CHICAGO and NEW YORK, April 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Joining forces with Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy, the nation's fastest-growing media arts college, LG Electronics USA is bringing the next-generation 3D TV technology to budding filmmakers for the first time.

Under this unique initiative, LG is providing students and faculty with resources to produce 3D content, as well as financial support to help drive the emerging 3D genre forward. As the centerpiece of the program, Tribeca Flashpoint Academy students in Chicago are creating 3D short films that will debut on LG's new Cinema 3D HDTVs during the 10th Annual Tribeca Film Festival in New York City, which runs from April 20 through May 1. LG Electronics USA is the official HDTV Sponsor of the Tribeca Film Festival. Films that are to be showcased at the Festival include two short films on The Flying Wallendas Highwire Family, which translate the excitement and tension inherent in a highwire performance that cannot be captured in a 2D audience perspective; and an animated film, "The Universe of 3D," illustrating beauty, motion and the many layers of depth of one object.

"As the 3D film genre and at-home 3D TV technology continue to grow, it's becoming increasingly important for young filmmakers to learn the ropes of shooting and editing in 3D," said Jon Patricof, COO, Tribeca Enterprises. "It's great to see companies like LG becoming more involved and wanting to help to provide aspiring filmmakers with the resources they need to create content for both the cinema enthusiast and viewer at home and we are thrilled to be showcasing this work at the Tribeca Film Festival."

Longer-term, the partnership will also benefit consumers by aiding in the creation of additional 3D content that can be watched at home. LG Cinema 3D HDTVs use a similar 3D technology as employed in movie theatres. Because the glasses do not need to sync with an emitter, viewers can watch from nearly any angle in the room. The reasonable cost of the glasses also makes it easier to buy as many pairs as needed to host family and friends for a 3D movie or sports night.

"As we continue to bring 3D technology into the mainstream, our goal is to make it more accessible to filmmakers and consumers alike," said Peter Reiner, senior vice president, marketing, LG Electronics USA. "LG is proud to partner with Tribeca Flashpoint Academy to help tomorrow's filmmakers hone their 3D skills, and in turn to help satisfy the growing desire for 3D content for consumers to enjoy.

"LG Cinema 3D is preferred by consumers 3 to 1 over conventional 3D TVs, so the film festival is the perfect venue to showcase these terrific shorts produced by Tribeca Flashpoint Academy students and underscore the excitement about 3D TV," he said.

"We are so grateful to LG for helping us continue to exclusively provide our students with advance, hands-on access to the latest and greatest new technologies," said Howard Tullman, CEO of Tribeca Flashpoint Academy.

LG Electronics USA, as the official HDTV sponsor of the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival, has installed more than 50 LG Cinema 3D HDTVs and a host of Blu-Ray disc players in movie theaters, box offices and special event locations throughout lower Manhattan during the 12-day festival. These screens will show content promoting the Festival, TFF Films, and movie schedules.

About LG Electronics USA

LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a global force and technology leader in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. In the United States, LG Electronics sells a range of stylish and innovative home entertainment products, mobile phones, home appliances, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and solar energy solutions, all under LG's "Life's Good" marketing theme. For more information, please visit www.lg.com.

About Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy

Founded in 2007, Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy is committed to the advancement of higher learning in the fields of digital arts and entertainment. The goal of its immersive, hands-on, intensive program is to prepare students to become media professionals through exposure to real world tools, techniques, and the latest technical developments and trends. The Academy offers two-year Associate of Applied Science degrees in: Game & Interactive Media, Film & Broadcast, Recording Arts, and Animation & Visual Effects. Based in Chicago, Tribeca Flashpoint Academy's curriculum focuses on collaboration across disciplines, professional communication, and critical thinking skills in a creative environment. www.tribecaflashpoint.com

About Tribeca Film Festival

Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff founded the Tribeca Film Festival in 2001 following the attacks on the World Trade Center to spur the economic and cultural revitalization of the lower Manhattan district through an annual celebration of film, music and culture. The Festival's mission is to help filmmakers reach the broadest possible audience, enable the international film community and general public to experience the power of cinema and promote New York City as a major filmmaking center. Tribeca Film Festival is well known for being a diverse international film festival that supports emerging and established directors.

The Tribeca Festival has screened over 1100 films from over 80 countries since its first festival in 2002. Since its founding, it has attracted an international audience of more than 2.3 million attendees and has generated an estimated $600 million in economic activity for New York City.

SOURCE LG Electronics USA Inc.