Jameson First Shot Competition Winner Announced

Two-time Academy Award-winning actor, Kevin Spacey attended a spectacular event at Highline Stages in New York City for the premiere of The Ventriloquist, the winning US film from the Trigger Street Productions Presents Jameson First Shot competition.

Filmmaker Benjamin Leavitt, an NYU graduate, beat off competition from over 700 other entries with his captivating script to be named one of just three winners internationally. Leavitt then received the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly to Los Angeles to shoot his winning short film, directing Kevin Spacey in the leading role, all with the backing of award-winning production company, Trigger Street Productions. His poignant short entitled The Ventriloquist tells the story of an introverted ventriloquist who tries to match wits with his outspoken marionette.

Leavitt said of the evening: “It’s quite overwhelming to attend your own premiere and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the finished film. I hope everyone enjoys watching it as much as we enjoyed making it – the 2 days of filming were an incredible learning experience for me. The support and encouragement shown by Trigger Street and Kevin Spacey has been nothing short of amazing and I am so thankful to have been given this amazing opportunity.”

The premiere, held in the heart of the Meatpacking district at Highline Stages, a landmarked historic building, was attended by over 200 guests, which saw Co-President of Film Independent, Sean McManus, presiding over the evening’s events as host and MC.

Guests of honour including Hollywood legend, Kevin Spacey, President of Trigger Street Productions and award-winning producer, Dana Brunetti and local winner, Benjamin Leavitt all graced the red carpet.

Wayne Hartunian, Vice President Whiskies, Pernod Ricard USA noted, “We are thrilled to crown a winner of the inaugural Trigger Street Jameson First Shot short film competition. Jameson® Irish Whiskey, one of the fastest growing spirit brands in the US and the primary driver of growth in the fastest growing spirit category, has been a long-standing supporter of independent film both globally and in the US. This competition perfectly embodies our attitude towards film and our desire to open up the art form and give emerging talent the opportunity to be mentored by some of Hollywood’s biggest names. We congratulate Leavitt for his tremendous work.”

Any budding directors who think they have what it takes to be the next winner from the USA can register their interest now at jamesonfirstshot.com to make sure they get all the updates on next year’s competition.

For more information on the competition, as well as behind-the-scenes images and additional on-set content please visit jamesonfirstshot.com

Taste Responsibly.

JAMESON® Irish Whiskey. 40% Alc./Vol. (80 Proof). Product of Ireland. ©2012 Imported by John Jameson Import Company, Purchase, NY