News





Sundance Artist Services program aligns with six new organizations

Jan 18, 2013

Keri Putnam, executive director of Sundance Institute, announced that the Institute’s Artist Services program—which provides Institute artists with exclusive opportunities for creative self-distribution, marketing and financing solutions for their work—has expanded to include selected films supported by one foundation and five nonprofit organizations. Additionally, these organizations will join with Sundance Institute in continuing to shape the program and the services it offers.



The Bertha Foundation, BRITDOC, Cinereach, Film Independent, the Independent Filmmaker Project and the San Francisco Film Society will each select films that they have supported to receive access to digital distribution arrangements that have been negotiated by Sundance Institute Artist Services. These services are targeted for filmmakers who intend to pursue an independent release plan. In support of these filmmakers, the Institute will curate submitted films and work closely with each organization, the filmmakers, and exclusive aggregation partner Cinedigm–New Video to develop independent distribution strategies. Furthermore, each organization will work with the Institute to expand educational opportunities to their alumni building on the model of the Artist Services Workshop that takes place each year during the Sundance Film Festival.



“Now more than ever, filmmakers need to be creative and entrepreneurial in order to get their stories to audiences. Sundance Institute embraces cross-organizational collaboration in an effort to increase the collective impact on the field. It is in this spirit that we welcome the input of our colleagues to further help us shape the Artist Services program,” said Putnam. “Our hope is that it contributes to the long-term sustainability of independent film careers and a greater diversity of films reaching audiences each year.”

With the addition of new partners Tugg, Reelhouse, VHX and Vimeo, Sundance Institute is expanding its suite of digital platforms and tools offered by Artist Services. Current partners include ten digital retailers as well as Kickstarter, GoWatchIt and Topspin Media. Tugg is a web platform that allows filmmakers and fans to create screening events at their local theatre. Direct-to-fan platforms Reelhouse, VHX and Vimeo, like longtime Artist Services collaborator Topspin Media, will work with Sundance Institute and its interested supported filmmakers to develop opportunities to sell their films and merchandise directly to end users. All four new partners will participate in the annual Artist Services Workshop on Jan. 21 at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.

Since the Artist Services program launched in January 2011, more than $3.2 million has been raised for nearly 100 Institute artists’ projects via Kickstarter and more than 40 films are now accessible by the public on a variety of platforms and storefronts.


Sundance Artist Services program aligns with six new organizations

Jan 18, 2013

Keri Putnam, executive director of Sundance Institute, announced that the Institute’s Artist Services program—which provides Institute artists with exclusive opportunities for creative self-distribution, marketing and financing solutions for their work—has expanded to include selected films supported by one foundation and five nonprofit organizations. Additionally, these organizations will join with Sundance Institute in continuing to shape the program and the services it offers.



The Bertha Foundation, BRITDOC, Cinereach, Film Independent, the Independent Filmmaker Project and the San Francisco Film Society will each select films that they have supported to receive access to digital distribution arrangements that have been negotiated by Sundance Institute Artist Services. These services are targeted for filmmakers who intend to pursue an independent release plan. In support of these filmmakers, the Institute will curate submitted films and work closely with each organization, the filmmakers, and exclusive aggregation partner Cinedigm–New Video to develop independent distribution strategies. Furthermore, each organization will work with the Institute to expand educational opportunities to their alumni building on the model of the Artist Services Workshop that takes place each year during the Sundance Film Festival.



“Now more than ever, filmmakers need to be creative and entrepreneurial in order to get their stories to audiences. Sundance Institute embraces cross-organizational collaboration in an effort to increase the collective impact on the field. It is in this spirit that we welcome the input of our colleagues to further help us shape the Artist Services program,” said Putnam. “Our hope is that it contributes to the long-term sustainability of independent film careers and a greater diversity of films reaching audiences each year.”

With the addition of new partners Tugg, Reelhouse, VHX and Vimeo, Sundance Institute is expanding its suite of digital platforms and tools offered by Artist Services. Current partners include ten digital retailers as well as Kickstarter, GoWatchIt and Topspin Media. Tugg is a web platform that allows filmmakers and fans to create screening events at their local theatre. Direct-to-fan platforms Reelhouse, VHX and Vimeo, like longtime Artist Services collaborator Topspin Media, will work with Sundance Institute and its interested supported filmmakers to develop opportunities to sell their films and merchandise directly to end users. All four new partners will participate in the annual Artist Services Workshop on Jan. 21 at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.

Since the Artist Services program launched in January 2011, more than $3.2 million has been raised for nearly 100 Institute artists’ projects via Kickstarter and more than 40 films are now accessible by the public on a variety of platforms and storefronts.

More Cinemas

Kerasotes ShowPlace debuts ICON-X large-format screen

Kerasotes ShowPlace Theatres’ ShowPlace ICON Theatres at Roosevelt Collection in Chicago’s South Loop now houses the circuit’s first premium large-format screen, the ICON•X Dolby Atmos Enhanced Xperience. More »

NCM announces new social-media initiatives at NYC upfront

NCM Media Networks held its second annual upfront presentation, “The Bigger Picture,” at New York City’s AMC Loews Lincoln Square movie theatre on May 15.
 More »

Screenvision names four 'Emerging Filmmakers' for pre-show series

Screenvision named the first quartet of talent for their Emerging Filmmakers Series, announced in April at the cinema-advertising company’s first-ever Upfront. More »

Vue Entertainment to acquire Poland's Multikino circuit

U.K.-based Vue Entertainment is acquiring Multikino S.A., a leading Polish multiplex operator. More »

ADVERTISEMENT



REVIEWS

Star Trek Into Darkness
Film Review: Star Trek Into Darkness

The post-conversion 3D is disappointing, but the newest Star Trek adventure remains exciting summer entertainment with a most appealing ensemble cast. More »

The Great Gatsby
Film Review: The Great Gatsby

Jay-Z meets Jay G in this hyperventilated version of F. Scott’s eloquent novel about an enigmatic self-made millionaire—the film isn’t for purists, but Baz should generate a buzz with young audiences. More »

Player for the Film Journal International website.


ADVERTISEMENT



INDUSTRY GUIDES

» Blue Sheets
FJI's guide to upcoming movie releases, including films in production and development. Check back weekly for the latest additions.

» Distribution Guide
» Equipment Guide
» Exhibition Guide

ORDER A PRINT SUBSCRIPTION

Film Journal International

Subscribe to the monthly print edition of Film Journal International and get the full visual impact of this valuable resource for the cinema business.

» Click Here

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Learn how to promote your company at the Film Expo Group events: ShowEast, CineEurope, and CineAsia.

» Click Here