Bryce Dallas Howard’s teaming up with her dad, Ron Howard, on Project Imagin8ion. Canon U.S.A. and Ron Howard are heading up the project, which involves a user-generated photo contest, with Howard directing the short film utilizing the photos.
Photographers were asked to submit their original photos based on a series of movie themes: Setting, Time, Character, Mood, Relationship, Goal, Obstacle, and the Unknown. From the submitted photos (over 8,000 were received the very first day), eight will ultimately be chosen – one each representing a theme. Those eight photos will then serve as the basis for a short film to be shot with Canon EOS DSLR cameras and lenses.
“It is an honor for me to take part in Canon’s Project Imagin8ion, partnering with a brand that is empowering young filmmakers and is at the forefront of technology,” stated Bryce Dallas Howard in a press release announcing the project. “It’s an absolutely inspired concept, and I’m over the moon to not only direct this film but to work with my father, a true mentor and my personal hero. My hope is that this film will honor the creativity, passion, and artistic integrity that so many people have put into their photographs.”
Doting dad Ron added, “I think Bryce is a great choice to helm this film. She is artistic, compassionate, curious, and loves to think outside the box. There is nothing formulaic about her approach to filmmaking and I believe that she is the perfect director for Canon’s creative experiment, given how original it is and how she is part of this digital generation. Bryce has the experience and wherewithal to create a memorable film.”
The short film will be shot sometime this summer or fall, with a script not even coming together until all eight photos are chosen. The ultimate goal is for Project Imagin8ion to premiere in New York later this year.
In addition to Project Imagin8ion, Howard’s pregnant with her second child and has The Help based on the bestselling novel by Kathryn Stockett and 50/50 with Joseph Gordon-Levitt hitting theaters later this year.
