The former 15-year UTA exec and partner Jim Meenaghan has been tapped as COO of Greg Silverman’s Stampede Ventures.
Meenaghan, who served as co-head of independent film and head of MP business affairs at UTA, will oversee day-to-day operations at the studio under founder and CEO Silverman. “Stampede Ventures is the perfect opportunity for me, the timing could not be better. I’m very excited to join such an ambitious company committed to making great, commercial content with a remarkable executive team and culture already in place,” Meenaghan said in a statement on Wednesday.
In 2018, UTA promoted Meenaghan to co-head the independent film group with partner Rena Ronson after he had been with the agency for nine years and leading the motion picture business affairs group. Having stepped down from UTA at the end of 2023, Meenaghan joins Stampede after it unveiled a partnership with Film AlUla studios, while also...
Meenaghan, who served as co-head of independent film and head of MP business affairs at UTA, will oversee day-to-day operations at the studio under founder and CEO Silverman. “Stampede Ventures is the perfect opportunity for me, the timing could not be better. I’m very excited to join such an ambitious company committed to making great, commercial content with a remarkable executive team and culture already in place,” Meenaghan said in a statement on Wednesday.
In 2018, UTA promoted Meenaghan to co-head the independent film group with partner Rena Ronson after he had been with the agency for nine years and leading the motion picture business affairs group. Having stepped down from UTA at the end of 2023, Meenaghan joins Stampede after it unveiled a partnership with Film AlUla studios, while also...
- 5/1/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: UTA partner Jim Meenaghan has decided to step down from his dual roles as the Head of Motion Picture Business Affairs and Co-Head of the Independent Film Group at the end of the year. The details of his departure were revealed in a memo that was recently sent out to staff and obtained by Deadline. Sources add that it was Meenaghan’s decision to leave the agency and a very amicable one as he is very well liked at UTA.
“I’ve had a very exciting and rewarding career at UTA and am truly grateful for the unique roles the agency allowed me to play and the support from really talented colleagues along the way. I’m proud to have been a partner in UTA and feel very comfortable that this is the right time to move my career in a new direction,” said Meenaghan.
Meenaghan has been with...
“I’ve had a very exciting and rewarding career at UTA and am truly grateful for the unique roles the agency allowed me to play and the support from really talented colleagues along the way. I’m proud to have been a partner in UTA and feel very comfortable that this is the right time to move my career in a new direction,” said Meenaghan.
Meenaghan has been with...
- 11/2/2023
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Hedge Funds into Festivals: Future Frames — Generation Next of European Cinema at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2023Can U.S. companies be viewing international film festivals in a new light that foretells a new source of financing for the festivals which are facing the same cutbacks as all other cultural initiatives as post-Covid inflation and arming big wars take the lion’s share of capital?
Sydney Levine
Published in
SydneysBuzz The Blog
·5 min read·4 days ago
Three important new players are eyeing ten emerging European film directors as they launch their careers in the film industry at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the 8th edition of Future Frames — Generation Next of European Cinema organized by the European Film Promotion and Kviff. The selected participants, chosen among film students and graduates, will showcase their films to the festival audience and engage in an intensive program that will introduce them to the film industry and media in a way that goes beyond the borders of Europe.
The final 10, chosen by Kviff’s artistic director Karel Och and his team of programmers follow a two-part schedule, starting with an online pre-program of pitching training and industry meetings. During the festival, Efp introduces the young directors and their films to the public, film industry and press. The three-day on-site event running from 2 July is rounded off by this year’s mentor, the acclaimed Polish director Agnieszka Smoczyńska who will provide an exclusive private master class for the young filmmakers.
*** click here for more information about you might be selected ***
The new financing infusion comes from future-seeing U.S.- and U.K.-based bigtime cultural business for this year’s Future Frames program
A new partnership with leading multi-national lottery operator Allwyn as well as U.S.-based talent agency UTA and management company Range Media Partners will provide feedback and guidance to the filmmakers. One participant will ultimately be selected who will receive a special scholarship sponsored by Allwyn to go to Los Angeles and learn from the best in the film industry.
UTA’s partnership with the Karlovy Vary Film Festival may be explained in part by the agency’s partner Rena Ronson. The first woman to run an independent financing, packaging and sales department at an agency as sole head, she now co-heads UTA Independent Film Group. In reading her in-depth interview with Screen International, readers will learn what gives Rena her special international view of film, something sorely lacking in most U.S. major players.
U.S. based venture capital as invested in Range Media Partners is also aiming outward from the U.S. The largest startup in Hollywood’s talent representation sector in years, Rmp was launched in late summer 2020 during the Covid pandemic. Its founders and partners, two former agents from CAA, Peter Micelli and Jack Whigham, have an ambitious vision for the management, production and business development side of the industry. With financial backing coming former Wall Street hedge funder Steven A. Cohen’ who reached a $1.2 billion settlement of insider trading charges with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2013, his private equity firm, Point72, has been a valued advisor but has no day-to-day role in running the agency. Their combined vision sees going beyond classic booking roles in TV shows and movies into the empire-building of business development and venture capital investments. Range Media now has nearly 150 staffers thanks to the financial backing from Point72 and it has expanded quickly through another partnership with A+E Networks that gives it a boost in content production and distribution.
Agnieszka Smoczyńska
In an exclusive master class entitled “How to make your first movie“, Agnieszka Smoczyńska will talk about her experiences and encourage the young directors to follow their ideas and go their own ways. Smoczyńska will present her highly-acclaimed first feature film, The Lure, a mixture of musical and horror film.
Agnieszka Smoczyńska debuted in 2015 with The Lure– genre-bending, horror-musical mashup which won awards around the world, at dozens of international festivals, including Sundance Film Festival Porto, Sofia, Montreal, Vilnius. The Lure is a part of the prestigious Criterion Collection and was theatrically released in US via Janus Film. Her second feature film Fugue premiered at the Cannes Critics’ Week. In 2023, it was released in US theaters. In 2022, her English-language debut, The Silent Twins starring Letitia Wright and Tamara Lawrance, premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival. Smoczyńska took part in the European Cinema: Ten Women Filmmakers to Watch program. She was also a winner of the Global Filmmaking Award sponsored by the Sundance Institute. In 2022 she was among five directors to watch at Cannes Film Festival.
About Allwyn
Announced as a main partner of Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in April 2023, Allwyn, a leading multi-national lottery operator, will support the Future Frames initiative for three years. As a main partner of Kviff, Allwyn will host the Allwyn Future Frames Lounge on site and bring the ten emerging European talents together with industry leaders, including overseas talent agency UTA and management company Range Media Partners.
“We look forward to welcoming all the talented directors to the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival this year, selected as part of the Future Frames initiative. We are also very much looking forward to welcoming one of the ten directors on the newly established scholarship to Hollywood, introduced this year in partnership with UTA and Range Media. Changing lives is core to our mission and we are very pleased to be affording talented directors the opportunity to work with the very best in the film industry,” said Pavel Turek, Allwyn’s Chief Officer of Global Brand, Corporate Communication, and Csr.
This year’s group not only has experience in festivals, but the 10 also includes two award winners such as Germany’s Sophia Mocorrea who won the Short Film Jury Award at the Sundance Film Festival and received a Special Mention at this year’s Berlinale with her film The Kidnapping of the Bride in the Perspektive Deutsches Kino section. The Netherlands’ Joris Tobé’s Frantic Attempts won the Knf Award for Best Graduation Project at the Netherlands Film Festival in 2022. Other films from this year’s Berlinale include The Shift by Denmark’s Amalie Maria Nielsen (Generation Kplus) and Spain’s Christian Avilés’ Daydreaming So Vividly About Our Spanish Holidays(Berlinale Shorts). Heart Fruit by Kim Allamand celebrated its world premiere in the Pardi Di Domani section at the Locarno Film Festival last year.
For more details of the selected 10, click here.
Also chosen are Czech Republic’s Anna Izabela Wowra for Stuck Together, Italy’s Giulia Regini for Cut From the Same Cow, Lithuania’s Rinaldas Tomaševičius for 15, Portugal’s Inês Pedrosa e Melo for Home, Revised, Slovak Republic’s Monika Mahútová for Standing Still and Switzerland’s Kim Allamand for Heart Fruit.
MoviesInternational FilmFilm FestivalsWomen In FilmFilm Financing...
Sydney Levine
Published in
SydneysBuzz The Blog
·5 min read·4 days ago
Three important new players are eyeing ten emerging European film directors as they launch their careers in the film industry at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the 8th edition of Future Frames — Generation Next of European Cinema organized by the European Film Promotion and Kviff. The selected participants, chosen among film students and graduates, will showcase their films to the festival audience and engage in an intensive program that will introduce them to the film industry and media in a way that goes beyond the borders of Europe.
The final 10, chosen by Kviff’s artistic director Karel Och and his team of programmers follow a two-part schedule, starting with an online pre-program of pitching training and industry meetings. During the festival, Efp introduces the young directors and their films to the public, film industry and press. The three-day on-site event running from 2 July is rounded off by this year’s mentor, the acclaimed Polish director Agnieszka Smoczyńska who will provide an exclusive private master class for the young filmmakers.
*** click here for more information about you might be selected ***
The new financing infusion comes from future-seeing U.S.- and U.K.-based bigtime cultural business for this year’s Future Frames program
A new partnership with leading multi-national lottery operator Allwyn as well as U.S.-based talent agency UTA and management company Range Media Partners will provide feedback and guidance to the filmmakers. One participant will ultimately be selected who will receive a special scholarship sponsored by Allwyn to go to Los Angeles and learn from the best in the film industry.
UTA’s partnership with the Karlovy Vary Film Festival may be explained in part by the agency’s partner Rena Ronson. The first woman to run an independent financing, packaging and sales department at an agency as sole head, she now co-heads UTA Independent Film Group. In reading her in-depth interview with Screen International, readers will learn what gives Rena her special international view of film, something sorely lacking in most U.S. major players.
U.S. based venture capital as invested in Range Media Partners is also aiming outward from the U.S. The largest startup in Hollywood’s talent representation sector in years, Rmp was launched in late summer 2020 during the Covid pandemic. Its founders and partners, two former agents from CAA, Peter Micelli and Jack Whigham, have an ambitious vision for the management, production and business development side of the industry. With financial backing coming former Wall Street hedge funder Steven A. Cohen’ who reached a $1.2 billion settlement of insider trading charges with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2013, his private equity firm, Point72, has been a valued advisor but has no day-to-day role in running the agency. Their combined vision sees going beyond classic booking roles in TV shows and movies into the empire-building of business development and venture capital investments. Range Media now has nearly 150 staffers thanks to the financial backing from Point72 and it has expanded quickly through another partnership with A+E Networks that gives it a boost in content production and distribution.
Agnieszka Smoczyńska
In an exclusive master class entitled “How to make your first movie“, Agnieszka Smoczyńska will talk about her experiences and encourage the young directors to follow their ideas and go their own ways. Smoczyńska will present her highly-acclaimed first feature film, The Lure, a mixture of musical and horror film.
Agnieszka Smoczyńska debuted in 2015 with The Lure– genre-bending, horror-musical mashup which won awards around the world, at dozens of international festivals, including Sundance Film Festival Porto, Sofia, Montreal, Vilnius. The Lure is a part of the prestigious Criterion Collection and was theatrically released in US via Janus Film. Her second feature film Fugue premiered at the Cannes Critics’ Week. In 2023, it was released in US theaters. In 2022, her English-language debut, The Silent Twins starring Letitia Wright and Tamara Lawrance, premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival. Smoczyńska took part in the European Cinema: Ten Women Filmmakers to Watch program. She was also a winner of the Global Filmmaking Award sponsored by the Sundance Institute. In 2022 she was among five directors to watch at Cannes Film Festival.
About Allwyn
Announced as a main partner of Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in April 2023, Allwyn, a leading multi-national lottery operator, will support the Future Frames initiative for three years. As a main partner of Kviff, Allwyn will host the Allwyn Future Frames Lounge on site and bring the ten emerging European talents together with industry leaders, including overseas talent agency UTA and management company Range Media Partners.
“We look forward to welcoming all the talented directors to the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival this year, selected as part of the Future Frames initiative. We are also very much looking forward to welcoming one of the ten directors on the newly established scholarship to Hollywood, introduced this year in partnership with UTA and Range Media. Changing lives is core to our mission and we are very pleased to be affording talented directors the opportunity to work with the very best in the film industry,” said Pavel Turek, Allwyn’s Chief Officer of Global Brand, Corporate Communication, and Csr.
