Toyota of North Hollywood Launches Summer Short Film Contest

I first noticed the dummies several years ago around midnight. 

I was exiting the Ventura (134) Freeway at Lankershim Boulevard on the way home and there they were, leaning over the large walls. Almost every Tolucan has caught a glimpse of them. They seem harmless during the daylight hours, but as darkness approaches they start to freak me out.

Yes, I’m referring to the dozens of mannequins stationed in full view at . I noticed them creeping closer to my house when the car dealer expanded their location into the old Lincoln buildings on Lankershim. Now they appear at all three Toyota of NoHo locations. 

The mannequins are so popular that they have inspired a summer short film contest. Aspiring filmmakers can submit entrees up until June 30. the films must be 30 seconds to 3 minutes in length and fall under one of three themes: “Scion Love,” “Ginormous,” or “Mannequin Madness.” Shorts can be submitted at ScionFreak@gmail.com and must include each filmmaker's name, address, email and phone number. 

On Friday, July 13, the judges’ top picks will play in a continuous loop at NoHo Toyota from 5 to 8 p.m. The winners will be announced the following day on July 14.

Winning categories include:

The Scion Award – best picture by a filmmaker age 18 and under ($100)

The Darby Award – funniest short ($200)

The Ashworth Award – most creative short ($200)

The Golden Mannequin – best picture, $500 plus a professional style movie poster featuring the winning short film. The winning film may also be featured on TimeWarner Cable sports and North Hollywood Toyota & Scion home webpages and social media, plus featured in viral email blasts with NHTS e-newsletter, reaching over 55,000 unique email addresses. Good luck to all aspiring Steven Spielbergs out there.

Click on this link for more information.