The 15th Annual LA WEBFEST 2024 Nominees

Honoree Nominations Posters

The 15th Annual LA WEBFEST 2024 Nominees:

The LA WEBFEST is gearing up for its 15th annual event, which will be held at the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre in Los Angeles on May 2-3, 2023.

This year's festival promises to be an international showcase of some of the best long-form series, short-form web series, short films, pilots, and podcasts from around the world.

In 2023, the LA WebFest expanded its focus to acknowledge long-form content that embodies a similar entrepreneurial spirit to web series. This shift aimed to illuminate the captivating journeys these projects undertake before gracing the screen. The standout honoree in 2023 was the Starz crime drama "BMF" and its series creator, Randy Huggins.

This year's festival will honor long-form storytelling from major players such as HBO Max, Apple+, Amazon, BET+, Angel Studios, TruTV, and South Korea Studio V+. The 2024 honorees include the BET dramedy "Diarra From Detroit," the Oscar-winning short turned HBO animated series "Young Love," Amazon's trans docuseries "Always Jane," the podcast-inspired Apple TV+ drama "WeCrashed," the CollegeHumor adaptation "Adam Ruins Everything,” and the independent film phenom "Sound of Freedom."

Directors, writers, actresses, and actors up for top prizes in the long-form category include Jared Leto, Anne Hathaway, Kid Cudi, Alejandro Monteverde, Jim Caviezel, WGA strike hero Adam Conover, and international K-Pop star Jinyoung, just to name a few.

The 15th Annual LA WEBFEST 2024 Nominees Posters

The LA WEBFEST has a long history of discovering new talent and fostering creativity in the web series format. Issa Rae, star and creator of "Insecure," originally screened her show "Awkward Black Girl" at the festival, and her co-star Yvonne Orgi was discovered by LA WEBFEST founder Michale Ajakwe, Jr.

Ajakwe founded the LA WEBFEST in 2009, making it the first international festival dedicated specifically to web series. Since then, the festival has grown and inspired the creation of webfests all over the world, with more than 50 webfests forming a worldwide network.

Tragically, Ajakwe passed away in 2018, but his legacy lives on through the festival and its new director, Young Man Kang. Honorary President Jean-Michel Albert, founder of the Marseille Webfest in France, remarked that "with the rapid growth of YouTube, OTT platforms, and social media, web series festivals are constantly growing in number."

Overall, the LA WEBFEST promises to be a celebration of creativity and innovation in the web series format, honoring established talent and discovering new voices from around the world.

Contact email: lawebfest2009@gmail.com 

Young Man Kang's 'Prayer International Series' to Rio de Janeiro: Meet the Talented Cast - Biographies

Los Angeles, CA / Rio de Janeiro, Rio – Young Man Kang Expands 'Prayer International Series': The Upcoming Episode "Prayer Rio" Films in Rio de Janeiro During the Rio Webfest 2023 Event - Introducing the Talented Cast of Local Brazilian Actors Priscila Buair, Amanda Simao, and Valéria Resnick.

Priscila Buiar

Priscila Buiar, maringaense (PR) começou a atuar com 09 anos de idade, formou-se em Artes Cênicas pela Universidade Estadual de Londrina desde 2014, atualmente vive na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, onde estudou e se preparou com renomados preparadores de elenco, entre eles: Ivana Chubbuck, Estrela Straus, Eduardo Milewicz, Marina Rigueira, Fátima Toledo, Camilla Amado, Ricardo Contti, entre muitos outros. No seu currículo, soma diversos curtas-metragens e web-séries, além de série na Netflix e novelas na rede Record. Seu trabalho mais recente foi a série "Stupid Wife" – com 3 temporadas e dois especiais e hoje soma de mais de 100 milhões de visualizações no Youtube. Seu trabalho teve o reconhecimento como Melhor atriz de drama no festival Rio WebFest no ano de 2022, além de melhor elenco, série e série brasileira; e também no festival Asia Web Awards, no mesmo ano. Já foi premiada por outros trabalhos, entre eles ‘Magenta’ (melhor elenco de drama) e copo descartável (melhor atriz de terror).

