The Eye: L.a. Indie Film Festival To Screen Underground Clips

LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL: Underground and uncensored videoclips that aren't ready for prime time or MTV will get a chance to be showcased at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival (LAIFF).
"We'll be considering videos that received little or no airplay," says LAIFF organizer Anne Deasey. "We had a music video showcase at last year's festival, and we had such a tremendous response that we had to do it again this year."
All types of music will be accepted for the video showcase. In keeping with the independent spirit of the festival, Deasey says, "We really want to encourage up-and-coming directors who aren't with a production company to submit their videos."
Clips from established production companies will also be accepted, although the nonmainstream criteria still apply. The LAIFF is also looking for director's-cut videos; clips from new, unsigned, and independent-label artists; and videos that address social issues or emphasize extremes in visual design.
The LAIFF will be held April 15-20 this year. Music video submissions can be sent to the LAIFF, 5455 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1500, Los Angeles, Calif. 90036. Videos must be on VHS tape, and the submission deadline is Feb. 12. Directors not affiliated with a production company must fill out a submission form. More info can be obtained by visiting the LAIFF site on the World Wide Web at www.laiff.com.
ON THE MOVE: MCA Records has named Craig DeLeon director of video production. DeLeon was previously a rep at Propaganda Films, and he has been replaced at Propaganda by Jill Losquardo.
H.S.I. Productions has added Hype Williams and Little X to its directorial roster.
MTV Latin America has appointed Jorge Diaz de Villegas to the position of VP of marketing and communications. Prior to joining the network, he was director of circulation and marketing at The Miami Herald/Nuevo Herald.
Shari Bernson is the new executive producer of Denver-based shows "Teletunes" and "Rhythm Visions." She replaces Barbara Jabailey, who resigned as executive producer but will act as a consultant to the shows. Justin Kennedy has been added to the "Teletunes" staff; he will handle tracking and promotion calls.
Tony Isable has exited as producer of St. Louis-based "Hot Videos." The show's executive producer, James Thomas, will be handling music calls . . . Jason Valens is no longer a rep for 1171 Production Group . . . Chris Moore has exited as associate producer of Ohio's "Alternative Edge."
LOCAL SHOW SPOTLIGHT: This issue's spotlight is on "Punk TV," which won the Billboard Music Video Award for best hard rock/metal local/regional show in 1996, 1997, and 1998.
TV affiliate: KBDI-TV Denver.
Program length: 30 minutes.
Time slot: 12:30 a.m. Tuesdays and 1:30 a.m. Fridays.
Key staffers: Mike Drumm, executive producer; Stefan Goldby, music director/host.
Following are the top five clips for "Punk TV" for the week of Jan. 18.
1. Knowledge, "Clinton Youth" (Asian Man).
2. Pennywise, "Society" (Epitaph).
3. Voodoo Glow Skulls, "Left For Dead" (Epitaph).
4. Pinhead Circus, "Carefree Metal Daze" (BYO).
5. Green Day, "Nice Guys Finish Last" (Hollywood).