This year’s group not only has experience in festivals, but the 10 also includes two award winners such as Germany’s Sophia Mocorrea who won the Short Film Jury Award at the Sundance Film Festival and received a Special Mention at this year’s Berlinale with her film The Kidnapping of the Bride in the Perspektive Deutsches Kino section. The Netherlands’ Joris Tobé’s Frantic Attempts won the Knf Award for Best Graduation Project at the Netherlands Film Festival in 2022. Other films from this year’s Berlinale include The Shift by Denmark’s Amalie Maria Nielsen (Generation Kplus) and Spain’s Christian Avilés’ Daydreaming So Vividly About Our Spanish Holidays(Berlinale Shorts). Heart Fruit by Kim Allamand celebrated its world premiere in the Pardi Di Domani section at the Locarno Film Festival last year.
For more details of the selected 10, click here.
Also chosen are Czech Republic’s Anna Izabela Wowra for Stuck Together, Italy’s Giulia Regini for Cut From the Same Cow, Lithuania’s Rinaldas Tomaševičius for 15, Portugal’s Inês Pedrosa e Melo for Home, Revised, Slovak Republic’s Monika Mahútová for Standing Still and Switzerland’s Kim Allamand for Heart Fruit.
MoviesInternational FilmFilm FestivalsWomen In FilmFilm Financing...
- 7/10/2023
- by Sydney
- Sydney's Buzz
Yesterday, The Wrap presented a virtual panel comprised of “legends” (as the panelists laughingly preferred to “veterans”) in the independent film industry to discuss the current financing, production and distribution landscape—and what it might mean for rising writers, directors and producers. Moderated by producer and former agent Cassian Elwes of Elevated Films, guests on the panel include iconic indie producer and co-founder of Killer Films Christine Vachon, Blacklist founder Franklin Leonard, 30West co-president and CEO Micah Green (a company which Green describes as an “investment business focused on the independent arena”) and Rena Ronson, Partner & Head of Independent Film, […]
The post Watch: Producers and Executives Discuss “The State of Independent Films” With The Wrap first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Watch: Producers and Executives Discuss “The State of Independent Films” With The Wrap first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 5/11/2023
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Yesterday, The Wrap presented a virtual panel comprised of “legends” (as the panelists laughingly preferred to “veterans”) in the independent film industry to discuss the current financing, production and distribution landscape—and what it might mean for rising writers, directors and producers. Moderated by producer and former agent Cassian Elwes of Elevated Films, guests on the panel include iconic indie producer and co-founder of Killer Films Christine Vachon, Blacklist founder Franklin Leonard, 30West co-president and CEO Micah Green (a company which Green describes as an “investment business focused on the independent arena”) and Rena Ronson, Partner & Head of Independent Film, […]
The post Watch: Producers and Executives Discuss “The State of Independent Films” With The Wrap first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Watch: Producers and Executives Discuss “The State of Independent Films” With The Wrap first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 5/11/2023
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Amid an industry overwhelmed by an ongoing writers’ strike and a push to streaming, the notion of genuine independent cinema is as fragile as ever.
With the streamers cutting costs and focusing on content that large swathes of viewers might actually watch, the content for content’s sake spending booms that allowed indie cinema to temporarily flourish seems to have come to an end. Is all hope lost?
In a recent panel hosted exclusively by TheWrap, titled “The State of Independent Filmmaking,” Franklin Leonard argued that while investing in independent film if widely considered a financial risk or act of altruism, his work as founder of The Black List has proven that the opposite is true. The best screenplay is the best business plan.
“I think there is an assumption that when you work in the indie space, or you’re seeking out writers from outside the traditional system, that...
With the streamers cutting costs and focusing on content that large swathes of viewers might actually watch, the content for content’s sake spending booms that allowed indie cinema to temporarily flourish seems to have come to an end. Is all hope lost?
In a recent panel hosted exclusively by TheWrap, titled “The State of Independent Filmmaking,” Franklin Leonard argued that while investing in independent film if widely considered a financial risk or act of altruism, his work as founder of The Black List has proven that the opposite is true. The best screenplay is the best business plan.
“I think there is an assumption that when you work in the indie space, or you’re seeking out writers from outside the traditional system, that...
- 5/10/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
The public-facing festival runs September 8-18.
For the first time since 2019, the international industry is looking forward to getting back to a fully in-person TIFF where there will be plenty to discuss with old friends besides the invigorating roster of premieres.
Scroll down for acquisition titles
The public-facing festival (September 8-18) is many things and one of them is a conveyor belt of awards season premieres. These get scrutinised by the many awards strategists, buyers and sellers in attendance, who will want to know can these films survive at the box office, and can they sustain box office at times...
For the first time since 2019, the international industry is looking forward to getting back to a fully in-person TIFF where there will be plenty to discuss with old friends besides the invigorating roster of premieres.
Scroll down for acquisition titles
The public-facing festival (September 8-18) is many things and one of them is a conveyor belt of awards season premieres. These get scrutinised by the many awards strategists, buyers and sellers in attendance, who will want to know can these films survive at the box office, and can they sustain box office at times...
- 9/8/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Kristen Konvitz has joined UTA as an Agent in the Independent Film Group division. She will work from the agency’s Los Angeles headquarters, reporting to Partners Jim Meenaghan and Rena Ronson, who serve as Co-Heads of the Independent Film Group.
Konvitz comes to UTA from ICM, where she worked as an Agent in the Independent Film Group. She spent over five years at the agency prior to its acquisition by CAA, there working to structure and arrange financing, assemble and secure distribution for independent films.
Konvitz has brokered distribution deals on dozens of films coming out of such major festivals as Cannes, Sundance, TIFF and SXSW, among others. Her recent projects include Agnieszka Smoczynska’s Cannes Un Certain Regard entry The Silent Twins, SXSW Audience Award winner Pretty Problems, Sundance Best Director winner Palm Trees and Power Lines, and Spike Lee’s American Utopia. Additionally, she has negotiated...
Konvitz comes to UTA from ICM, where she worked as an Agent in the Independent Film Group. She spent over five years at the agency prior to its acquisition by CAA, there working to structure and arrange financing, assemble and secure distribution for independent films.
Konvitz has brokered distribution deals on dozens of films coming out of such major festivals as Cannes, Sundance, TIFF and SXSW, among others. Her recent projects include Agnieszka Smoczynska’s Cannes Un Certain Regard entry The Silent Twins, SXSW Audience Award winner Pretty Problems, Sundance Best Director winner Palm Trees and Power Lines, and Spike Lee’s American Utopia. Additionally, she has negotiated...
- 8/2/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
As the global film industry emerges from the worst of the pandemic — and wide-ranging consolidation in the U.S. puts studio and streaming strategies in disarray — representatives for CAA, UTA and WME Independent say international distributors are more important than ever to their businesses.
That claim will be put to the test at this week’s Cannes Film Festival, where a chaotic domestic landscape, and the absence of China and Russia, could put other international distributors in a good spot after a pandemic-fueled streaming boom saw global deals for films like “Coda” cut these players out.
“What we know is that people who are going into the marketplace are setting up their movies not relying on the U.S. market presenting itself,” one senior agent tells Variety. “I’m not going to say it’s as bad as Russia and China, but really, in their financing plan, there’s a...
That claim will be put to the test at this week’s Cannes Film Festival, where a chaotic domestic landscape, and the absence of China and Russia, could put other international distributors in a good spot after a pandemic-fueled streaming boom saw global deals for films like “Coda” cut these players out.
“What we know is that people who are going into the marketplace are setting up their movies not relying on the U.S. market presenting itself,” one senior agent tells Variety. “I’m not going to say it’s as bad as Russia and China, but really, in their financing plan, there’s a...
- 5/17/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Jake Carter and Travis Tammero have joined UTA as agents in the Independent Film Group division.
Carter will be based in the agency’s New York office, with Tammero working out of its headquarters in Los Angeles. Both will report to Jim Meenaghan and Rena Ronson, Partners and Co-Heads of the Independent Film Group.
“Rena, Jim and I are thrilled to welcome these highly regarded agents to our industry-leading Independent Film team,” said UTA Co-President, David Kramer. “Their broad experience will augment the team in a variety of ways and is especially key in helping to expand our rapidly growing documentary business.”
Carter comes to UTA from 30West, where he served as Vice President, overseeing production on critically acclaimed films including The Mauritanian, Destroyer, Late Night, Ben is Back, Some Kind of Heaven, and the upcoming Chris Pine thriller The Contractor. Prior to 30West, Carter worked at Black Bear Pictures,...
Carter will be based in the agency’s New York office, with Tammero working out of its headquarters in Los Angeles. Both will report to Jim Meenaghan and Rena Ronson, Partners and Co-Heads of the Independent Film Group.
“Rena, Jim and I are thrilled to welcome these highly regarded agents to our industry-leading Independent Film team,” said UTA Co-President, David Kramer. “Their broad experience will augment the team in a variety of ways and is especially key in helping to expand our rapidly growing documentary business.”
Carter comes to UTA from 30West, where he served as Vice President, overseeing production on critically acclaimed films including The Mauritanian, Destroyer, Late Night, Ben is Back, Some Kind of Heaven, and the upcoming Chris Pine thriller The Contractor. Prior to 30West, Carter worked at Black Bear Pictures,...
- 1/4/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Tues. April 6 L.A. County Public Health Issues Updates Guidelines for Filming
As Los Angeles County continues to see Covid-19 case rates, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to decline and the county enters the Orange Tier of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy framework, new protocols have been issued to lift some local activity-specific restrictions.
With craft services and dining, indoor dining is now allowed at 50% capacity (maximum 200 people), but outdoor dining is still strongly recommended and single serving meals are still required. With sit-down meals, the guidelines suggest “Dining must occur only in designated dining areas. It is recommended to have cast and crew eating in shifts with fewer people. Seating for sit-down meals must be large enough to allow for physical distancing of at least six (6) feet between persons eating and should be done outdoors.
Live audiences indoors are limited to 50 people and they may not be members of the general public.
As Los Angeles County continues to see Covid-19 case rates, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to decline and the county enters the Orange Tier of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy framework, new protocols have been issued to lift some local activity-specific restrictions.
With craft services and dining, indoor dining is now allowed at 50% capacity (maximum 200 people), but outdoor dining is still strongly recommended and single serving meals are still required. With sit-down meals, the guidelines suggest “Dining must occur only in designated dining areas. It is recommended to have cast and crew eating in shifts with fewer people. Seating for sit-down meals must be large enough to allow for physical distancing of at least six (6) feet between persons eating and should be done outdoors.
Live audiences indoors are limited to 50 people and they may not be members of the general public.
- 4/6/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Excusive: The inclusive coalition of industry professionals ReFrame has selected former director of Canada’s Inside Out LGBTQ Film Festival Andria Wilson Mirza as its new Director.
In addition, the organization has created the new ReFrame Council, which includes the initiative’s founding members Wif Executive Director Kirsten Schaffer, Sundance CEO Keri Putnam, and Oscar-winning producer, Wif President Emeritas and founder of Welle Entertainment Cathy Schulman, alongside Channing Dungey, Franklin Leonard, Rena Ronson (Head of UTA Independent Film Group), and Bird Runningwater. The Council will lead the strategic development of ReFrame’s initiatives and provide oversight on future advocacy efforts.
ReFrame was founded in 2017 by Women In Film and Sundance Institute with the mission to increase the number of women of all backgrounds working in the screen industries.
In her role at ReFrame,...
In addition, the organization has created the new ReFrame Council, which includes the initiative’s founding members Wif Executive Director Kirsten Schaffer, Sundance CEO Keri Putnam, and Oscar-winning producer, Wif President Emeritas and founder of Welle Entertainment Cathy Schulman, alongside Channing Dungey, Franklin Leonard, Rena Ronson (Head of UTA Independent Film Group), and Bird Runningwater. The Council will lead the strategic development of ReFrame’s initiatives and provide oversight on future advocacy efforts.
ReFrame was founded in 2017 by Women In Film and Sundance Institute with the mission to increase the number of women of all backgrounds working in the screen industries.
In her role at ReFrame,...
- 4/6/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Executive arrives from Inside Out in Toronto.
Women In Film and Sundance Institute industry support initiative ReFrame, the non-profit designed to increase the representation of women in the industry, has named Andria Wilson Mirza director.
Mirza will work with ReFrame ambassadors and partner companies to implement key programmes including the distribution of the ReFrame Stamp denoting distinction on productions that demonstrate gender-balanced hiring practices, the ReFrame Rise programme in support of mid-career women directors, and the expansion of the group’s Culture Change Handbook into the interactive ReFrame Playbook, which will launch this year.