Amanda Simão

Amanda Simão, maringaense com descendência Libanesa, formada em Artes Cênicas e Design de Moda. Se formou na Escola Superior de Artes Cênicas Célia Helena, em São Paulo.Fez peças teatrais, longa metragem e documentário, webséries, trabalhos como apresentadora e dançarina.

“Sempre gostei de me desafiar, sou apaixonada por viver o que me oportuniza o amadurecimento, reflexão, troca e sensibilidade. Na arte me encontrei e ela me permite viver um protagonismo único e liberto!”

Atualmente, Amanda mora no Rio de Janeiro e está gravando Reis – novela da RecordTv.

Valéria Resnick

Valéria Resnick, Formação Escola de Atores Wolf Maya.Iniciou a carreira com a peça "O Home que Falava Javanês",direção Delson Antunes no evento A Cena da Cidade no Ibam. "E Quem Somos Nós",direção Camilla Amado textos de Karl Valentin. Evita Perón-Musical,direção Paulo Afonso de Lima."Deus Lhe Pague",direção Lígia Ferreira e supervisão geral Bibi Ferreira.Curso de cenografia com Hélio Hechbauer e montagem de peça conferência "Suíte Brasileira Espaço Tom Jobim. Curso para cinema no New York Film Academy com o diretor Paul Wagner. "As Falecidas",direção Flávia Pucci e "Eis a Questão",direção Daniel Herz no Teatro Nathália Timberg. "A Peça ao Lado" de Jean Terdieu com direção de Delson Antunes nos Teatros Sede das Cias e Café pequeno do Leblon.Personagem Velma Von Tuslle no musical Hairspray,direção Victor Maia no Teatro Prudential.Personagem produtora Rogéria no musical Evoé,direção João Fonseca no Teatro Prudential. Personagem Catarina na Websérie Stupid Wife da @pontuacaoproducoes no Youtube.

This production marks a collaborative effort between YMK Films, Hollywood Series Corp., Charlotte Producoes, and Rio Webfest. Hollywood Series Corp., headquartered in Los Angeles, California, specializes in digital content creation, spanning both short and long-form digital series. In addition to their creative endeavors, they also organize two notable webfest events: LA WEBFEST 2024 and Hollywood Series 2023. 

The 'Prayer International Series' is an ambitious project that chronicles the journeys of young individuals as they pursue their dreams in major cities worldwide. While the overarching theme remains consistent, each episode offers a unique narrative, influenced by the local culture and language of the respective city. Furthermore, each installment showcases a picturesque location, culminating in subtly different conclusions. 

The series has recently wrapped up successful shoots in Toronto and Vancouver, featuring the talents of local actors. So far, 11 captivating episodes have been produced, highlighting cities such as Istanbul, Rome, Seoul, Los Angeles, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Honolulu, Lima, Cusco, Toronto, and Vancouver. Now, Young Man Kang and his team are embarking on their next adventure in Rio de Janeiro. 

Hollywood Series Corp. is taking the reins for the upcoming drama series 'Prayer Rio,' with filming scheduled in Rio on November 26, 2023, featuring the two talented actors, Priscila Buair and Amanda Simao.

'Prayer International Series' stands out as an innovative project, as it is entirely filmed using the new iPhone technology, employing the vertical cinema format. This approach offers viewers a fresh and unique cinematic experience, distinct from the traditional landscape frame.

All 11 episodes are readily accessible for viewing on YouTube. The team is also actively seeking potential brand sponsors in the next city, including tourism-related businesses and other branded content collaborators, to further enrich the project. Young Man Kang's 'Prayer International Series' continues to captivate audiences with its captivating storytelling, diverse locations, and talented casts, making it a must-watch for fans of innovative digital content. Stay tuned for the exciting adventures that await in Rio de Janeiro!

