Best Buy Seeks America’s Next Teen Film Phenom

Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) and nonprofit group Film Independent (FIND) today unveiled the @15 Short Film Contest, a national teen short-film competition at www.at15.com/film to encourage the artistic and social development of young storytellers through film. The contest is part of @15, a teen-led social change platform underwritten by Best Buy to connect with teens and give voice to their perspectives.

“We are excited to provide teens an opportunity to express and nurture their aspiring artistic abilities,” said Paula Prahl, senior vice president, communications, public affairs, and corporate responsibility, Best Buy Co., Inc. “The @15 Short Film Contest continues Best Buy’s dedication to connecting teens with experiences that help shape their futures.”

Aspiring teen filmmakers across the country ages 13-18 will compete to win up to a $1,500 Best Buy gift card, and the filmmaking talents of the grand prize winner may be showcased in June 2009 at Best Buy headquarters in Minneapolis, MN. Entries must be postmarked by April 15, 2009, and received by April 22, 2009. Visit www.at15.com/film to download the registration form and review official contest rules.

Teens Vote for Their Favorite Filmmaker

Fifteen finalists will be selected by a panel of judges, and uploaded to www.at15.com/film from May 1, 2009 to May 15, 2009. Registered teen members (ages 13-18) of the @15 community can vote to determine the winner, which will be announced on or about May 22. Each of the 15 finalists will receive a $150 Best Buy gift card; the grand prize winner will receive a $1,500 Best Buy gift card.

Additional photos from the West Coast Launch of the @15 Short Film Contest can be found at Wire Image.

About Film Independent

Film Independent is a non-profit membership organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds the audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, film industry leader, or a film lover. With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent also offers free Filmmaker Labs for selected writers, directors, and producers; provides cut-rate services for filmmakers; and presents year-round networking opportunities. Film Independent’s mentorship and job placement program, Project:Involve, pairs emerging culturally-diverse filmmakers with film industry professionals. Film Independent produces the Los Angeles Film Festival, celebrating the best of American and international cinema, and the Spirit Awards, a celebration honoring films and filmmakers that embody independence and dare to challenge the status quo. For more information or to become a member, visit FilmIndependent.org.

About @15

Best Buy believes in the power of teens, and @15 is a new platform to connect with them, give voice to their perspectives, and invest our resources – including the energy and talents of our employees – to turn their ideas into action and support their efforts to lead social change. Teens bring passion and enthusiasm to tackling tough issues. They’re also important to our business – they shop in our stores, and they’re our future employees. There’s a real opportunity to listen to – and learn from – what teens have to say. And through the @15 Fund, we’ll put the philanthropic power of @15 directly into their hands. To learn more, visit www.at15.com.

About Best Buy Co., Inc.

With operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, and China, Best Buy is a multinational retailer of technology and entertainment products and services with a commitment to growth and innovation. The Best Buy family of brands and partnerships collectively generates more than $40 billion annual revenue and includes brands such as Best Buy, Audiovisions, The Carphone Warehouse, Future Shop, Geek Squad, Jiangsu Five Star, Magnolia Audio Video, Napster, Pacific Sales Kitchen and Bath Centers, The Phone House and Speakeasy. Approximately 165,000 employees apply their talents to help bring the benefits of these brands to life for customers through retail locations, multiple call centers and Web sites, in-home solutions, product delivery and activities in our communities. Community partnership is central to the way we do business at Best Buy. In fiscal 2008, we donated a combined $31.8 million to improve the vitality of the communities where our employees and customers live and work. For more information about Best Buy, visit www.bestbuyinc.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5918596&lang=en