She most recently served as executive...
Women In Film and Sundance Institute industry support initiative ReFrame, the non-profit designed to increase the representation of women in the industry, has named Andria Wilson Mirza director.
Mirza will work with ReFrame ambassadors and partner companies to implement key programmes including the distribution of the ReFrame Stamp denoting distinction on productions that demonstrate gender-balanced hiring practices, the ReFrame Rise programme in support of mid-career women directors, and the expansion of the group’s Culture Change Handbook into the interactive ReFrame Playbook, which will launch this year.
She most recently served as executive...
- 4/6/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The major U.S. talent agencies and a coalition of more than 30 leading sales agents in the independent film industry will meet remotely beginning on November 9th for an online market timed to coincide with the American Film Market (AFM).
The five-day market will be structured to provide global buyers access to film screenings, early footage, and filmmaker presentations.
Talent agents, sales agents, and financiers are currently assembling their slates of sales packages and completed films.
Working in a similar fashion to the virtual Cannes market, the entities are using digital platforms to create a global experience for buyers and sellers. Screenings and filmmaker presentations will be scheduled to accommodate a variety of time zones, given the remote nature of the work.
Among companies teaming on the initiative are 30West, AGC Studios, Altitude, Anton, Archstone Entertainment, Bankside, Blue Fox, Brickell & Broadbridge, CAA Media Finance, Capstone Pictures, Charades, Cornerstone Pictures,...
The five-day market will be structured to provide global buyers access to film screenings, early footage, and filmmaker presentations.
Talent agents, sales agents, and financiers are currently assembling their slates of sales packages and completed films.
Working in a similar fashion to the virtual Cannes market, the entities are using digital platforms to create a global experience for buyers and sellers. Screenings and filmmaker presentations will be scheduled to accommodate a variety of time zones, given the remote nature of the work.
Among companies teaming on the initiative are 30West, AGC Studios, Altitude, Anton, Archstone Entertainment, Bankside, Blue Fox, Brickell & Broadbridge, CAA Media Finance, Capstone Pictures, Charades, Cornerstone Pictures,...
- 10/22/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Naomi Watts and David Oyelowo’s Oscar and Golden Globe nominations gave them the clout to produce several films. But nothing could have prepared the actors — or their sales agents — for trying to sell those features at the Toronto Intl. Film Festival (Sept. 10-20) during a global pandemic.
“There were endless calls with countless people on how to approach this, and yes, it would be much better to have a packed audience,” Watts says of arranging the TIFF premiere of her Endeavor Content-repped drama “Penguin Bloom.” “But we felt this was the right time, because this is a hopeful story.”
Oyelowo, who makes his directorial debut with the CAA/Endeavor Content-sold fantasy adventure “The Water Man,” faced similar struggles, but he sees an upside to this year’s downsized TIFF. “Virtual Cannes was fairly successful as a market, and I think Toronto has supercharged that in combining virtual, drive-in and socially distanced screenings,...
“There were endless calls with countless people on how to approach this, and yes, it would be much better to have a packed audience,” Watts says of arranging the TIFF premiere of her Endeavor Content-repped drama “Penguin Bloom.” “But we felt this was the right time, because this is a hopeful story.”
Oyelowo, who makes his directorial debut with the CAA/Endeavor Content-sold fantasy adventure “The Water Man,” faced similar struggles, but he sees an upside to this year’s downsized TIFF. “Virtual Cannes was fairly successful as a market, and I think Toronto has supercharged that in combining virtual, drive-in and socially distanced screenings,...
- 9/10/2020
- by Gregg Goldstein
- Variety Film + TV
Despite the pandemic and disruption of the global entertainment industry, at the Cannes virtual market, it’s game on. Hugh Jackman, Mark Wahlberg, Will Smith, Kristen Stewart, Bruce Willis, Nick Jonas, Laurence Fishburne, Lily James and Tessa Thompson all headline projects being brought onto Cannes’ pre-sales market and directed by the likes of Michael Mann, Antoine Fuqua, Baltasar Kormakur, Pablo Larrain and Pablo Trapero.
Deals are already going down on select movies, even before the Hollywood agencies present their A Demain Marché online platform of projects over June 22-23.
At a second virtual market, Cannes Marché du Film Online, which screens completed films, trading has also kicked off on a line-up led by such Cannes Official Selection titles as Thomas Vinterberg’s “Another Round,” Fernando Trueba’s “Forgotten We’ll Be,” Francois Ozon’s “Summer 85” and Naomi Kawase’s “True Mothers.”
Both digital markets were initially conceived as being mainly initiatives to reconnect industry players.
Deals are already going down on select movies, even before the Hollywood agencies present their A Demain Marché online platform of projects over June 22-23.
At a second virtual market, Cannes Marché du Film Online, which screens completed films, trading has also kicked off on a line-up led by such Cannes Official Selection titles as Thomas Vinterberg’s “Another Round,” Fernando Trueba’s “Forgotten We’ll Be,” Francois Ozon’s “Summer 85” and Naomi Kawase’s “True Mothers.”
Both digital markets were initially conceived as being mainly initiatives to reconnect industry players.
- 6/22/2020
- by John Hopewell and Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
When it comes to big acquisition deals for independent movies, Sundance is the room where it happens, to borrow a lyric from “Hamilton.” So it’s a lucky coincidence that Lin-Manuel Miranda will be a guest at this year’s film festival.
For the first time, Miranda will hit the slopes in Park City, Utah, to rub shoulders with film aficionados and industry executives. He’s attending the festival as an interview subject in three documentaries, including “Siempre, Luis,” about his father, Luis Miranda, a dogged political consultant who helped organize a series of “Hamilton” performances in Puerto Rico to raise funds for hurricane relief efforts.
“We now have video proof that I’m the slacker of my family,” Miranda says with a laugh. The documentary, directed by John James, took three years to make. Miranda considers himself a fan of the movie — and the genre. “What’s exciting is...
For the first time, Miranda will hit the slopes in Park City, Utah, to rub shoulders with film aficionados and industry executives. He’s attending the festival as an interview subject in three documentaries, including “Siempre, Luis,” about his father, Luis Miranda, a dogged political consultant who helped organize a series of “Hamilton” performances in Puerto Rico to raise funds for hurricane relief efforts.
“We now have video proof that I’m the slacker of my family,” Miranda says with a laugh. The documentary, directed by John James, took three years to make. Miranda considers himself a fan of the movie — and the genre. “What’s exciting is...
- 1/21/2020
- by Ramin Setoodeh and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions have partnered with 101 Studios, A Really Good Home Pictures, Coonskin Cap Productions and Gary Lewis to produce “Unstoppable,” the true-life story of sports hero Anthony Robles.
“Our entire Seven Bucks team is passionate about sharing stories that inspire and resonate on a global scale. We’ve had an eye on Anthony’s story for a long time and have been deeply moved by his perseverance that proves nothing is impossible. The powerful themes of redemption and tackling life’s obstacles are very familiar to us, we are excited to bring this triumphant underdog story to life,” said Johnson and Garcia, co-founders of Seven Bucks Productions.
The pic follows Robles, who despite being born with only one leg to a single-parent family on the wrong side of the tracks, overcame every obstacle to become an undefeated collegiate wrestling star, three-time All-American,...
“Our entire Seven Bucks team is passionate about sharing stories that inspire and resonate on a global scale. We’ve had an eye on Anthony’s story for a long time and have been deeply moved by his perseverance that proves nothing is impossible. The powerful themes of redemption and tackling life’s obstacles are very familiar to us, we are excited to bring this triumphant underdog story to life,” said Johnson and Garcia, co-founders of Seven Bucks Productions.
The pic follows Robles, who despite being born with only one leg to a single-parent family on the wrong side of the tracks, overcame every obstacle to become an undefeated collegiate wrestling star, three-time All-American,...
- 11/6/2019
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
Seven Bucks Productions, the company owned and operated by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Dany Garcia, will produce a film based on the inspiring real life of sports hero Anthony Robles.
“Unstoppable” will follow Robles who, despite being born with one leg to a single-parent family on the wrong side of the tracks, overcame every obstacle to become an undefeated collegiate wrestling star, three-time All-American, 2011 Ncaa National Champion, two-time Espy Award winner and a National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee.
Johnson and Garcia will partner with David Glasser’s 101 Studios, as well as A Really Good Home Pictures, Coonskin Cap Productions and Gary Lewis.
Also Read: Ben Affleck to Star in Robert Rodriguez Action Thriller 'Hypnotic'
“Our entire Seven Bucks team is passionate about sharing stories that inspire and resonate on a global scale. We’ve had an eye on Anthony’s story for a long time and...
“Unstoppable” will follow Robles who, despite being born with one leg to a single-parent family on the wrong side of the tracks, overcame every obstacle to become an undefeated collegiate wrestling star, three-time All-American, 2011 Ncaa National Champion, two-time Espy Award winner and a National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee.
Johnson and Garcia will partner with David Glasser’s 101 Studios, as well as A Really Good Home Pictures, Coonskin Cap Productions and Gary Lewis.
Also Read: Ben Affleck to Star in Robert Rodriguez Action Thriller 'Hypnotic'
“Our entire Seven Bucks team is passionate about sharing stories that inspire and resonate on a global scale. We’ve had an eye on Anthony’s story for a long time and...
- 11/6/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions has partnered with 101 Studios on Unstoppable, a film that tells the inspiring story of Anthony Robles. Despite being born with only one leg to a single-parent family on the wrong side of the tracks, Robles overcame every obstacle to become an undefeated collegiate wrestling star, three-time All-American, 2011 Ncaa National Champion, two-time Espy Award winner and a National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee.
Pic will be produced by Seven Bucks’ Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia, with A Really Good Home Pictures’ Andy Fraser, Coonskin Cap Productions’ David Crockett, and Gary Lewis. John Hindman wrote the script, based on Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion, a 2012 memoir Robles wrote with Austin Murphy. Bob Yari is exec producing.
Said Robles: “Words cannot express how honored I am to have my story made into a film. Because...
Pic will be produced by Seven Bucks’ Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia, with A Really Good Home Pictures’ Andy Fraser, Coonskin Cap Productions’ David Crockett, and Gary Lewis. John Hindman wrote the script, based on Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion, a 2012 memoir Robles wrote with Austin Murphy. Bob Yari is exec producing.
Said Robles: “Words cannot express how honored I am to have my story made into a film. Because...
- 11/6/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: UTA has added Jessica Kantor as an agent in their Independent Film Group.
She will be based in UTA’s Los Angeles offices and report to department co-heads Rena Ronson and Jim Meenaghan.
Previously, Kantor worked as the Evp of Business and Legal Affairs at Imperative Entertainment, where she oversaw all business and legal aspects of film and television production, acquisition and distribution. Prior to Imperative Entertainment, Kantor was the General Counsel at Ron Howard and Brian Grazer’s digital initiative, New Form. She also led business and legal affairs at Legendary Entertainment.
Kantor has been recognized on numerous prestigious lists honoring young professionals including The Hollywood Reporter’s Top 35 executives under 35, C-Suite Quarterly’s Next Gen 10, and Broadcasting & Cable’s Top Dealmakers.
UTA’s Independent Film Group focuses on content financing and distribution for independent and co-financed motion pictures. The division helped structure the financing and sales for...
She will be based in UTA’s Los Angeles offices and report to department co-heads Rena Ronson and Jim Meenaghan.
Previously, Kantor worked as the Evp of Business and Legal Affairs at Imperative Entertainment, where she oversaw all business and legal aspects of film and television production, acquisition and distribution. Prior to Imperative Entertainment, Kantor was the General Counsel at Ron Howard and Brian Grazer’s digital initiative, New Form. She also led business and legal affairs at Legendary Entertainment.
Kantor has been recognized on numerous prestigious lists honoring young professionals including The Hollywood Reporter’s Top 35 executives under 35, C-Suite Quarterly’s Next Gen 10, and Broadcasting & Cable’s Top Dealmakers.
UTA’s Independent Film Group focuses on content financing and distribution for independent and co-financed motion pictures. The division helped structure the financing and sales for...
- 10/24/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The heavyweight speakers included Rena Ronson, Carole Scotia and Rose Garnett.
The one-day Zurich Summit gathered top executives from the Us and Europe and Asia to discuss industry changes including the rise of the platforms, and the growth in popularity of local-language content at the Dolder Grand on Saturday, September 28.
