take over the President's airplane, and now it's up to the Commander in Chief, a secret service guard, and a flight attendant to regain control at 30,000 feet in this satire of airplane/hijacking films.
Atom.com Best Comedy Short (30 minutes or less):
The Interview, directed by Michelle Steffes
The last man on earth tries to get a job from the second-to-last man on earth.
Atom.com Best Comedy Animated Short:
Dates on Tape, directed by Chris Lagarce
Kevin Spacey, a man of many talents, is single and ready to mingle. Watch as he tells you a little about his best...attributes.
Atomic Wedgie Best Comedy Shortie-Short (5 minutes or less):
With or Without U2, directed by Isabel Fay and Lee York
One man's obsession with the face that haunts him. He sees her (quite literally) everywhere, but how will he react when he finally sees the real her?
Elevate Best Comedy Student Film:
Karl Mulberry, directed by Lorne Hiltser
Set against a world of roller blades, water balloons, and accordions, KARL MULBERRY is a comedy about a conflicted sixteen year old boy who needs a father, but doesn't want to lose his mother.
State Tax Credit Exchange Audience Choice Award:
Dik, directed by Christopher Stollery
A concerned father of a six year old takes it the wrong way.
The results of the Comedy Scripts Competition, sponsored by Movie Magic Screenwriter are:
The Movie Magic Screenwriter Best Comedy Feature Award:
Escaping Phoenix, by Dani Lyman
When Phoenix discovers her boyfriend's famous ex is back in town, she "accidentally" kidnaps the sexy starlet, setting in motion an outlandish media frenzy, a competitive feud between the local law and the FBI, and the arrest of her bewildered boyfriend.
The L.A. Comedy Scripts Best Comedy Short:
The Curse of Don Scarducci, by Chris Fondulas
Life is good for Don, a rough and tumble mobster, until the day he discovers that he is allergic to gluten and can no longer enjoy the staples of his everyday mobster diet. As his food habits change, so do his demeanor and life goals, but it all goes south when the mob family discovers his new life.
The L.A. Comedy Scripts Best Half-Hour Comedy TV Pilot:
High Noonish, by Bob Yates
Sitcom pilot. Cowboys with cellphones.
