FishbowlNY FishbowlDC SocialTimes MediaJobsDaily more TVNewser TVSpy GalleyCat AppNewser UnBeige AgencySpy PRNewser 10,000 Words AllFacebook AllTwitter semanticweb.com

Studio Bosses Give Unknown YouTube Filmmaker Millions For a Feature

Here’s a staple of Hollywood lore from Newslite:

Would-be director Federico Alvarez, who runs a post-production visual effects house in Uruguay, filmed ‘Panic Attack’ with a budget of just $500 in his free time.

The five minute clip – which he then uploaded to YouTube – shows an invasion of Montevideo by giant robots and had special effects which could rival many big budget movies.

Once online it got the attention of thousands of movie fans… and (not surprisingly) studio bosses who wanted to meet with Alvarez to talk about his movie.

The 30-year-old was whisked to LA where he was offered a $1 million directors fee and up to £30 million to make the film, by Mandate Pictures. The plans for the movie are said to have a “compelling original story” beyond big robots blowing stuff up.

Alvarez has also been put up in a new apartment, given a new car and will work with “Spider-Man” director Sam Raimi on developing the film.

If you’re twisted you can tell your waiter this tale to and watch their head explode. Just sayin’.

MEDIABISTRO EVENTS

Use Social Media to Market Your Business

Launch a social media campaign that will build your brand and deliver results in our online Social Media Marketing Boot Camp starting June 7. Speakers include Abigail Cusick (Bravo Digital), Gregory Galant (Sawhorse Media), Alex Leo (Thomson Reuters Digital), Jim Tobin (Ignite Social Media), and many more. Read the reviews.