New this year was a series of intimate roundtables which enabled rising talents to meet established international executives including UTA’s Alex Brunner, CAA’s Roeg Sutherland, Rocket Science’s Thorsten Schumacher, and producer Kim Magnusson, in a private setting.
A creative highlight was a preview clip of Farmageddon, also screening at Zurich Film Festival.
The one-day Zurich Summit gathered top executives from the Us and Europe and Asia to discuss industry changes including the rise of the platforms, and the growth in popularity of local-language content at the Dolder Grand on Saturday, September 28.
New this year was a series of intimate roundtables which enabled rising talents to meet established international executives including UTA’s Alex Brunner, CAA’s Roeg Sutherland, Rocket Science’s Thorsten Schumacher, and producer Kim Magnusson, in a private setting.
A creative highlight was a preview clip of Farmageddon, also screening at Zurich Film Festival.
- 9/30/2019
- by Wendy Mitchell
- ScreenDaily
The Toronto International Film Festival kicks off this week just as a clutch of new streaming services from Disney and WarnerMedia and Apple and Comcast prepare to launch. As a result, sales agents and traditional indie distributors are bracing themselves for the impact this new set of content companies will have on the indie film market. “As more streaming services enter the market, the landscape becomes more competitive for theatrical distributors and streamers alike, co-head of UTA Independent Film Group Rena Ronson told TheWrap. “This shift began when Netflix first emerged on the scene, and theatrical distributors subsequently had to become more aggressive in order to compete.” Several sales agents and buyers said the marketplace heading into Toronto is “healthy” and “robust,” because every company is looking for prime content for 2020. But although distributors will be vying for the same titles, many insiders don’t expect the hefty price tags...
- 9/4/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Former Curzon and Protagonist employee joins Us outfit.
Endeavor Content, the Us packaging and sales outfit, has expanded its London team with the hire of former Curzon executive Harriet Harper-Jones.
Harper-Jones joins the company as associate, and will focus on the financing and sales of feature film projects.
She joins Negeen Yazdi, senior vice president, film development and production, in the company’s UK base.
Harper-Jones has primarily focused on acquiring titles to date, working as acquisitions manager at UK distributor and exhibitor Curzon, picking up titles including The Souvenir and Portrait Of A Lady On Fire, before rising to head of development.
Endeavor Content, the Us packaging and sales outfit, has expanded its London team with the hire of former Curzon executive Harriet Harper-Jones.
Harper-Jones joins the company as associate, and will focus on the financing and sales of feature film projects.
She joins Negeen Yazdi, senior vice president, film development and production, in the company’s UK base.
Harper-Jones has primarily focused on acquiring titles to date, working as acquisitions manager at UK distributor and exhibitor Curzon, picking up titles including The Souvenir and Portrait Of A Lady On Fire, before rising to head of development.
- 8/29/2019
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
New sections include The Briefing, a Centrepiece interview and Screen Life.
Screen International has launched a redesign of its print magazine for the August-September issue, featuring new sections, a new look and new paper stock.
The redesign issue cover features Mariana di Girolamo and Gael Garcia Bernal in Pablo Larraín’s Ema, which is premiering in Venice’s Competition section.
The magazine now opens with a new front section called ‘The Briefing’, which features shorter, sharper pieces focusing on people, trends, topics, new talent and new productions. The new section also features comment pieces from Screen International’s senior editorial team,...
Screen International has launched a redesign of its print magazine for the August-September issue, featuring new sections, a new look and new paper stock.
The redesign issue cover features Mariana di Girolamo and Gael Garcia Bernal in Pablo Larraín’s Ema, which is premiering in Venice’s Competition section.
The magazine now opens with a new front section called ‘The Briefing’, which features shorter, sharper pieces focusing on people, trends, topics, new talent and new productions. The new section also features comment pieces from Screen International’s senior editorial team,...
- 8/27/2019
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Collection includes items from his first to most recent films.
Jeremy Thomas, one of Britain’s most prominent independent producers and founder of Recorded Picture Company, has donated a significant portion of his personal collection of films and materials to the BFI National Archive.
The archive’s content spans Thomas’ entire career as a producer and executive producer from his first film, Phillipe Mora’s Mad Dog Morgan (1976) to High Rise (2015), directed by Ben Wheatley.
The contents of the donation consist of 35mm prints, production material and international posters from some of his most prominent works, including the Oscar-winning The Last Emperor...
Jeremy Thomas, one of Britain’s most prominent independent producers and founder of Recorded Picture Company, has donated a significant portion of his personal collection of films and materials to the BFI National Archive.
The archive’s content spans Thomas’ entire career as a producer and executive producer from his first film, Phillipe Mora’s Mad Dog Morgan (1976) to High Rise (2015), directed by Ben Wheatley.
The contents of the donation consist of 35mm prints, production material and international posters from some of his most prominent works, including the Oscar-winning The Last Emperor...
- 8/27/2019
- ScreenDaily
The film explores themes of female independence in contemporary Tunisia.
Wild Bunch has acquired world sales rights to Tunisian director Hinde Boujemaa’s female rights drama Noura’s Dream ahead of its premiere in Tiff’s discovery section next month.
Popular Tunisian-Egyptian actress Hend Sabri (aka Hend Sabry) plays the titular Noura, an independent woman, who has raised her three children alone with little support from her absent, petty criminal husband.
While her husband is serving time in jail, she falls in love with another man. Noura applies for a divorce but the imminent release of her husband threatens to...
Wild Bunch has acquired world sales rights to Tunisian director Hinde Boujemaa’s female rights drama Noura’s Dream ahead of its premiere in Tiff’s discovery section next month.
Popular Tunisian-Egyptian actress Hend Sabri (aka Hend Sabry) plays the titular Noura, an independent woman, who has raised her three children alone with little support from her absent, petty criminal husband.
While her husband is serving time in jail, she falls in love with another man. Noura applies for a divorce but the imminent release of her husband threatens to...
- 8/27/2019
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
They came. They saw. They bought a lot.
That’s more or less the story of the 2019 edition of the Sundance Film Festival. It was a return to the free-spending days of a couple of years ago, as buyers decided to ignore the cautionary tales and write checks as if “Patti Cake$” and “The Birth of a Nation” never happened. “Late Night,” Mindy Kaling’s look at diversity in writer’s rooms, picked up a massive $13 million domestic distribution deal, a record price for stateside rights. The political thriller “The Report” and heart-warming comedy “Brittany Runs A Marathon” nabbed $14 million global pacts. And “Blinded by the Light,” an ode to all things Bruce Springsteen, scored a $15 million worldwide sale to New Line, the biggest of the festival.
Distributors and agents insist that all the money sloshing around Park City isn’t attributable to festival fever, the dreaded virus that encourages...
That’s more or less the story of the 2019 edition of the Sundance Film Festival. It was a return to the free-spending days of a couple of years ago, as buyers decided to ignore the cautionary tales and write checks as if “Patti Cake$” and “The Birth of a Nation” never happened. “Late Night,” Mindy Kaling’s look at diversity in writer’s rooms, picked up a massive $13 million domestic distribution deal, a record price for stateside rights. The political thriller “The Report” and heart-warming comedy “Brittany Runs A Marathon” nabbed $14 million global pacts. And “Blinded by the Light,” an ode to all things Bruce Springsteen, scored a $15 million worldwide sale to New Line, the biggest of the festival.
Distributors and agents insist that all the money sloshing around Park City isn’t attributable to festival fever, the dreaded virus that encourages...
- 2/1/2019
- by Brent Lang and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Sundance 2019 brought into sharp focus the two-tiered reality that now dominates the world of independent content.
It’s a story of the haves and the have-nots.
The haves are those giant tech-based companies like Netflix, Amazon and Apple that can plunk down many millions of dollars on a movie they like without a second thought.
Also Read: Sundance 2019: Every Movie Sold So Far, From 'Late Night' to 'The Farewell' (Updating)
The have-nots are everybody else — scrappy distributors who still do the Old Math: adding up the P&A costs, the ancillary rights like TV and international and, um, airlines to figure out how to protect their downside and maybe make a profit.
But there’s no such old-style nonsense for the tech giants — and Amazon is the colossus of choice at this year’s Sundance, blithely buying multiple movies for $15 million. Who does that?
“Late Night,...
It’s a story of the haves and the have-nots.
The haves are those giant tech-based companies like Netflix, Amazon and Apple that can plunk down many millions of dollars on a movie they like without a second thought.
Also Read: Sundance 2019: Every Movie Sold So Far, From 'Late Night' to 'The Farewell' (Updating)
The have-nots are everybody else — scrappy distributors who still do the Old Math: adding up the P&A costs, the ancillary rights like TV and international and, um, airlines to figure out how to protect their downside and maybe make a profit.
But there’s no such old-style nonsense for the tech giants — and Amazon is the colossus of choice at this year’s Sundance, blithely buying multiple movies for $15 million. Who does that?
“Late Night,...
- 2/1/2019
- by Sharon Waxman
- The Wrap
This year’s Sundance Film Festival is taking Hollywood insiders by surprise as several distributors have gone on pricey spending sprees, with films flying off the shelves faster than festival goers can say “Pete Davidson is at Tao!”
As of Monday afternoon, three Sundance entries had sold for eight figures: Amazon Studios paid $13 million for Mindy Kaling’s “Late Night” shortly after its Friday premiere, then threw down $14 million in a worldwide deal for the fact-based Adam Driver-Jon Hamm political thriller “The Report.”
And New Line is nearing a $15 million-plus deal for Gurinder Chadha’s “Blinded by the Light,” about a teenager of Pakistani descent who falls in love with Bruce Springsteen’s music in the midst of Margaret Thatcher’s Great Britain.
In addition to the big-spending deals, plenty of other films like Awkwafina’s “The Farewell,” (A24) the Lupita Nyong’o zombie comedy “Little Monsters” (Neon...
As of Monday afternoon, three Sundance entries had sold for eight figures: Amazon Studios paid $13 million for Mindy Kaling’s “Late Night” shortly after its Friday premiere, then threw down $14 million in a worldwide deal for the fact-based Adam Driver-Jon Hamm political thriller “The Report.”
And New Line is nearing a $15 million-plus deal for Gurinder Chadha’s “Blinded by the Light,” about a teenager of Pakistani descent who falls in love with Bruce Springsteen’s music in the midst of Margaret Thatcher’s Great Britain.
In addition to the big-spending deals, plenty of other films like Awkwafina’s “The Farewell,” (A24) the Lupita Nyong’o zombie comedy “Little Monsters” (Neon...
- 1/28/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven and Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Sundance 2019 brings tempered expectations after a quiet 2018 market, when big-spenders Netflix and Amazon withdrew from the fray. As distributors can no longer rely on output deals with Netflix, they are looking to Starz and Hulu to make up the shortfall. And with Amazon Video Direct’s Film Festival Stars program gone, there’s no artificial bottom to the market, which gives everyone more room to maneuver, but also risks leaving the least commercial indies with no distribution at all. And some companies are changing their deals so that theatrical distribution is no longer guaranteed.
The festival always programs a strong selection of potential documentary Oscar contenders, but while prices are bound to be more exuberant following last year’s tsunami of box office hits led by Oscar contender “Rbg” and Morgan Neville tearjerker “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” this year’s selection may not be as commercially robust.
Read...
The festival always programs a strong selection of potential documentary Oscar contenders, but while prices are bound to be more exuberant following last year’s tsunami of box office hits led by Oscar contender “Rbg” and Morgan Neville tearjerker “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” this year’s selection may not be as commercially robust.
Read...
- 1/24/2019
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Sundance 2019 brings tempered expectations after a quiet 2018 market, when big-spenders Netflix and Amazon withdrew from the fray. As distributors can no longer rely on output deals with Netflix, they are looking to Starz and Hulu to make up the shortfall. And with Amazon Video Direct’s Film Festival Stars program gone, there’s no artificial bottom to the market, which gives everyone more room to maneuver, but also risks leaving the least commercial indies with no distribution at all. And some companies are changing their deals so that theatrical distribution is no longer guaranteed.
The festival always programs a strong selection of potential documentary Oscar contenders, but while prices are bound to be more exuberant following last year’s tsunami of box office hits led by Oscar contender “Rbg” and Morgan Neville tearjerker “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” this year’s selection may not be as commercially robust.
Read...
The festival always programs a strong selection of potential documentary Oscar contenders, but while prices are bound to be more exuberant following last year’s tsunami of box office hits led by Oscar contender “Rbg” and Morgan Neville tearjerker “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” this year’s selection may not be as commercially robust.
Read...
