The short independent film "Hawaiian Ghost Story" is one big step closer to becoming a reality.

As I blogged last week, the project was in the running for $50,000 cash and a $200,000 finishing contract in Openfilm's first "Get It Made" competition. And today comes official word that it garnered enough votes to be among the top six finalists.

The news was announced by Openfilm Chairman (and renown actor) James Caan at the opening night of the 6th annual HollyShorts competition in Los Angeles.

What happens next? The Openfilm Advisory Board will give feedback to each of the six finalists, and will select one winner. The winner should be announced before the end of September.

In addition to "Hawaiian Ghost Story," the other six finalists are "Dead Cat Bounce," "Operation Black Thunder," "Help," "Untitled for James," and "Rosewood."

Congratulations to George Russell and his collaborator Grant Wheeler for this latest achievement, and thanks to both of them for keeping me posted on their progress!