Contact Email: info@hollywoodseries.net 

Young Man Kang's 'Prayer International Series' Expands to Rio de Janeiro with a Talented Cast

Los Angeles, CA – Young Man Kang, a prominent filmmaker and content creator, is gearing up for the next exciting installment of his 'Prayer International Series.' This time, the series will make its way to Rio de Janeiro, taking place during the Rio Webfest 2023 event, featuring a talented cast of local Brazilian actors, Priscila Buair and Amanda Simao. 

This production marks a collaborative effort between YMK Films, Hollywood Series Corp., Charlotte Producoes, and Rio Webfest. Hollywood Series Corp., headquartered in Los Angeles, California, specializes in digital content creation, spanning both short and long-form digital series. In addition to their creative endeavors, they also organize two notable webfest events: LA WEBFEST 2024 and Hollywood Series 2023. 

The 'Prayer International Series' is an ambitious project that chronicles the journeys of young individuals as they pursue their dreams in major cities worldwide. While the overarching theme remains consistent, each episode offers a unique narrative, influenced by the local culture and language of the respective city. Furthermore, each installment showcases a picturesque location, culminating in subtly different conclusions. 

The series has recently wrapped up successful shoots in Toronto and Vancouver, featuring the talents of local actors. So far, 11 captivating episodes have been produced, highlighting cities such as Istanbul, Rome, Seoul, Los Angeles, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Honolulu, Lima, Cusco, Toronto, and Vancouver. Now, Young Man Kang and his team are embarking on their next adventure in Rio de Janeiro. 

Hollywood Series Corp. is taking the reins for the upcoming drama series 'Prayer Rio,' with filming scheduled in Rio on November 26, 2023, featuring the two talented actors, Priscila Buair and Amanda Simao.

'Prayer International Series' stands out as an innovative project, as it is entirely filmed using the new iPhone technology, employing the vertical cinema format. This approach offers viewers a fresh and unique cinematic experience, distinct from the traditional landscape frame.

All 11 episodes are readily accessible for viewing on YouTube. The team is also actively seeking potential brand sponsors in the next city, including tourism-related businesses and other branded content collaborators, to further enrich the project. Young Man Kang's 'Prayer International Series' continues to captivate audiences with its captivating storytelling, diverse locations, and talented casts, making it a must-watch for fans of innovative digital content. Stay tuned for the exciting adventures that await in Rio de Janeiro!

Contact Email: info@hollywoodseries.net 

Drama Erupts On Train To Machu Picchu Over Surprise Gift

 

https://youtube.com/shorts/dtX5ahAhXcs

Traveling by train to Machu Picchu offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. With its scenic routes and breathtaking views, it is no wonder that many people choose this mode of transportation to reach the ancient Incan citadel. Not only does traveling by train provide convenience and comfort, but it also offers accessibility for various fitness levels. During the train journey, travelers can expect a certain duration of the round trip, depending on the chosen route. Onboard amenities and services make the journey comfortable and enjoyable. Some train operators even offer cultural performances and entertainment to enhance the overall experience. One particularly memorable experience we had during our journey was the unexpected Inca traditional drama performance. The train featured Inca music and narrations, along with a couple of actors who wore colorful traditional costumes. Their performance depicted a story of love and saying goodbye, and even though we didn't know the exact storyline, we could feel the emotions and authenticity of the moment. We were fortunate to capture this unforgettable moment on film, making it a cherished memory of our trip. To ensure a successful train trip to Machu Picchu, it is advised to plan and make reservations in advance. Packing accordingly and dressing appropriately for the weather is crucial, as the climate can vary. Proper altitude acclimatization is also essential, especially because Machu Picchu is located at a higher altitude. By following these tips and choosing to travel by train, you can have a memorable and convenient journey to Machu Picchu, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of this iconic destination.

by YMK Films

Young Man Kang's 'Prayer International Series' Continues in Rio

Los Angeles, CA – Young Man Kang, a prominent filmmaker and content creator, is set to continue his 'Prayer International Series' with the next episode taking place in Rio de Janeiro during the Rio Webfest 2023 event.