- 1/24/2019
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Albert Lee has joined UTA’s publishing division as an agent based in New York City.
Lee brings nearly two decades of entertainment and publishing experience to the agency. At UTA, he will work to expand the agency’s roster of diverse voices and storytellers, as well as help clients create and leverage original intellectual property across divisions and platforms.
He comes to UTA from independent literary agency Aevitas Creative Management, where his client roster included Gabrielle Union, Vivica A. Fox, tech diversity activist Ellen Pao, and David Lynch Foundation CEO Bob Roth, as well as the estates of Muhammad Ali, Elvis Presley, and Albert Einstein, among others. Prior to becoming a literary agent, Lee served as executive projects director at Wenner Media, parent company to Rolling Stone, Us Weekly, and Men’s Journal. He began his career as a theater and dance journalist for The Village Voice.
The hiring...
Lee brings nearly two decades of entertainment and publishing experience to the agency. At UTA, he will work to expand the agency’s roster of diverse voices and storytellers, as well as help clients create and leverage original intellectual property across divisions and platforms.
He comes to UTA from independent literary agency Aevitas Creative Management, where his client roster included Gabrielle Union, Vivica A. Fox, tech diversity activist Ellen Pao, and David Lynch Foundation CEO Bob Roth, as well as the estates of Muhammad Ali, Elvis Presley, and Albert Einstein, among others. Prior to becoming a literary agent, Lee served as executive projects director at Wenner Media, parent company to Rolling Stone, Us Weekly, and Men’s Journal. He began his career as a theater and dance journalist for The Village Voice.
The hiring...
- 6/6/2018
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
New arrival to partner with current head of UTA Independent Film Group Rena Ronson.
The United Talent Agency (UTA) hierarchy on Friday (June 1) announced that Jim Meenaghan has been named co-head of UTA Independent Film Group.
Meenaghan, who has been with UTA for the past nine years and currently leads its motion picture business affairs group, will co-run the UTA Independent Film Group with long-time department head and partner Rena Ronson. UTA co-president David Kramer oversees the group.
Meenaghan will work with Ronson to expand the team’s global film finance and marketing strategies for independent and co-financed features, and...
The United Talent Agency (UTA) hierarchy on Friday (June 1) announced that Jim Meenaghan has been named co-head of UTA Independent Film Group.
Meenaghan, who has been with UTA for the past nine years and currently leads its motion picture business affairs group, will co-run the UTA Independent Film Group with long-time department head and partner Rena Ronson. UTA co-president David Kramer oversees the group.
Meenaghan will work with Ronson to expand the team’s global film finance and marketing strategies for independent and co-financed features, and...
- 6/1/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Jim Meenaghan will join Rena Ronson as co-head of UTA Independent Film Group. Meenaghan is a nine-year agency vet who currently heads the Motion Picture Business Affairs Group, which is overseen by UTA co-president David Kramer.
Meenaghan continues those duties but will also help Ronson expand its global film finance and marketing strategies for independent and co-financed features, and work with UTA’s Corporate Strategy Group to provide advisory, content financing structures and distribution deals.
“The partnership of Jim and Rena will be a powerful combination for our clients working in the independent market,” said Kramer. “For nearly a decade at UTA, Jim has been indispensable in driving the growth and momentum around our motion picture business. His experience and insight will be an incredible addition to a business that, over many years, Rena has established as the best in the industry.”
Meenaghan will continue to help UTA grow its...
Meenaghan continues those duties but will also help Ronson expand its global film finance and marketing strategies for independent and co-financed features, and work with UTA’s Corporate Strategy Group to provide advisory, content financing structures and distribution deals.
“The partnership of Jim and Rena will be a powerful combination for our clients working in the independent market,” said Kramer. “For nearly a decade at UTA, Jim has been indispensable in driving the growth and momentum around our motion picture business. His experience and insight will be an incredible addition to a business that, over many years, Rena has established as the best in the industry.”
Meenaghan will continue to help UTA grow its...
- 6/1/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Jim Meenaghan has been named co-head of United Talent Agency’s Independent Film Group. He will oversee the department with Rena Ronson, its long-time head.
Meenaghan, a veteran agent, has been with UTA for nine years and is currently in charge of the agency’s motion picture business affairs group.
UTA has been very involved in packaging a number of arthouse and indie films. Projects it has set up include “Lady Bird,” “Call Me by Your Name,” “I, Tonya,” and “The Big Sick.”
In his new post, Meenaghan will be tasked with growing UTA’s global film finance and marketing offerings for independent and co-financed features. He will continue to oversee the company’s motion picture business affairs while also assuming his new role.
Meenaghan and Ronson will report to UTA co-president David Kramer.
“For nearly a decade at UTA, Jim has been indispensable in driving the growth and momentum around our motion picture business,...
Meenaghan, a veteran agent, has been with UTA for nine years and is currently in charge of the agency’s motion picture business affairs group.
UTA has been very involved in packaging a number of arthouse and indie films. Projects it has set up include “Lady Bird,” “Call Me by Your Name,” “I, Tonya,” and “The Big Sick.”
In his new post, Meenaghan will be tasked with growing UTA’s global film finance and marketing offerings for independent and co-financed features. He will continue to oversee the company’s motion picture business affairs while also assuming his new role.
Meenaghan and Ronson will report to UTA co-president David Kramer.
“For nearly a decade at UTA, Jim has been indispensable in driving the growth and momentum around our motion picture business,...
- 6/1/2018
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
United Talent Agency has named Jim Meenaghan the co-head of its independent film group.
The executive joins longtime group leader Rena Ronson in the department, a packaging and finance machine that reports to the agency’s David Kramer.
“The partnership of Jim and Rena will be a powerful combination for our clients working in the independent market,” Kramer said in a statement.
Meenaghan comes over from the motion picture business affairs group, which he’ll still oversee. In his new role, he’ll advise on content financing structures and distribution deals.
Also Read: Cannes Film Market 'Healthy' as New Players Fill Streaming Giant Void
He’ll also work with Asian markets and is tasked with expanding UTA’s footprint in independent animation. The group is also a key player on the festival and awards circuit.
“I’m really happy to take on this new role and work closely with Rena...
The executive joins longtime group leader Rena Ronson in the department, a packaging and finance machine that reports to the agency’s David Kramer.
“The partnership of Jim and Rena will be a powerful combination for our clients working in the independent market,” Kramer said in a statement.
Meenaghan comes over from the motion picture business affairs group, which he’ll still oversee. In his new role, he’ll advise on content financing structures and distribution deals.
Also Read: Cannes Film Market 'Healthy' as New Players Fill Streaming Giant Void
He’ll also work with Asian markets and is tasked with expanding UTA’s footprint in independent animation. The group is also a key player on the festival and awards circuit.
“I’m really happy to take on this new role and work closely with Rena...
- 6/1/2018
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
Spike Lee soaked up the love at his exuberant “BlacKkKlansman” afterparty on the beach at Cannes. “It’s not comedy, it’s humor,” he reminded me. He knows he’s back in top form, returning to the glory days of “Do the Right Thing,” which 27 years ago memorably lost the Palme d’Or to “sex, lies and videotape.”
For any movie to turn out well is a “miracle,” Lee admitted at the Tuesday morning Cannes press conference. The project lined up perfectly. Under their Universal deals, “Get Out” producers Jason Blum and Jordan Peele worked with QC Entertainment to develop a memoir about how African-American Colorado Springs police officer Ron Stallworth infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan. Peele considered directing it, but they decided to first try Spike Lee.
“If there’s a dream director to do this project, Spike’s the guy,” said Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawski at his...
For any movie to turn out well is a “miracle,” Lee admitted at the Tuesday morning Cannes press conference. The project lined up perfectly. Under their Universal deals, “Get Out” producers Jason Blum and Jordan Peele worked with QC Entertainment to develop a memoir about how African-American Colorado Springs police officer Ron Stallworth infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan. Peele considered directing it, but they decided to first try Spike Lee.
“If there’s a dream director to do this project, Spike’s the guy,” said Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawski at his...
- 5/15/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Spike Lee soaked up the love at his exuberant “BlacKkKlansman” afterparty on the beach at Cannes. “It’s not comedy, it’s humor,” he reminded me. He knows he’s back in top form, returning to the glory days of “Do the Right Thing,” which 27 years ago memorably lost the Palme d’Or to “sex, lies and videotape.”
For any movie to turn out well is a “miracle,” Lee admitted at the Tuesday morning Cannes press conference. The project lined up perfectly. Under their Universal deals, “Get Out” producers Jason Blum and Jordan Peele worked with QC Entertainment to develop a memoir about how African-American Colorado Springs police officer Ron Stallworth infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan. Peele considered directing it, but they decided to first try Spike Lee.
“If there’s a dream director to do this project, Spike’s the guy,” said Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawski at his...
For any movie to turn out well is a “miracle,” Lee admitted at the Tuesday morning Cannes press conference. The project lined up perfectly. Under their Universal deals, “Get Out” producers Jason Blum and Jordan Peele worked with QC Entertainment to develop a memoir about how African-American Colorado Springs police officer Ron Stallworth infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan. Peele considered directing it, but they decided to first try Spike Lee.
“If there’s a dream director to do this project, Spike’s the guy,” said Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawski at his...
- 5/15/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
STX is sitting pretty now that they’re in business with Amy Schumer.
The young mini-major acquired domestic distribution rights to the comedy out of Cannes. The title was repped by UTA Independent Film Group lead Rena Ronson. The package will begin shooting this July in Boston.
Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein, screenwriters of films like “Never Been Kissed” and “How to Be Single,” make their directorial debut here.
The announcement, made by STX Films Chairman Adam Fogelson and production head Sam Brown, also disclosed the...
The young mini-major acquired domestic distribution rights to the comedy out of Cannes. The title was repped by UTA Independent Film Group lead Rena Ronson. The package will begin shooting this July in Boston.
Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein, screenwriters of films like “Never Been Kissed” and “How to Be Single,” make their directorial debut here.
The announcement, made by STX Films Chairman Adam Fogelson and production head Sam Brown, also disclosed the...
- 5/25/2017
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
TriStar Pictures President Hannah Minghella and United Talent Agency Partner Rena Ronson are back on the board of Women in Film. The nonprofit, which promotes gender parity in show business and global media at large, has also elected four new members: Netflix VP of Content Bela Bajaria, Dreamworks Animation Global PR Head Terry Curtin, “Transparent” director-producer Nisha Ganatra and Cpa Laura W. Gordon. Producer Cathy Schulman has run the group for three terms, and recently launched a major initiative called ReFrame — which will work to evaluate and score gender equality in every sector of entertainment. Also Read: Hollywood Gender Gap: 2016 Movies Had More Major Female.
- 3/22/2017
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
Women in Film has elected four new members to its Board of Directors, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. In addition, TriStar Pictures president Hannah Minghella and UTA partner and Independent Film Group head Rena Ronson have rejoined the board of the non-profit organization.
The new board members are:
Bela Bajaria, who became Netflix’s vp content in November after spending five years as president of Universal Television;
Terry Curtin, who became DreamWorks Animation’s global head of theatrical publicity last March. She previously ran strategic marketing and global communications at Stx Entertainment;
Nisha Ganatra, whose directing credits include Brooklyn Nine-Nine,...
The new board members are:
Bela Bajaria, who became Netflix’s vp content in November after spending five years as president of Universal Television;
Terry Curtin, who became DreamWorks Animation’s global head of theatrical publicity last March. She previously ran strategic marketing and global communications at Stx Entertainment;
Nisha Ganatra, whose directing credits include Brooklyn Nine-Nine,...
- 3/22/2017
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Women in Film, the non-profit organization dedicated to promoting equal opportunities for women, has just elected new members to its Board of Directors as Cathy Schulman enters her third term as Board President. The newly elected are: Netflix’s Bela Bajaria, DreamWorks Animation’s Terry Curtin, Transparent director/producer Nisha Ganatra and Cpa Laura Gordon with TriStar president Hannah Minghella and UTA’s Independent Film Group’s partner/head Rena Ronson rejoining the…...
- 3/22/2017
- Deadline
$12 million pickup of the Kumail Nanjiani off-kilter rom-com The Big Sick arguably is comparable with Fox Searchlight's $17.5 million bid for The Birth of a Nation in 2016 because the latter covered worldwide rights while the Big Sick deal (negotiated by UTA's Rena Ronson) includes just U.S., U.K., Germany and France. That means financier FilmNation can keep adding to the bounty.
Big Sick also signaled that buyers now are willing to shell out big money for a comedy, not just for...
