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Executive Producer of Law & Order SVU Kicks Off Jersey Filmmakers of Tomorrow Film Festival

Executive Producer and Director of Law & Order SVU kicks off ninth annual Jersey Filmmakers of Tomorrow Film Festival at Fort Lee High School.

Michael Smith, Executive Producer and Director of Law & Order SVU, visited the students of Fort Lee High School Friday to kick off the ninth annual Jersey Filmmakers of Tomorrow Film Festival.  

Tom Meyers, Executive Director of the Fort Lee Film Commission, told the students that the Film Commission initiated this film festival and opened it up to all Bergen County high school students as a way to continue the story of American film that began in New Jersey over 100 years ago, specifically in Fort Lee.

In the tradition of filmmaking in Fort Lee, Meyers told the assembled students, "We want you to be able to tell your story, and this festival lets your voice be heard."

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Smith, who grew up in Long Island and now lives in New Jersey, attended the University of Michigan where he majored in communications and minored in psychology. After an internship with CBS during college, he began his career in television as an usher for The Late Show With David Letterman after graduation.                                              

In addition to Law & Order SVU, Smith has worked on the televisions series The Sopranos and Law & Order Criminal Intent, as well as directing films.

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When asked whether it was better to stay on the east coast or travel to the west coast to begin a career in television or film, Smith said that New York has become a very friendly place to film. "Currently, there are 12 to 15 pilots starting in New York which is great for east coasters."

Smith also told the students that if they want to become a "star" go to Hollywood, but it you want to become an actor--study in New York.

"The best actors are theater trained," Smith said. "They are the ones that have learned the craft of acting which is why I love filming in New York--I get to tap into that great talent."

The winner of last year's festival was Jiho Kim from Fort Lee High School for his film Who Are We? This film told the story of a group of high school friends who came together for the love of dance and highlights the difficulties they encountered trying to practice their art.

The deadline for entries for the Film Festival is July 1, 2013. Click here to download an application and learn more about the festival.  


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