 

Content Creator Young Man Kang

This production is a collaboration between YMK Films, Hollywood Series Corp., Charlotte Producoes, and Rio Webfest. Hollywood Series Corp. is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, specializing in digital content creation, including short and long-form digital series. They also organize two webfest events: LA WEBFEST 2024 and Hollywood Series 2023.

The 'Prayer International Series' is a project that tells the stories of young individuals pursuing their ambitions in major cities around the world. While the overarching theme is consistent, each story is unique, reflecting the local artists and language of the city, with each episode set in a picturesque location, culminating in slightly different conclusions.

The series recently completed successful shoots in Toronto and Vancouver with local actors. To date, 11 episodes have been produced, featuring cities such as Istanbul, Rome, Seoul, Los Angeles, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Honolulu, Lima, Cusco, Toronto, and Vancouver. Now, Young Man Kang and his team are venturing to Rio for the next installment.

Prayer International Series Posters

Hollywood Series Corp. is currently casting for two one-time roles for the drama series 'Prayer Rio,' with filming scheduled in Rio on November 26, 2023.

'Prayer International Series' stands out as a unique project, filmed entirely on the new iPhone using vertical cinema, offering audiences a fresh cinematic experience beyond the traditional landscape frame. All 11 episodes are available for viewing on YouTube.

CHOPSO article:  Young Man Kang is casting "Prayer International Series" in Rio

To watch 'Prayer International Series,' visit: https://bit.ly/3ECztCL

Young Man Kang Prepares for LA WEBFEST 2024

Los Angeles, CA – Young Man Kang, a prominent filmmaker and content creator, has assumed the role of festival director at the esteemed LA WEBFEST since 2022. The LA WEBFEST is now gearing up for its highly anticipated 15th annual event, scheduled to take place at the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre in Los Angeles on May 2-3, 2024.

Young Man Kang at the 14th Annual LA WEBFEST 2023 Red Carpet

 

This year's festival promises to captivate audiences with an international showcase featuring some of the finest long-form series, short-form web series, short films, pilots, and podcasts from across the globe. The submission window for the 2024 event is currently open, with the regular submission deadline set for the end of November.

A notable highlight from the previous edition of the festival was the inclusion of long-form series from major industry players like ABC, Netflix, Apple TV, and LionsGate+. The event also saw celebrated nominees such as Jason Momoa for his role in "See," Paula Patton for "Somewhere Between," and Randy Huggins for creating the popular crime drama "BMF," produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.

The LA WEBFEST has a rich history of discovering new talent and nurturing creativity within the web series format. Issa Rae, renowned star and creator of "Insecure," initially screened her show "Awkward Black Girl" at the festival, while her co-star Yvonne Orgi was discovered by LA WEBFEST founder Michale Ajakwe, Jr.

Ajakwe founded the LA WEBFEST in 2009, marking it as the world's first international festival exclusively dedicated to web series. Since then, the festival's influence has extended, inspiring the creation of webfests worldwide, with more than 50 webfests forming a global network.

Michael Pare, Madison Ekstrand and Young Man Kang
at the 14th Annual LA WEBFEST 2023 Red Carpet

With new additions to its team, including Young Man Kang as a director, and Honorary President Jean-Michel Albert, founder of the Marseille Webfest in France, alongside Vice President Jazmen Darnell Brown, the LA WEBFEST continues to adapt and thrive in a landscape characterized by the rapid growth of YouTube, OTT platforms, and social media.

In sum, the LA WEBFEST 2024 is poised to be a grand celebration of creativity and innovation in the web series genre, honoring established talent while unearthing fresh voices from around the world.

