(LOS ANGELES) —TunnelVizion Entertainment is happy to announce that filmmaker Brian Shackelford has been selected as one of three finalist to compete in the McDonald’s Lovin’ Video Competition being launched at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF). McDonald’s USA and ABFF joined forces, challenging filmmakers to create one 90-second film that brings to life McDonald’s philosophy that: “A little more lovin’ can change a lot.” Shackelford’s animated film, titled “This, That & the Other,” will premiere during the four-day festival, set to kick off June 11-14, 2015 in New York City.

In a recent press release, Jeff Friday, founder and CEO of ABFF states: "We are excited to partner with McDonald's USA on this most unique digital video contest," he said. "The ABFF is committed to supporting emerging artists and providing trailblazing opportunities for them to gain exposure and visibility in the film and television industry."

Shackelford is not only competing for bragging rights, but also a grand prize of film equipment, valued at $2,500; plus exposure of his work on various websites, including McDonald’s 365Black.com. In addition, Shackelford and the other finalists will receive a mentoring session from critically-acclaimed director Malcolm Lee (“Best Man,” “Best Man Holiday”). For a sneak preview of his animated film, visit http://www.mcdonalds.com/365black/en/events/abff-finalists-highlights.html

“I’m so excited to showcase my work at ABFF, especially for such an iconic brand like McDonald’s. Returning to ABFF for the second time, feels like coming home to a close-knit family of filmmakers. I’m thrilled to be a part of the launch for McDonald’s Video Competition.” he said. He added, “What can I say: I’m lovin it!”

It’s not the first time Shackelford has dabbled in animation. He created and wrote the animated project, “Porn Editor,” an official selection of the 2008 ABFF, and later signed a two-year option with HBO. Other credits include “The Bad News Ballers,” “Getting’ Da Munchies,” and “Watch What You Prey For.”

Shackelford is also the co-director of the documentary, “Sunshine, Noodles and Me,” currently making the rounds on the film festival circuit.  Tackling the “Big C,” the intimate vérité cancer documentary, co-directed with Joyce Fitzpatrick, tells the heartwarming story of breast cancer survivor Cheryl Ash-Simpson. It gives an honest portrait of her battle with breast cancer and her determination to beat the disease. “Sunshine, Noodles and Me” was an official selection in the 2015 Pan African Film Festival.  This month, the film is set to air on KLCS-TV, the LA affiliate of PBS, in June. Visit KLCS.org for local listings. To view the trailer of “Sunshine, Noodles and Me” on Vimeo, visit http://vimeo.com/108857924

For more information about ABFF and the Lovin' Video Competition, visit www.abff.com. Follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram. 

DIRECTOR BRIAN SHACKELFORD | at a glance

Filmmaker Brian Shackelford is a veteran of television and film, and founder of TunnelVizion Entertainment. A graduate of film school at Loyola Marymount, he landed one of his first gigs as a director for a music video, featuring West Coast rap artist Mack 10.  After graduation, he worked as a lead camera operator and editor for a number of independent companies before shooting, directing, and editing his first feature film – “The Bad News Ballers.” Other credits include “Getting’ Da Munchies,” “Watch What You Prey For,” “Porn Editor;” “Ungrateful,” “The Latin Rap Conference” and “Sunshine, Noodles and Me.” 

No stranger to the film festival circuit, Shackelford has screened his work at various festivals around the country. The animated film, “Porn Editor,” was selected as an official selection in the 2008 American Black Film Festival (ABFF), and later signed to a two-year option with HBO.  The short, “Ungrateful” and documentary, “The Latin Rap Conference,” screened at the 2009 Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF). The documentary went on to win an honorable mention at the 2009 SoCal Film Festival. 

Shackelford is currently making the rounds on the film festival circuit with the intimate vérité cancer documentary, “Sunshine, Noodles and Me,” co-directed with Joyce Fitzpatrick of FlatCat Productions. It was selected as an official selection of the 2015 Pan African Film Festival (PAFF), and will air on KLCS-TV, the LA affiliate of PBS, in June. 

The producing and directing duo of Shackelford and Fitzpatrick have collaborated on a variety projects, including several TV pilots, web series, and documentaries. Their web series, “Identity Confirmed,” won third place in the Indi.com mobile challenge of producing a three-minute film shot with a mobile device. It was also an official selection in the 2014 SoCal Film Festival. Also, their mockumentary, “Animal Control,” nabbed the Golden Kahuna Award from the 2012 Honolulu Film Festival, and showcased as a Programmer's Choice selection at the 2012 Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF).

Photo credit: Photo by Danielle M. Wooten of Berryfotogenicphotography.com