Lights, Camera, Action! Sprite(R) Premieres Short Films Created by Young Filmmakers

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America Can Now View Short Films Featuring Celebrity Talent at SpriteRefreshingFilms.com

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Quiet on the set! Hollywood's next generation of creative talent is making its debut to audiences nationwide with the release of original short films featuring celebrity talent. The shorts, created from beginning to end by young filmmakers as part of the Sprite Refreshing Films Program, can be viewed online at SpriteRefreshingFilms.com from April 1 through May 31. America can vote for their favorite film via SMS text. The winning crew of young filmmakers will receive a trip to a major film festival screening event this summer where they will see their short film on the big screen.

A diverse group of celebrities participated in the Sprite Refreshing Films program and helped Sprite provide young people with a national stage to ignite their creativity and showcase their abilities. Six celebrities brought their talents to the screen, each starring in one of the six short films. The crews filmed in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta and Miami.

America can view and vote for their favorite of the shorts, as the films compete in two rounds of online voting. The first round runs now through May 2 online at SpriteRefreshingFilms.com. Movie fans can vote by sending SMS texts to 777483, standard text messaging rates apply. Below is the voting schedule for the first round of viewing and voting:

April 1 - April 11: 

    --  "Covert Affairs" star Christopher Gorham plays the lead in "My Life, The
        Video Game" produced by the Sprite Refreshing Films crew in New York
        City.
    --  Star Roc / Roc Nation teen recording artist Alexis Jordan, joins forces
        with the Chicago crew to create "Justice."

April 12 - April 22: 

    --  Grammy(R)-nominated singer/songwriter, Natasha Bedingfield works with a
        group from Atlanta to bring their film "Wonderland" from script to
        screen.
    --  "Wizards of Waverly Place" actress Jennifer Stone returns to her
        hometown of Dallas to star in "Fresh Studio."

April 23 - May 2: 

    --  "Scrubs" star, Donald Faison works with the Sprite Refreshing Films crew
        in Los Angeles to create "Cease and Deceased."
    --  Emmy(R) award-winning choreographer Mia Michaels is featured in "The
        Magic Ribbon" produced by the crew in Miami.

"Young people have talent, energy and creativity to share with the world. I'm so proud to be involved in Sprite Refreshing Films not only for the opportunity it provides to young people, but because it sends a message to America that youth nationwide need to be seen, heard and celebrated," said actor Donald Faison.

During the second round of viewing and voting, which runs from May 3 through May 31, America can vote via SMS text for the top three films from round one. In addition, a Green Ribbon Panel of industry professionals will score the films based on entertainment value, casting and performance, production quality and originality. The panel's score will be added to America's vote to determine the winner. The winning film and the talented young people behind it will be announced on June 6.

"Look out Hollywood! The final cuts of the six Sprite Refreshing Films really speak volumes to the fresh talent and bold imagination of this year's Program participants," said Augusto Elias, Sprite's Brand Director. "This Program has given students the opportunity to share their short films with people across the country who will be able to enjoy them, express their opinions and show their support by casting their votes."

America can also check out behind-the-scenes footage with the crews and celebrities via documentaries that will premiere online at SpriteRefreshingFilms.com. Beginning in April, moviegoers can see the Sprite Refreshing Films trailer promoted on more than 23,000 movie screens nationwide.

"It has always been my dream to make movies and through Sprite Refreshing Films, my dream has become a reality," said Vishal Kamdar, Sprite Refreshing Films New York filmmaker. "This inspiring and empowering experience has given us a chance to see the potential for our futures in filmmaking. And now that the voting phase is beginning, people across America will be able to enjoy what we have created."

The History of Sprite Refreshing Films

The Sprite Refreshing Films program was formerly the Coca-Cola Refreshing Filmmaker's Award, which was presented annually by Coca-Cola beginning in 1998. The Program will now continue through the Sprite brand and will engage youth nationwide with real-life challenging opportunities to leverage their talents, ignite fresh thinking and realize their potential for greatness behind the camera and beyond.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Together with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio includes 14 billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply and Georgia Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate of 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com. 


    Source: The Coca-Cola Company

Released April 8, 2011