Netflix, Film Independent launch filmmaking contest

LOS ANGELES, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Online DVD provider Netflix Inc (NFLX.O) and nonprofit group Film Independent launched a contest on Thursday to award a first-time filmmaker $350,000 in cash and production support to make a movie.

Netflix and Film Independent, which produces the annual Independent Spirit Awards, also enlisted Josh Brolin to be a judge in the competition, which will provide the winner with distribution online at Netflix.

The winner will be determined by July 2009, Netflix said.

"Netflix is all about connecting people with movies they'll love, and a large part of that mission has been about finding just the right audience for films that otherwise would have had real challenges finding a market," said Ted Sarandos, chief content officer for Netflix, at a press conference. (Reporting by Sue Zeidler; Editing by Brian Moss)