For Immediate Release
Contacts: Elise Freimuth, Film Independent
310.432.1287 /
Jenna Spector, Sunshine Sachs/NowLive
212.691.2800 /
FILM INDEPENDENT AND NOWLIVE TO PRODUCE AND LIVESTREAM OFFICIAL 2012 SPIRIT AWARDS ARRIVALS SHOWON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Red Carpet Online Broadcast Available Only on Yahoo! Movies at
11:00 a.m. PT/2:00 p.m. ET
Awards Ceremony to premiere later that night exclusively on IFC at
10:00 p.m. ET/PT
Los Angeles, CA – February 21, 2012 –Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival, today announced an exclusive partnership with NowLive, a live event production and streaming company, to produce and livestream the official 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards Arrivals Show. The awards ceremony will be held at the Santa Monica beach on Saturday, February 25th. Film Independent, together with NowLive will stream the star-studded arrivals exclusively on Yahoo! Movies ( to its audience of more than 26 million US users, across the web, mobile and iOs devices. The online broadcast will offer an exclusive, real-time experience designed to put viewers in the middle of the action.
“The Film Independent Spirit Awards is the annual celebration honoring artist-driven filmmaking and recognizing the finest achievements of American independent filmmakers,” said Film Independent Co-President Sean Mc Manus. “Indie fans and our nominees are in for a funny and unpredictable show. With Seth Rogen as Host, John Waters as the ultimate Voice of God, an exquisite selection of nominees and an eclectic mix of presenters and musical performances, this year’s show is not one to miss.”
The official Film Independent Spirit Awards Arrivals Show livestream will kick-off at 11:00 a.m. PT/2:00 p.m. ETand fans worldwide can tune in here: show hosts include esteemed film critic and Film Independent at LACMA Curator, Elvis Mitchell, TheWrap’s film critic and host of What the Flick?! on The Young Turks’ YouTube network, Alonso Duralde and Yahoo!’s Kristen Aldridge. As previously announced, the awards ceremony will premiere on television later that evening at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT exclusively on IFC, with actor, writer and producer Seth Rogen serving as host of the awards ceremony.
“We created NowLive as a way for fans to watch and participate in eliteentertainment events,” says Sara Bordo, Co-Founder and CEO of NowLive. “We are excited to partner with the Film Independent Spirit Awards and offer film buffs a virtual front row seat to interact with their favorite directors, writers and stars.”
About NowLive
NowLive is providing the entertainment industry with a solution for events such as red carpet premieres, awards shows, cast chats, concerts and original productions. Comprised of a team of Hollywood digital alums, NowLive provides studios, networks and record labels an interactive platform which allows fans a new way to experience and socially engage in live events. For more information, visit
About the Film Independent Spirit Awards
Now in its 27th year, the Film Independent Spirit Awards is an annual celebration honoring artist-driven films made with an economy of means by filmmakers who embody independence and originality. The Spirit Awards recognizes the achievements of American independent filmmakers and promotes the finest independent films of the year to a wider audience.
Awards are given in the following categories: Best Feature, Best First Feature, Best First Screenplay, Best Director, Best Screenplay, John Cassavetes Award (given to the best feature made for a budget under $500,000), Best Male Lead, Best Female Lead, Best Supporting Male, Best Supporting Female, Best Cinematography, Best International Film, Best Documentary, and the Robert Altman Award. The Filmmaker Grants include the Piaget Producers Award, Audi Someone to Watch Award, Nokia Truer Than Fiction Award and Jameson FIND Your Audience Award.
The Film Independent Spirit Awards are sponsored by Premier Sponsors ELLE, Piaget, Jameson Irish Whiskey and Audi of America, and Principal Sponsors Stella Artois and Nokia. Onitsuka Tiger is the Official Gift Bag and Staff Gear Sponsor. WireImage is the Official Photographer, American Airlines is the Official Airline Partner and PR Newswire is the Official Breaking News Service of Film Independent.
###