Telefest is the first independent television festival to award 'Viewers Choice' in addition to 'Industry Choice', uniting artists and viewers in an interactive experience.

Telefest was founded and organized by industry veterans Tammy Lauren and Guri Weinberg for one purpose - revolutionizing television programming with the collaborative assistance of artists and audiences - effectively bridging the gap between the two pivotal groups of people that collectively create a show's success.

The need for a fresh, creative approach to buying programming is evident with the advent of year round programming, increasing number of cable networks, web series and foreign original programming. Additionally, waning audiences and disappearing ad revenue has created a need for direct feedback from the intended audience BEFORE development of a new series commences. Networks pay outrageous sums for the development of a concept that may have potential. These costly, often disappointing development deals have made buyers wary of experimenting with new artists and concepts, narrowing the field of options to established television showrunners and insiders. This disappoints audiences AND programming buyers.

Telefest contestants have the opportunity to present their concepts in a visual format complete with audience feedback, allowing programming buyers to cost effectively determine whether a concept fits their schedule, audience and overall direction. Additionally, film festivals have consistently revitalized the film industry with the cinematic feats accomplished by independent filmmakers - at a fraction of the cost of a studio developed film. Telefest also seeks to revitalize the TV industry through the work of independent artists, while including the element of audience feedback and interaction. Telefest also uniquely embraces TV's sole support and purpose - the advertisers - by giving advertisers the opportunity to champion and interact with the Viewers and the Artists.

Telefest creates for our viewers an interactive experience that is unlike any other festival. Coming in November, 2012, the Telefest website will offer the public the Telefest Social Network, with the ability to create profiles, rate and review finalists' submissions, create fan groups, interact with each other and the finalists and engage with the exclusive Telefest venue (exclusive parties and Q&A panels with esteemed celebrity judges) via live stream. The Telefest Social Network provides our finalists and our viewers with mobile accessibility, social media integration and our own app for Blackberry, Android and iPad/iPhone.

While the Telefest Social Network and subsequent Viewer's Choice Awards are what separates us from other television festivals, the venue will not be short changed. Telefest will hold it's weekend event in March, 2013 in the biggest entertainment city in the world, Los Angeles, CA. Our judges and founders are not only notable in reputation but noteworthy in the press, with current projects that have large fan bases. We anticipate much press coverage at our event as we have already created industry buzz with our judging line-up.

Please join us as we embark on the revolution of television.