Big Sick also signaled that buyers now are willing to shell out big money for a comedy, not just for...
- 1/30/2017
- by Tatiana Siegel
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Like so many indie movies, “Wakefield” was something of a miracle for writer-director Robin Swicord. It’s been more than eight years since “The Jane Austen Book Club” (an average statistic for women directors); in the meantime she received an Oscar nomination for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (she shared story by credit with Eric Roth). But for “Wakefield” to happen required infinite patience and no small amount of luck.
Swicord sent “Wakefield” over the transom to Telluride co-director Tom Luddy. “He loves the interesting movie,” she said. “He has broad taste, a love for European movies. I felt when I was cutting ‘Wakefield,’ ‘We are making an interesting, strange movie.'”
Read More: Telluride and Tiff’s Oscar Tea Leaves: How Two Key Festivals Could Predict This Year’s Winners
When she arrived to world premiere the film on Friday for her first Telluride, Swicord had just finished...
Swicord sent “Wakefield” over the transom to Telluride co-director Tom Luddy. “He loves the interesting movie,” she said. “He has broad taste, a love for European movies. I felt when I was cutting ‘Wakefield,’ ‘We are making an interesting, strange movie.'”
Read More: Telluride and Tiff’s Oscar Tea Leaves: How Two Key Festivals Could Predict This Year’s Winners
When she arrived to world premiere the film on Friday for her first Telluride, Swicord had just finished...
- 9/8/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
Like so many indie movies, “Wakefield” was something of a miracle for writer-director Robin Swicord. It’s been more than eight years since “The Jane Austen Book Club” (an average statistic for women directors); in the meantime she received an Oscar nomination for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (she shared story by credit with Eric Roth). But for “Wakefield” to happen required infinite patience and no small amount of luck.
Swicord sent “Wakefield” over the transom to Telluride co-director Tom Luddy. “He loves the interesting movie,” she said. “He has broad taste, a love for European movies. I felt when I was cutting ‘Wakefield,’ ‘We are making an interesting, strange movie.'”
Read More: Telluride and Tiff’s Oscar Tea Leaves: How Two Key Festivals Could Predict This Year’s Winners
When she arrived to world premiere the film on Friday for her first Telluride, Swicord had just finished...
Swicord sent “Wakefield” over the transom to Telluride co-director Tom Luddy. “He loves the interesting movie,” she said. “He has broad taste, a love for European movies. I felt when I was cutting ‘Wakefield,’ ‘We are making an interesting, strange movie.'”
Read More: Telluride and Tiff’s Oscar Tea Leaves: How Two Key Festivals Could Predict This Year’s Winners
When she arrived to world premiere the film on Friday for her first Telluride, Swicord had just finished...
- 9/8/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Continuing their support for women directors, Horizon Award co-founding producers Cassian Elwes, Lynette Howell Taylor, and Christine Vachon, announced the winners of the second annual Horizon Award. Academy Award nominee Chloë Sevigny will bestow up-and-coming filmmakers Macarena Gaona, Juliette Gosselin, Shanice Malakai Johnson, and Florence Pelletier with the Horizon Award at a reception in Park City, Utah, with creative talent, producers, entertainment executives and media in attendance to celebrate these rising women directors and their achievements in independent filmmaking.
The Horizon Award ceremony and reception will take place on Sunday, January 24th, 2016 at 6:30 pm at the WireImage Portrait Studio at Village at the Lift (825 Main Street, Park City), co-hosted by Jeff Vespa.
The Horizon Award is an annual award that seeks to identify and mentor talented, up-and-coming female directors – the primary goal being to support women directors early enough in their development to help them overcome the hurdles in advancing their learning curve and careers.
In addition to the Horizon Award, the four winners will receive grants from the Adrienne Shelly Foundation. The Foundation supports the artistic achievements of female filmmakers through a series of grants that reflect Adrienne Shelly’s dedication to the art of filmmaking and her own successful transition from actress to filmmaker.
This year’s winners are:
Horizon Award First Place
Juliette Gosselin (University of Quebec in Montreal) & Florence Pelletier (Concordia University, Montreal)
Co-directors of "Mes Anges à Tête Noire"
Horizon Award Runners-Up
Macarena (Macqui) Gaona (New York University) Director of "Channel 999 and Channel 1000"
Shanice Malakai Johnson (Scottsdale Community College) Director of "End to the Suffering"
On making the announcement, Cassian Elwes said: “I’m so excited to announce the winners of the second annual Horizon Award. This year’s overwhelming number of submissions and caliber of work made it very hard indeed to pick just one winner – the jury identified one grand prize winner, and two runners-up. Additionally, we have added new partners to our already formidable team – proving that not only is the move towards gender equality in the zeitgeist, but that there are very real advocates amongst our peers. After the recent summit for systemic change (hosted by Sundance and Women in Film), I am more convinced than ever that we can make a difference and that history is on our side. I remain steadfastly committed to the idea that, one day soon, women will have exactly the same opportunities as men to direct movies.”
Franklin Leonard, Founder and CEO of The Black List and one of the award’s original advocates added: “We are passionate supporters of this award that recognizes fresh voices and perspectives in storytelling. This effort mirrors our own effort – the Black List's 500 Feminist Films project, created by our Director of Community, Kate Hagen. We look forward to mentoring the winners in the year to come.”
The jury was comprised of 38 influential directors, producers, and executives from the filmmaking community who viewed 483 short film submissions from over 200 colleges and universities world-wide, including the U.S., Canada, England, Australia, India, China, South Africa, Scotland, France, Mexico, Portugal, Columbia, Brazil, Russia, Serbia, the Ukraine, and more. This year, submissions increased by over one hundred from last year, with additional countries and universities participating. Submissions were received from Nyu, USC, UCLA, Chapman, Emerson, Penn State, Loyola Marymount, University of Wisconsin, University of Washington, Syracuse, Tcu, Ryerson (Toronto), Oxford, University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, University of Delhi, and more.
Now in its second year, the Horizon Award provides an all-expense-paid trip for the winning female college students to the Sundance Film Festival, where they will have the opportunity to present their films to some of the industry’s most influential names. The winners receive mentorship, festival access, and important introductions by Elwes, Howell, and Vachon to agents, producers, executives, festival staff, and other influencers throughout the Sundance Film Festival.
The Horizon Award was founded by producer, Cassian Elwes ("Margin Call," "All is Lost," "Dallas Buyers Club"), and Michelle Satter, Founding Director, Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program, in response to a Sundance Institute and Women In Film Los Angeles study that revealed that only 4.2% of the top 100 films each year from 2002-2013 were directed by women. Elwes partnered with Howell ("Captain Fantastic," "Mississippi Grind," "Big Eyes," "The Place Beyond the Pines:), and Vachon ( "Goat," "Carol," "Boys Don’t Cry," "One Hour Photo," "Far From Heaven"), to create the award as an opportunity for young female directors to have mentorship and networking opportunities in conjunction with Sundance, the home of American Independent film.
You can see links for more info on the study:
Phase I and II
Phase III
Sponsors and Partners for the 2016 Horizon Award are: The Black List, CreativeFuture, The Creative Mind Group, Done To Your Taste Catering, FilmLA, Indiegogo, Mprm Communications, the Adrienne Shelly Foundation, Sundance Institute, Twitter, Verge, Vimeo, WireImage, Adina Design, and Women in Film. This impressive group has come together to support an award that they hope will continue to identify, nurture, and launch the careers of future female directors for years to come.
Full List of Jurors:
Stephanie Allain Producer ("Dear White People," "Hustle & Flow")
Dori Begley Magnolia Pictures (Svp, Acquisitions)
Amy Berg Director ("Janis: Little Girl Blue," "Deliver Us From Evil," "Prophet’s Prey")
Arianna Bocco IFC Films (Svp, Acquisitions & Co-Productions)
Robbie Brenner The Firm (Partner, President of Film)
Susan Carter Hall Painter
Amal ElWardi Zeal Media Company (Producer)
Cassian Elwes Producer ("Margin Call," "All is Lost," "Dallas Buyers Club")
Janet Grillo Director ("Jack of the Red Hearts," "Fly Away")
Poppy Hanks Macro Venture (Svp, Development & Production)
Catherine Hardwicke Director ("Miss You Already," "Red Riding Hood," "Twilight")
Lynette Howell Taylor Producer ("Captain Fantastic," "Mississippi Grind," "Big Eyes")
Liza Johnson Director ("Elvis & Nixon," "Return," "Hateship Loveship," "In the Air")
Eda Kowan Lionsgate (Svp, Acquisitions & Co-Productions)
Gina Kwon Amazon Studios (Executive, Comedy)
Helen Lee-Kim Good Universe (Partner, Head of International)
Laura Lewis CAA (Agent, Film Finance)
Alix Madigan Broad Green Pictures (Head, Creative)
Marianna Palka Actress/Director ("I’m the Same,""Always Worthy," "Good Dick")
Bruna Papandrea Pacific Standard (Producer/Partner)
Keri Putnam Sundance Institute (Executive Director)
Dee Rees Director ("Bessie," “Empire”)
Laura Rister Untitled Entertainment (Head of Production)
Rena Ronson UTA (Partner)
Michelle Satter Sundance Institute (Director, Feature Film Program)
Cathy Schulman Stx Entertainment (President & Chief Content Officer)
Lauren Selig Shake and Bake Productions (Executive Producer)
Mary Jane Skalski Producer ("The Visitor," "Mysterious Skin," "The Station Agent")
Lara Thompson E1 Entertainment (Svp, Worldwide Acquisitions)
Christine Vachon Producer ("Goat," "Carol," "Boys Don’t Cry")
Ruth Vitale CreativeFuture (CEO)
Angie Wang Director ("Cardinal X")
Hanna Weg Producer ("Septembers of Shiraz")
Tanya Wexler Director ("Hysteria," "Finding North," "Ball in the House")
Joanne Wiles ICM (Partner/Agent, Motion Picture Talent)
Pam Williams Pam Williams Productions ("Lee Daniels’ The Butler," "Fail Safe")
Lisa Wilson The Solution Entertainment (Co-Founder/Partner)
So Yong Kim Director ("Love Song," "For Ellen," "In Between Days")...
The Horizon Award ceremony and reception will take place on Sunday, January 24th, 2016 at 6:30 pm at the WireImage Portrait Studio at Village at the Lift (825 Main Street, Park City), co-hosted by Jeff Vespa.
The Horizon Award is an annual award that seeks to identify and mentor talented, up-and-coming female directors – the primary goal being to support women directors early enough in their development to help them overcome the hurdles in advancing their learning curve and careers.
In addition to the Horizon Award, the four winners will receive grants from the Adrienne Shelly Foundation. The Foundation supports the artistic achievements of female filmmakers through a series of grants that reflect Adrienne Shelly’s dedication to the art of filmmaking and her own successful transition from actress to filmmaker.
This year’s winners are:
Horizon Award First Place
Juliette Gosselin (University of Quebec in Montreal) & Florence Pelletier (Concordia University, Montreal)
Co-directors of "Mes Anges à Tête Noire"
Horizon Award Runners-Up
Macarena (Macqui) Gaona (New York University) Director of "Channel 999 and Channel 1000"
Shanice Malakai Johnson (Scottsdale Community College) Director of "End to the Suffering"
On making the announcement, Cassian Elwes said: “I’m so excited to announce the winners of the second annual Horizon Award. This year’s overwhelming number of submissions and caliber of work made it very hard indeed to pick just one winner – the jury identified one grand prize winner, and two runners-up. Additionally, we have added new partners to our already formidable team – proving that not only is the move towards gender equality in the zeitgeist, but that there are very real advocates amongst our peers. After the recent summit for systemic change (hosted by Sundance and Women in Film), I am more convinced than ever that we can make a difference and that history is on our side. I remain steadfastly committed to the idea that, one day soon, women will have exactly the same opportunities as men to direct movies.”
Franklin Leonard, Founder and CEO of The Black List and one of the award’s original advocates added: “We are passionate supporters of this award that recognizes fresh voices and perspectives in storytelling. This effort mirrors our own effort – the Black List's 500 Feminist Films project, created by our Director of Community, Kate Hagen. We look forward to mentoring the winners in the year to come.”
The jury was comprised of 38 influential directors, producers, and executives from the filmmaking community who viewed 483 short film submissions from over 200 colleges and universities world-wide, including the U.S., Canada, England, Australia, India, China, South Africa, Scotland, France, Mexico, Portugal, Columbia, Brazil, Russia, Serbia, the Ukraine, and more. This year, submissions increased by over one hundred from last year, with additional countries and universities participating. Submissions were received from Nyu, USC, UCLA, Chapman, Emerson, Penn State, Loyola Marymount, University of Wisconsin, University of Washington, Syracuse, Tcu, Ryerson (Toronto), Oxford, University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, University of Delhi, and more.
