A filmmaking competition is trying to encourage young, black directors to develop their skills. It’s called Gentleman Jack Real to Reel, and it’s open to black filmmakers 21 and up. Screenings of the finalists will happen in six cities – including Dallas (date TBA) – and the winner earns $10,000 to further his or her career. All the details on entering are at the contest’s website. This week, we talked with spokesman Omari Hardwick (of the Starz series “Power”) about how making short films is often the first step toward Hollywood.

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