The NYC Web Fest is back and better than ever, gearing up for its 11th annual edition this November 8-10, 2024, in the vibrant heart of New York City. Now accepting submissions for web series, short films, and pilot episodes, excitement has started to bubble up for the NYC Web Fest 2024, and organisers have just announced an esteemed jury panel of early-confirmed jurors, featuring renowned industry talents: actor Jack Maxwell, actress Meredith Thomas, and actor/comedian Rick Younger. Also, Zerelda Nothnagel is back as Programming Director, Laurie Nothnagel is back as Programming Consultant, and MelimeL is back as Graphic/Web Director.
Each member of this year’s jury brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the table, with more jurors set to be revealed at a later date. Jack Maxwell, known for his captivating hosting roles on the Travel Channel’s “Booze Traveler” series, secured the Best Host/Solo Performer award at last year’s NYC Web Fest for his nominated TV pilot, “Spirit Quest with Jack Maxwell.”
Meanwhile, Meredith Thomas, celebrated for her versatile performances in numerous Lifetime Television Movies and her directorial work, was nominated for Best Pilot at the festival’s 2023 edition for “Spirit Quest with Jack Maxwell”, which she directed. Rounding out the panel is the talented Rick Younger, acclaimed for his work on Broadway and his award-winning pilot, “The Rick Younger Show”, which clinched the Best Pilot award at last year’s NYC Web Fest.
Founder Lauren Atkins expressed her excitement about the early announcements about the jury lineup, highlighting the collaborative spirit that defines the NYC Web Fest. “I’m so grateful to have Meredith, Jack, and Rick on our jury,” Atkins enthused. “We all had a great time together in 2023. Their inclusion highlights the spirit of community and collaboration that defines the festival. Their insights and expertise will play a vital role in selecting the best of the best for NYC Web Fest.”
The NYC Web Fest has become a beacon for emerging and established talent in the digital content space. Creators from around the world are invited to submit their web series, short films, and pilot episodes for consideration. The festival not only provides a platform for showcasing innovative work but also fosters connections within the industry. The 2024 festival is set to return to the Producer’s Club in Manhattan’s Theatre District.
Reflecting on the festival’s growth, Atkins remarked, “After returning to New York last year for the first time since before the pandemic for the Tenth Anniversary, finally things feel stable again. Submissions are coming at a rate similar to 2019.”
Submissions for the 11th Annual NYC Web Fest are currently open, with a deadline of July 31, 2024. Content creators are encouraged to visit the festival’s official website, www.nycwebfest.com, for submission guidelines and additional details.
The NYC Web Fest continues to expand its reach as a premier platform for digital storytellers, embodying the vibrant creativity of New York City’s dynamic media landscape. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as the festival approaches.
The NYC Web Fest 2024 Jurors:
Jack Maxwell
Jack Maxwell hosted Booze Traveler, Booze Traveler: Best Bars, and The Trip (Travel Channel, 4 yrs/76 eps, domestic and int’l distribution). He has made guest star TV appearances on Lost, 24, House, Without a Trace, Beverly Hills 90210, General Hospital, All My Children, and others. He has shared the stage with Al Pacino, Jessica Chastain, and Dianne Wiest in Salome, and has appeared in several other theatrical productions.
Jack hails from South Boston, MA, and resides in Los Angeles. In 2023 Jack won Best Host/Solo Performer for his nominated TV Pilot Spirit Quest with Jack Maxwell at the Tenth Annual NYC Web Fest. He is a Lifetime Member of the Actors Studio.
Follow Jack Maxwell on social media here:
Meredith Thomas
Meredith’s first professional acting role as Tessie in Annie came while still in elementary school when she was living on the Great Island of New Castle off the coast of New Hampshire. She continued to act in summer stock productions in the northeast throughout her youth, but soon headed west to Los Angeles, securing a role in her first big-budget feature film, Pleasantville as a teenager. She hasn’t stopped working in film and television since.
She is second only to Vivica A. Fox in the number of Lifetime Television Movies. With chops for both comedy and drama, you’ll find her easily transitioning between thrillers like Lifetime’s The Wrong Blind Date, The Wrong Boy Next Door and the new Christmas classics A Christmas in Vermont with Chevy Chase, plus A Christmas in Royal Fashion. The latter was ION Television’s highest-rated movie in prime-time and ranked Number 2 that season among all the networks airing holiday movies with an average of 1.2 million views.
Meredith is also an award-winning director and producer who has made inclusion her passion. In 2018 she created a charity event called FYC Independents. It gave a platform to underrepresented talent including people of color, performers with disabilities, LGBTQ talent, seniors and women. In 2023, Spirit Quest with Jack Maxwell, a TV pilot she directed, was nominated for Best Pilot at the Tenth Annual NYC Web Fest.
Follow Meredith Thomas on social media here:
Rick Younger
Rick Younger is an actor, comedian, and singer who you’ve undoubtedly seen in numerous national television commercials. Film credits include Ordinary World, Morning Glory and Love Reconsidered. He’s appeared on TV in the Woody Allen Amazon Series, Crisis in Six Scenes, HBO’s Girls, Blue Bloods, Law & Order: SVU, The Last O.G., and The Other Two on HBOMAX. Rick has been on Broadway where he originated the role of Mr. Duvall in Mean Girls the Musical. Rick is also the star and co-creator of Rick Younger presents The Rick Younger Show starring Rick Younger as Rick Younger which won Best Pilot at NYC Web Fest in 2023.
Follow Rick Younger on social media here:
For further information on submission guidelines, festival updates, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit the official NYC Web Fest website by clicking here.
Former guests and jury members of NYCWF include Actress Kate Walsh (Grey’s Anatomy, Emily in Paris) Actor Victor Williams (King of Queens, The Affair) Julie Halston (Tootsie, Sex & The City, And Just Like That) #OscarsSoWhite creator April Reign, Emmy Winners & Television Executives Evan Shapiro, and Frank Fernandez, ESPN SportsCaster Arda Ocal, Actors Gina Torres (9-1-1: Lonestar, Suits), Francia Raisa (Grownish, The Secret Life of the American Teenager), Danielle Savre (Station 19, Grey’s Anatomy) and more.
The excitement is building, and the stage is set for another unforgettable NYC Web Fest experience. Mark your calendars for November 8-10, 2024, and join us in celebrating the best of digital storytelling in the heart of the Big Apple at The Producer’s Club within Manhattan’s Theatre District.