Group Photo at the 14th Annual LA WEBFEST 2023 Red Carpet

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15th Annual LA WEBFEST 2024:

Call for Entries - Regular Submissions:

*Submit Link:
https://filmfreeway.com/LAWEBFESTSince2009

- Web Series (Short Form & Long Form)
- Pilot
- Shorts
- Podcasts

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The LAWEBFEST 2022 announces selection of new festival director - Young Man Kang

 

Young Man Kang - LAWEBFEST festival director

 

The LAWEBFEST board, headed up by honorary chairperson Tammy Ajakwe, recently announced that film director, Young Man Kang, has been elected to serve as LAWEBFEST’s newest festival director. Also, Marseille Webfest’s founder, producer Jean-Michel Albert, was appointed to serve as the festival’s honorary president.  

LAWEBFEST turns 13 this year, and is proud to announce that this year’s festival will be held at The Korean Cultural Center in Los Angeles on November 4~5.

 

In 2005, when the first online video was uploaded to YouTube, the world of web video content officially began. Several years later, the first international festival dedicated specifically to web series, LAWEBFEST, was established in Hollywood/Los Angeles in 2009 by TV Writer/Producer, Michael Ajakwe, Jr.  The following year, in the French port city of Marseille, the Marseille Webfest was born, followed by the Melbourne Webfest in Australia, the Rome Webfest in Italy, and the DC Webfest in Washington DC.

 

In 2015, the Seoul Webfest (initially called KWebfest) was established in South Korea by Hollywood director Young Man Kang.  Michael Ajakwe, Jr. encouraged and supported this new festival’s efforts, seeing this as one more outlet to spur on creators from around the globe to reach even higher.  Since then, webfests have spread all over the world, fulfilling Michael’s vision of a global celebration of the web series format. Currently, there are more than 50 webfests which form a worldwide webfest network. With the rapid growth of YouTube, OTT platforms, and social media, web series festivals are constantly growing in numbers.

Michael Ajakwe Jr. / Young Man Kang

 

Serving as the godfather of the webfest community, the LAWEBFEST has continually grown since its initial founding. However, in 2018, the LAWEBFEST lost its founder and guiding light, Michael Ajakwe , Jr.  Having traveled extensively around the globe helping to start new Webfests, Michael visited the Seoul Webfest twice and continued to actively support the event and its founder, Young Man Kang, which made Young the natural choice to assume the position that was left vacant after Michael’s passing. 

Upon being selected as the new director of LAWEBFEST, Young Man Kang said, “I am honored to assume the role of LAWEBFEST’s festival director, a position that carries on the legacy of the godfather of all webfests, my friend and webfest mentor, Michael Ajakwe Jr.  I look forward to working closely with the board to insure that Michael Ajakwe, Jr’s vision continues to inspire generations of web series creators for years to come.”

Contact email: lawebfest2009@gmail.com 

LAWEBFEST official poster

Young Man Kang - LAWEBFEST festival director

Young Man Kang with LAWEBFEST crew 

LAWEBFEST 2022 the 13th Edition

Hit Chinese webseries Ex-Model to premiere on Korean VOD through KTH

SEOUL, 17 March 2017 - After its successful run in webfestivals ending with the Kwebfest in Seoul this past August 2016, hit Chinese webseries Ex-Model will be released on South Korean VOD platforms thanks to a partnership with KTH (Korea Telecom Hitel).

Through his company, YMK Films Korea, the director of the Kwebfest Young Man Kang reached a deal with the content arm of Korea Telecom, the leading telecom operator in South Korea, a leader in the digital contents business in Asia.

Ex-Model was created by Emmanuel Sapolsky and Xin Wang, produced by Paris-based fledging prodco New Bee Productions, and is distributed by Asian webseries specialist Daehan Drama.

