Hollywood actor, Kevin Spacey to headline IIFA Masterclass in Tampa

-          Indian actor, Vidya Balan to participate on behalf of Bollywood at the Workshop

-          Spacey to present Masterclass focusing on the trends in Hollywood and the Indian Film Industry

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) today announced that renowned actor, Kevin Spacey will be leading an acting workshop during the 15^th Videocon D2H IIFA Weekend in Tampa Bay, Florida. The IIFA Acting Workshop is one of the myriad sub-events that takes place during the main Weekend where keen participants attempt to delve into the minds of masters from world’s most flourishing and prolific entertainment industries; Hollywood and Indian Film Industry. 

In addition to his Academy Award® winning performances in “The Usual Suspects” and “American Beauty,” as well as memorable performances in “Seven,” “Beyond The Sea” and his most recent role as Francis Underwood in “House of Cards”, Kevin Spacey has a rich history in the theater world and has been the Artistic Director of the Old Vic Theater Company in London for the last decade.  Spacey was made a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) by Her Majesty the Queen for his services to theatre and won the Evening Standard and Olivier Awards for Best Actor for his stage role in “The Iceman Cometh,” as well as a Tony Award® for Best Supporting Actor in Neil Simon’s “Lost in Yonkers.” He has also starred in the Broadway and West End productions of “Long Day’s Journey into Night,” opposite his mentor Jack Lemmon as well as the title role in the Sam Mendes production of “Richard III,” which toured to 12 cities around the world as part of the 3 year Bridge Project and was documented for the upcoming film NOW: In the Wings on a World Stage which he is self releasing in the Spring through his newly launched website www.kevinspacey.com.

For the workshop, he will join other dignitaries from both film fraternities who will share their profound insights and valuable opinions on a variety of subjects relating to cinema.

Andre Timmins, Director – Wizcraft International & IIFA said, “IIFA has always been viewed as a platform to bridge the gap between the Indian film industry and the international audience.  It has been our dream to be able to do this with the participation of Hollywood artists being featured within our events and this year as we debut in America we are proud to have achieved this with a masterclass that celebrates accomplished actors Kevin Spacey & Vidya Balan from the respective industries.  This masterclass will be an enthralling event that will create a great platform for knowledge exchange in the world of film and media.”

The booming film industries with their stark differences and flamboyant features, stand  irrepressible, each commanding respect and appreciation for their colossal contribution to the world of cinema. In an intriguing debate, the master class with take the form of a panel discussion and explore thought provoking and interesting elements related to cinema from both worlds. Tracing the history and art of film making, the discussion will also tap into the recent surge of digital media as a platform for television & film, while also throwing light on the unique experience of shifting roles in the industry hierarchy. Interestingly even next generation cinema comes under the scanner, as panelists look to deliberate over the future of the respective film industries.

Over the years, IIFA has been established as the most prestigious and exalted platforms of appreciating talent and performances in the Indian Film Industry. Year on year, Indian cinema’s prominent names congregate at the annual IIFA Weekend and Awards to celebrate the finest contribution made to the world of films.

The 15^th Videocon D2H IIFA Weekend and the Tata Motors IIFA Awards will be held from the 23^rd – 26^th of April in Tampa Bay, Florida. This will be IIFA’s debut in the US.