Now in its second year, the Horizon Award provides an all-expense-paid trip for the winning female college students to the Sundance Film Festival, where they will have the opportunity to present their films to some of the industry’s most influential names. The winners receive mentorship, festival access, and important introductions by Elwes, Howell, and Vachon to agents, producers, executives, festival staff, and other influencers throughout the Sundance Film Festival.
The Horizon Award was founded by producer, Cassian Elwes ("Margin Call," "All is Lost," "Dallas Buyers Club"), and Michelle Satter, Founding Director, Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program, in response to a Sundance Institute and Women In Film Los Angeles study that revealed that only 4.2% of the top 100 films each year from 2002-2013 were directed by women. Elwes partnered with Howell ("Captain Fantastic," "Mississippi Grind," "Big Eyes," "The Place Beyond the Pines:), and Vachon ( "Goat," "Carol," "Boys Don’t Cry," "One Hour Photo," "Far From Heaven"), to create the award as an opportunity for young female directors to have mentorship and networking opportunities in conjunction with Sundance, the home of American Independent film.
You can see links for more info on the study:
Phase I and II
Phase III
Sponsors and Partners for the 2016 Horizon Award are: The Black List, CreativeFuture, The Creative Mind Group, Done To Your Taste Catering, FilmLA, Indiegogo, Mprm Communications, the Adrienne Shelly Foundation, Sundance Institute, Twitter, Verge, Vimeo, WireImage, Adina Design, and Women in Film. This impressive group has come together to support an award that they hope will continue to identify, nurture, and launch the careers of future female directors for years to come.
Full List of Jurors:
Stephanie Allain Producer ("Dear White People," "Hustle & Flow")
Dori Begley Magnolia Pictures (Svp, Acquisitions)
Amy Berg Director ("Janis: Little Girl Blue," "Deliver Us From Evil," "Prophet’s Prey")
Arianna Bocco IFC Films (Svp, Acquisitions & Co-Productions)
Robbie Brenner The Firm (Partner, President of Film)
Susan Carter Hall Painter
Amal ElWardi Zeal Media Company (Producer)
Cassian Elwes Producer ("Margin Call," "All is Lost," "Dallas Buyers Club")
Janet Grillo Director ("Jack of the Red Hearts," "Fly Away")
Poppy Hanks Macro Venture (Svp, Development & Production)
Catherine Hardwicke Director ("Miss You Already," "Red Riding Hood," "Twilight")
Lynette Howell Taylor Producer ("Captain Fantastic," "Mississippi Grind," "Big Eyes")
Liza Johnson Director ("Elvis & Nixon," "Return," "Hateship Loveship," "In the Air")
Eda Kowan Lionsgate (Svp, Acquisitions & Co-Productions)
Gina Kwon Amazon Studios (Executive, Comedy)
Helen Lee-Kim Good Universe (Partner, Head of International)
Laura Lewis CAA (Agent, Film Finance)
Alix Madigan Broad Green Pictures (Head, Creative)
Marianna Palka Actress/Director ("I’m the Same,""Always Worthy," "Good Dick")
Bruna Papandrea Pacific Standard (Producer/Partner)
Keri Putnam Sundance Institute (Executive Director)
Dee Rees Director ("Bessie," “Empire”)
Laura Rister Untitled Entertainment (Head of Production)
Rena Ronson UTA (Partner)
Michelle Satter Sundance Institute (Director, Feature Film Program)
Cathy Schulman Stx Entertainment (President & Chief Content Officer)
Lauren Selig Shake and Bake Productions (Executive Producer)
Mary Jane Skalski Producer ("The Visitor," "Mysterious Skin," "The Station Agent")
Lara Thompson E1 Entertainment (Svp, Worldwide Acquisitions)
Christine Vachon Producer ("Goat," "Carol," "Boys Don’t Cry")
Ruth Vitale CreativeFuture (CEO)
Angie Wang Director ("Cardinal X")
Hanna Weg Producer ("Septembers of Shiraz")
Tanya Wexler Director ("Hysteria," "Finding North," "Ball in the House")
Joanne Wiles ICM (Partner/Agent, Motion Picture Talent)
Pam Williams Pam Williams Productions ("Lee Daniels’ The Butler," "Fail Safe")
Lisa Wilson The Solution Entertainment (Co-Founder/Partner)
So Yong Kim Director ("Love Song," "For Ellen," "In Between Days")...
- 1/22/2016
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
One of the most exciting recent developments in entertainment has been the rise of the YouTube Star – emerging artists who are creating their own content, determining how and when it is distributed to their audience, and being compensated for their work.
That makes YouTube stars great messengers to encourage youth to use their creative talents, get them thinking about the relationship between creative ownership and their own careers, and communicate that a career in the creative industries is a viable option.
Recently, CreativeFuture launched the Contribute to Creativity VidCon Video Contest. Working with Maker Studios, they are giving aspiring artists the opportunity to submit short videos to win a trip to VidCon. Top YouTube stars the Fung Bros, Michael Gallagher, Steve-o & Sam Macaroni, and Taryn Southern have partnered with them calling for entries in their own unique voices and videos.
CreativeFuture’s basic tenet is that creativity has value and that the next generation of artists should have the chance to showcase their talent and be compensated for their work.
The judges panel is formed by creative industry veterans and rising stars, including Ruth Vitale (CreativeFuture’s CEO), Tobin Armbrust ("Begin Again," "Rush," "The Way Back"); Alec Berg ("Seinfeld," "Curb Your Enthusiam," "Silicon Valley");Marty Bowen ("Twilight" Saga, "The Fault in Our Stars," "Maze Runner"); Arturo Castro ("Broad City"); Wyck Godfrey ("Twilight" Saga, "The Fault in Our Stars," "Maze Runner");Kasi Lemmons ("Silence of the Lambs," "Candyman," "Eve’s Bayou"); Franklin Leonard ("The Black List");Rena Ronson (United Talent Agency); Kurt Sutter ("Sons of Anarchy," "Bastard Executioner"); and Ryan Turek (Blumhouse Productions).
The contest runs from June 8 to June 23. The Grand Prize Winner will receive a $1000 cash prize and an all-expense paid trip with a guest to attend VidCon 2015 in Anaheim, California, in July.
That makes YouTube stars great messengers to encourage youth to use their creative talents, get them thinking about the relationship between creative ownership and their own careers, and communicate that a career in the creative industries is a viable option.
Recently, CreativeFuture launched the Contribute to Creativity VidCon Video Contest. Working with Maker Studios, they are giving aspiring artists the opportunity to submit short videos to win a trip to VidCon. Top YouTube stars the Fung Bros, Michael Gallagher, Steve-o & Sam Macaroni, and Taryn Southern have partnered with them calling for entries in their own unique voices and videos.
CreativeFuture’s basic tenet is that creativity has value and that the next generation of artists should have the chance to showcase their talent and be compensated for their work.
The judges panel is formed by creative industry veterans and rising stars, including Ruth Vitale (CreativeFuture’s CEO), Tobin Armbrust ("Begin Again," "Rush," "The Way Back"); Alec Berg ("Seinfeld," "Curb Your Enthusiam," "Silicon Valley");Marty Bowen ("Twilight" Saga, "The Fault in Our Stars," "Maze Runner"); Arturo Castro ("Broad City"); Wyck Godfrey ("Twilight" Saga, "The Fault in Our Stars," "Maze Runner");Kasi Lemmons ("Silence of the Lambs," "Candyman," "Eve’s Bayou"); Franklin Leonard ("The Black List");Rena Ronson (United Talent Agency); Kurt Sutter ("Sons of Anarchy," "Bastard Executioner"); and Ryan Turek (Blumhouse Productions).
The contest runs from June 8 to June 23. The Grand Prize Winner will receive a $1000 cash prize and an all-expense paid trip with a guest to attend VidCon 2015 in Anaheim, California, in July.
- 6/10/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Winston Baker, a leading global producer of entertainment finance conferences, successfully hosted their second annual “Women of Entertainment Finance” brunch at the InterContinental Carlton Hotel on May 15 to coincide with the 68th Cannes Film Festival.
Winston Baker founders Katherine Winston and Amy Baker developed the groundbreaking brunch to recognize the women who have been at the forefront of the entertainment industry, creating, financing, producing, distributing, and facilitating content for film, television, and digital platforms.
In celebration of the special event, Winston Baker presented the inaugural Pioneer of the Year Award to Claudia Bluemhuber, a long time speaker and supporter of the Film Finance Forum ® Series. As she presented the award, Amy Baker explained, “We honor Claudia for her work as a producer who is paving the way for female talent and for her innovative work as a film financier.”
Claudia is the CEO and a Managing Partner of Silver Reel Partners. Under her leadership, the company has financed and executive produced 24 feature films, including "Under the Skin," "The Railway Man," " A Hologram for the King," "Solace," "Fallen," and "Unlocked."
Claudia humbly accepted the honor and acknowledged the importance of Winston Baker’s event in promoting women’s contributions to the entertainment business and forging the path towards gender equality in the industry.
Winston Baker has presented a number of top female executives at various forums around the world including Christine Vachon, a producer of "Still Alice"; Lone Scherfig, the director of "An Education;" Nansun Shi, a leading producer and distributor from China; Rena Ronson, a top agent at UTA; Celine Rattray, a producer of "The Kids Are Alright;" Bonnie Voland, the head of marketing at Im Global; Jill Gwen Braginets, the head of finance and operations at Fox Searchlight Pictures; and Donna Smith, the first woman ever to serve as head of physical production for a major movie studio...
Winston Baker founders Katherine Winston and Amy Baker developed the groundbreaking brunch to recognize the women who have been at the forefront of the entertainment industry, creating, financing, producing, distributing, and facilitating content for film, television, and digital platforms.
In celebration of the special event, Winston Baker presented the inaugural Pioneer of the Year Award to Claudia Bluemhuber, a long time speaker and supporter of the Film Finance Forum ® Series. As she presented the award, Amy Baker explained, “We honor Claudia for her work as a producer who is paving the way for female talent and for her innovative work as a film financier.”
Claudia is the CEO and a Managing Partner of Silver Reel Partners. Under her leadership, the company has financed and executive produced 24 feature films, including "Under the Skin," "The Railway Man," " A Hologram for the King," "Solace," "Fallen," and "Unlocked."
Claudia humbly accepted the honor and acknowledged the importance of Winston Baker’s event in promoting women’s contributions to the entertainment business and forging the path towards gender equality in the industry.
Winston Baker has presented a number of top female executives at various forums around the world including Christine Vachon, a producer of "Still Alice"; Lone Scherfig, the director of "An Education;" Nansun Shi, a leading producer and distributor from China; Rena Ronson, a top agent at UTA; Celine Rattray, a producer of "The Kids Are Alright;" Bonnie Voland, the head of marketing at Im Global; Jill Gwen Braginets, the head of finance and operations at Fox Searchlight Pictures; and Donna Smith, the first woman ever to serve as head of physical production for a major movie studio...
- 5/22/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
The American Pavilion has an amazing line up of panels this year at Cannes in the Roger Ebert Concert Center. Seating for all panels is first come, first served for Standard Members. Reserved seating is available for Red Carpet members which will be held until 10 minutes prior to start time, at which point they will be released.
Please arrive early!
Here is a detailed look at the events taking place ar the Pavilion starting Friday May 15.
Friday May 15
10:00–2:00 Pm
Industry in Focus:
How Advanced Imaging Techniques Should Impact the 3D Movie Experience
Workshop and reception sponsored by 3D Stereo Media, with participation of the Advanced Imaging Society, and the support of UP3D and Xpand 3D.
Walk-ins accepted if seats are available.
2:00 Pm
Industry in Focus:
The Casting Process
How can producers and directors collaborate with casting directors to secure the best possible cast?