The webseries follows Chinese model XinXin in Paris, who struggles to accept not being under the spotlight as much as before as she reaches her 30s and will attempt almost anything not to fall back into anonymousness. An intrigue widely inspired from the life of author and lead actress, Xin Wang.

Ex-Model received best actress and best art design awards at the Sicily Webfest 2015 and a special award at the Bilbao Webfest 2016 for its “preservation of the old town of Paris.” Premiering on Youku Tudou in Mainland China, it has also been airing on Fashion One in South East Asia and Gong TV in France.

KTH has so far released mainly homegrown feature films and webdramas. As their first foreign webseries, Ex-Model will provide them with a first opportunity to test the market and see how Korean viewers react.

To start, Ex-Model will be released on Naver TVcast, the leading VOD platform for webseries in South Korea, then to other services. This is the second foreign webseries being released on Naver TVcast after BananaMana Films’ Perfect Girl last year through a deal with iHQ.

YMK Films’ Young Man Kang says, “We are very excited to be able to release a first foreign webseries in the South Korean market and we hope to bring more as to expand the market for web contents here and beyond.”

Korean web series 'Doppelgänger' receives award nominations

May 25, 20169:10 PM MST

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Doppelgänger episode one

Courtesy of Young Man Kang

The Web Series “Doppelgänger” has received two awards nominations at the upcoming Melbourne WebFest.

Courtesy of Young Man Kang

“Doppelganger” will screen as an official selection and was nominated for “Best Foreign Drama” and “Best Director: Young Man Kang.”

“Web Series” or more familiarly known as “Web Dramas” in Korea have gained in popularity with many Kpop stars appearing in them.

According to Kang, branded web series are very popular in the Korean market along with the Italy.

CL Pacific, a web series production company in Seoul launched “Doppelganger” at Naver TVcast (the biggest Korean portal website), on April 29, 2016.

Melbourne WebFest, Australia’s international web series festival announced the program for its 4th edition to be held from July 1st to July 3rd at Deakin Edge, Federation Square after receiving a record 230 submissions, with a total of 55 web series represented from 15 different countries selected as 2016 Official Selections to screen at the festival.

This year, to reflect the rapid growth of the digital series entertainment, the Official Selections consisted of 55 web series with a total of 23 awards to be given.

Melbourne WebFest is supported by the City of Melbourne, LaTrobe University, ABC iView, and Fed Square.

It will be the first-time Melbourne WebFest has shown Korean web series this year: “Doppelganger” and “Witness” (Directed by Peter Vanilla) which also has 2 nominations in “Best Foreign Drama” and “Best Leading Actress: Su Ryun Baik.”

“Witness” was the grand prize winner from the 2015 KWEB FEST, the Korean WebFest and only webfest in Asia.

The Thriller-Drama, “Doppelganger” is a 5-episode drama with each episode duration about 10-12 minutes long. Total running time is 60 minutes. Written by Hwang Do Kim and Directed by Young Man Kang.

Synopsis:

Top star, Min Woo, who is bored with his life, discovers that one day out of nowhere, his doppelganger appears with an offer he couldn't resist. His doppelganger suggests that he can replace Min Woo's boring jobs and so, Min Woo agrees.

Slowly, Min Woo's doppelganger takes his place one by one; even with his love, Yeon Ju. It was then that Min Woo realizes his doppelganger's true intention. Now, Min Woo has to take his life back from the doppelganger's plot to steal his love.

Lead actor is Yoon Hu Ko and lead actress is Sia Lee. Sia Lee has appeared in television series such as the period drama “Maids”, “Signal” and KBS drama, “Unusual Family.”

Director Young Man Kang is an award-winning director, earning 13 awards from various film festivals. His latest web series which received an award in LAWEBFEST 2016 was “AREX Airport Railroad.” Now, he's the founder of KWEB FEST, the only webfest in Asia.

http://www.examiner.com/article/korean-web-series-doppelg-nger-receives-award-nominations