Indie Film Biz Imploding??
2008-May-12 by Laughcalvin
Over the last 10 weeks, the independent film “industry” has been restructured before our eyes.
Bob Alexander takes a good hard look at the state of the biz.
1. ThinkFilm, in a financial crises having overpaid for films that it can’t make money on in distribution, sells its catalog to a Canadian investor/speculator. 2. New Line Cinema, respected for its having pioneered “edgy” films into the mass market, is closed by Warner Bros; 450 jobs in NY and LA lost. 3. Picturehouse, run by top indie film distributor Bob Berney, is closed by Warner and titles folded into the studio. 4. Warner Independent, the so-called “independent” arm of Warner managed by a former studio exec, Polly Cohen, is closed and folded into the studio. 5. Cablevision, owner of the IFC channel, successfully bids an estimated $500 million for the Sundance Channel, now controls all cable presentation of independent film. 6. Discovery Networks, after purchasing rights to and then declining to show “Taxi to the Dark Side“, Discovery is rumoured to be closing their independent film activity and may cut back on their support of Silver Docs
2008-May-13 - an eye opener, this independent film thing Posted by Anonymous
What is happening to independent films in this world?
Why are producers jumping ship?
It's very simple -- it's a business, film-making is not an art. Its a business.
Sorry, INDIES, I don't want to act like a party pooper.
We all have high interest and loan mortgages and investors to pay or payback.
If the INDEPENDENT movie flops in the theatres and then flops supremely on its DVD release.And not one is watching it.
I feel like pulling my hair out of my head,
Guys -- make movies that mave money.
Make movies for the masses.
Entertain the masses.
Don't bore me and forget about this independent old-school filmmaking thing.
Chow for now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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2008-May-13 - Right, right
Posted by LC
True, there is a lot of bad work out there and the studios-from majors to minors- need to to take a hard look at their business models. And on top of it, reality TV, the net, and video games continue to compete for the viewer's eyeballs.
Time for a shake-out, no?
LC
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2008-May-13 - Good Medicine taste bad
Posted by Anonymous
So true LC,
Hollywood is reality to some.
They will defend it with the American dollar stapled to their heart.
The definition of Hollywood will always remain the same.
Independent films need another avenue.
Chow for now.