-Nancy Bishop, "Snowpiercer," "Mission Impossible IV"
-Luci Lenox: "Traces of Sandalwood," "Vicky Christina Barcelona"
-Susan Shopmaker: Shortbus, "Martha Marcy May Marlene"
-Matthew Lessall: "Chronic"
Moderated by Keith Simanton, Senior Film Editor, IMDb/IMDb Pro
Saturday, May 16
2:00 Pm
Industry in Focus:
State of the Industry
-Rena Ronson, UTA
-John Sloss, Cinetic Media
-Linda Lichter, Attorney
-Jean Prewitt, Independent Film & Television Alliance (Ifta)
-Tom Quinn, RADiUS-twc
Moderated by Matt Belloni, The Hollywood Reporter
3:00–4:00 Pm
TimeTalks:
Sony Pictures Classic's Tom Bernard & Michael Barker
The New York Times presents the co-presidents and co-founders of Sony Pictures Classics, Tom Bernard and Michael Barker in conversation with Times contributor Logan Hill. They will discuss Woody Allen’s new film “Irrational Man,” which screened at the festival, the importance of film festivals like Cannes and the state of the movie industry, on screen and behind the scene
Sunday, May 17
12:00 Pm
TimeTalks:
Salma Hayek
The New York Times presents Oscar-nominated actress-producer Salma Hayek - "Tale of Tales," "Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet" - in conversation with Times contributor Logan Hill.
1:00 Pm
Industry in Focus:
American Producers at Cannes
Ram Bergman," A Tale of Love and Darkness," upcoming "Star Wars: Episode VIII" and IX, "Looper"
Justin Chan and Wilson Smith, "Krisha"
Carly Hugo, "Share," "Bachelorette"
Ryan Zacarias, "Mediterranea"
Moderated by Eric Kohn, Indiewire
3:00 Pm
Industry in Focus:
What Does Empathy Looks Like on the Big Screen?
If, as Roger Ebert has said, movies are a giant machine that generates empathy, what does it look like on the big screen and how do you encourage it in emerging writers and filmmakers? What implications would this have for the filmmaking industry amid a sea change in production deals and distribution? How does it affect the critical writing about films? What influences will it have for society as a whole? And is it tilting at windmills or who has done it successfully?
Chaz Ebert from The Roger Ebert Center and RogerEbert.com joins Jeff Skoll of Participant Media, a leader in telling important stories that matter; Ann Thompson of Indiewire, Thompson on Hollywood; John Sloss of Cinetic Media and Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director of the Toronto International Film Festival in a discussion moderated by Nate Kohn, Vice President of the Peabody Awards, and Festival Director of Ebertfest.
-Chaz Ebert (The Roger Ebert Center)
-John Sloss (Cinetic Media)
- Cameron Bailey (Artistic Director, The Toronto International Film Festival)
-Anne Thompson (Indiewire)
Moderated by: Nate Kohn, Vice President, The Peabody Awards
4:30–6:30 Pm
Emerging Filmmaker Showcase/ Lgbtq Showcase
Presented by American Express
10:00 Pm
Queer Night
With guest DJ John Cameron Mitchell
Monday, May 18
10:00–12:30 Pm
Student Filmmaker Showcase
Presented by American Express
1:00–3:00 Pm
Emerging Filmmaker Showcase
Presented by American Express
Tuesday, May 19
10:00–11:00 Am
TimeTalks:
Disney• Pixar’s "Inside Out"
New York Times contributor Logan Hill interviews director Pete Docter, producer Jonas Rivera, and actors Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling, Lewis Black and Phyllis Smith, who provide the voices of Joy, Disgust, Anger and Sadness in this original new movie.
11:00 Am
Industry in Focus:
Film Acquisitions
-Jeremy Boxer, Head of acquisitions at Vimeo On Demand
-Ben Browning, Co-President of Production and Acquisitions, FilmNation Entertainment
-Matt Brodlie, Evp Acquisitions, Relativity
-Bill Bromiley, Saban Films
Moderated by Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter
1:00 Pm
Industry in Focus:
American Directors at Cannes
Pippa Bianco, "Share" - Cinéfondation Competition
Jeremy Saulnier, "Green Room" - Directors’ Fortnight
Trey Edward Shults, "Krisha" - Critics’ Week
Moderated by Aaron Hillis
4:00 Pm
TimeTalks:
John C. Reilly
The New York Times presents one of the most versatile actors in movies today - John C. Reilly, who appears in three films at the festival - "The Lobster," "Tale of Tales" and "Les Cowboys."
Wednesday, May 20
10:00 Am
Oculus Story Studio
Virtual Reality Filmmaking
-With filmmakers like Spike Jonze, Robert Stromberg and Guillermo Del Toro embracing virtual reality as a filmmaking medium, meet the founding team of Oculus’ own film studio - ‘Oculus Story Studio’. Having premiered their first Vr movie at Sundance 2015 they are at Cannes to talk about learnings on Vr storytelling.
-Saschka Unseld, Creative Director Oculus Story Studio (Director Pixar’s Blue Umbrella)
-Max Planck, Cto, Oculus Story Studio
-Edward Saatchi, Executive Producer, Oculus Story Studio
1:00 Pm
Industry in Focus:
Genre Film
Jeremy Saulnier, Director, Green Room
Mette Marie Katz, Xyz Films
Tom Quinn, RADiUS-twc
Jenny Jacobi, Drafthouse Media
Moderated by Jarod Neece, SXSW
2:00 Pm
Film Panel:
"Krisha"
Hear from the "Krisha" filmmakers that won the 2015 SXSW Jury Award and playing in Critics Week. Director Trey Edward Shults, Krisha Fairchild and other key cast and crew
Moderated by Claudette Godfrey, SXSW
Thursday, May 21
2:00 Pm
Indiewire's Screen Talk Podcast Live from Cannes with Eric Kohn and Anne Thompson
4:30 Pm
Film Panel:
"Dope"
A 2015 Sundance favorite, and playing in Cannes Directors’ Fortnight. Director Rick Famuyiwa, producer Nina Yang Bongiovi and key cast Zoe Kravitz, Chanel Iman, Toni Revolori, Quincy Brown, Kiersey Clemens, Shameik Moore , A$AP Rocky
Moderated by Jada Yuan, New York Magazine
8:00 Pm
Karaoke Night...
Please arrive early!
Here is a detailed look at the events taking place ar the Pavilion starting Friday May 15.
Friday May 15
10:00–2:00 Pm
Industry in Focus:
How Advanced Imaging Techniques Should Impact the 3D Movie Experience
Workshop and reception sponsored by 3D Stereo Media, with participation of the Advanced Imaging Society, and the support of UP3D and Xpand 3D.
Walk-ins accepted if seats are available.
2:00 Pm
Industry in Focus:
The Casting Process
How can producers and directors collaborate with casting directors to secure the best possible cast?
-Nancy Bishop, "Snowpiercer," "Mission Impossible IV"
-Luci Lenox: "Traces of Sandalwood," "Vicky Christina Barcelona"
-Susan Shopmaker: Shortbus, "Martha Marcy May Marlene"
-Matthew Lessall: "Chronic"
Moderated by Keith Simanton, Senior Film Editor, IMDb/IMDb Pro
Saturday, May 16
2:00 Pm
Industry in Focus:
State of the Industry
-Rena Ronson, UTA
-John Sloss, Cinetic Media
-Linda Lichter, Attorney
-Jean Prewitt, Independent Film & Television Alliance (Ifta)
-Tom Quinn, RADiUS-twc
Moderated by Matt Belloni, The Hollywood Reporter
3:00–4:00 Pm
TimeTalks:
Sony Pictures Classic's Tom Bernard & Michael Barker
The New York Times presents the co-presidents and co-founders of Sony Pictures Classics, Tom Bernard and Michael Barker in conversation with Times contributor Logan Hill. They will discuss Woody Allen’s new film “Irrational Man,” which screened at the festival, the importance of film festivals like Cannes and the state of the movie industry, on screen and behind the scene
Sunday, May 17
12:00 Pm
TimeTalks:
Salma Hayek
The New York Times presents Oscar-nominated actress-producer Salma Hayek - "Tale of Tales," "Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet" - in conversation with Times contributor Logan Hill.
1:00 Pm
Industry in Focus:
American Producers at Cannes
Ram Bergman," A Tale of Love and Darkness," upcoming "Star Wars: Episode VIII" and IX, "Looper"
Justin Chan and Wilson Smith, "Krisha"
Carly Hugo, "Share," "Bachelorette"
Ryan Zacarias, "Mediterranea"
Moderated by Eric Kohn, Indiewire
3:00 Pm
Industry in Focus:
What Does Empathy Looks Like on the Big Screen?
If, as Roger Ebert has said, movies are a giant machine that generates empathy, what does it look like on the big screen and how do you encourage it in emerging writers and filmmakers? What implications would this have for the filmmaking industry amid a sea change in production deals and distribution? How does it affect the critical writing about films? What influences will it have for society as a whole? And is it tilting at windmills or who has done it successfully?
Chaz Ebert from The Roger Ebert Center and RogerEbert.com joins Jeff Skoll of Participant Media, a leader in telling important stories that matter; Ann Thompson of Indiewire, Thompson on Hollywood; John Sloss of Cinetic Media and Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director of the Toronto International Film Festival in a discussion moderated by Nate Kohn, Vice President of the Peabody Awards, and Festival Director of Ebertfest.
-Chaz Ebert (The Roger Ebert Center)
-John Sloss (Cinetic Media)
- Cameron Bailey (Artistic Director, The Toronto International Film Festival)
-Anne Thompson (Indiewire)
Moderated by: Nate Kohn, Vice President, The Peabody Awards
4:30–6:30 Pm
Emerging Filmmaker Showcase/ Lgbtq Showcase
Presented by American Express
10:00 Pm
Queer Night
With guest DJ John Cameron Mitchell
Monday, May 18
10:00–12:30 Pm
Student Filmmaker Showcase
Presented by American Express
1:00–3:00 Pm
Emerging Filmmaker Showcase
Presented by American Express
Tuesday, May 19
10:00–11:00 Am
TimeTalks:
Disney• Pixar’s "Inside Out"
New York Times contributor Logan Hill interviews director Pete Docter, producer Jonas Rivera, and actors Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling, Lewis Black and Phyllis Smith, who provide the voices of Joy, Disgust, Anger and Sadness in this original new movie.
11:00 Am
Industry in Focus:
Film Acquisitions
-Jeremy Boxer, Head of acquisitions at Vimeo On Demand
-Ben Browning, Co-President of Production and Acquisitions, FilmNation Entertainment
-Matt Brodlie, Evp Acquisitions, Relativity
-Bill Bromiley, Saban Films
Moderated by Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter
1:00 Pm
Industry in Focus:
American Directors at Cannes
Pippa Bianco, "Share" - Cinéfondation Competition
Jeremy Saulnier, "Green Room" - Directors’ Fortnight
Trey Edward Shults, "Krisha" - Critics’ Week
Moderated by Aaron Hillis
4:00 Pm
TimeTalks:
John C. Reilly
The New York Times presents one of the most versatile actors in movies today - John C. Reilly, who appears in three films at the festival - "The Lobster," "Tale of Tales" and "Les Cowboys."
Wednesday, May 20
10:00 Am
Oculus Story Studio
Virtual Reality Filmmaking
-With filmmakers like Spike Jonze, Robert Stromberg and Guillermo Del Toro embracing virtual reality as a filmmaking medium, meet the founding team of Oculus’ own film studio - ‘Oculus Story Studio’. Having premiered their first Vr movie at Sundance 2015 they are at Cannes to talk about learnings on Vr storytelling.
-Saschka Unseld, Creative Director Oculus Story Studio (Director Pixar’s Blue Umbrella)
-Max Planck, Cto, Oculus Story Studio
-Edward Saatchi, Executive Producer, Oculus Story Studio
1:00 Pm
Industry in Focus:
Genre Film
Jeremy Saulnier, Director, Green Room
Mette Marie Katz, Xyz Films
Tom Quinn, RADiUS-twc
Jenny Jacobi, Drafthouse Media
Moderated by Jarod Neece, SXSW
2:00 Pm
Film Panel:
"Krisha"
Hear from the "Krisha" filmmakers that won the 2015 SXSW Jury Award and playing in Critics Week. Director Trey Edward Shults, Krisha Fairchild and other key cast and crew
Moderated by Claudette Godfrey, SXSW
Thursday, May 21
2:00 Pm
Indiewire's Screen Talk Podcast Live from Cannes with Eric Kohn and Anne Thompson
4:30 Pm
Film Panel:
"Dope"
A 2015 Sundance favorite, and playing in Cannes Directors’ Fortnight. Director Rick Famuyiwa, producer Nina Yang Bongiovi and key cast Zoe Kravitz, Chanel Iman, Toni Revolori, Quincy Brown, Kiersey Clemens, Shameik Moore , A$AP Rocky
Moderated by Jada Yuan, New York Magazine
8:00 Pm
Karaoke Night...
- 5/13/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
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