Allstate Announces Top Three Finalists of 2nd Annual 'Be Reel' Film Contest

Allstate Announces Top Three Finalists of 2nd Annual 'Be Reel' Film Contest

Company Continues Commitment to 'Go Beyond' Through American Black Film Festival Sponsorship

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Aug. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Allstate Insurance Company announced today the three contestants moving on to the finals of the 2nd annual Allstate "Be Reel" Film Contest. The contest fosters broader exposure for the black film community and provides a forum for talented African American filmmakers to create positive images of life in the Black community. The winner of the "Be Reel" contest will receive an award, a $5,000 grand prize and a mentoring session with Jeff Friday, founder of Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF).

The three finalists are: "The Lucky Suit" by New York resident Roy Clovis, a 13-year veteran of the film industry; "Lend A Hand" by Sherman Oaks, Calif. resident Dana Hannah, a screenplay writer and founder of an actor networking group with a passion for film; and "Simple Things" by Bossier City, La. resident Travis Dent, a television-news-industry veteran who wrote his first screenplay last year.

Allstate will announce the winner of the second annual "Be Reel" Film contest at the conclusion of the 2008 12th Annual American Black Film Festival. ABFF festivities, of which Allstate is a presenting sponsor, will be held August 7-11 in Los Angeles. Allstate's sponsorship of ABFF is part of a larger commitment to the black community entitled Beyond February, a national initiative designed to create, support and sponsor programs that empower African Americans.

"Allstate is pleased to be the presenting sponsor of the American Black Film Festival this year, and we're thrilled to have the 'Be Reel' finalists as our guests at ABFF," said Kimberly Turner, integrated marketing communications manager for Allstate. "We are proud to help up-and-coming filmmakers further their careers and to showcase their talents to the rest of the film community and to the world."

This year, acclaimed actor and Allstate spokesman Dennis Haysbert, will be the jury president during the ABFF weekend. "I'm excited to have Dennis Haysbert be a part of this year's 12th Annual ABFF, and we're looking forward to his counsel in the judging process," said Jeff Friday. "Allstate's sponsorship is helping in our mission to strengthen the black filmmaking community through resource sharing, artistic collaboration and career development."

During ABFF, Allstate will also host a symposium entitled "Are You In Good Hands? ... Finding the Right Representation", on Friday, August 8, 2008 from 3-4:30 p.m. The panel will consist of entertainment insiders who represent some of the biggest names in the industry including Derek Dingle, executive editor Black Enterprise Magazine, who will also serve as the panel moderator. Other invited guests include: Dwight Parham, Allstate regional financial services representative; Vincent Cirrincione, president, Vincent Cirrincione & Associates (artist management include: Halle Berry, Taraji P. Henson and Common); James Lassiter, Overbrook Entertainment (Will Smith's manager & producing partner); Andrea Nelson-Meigs, International Creative Management (ICM), agent (clients include: Beyonce, Chris Brown and Cedric "the Entertainer"); Meredith O'Sullivan, 42 West Publicist (clients include: Halle Berry, Dwayne Johnson, Jessica Biel, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Rosario Dawson and Kerry Washington) and Darryl Miller, attorney ( clients include: Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance).

For interview opportunities with Kimberly Turner, Allstate integrated marketing communications manager, Actor Dennis Haysbert or the "Be Reel" winner, please contact Leslie Hall at 773-629-2366 or via email at lhall@burrell.com. All media must have credentials.

Visit BeyondFebruary.com (http://www.allstate.com/landingpages/beyondfebruary.aspx) to learn more about the "Be Reel" finalists and view their submissions, as well as to learn more about Allstate's commitment to the African-American community.

About Allstate

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate(R)" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through approximately 14,700 exclusive Allstate agencies and financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate(R). Encompass(R) and Deerbrook(R) Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and broker- dealers. Customers can also access information about Allstate Financial Group products and services at myallstatefinancial.com (http://myallstatefinancial.com/).

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: lhall@burrell.com

Source: Allstate Insurance Company

CONTACT: Raleigh Floyd of Allstate Insurance Company, +1-847-402-7891,
rflad@allstate.com; or Leslie Bardo of Burrell Communications,
+1-312-297-9752, lbardo@burrell.com, for Allstate Insurance Company

Web site: http://myallstatefinancial.com/
http://www.allstate.com/landingpages/beyondfebruary.aspx

---

Profile: International Entertainment