Daphne Maxwell Reid to serve as judge for 2013 Waynesboro Short Film Competition

“Heed the criticism.” That’s the message for aspiring filmmakers from Daphne Maxwell Reid.

“These competitions can serve to assist emerging filmmakers in the exposure needed to see how they can up their game. The more you are immersed and judged in your field, the better you can become,” said Reid, a film and television actress and producer in charge of the final judging at the 2013 Waynesboro Short Film Competition.

The third annual competition, sponsored by the Waynesboro Cultural Commission, is open to residents of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina. Submissions should be no longer than 16 minutes in length (including credits).  All genres of short film are welcomed.

Reid, along with her husband, Tim Reid, owns and operates the Petersburg-based New Millennium Studios, and is best-known for starring as Aunt Vivian on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and the critically acclaimed Showtime series “Linc’s.”

Which is to say, she’s familiar with what needs to be done on both sides of the camera. So, what will she be looking for in the short films that she reviews?

“A story well told, and technical prowess,” Reid said.

Entries for the 2013 Waynesboro Short Film Competition with a completed registration form must be received by the Waynesboro Cultural Commission by 5 p.m., April 1, 2013, or postmarked by that date.

There is a $10 entry fee.

Finalists will be selected from the submissions and screened on Saturday, May 4, 2013.

Finalists will be notified of the screening details.

More information about the Waynesboro Short Film Competition is available online: Click here.