reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com

YouTube has launched Project Direct, its first international film promotion, sponsored by HP, that aims to discover the top filmmakers within its community. (http://www.youtube.com/projectdirect)

Now through Friday, Nov. 9, filmmakers from Brazil, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States can submit their best original works that showcase their personal style and creativity. Jason Reitman, director of "Thank You For Smoking" and upcoming Fox Searchlight release "Juno," along with a panel of experts, will narrow the field of entries down to 20 finalists. The YouTube community will then vote on the finalists from Friday, November 23 through Sunday, December 2. The winners will be unveiled on Wednesday, December 5.

The winner chosen by the YouTube community will spend nine days as a guest of Hewlett-Packard at a top international Film Festival where they will attend special events, including a meeting with Fox Searchlight production executives. The winner will also receive a $5,000 debit card and have their video played on the YouTube homepage in seven countries.