FilmChatter

Well, so much for Tribeca being a showcase for independent film! Tom Cruise is stepping off his spaceship long enough to pelt festival goers with his new film, "Mission: Impossible III." Cruise plans to crisscross Manhattan by motorcycle, speedboat, taxi, helicopter, sports car and subway before landing at showings of the movie in Tribeca, Harlem and, ultimately, the Ziegfeld Theatre for the film festival premiere. Obviously, Cruise is trying to keep a low profile! "Tom has always enjoyed finding new ways to connect with the fans and we're both excited to be sharing the movie with them on this incredible stage," Paula Wagner, Cruise's producing partner, said. Apparently, Ms. Wagner is also Tom's PR agent!

    Cruise to Appear at Tribeca Film Festival - Associated Press

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Posted by John at 11:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My favorite TV show about the movies is "Sunday Morning Shootout," with Mandalay head Peter Guber and Variety editor-in-chief Peter Bart. If you haven't seen it, it's on AMC Sunday mornings at 11 AM ET/10 AM CT. As the South By Southwest (SXSW for short) Film Festival opens this weekend, one of the featured panels had Peter Bart answering questions (sorry, folks, no Guber!). Cinematical has the details of what Peter Bart had to say about his maverick days working with Robert Evans, and what he thinks about today's independent movie scene.

    SXSW: Conversation with Peter Bart - Cinematical

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Posted by John at 04:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The three big winter film festivals, Sundance, Rotterdam and Berlin have left film buyers with little to buy. "In a word, disappointing," says Strand Releasing co-president Jon Gerrans. "If you look at the number of films that were bought by U.S. companies, it's not much." The purchases from these festivals usually set the calendar for next year's independent film releases. Without much to buy, there will be little to release. "It's very frustrating and I'm getting nervous for the films for 2007, which is what these three markets would be providing," Gerrans commented. Lack of quality is one reason sited. Another is that some films are just too controversial for U.S. release, like Michael Winterbottom's docu-fiction hybrid "The Road to Guantanamo." Buyers are now left waiting for Cannes, with the hope that France's big fest will bear big fruit.

    Winter Market Doldrums at Film Festivals - indieWIRE

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Posted by John at 09:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

"Grbavica," from Austria and Bosnia & Herzegovina, won Berlinale's top prize, the Golden Bear. The film tells the story of a mother and daughter set in post-war Sarajevo. Director Jasmila Zbanic commented, "I hope that this will change your view on Bosnia" and said about The Golden Bear, "I hope this bear will not be disappointed when he sees Bosnia." She also thanked the event's organizers for "being so liberal to invite such a small film, from a small country with a small budget."

    Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin - English Language Site

    'Grbavica' Wins Golden Bear At 2006 Berlinale - indieWIRE

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Posted by John at 03:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Berlinale is the only international film festival that presents an award for a gay-themed film. The Teddy Award will be presented for the 20th time on Friday. There are 30 films in competion this year, including "Fabulous!" a look at gay cinema throughout the years. This year has special significance for the Teddy Award, as "Brokeback Mountain" has raised the stakes in gay cinema by receiving a number of American Oscar Awards, and having a strong pedigree behind the camera in Ang Lee.

    Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin - English Language Site

    Honoring The Best of Queer Cinema - indieWIRE

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Posted by John at 09:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Robert Altman has back up. At 81, even a legendary maverick director needs an understudy. For his latest film, "A Prarie Home Companion," Altman had not just any backup right there on the set, he had Paul Thomas Anderson, the director of "Boogie Nights" and "Hard Eight." The film basically is a docu-dramedy that combines footage of the popular radio show's final performance with scripted behind-the-scenes action.

    Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin - English Language Site

    Altman's Latest, "Prairie" - indieWIRE

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Posted by John at 08:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's saying something when a film festival becomes too much for its founder. Well, Robert Redford is there. "I think the festival is close to being out of control," Redford tells Newsweek. Maybe Sundance has become too much of a good thing. Even though Sundance was re-focused as a showplace for smaller independent films from new filmmakers, the meat market aspect of Sundance hasn't been washed out of it yet. Maybe next year, Bob!

    Newsmakers: Robert Redford - Newsweek

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Posted by John at 12:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

When George Clooney speaks, everything stops, even at the busy Berlin Film Festival! The Big G himself made his appearance to promote the European premiere of his "Syriana." The controversial film has garnered Clooney one of his 3 Oscar Nominations this year. The thing is, George doesn't expect to win any of them. "There's been a lot of 'Brokeback Mountain' stuff," he explained.

But, even with George around, there was still a lot going on. One of the big focuses of this year's festival is the European Film Market, a chance to have Europe have some of the Tinsletown focus that America usually gets. Funded by the German Government, the market has a bigger spotlight on it now that the American Film Market has moved to the fall. New German Chancellor Angela Merkel was on hand for the event.

    Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin - English Language Site

    German Chancellor's Visit Shines Greater Spotlight on EFM - indieWIRE

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Posted by John at 12:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Berlin International Film Festival got off to a snowy start on Day 1. "There's no business like snow business," quipped Berlinale festival director Dieter Kosslick. Appropriately, the opening film of the festival was "Snow Cake," starring Alan Rickman and Sigourney Weaver. The festival is usually snow-free, but this year, there's been plenty of the white stuff!

Day 1 saw action on the sales circuit, with films being purchased for international and U.S. distribution. Among them were: Celluloid Dreams announcing its acquisition of international rights to "Quinceanera," which won both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival; Warner Independent Pictures acquired U.S. distribution for Chen Kaige's "The Promise," which is considered to be China's biggest budget film; and "Fabulous! The Story Of Queer Cinema," a new Independent Film Channel doc, was acquired by Fortissimo Films for worldwide rights, outside the U.S.

    Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin - English Language Site

    'Snow Business,' Sales and More at Berlinale 06 - indieWIRE

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Posted by John at 10:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

2006 Berlinale, the Berlin International Film Festival, starts today. 19 new films are competing for prizes at the festival. The 56th festival will present a total of 26 films in its competition section. Meanwhile, there are a number of higher-profile U.S. films that will be screening out of competition.

Anticipated international titles include works from such filmmakers as Robert Altman, Claude Chabrol, Sidney Lumet, Jafar Panahi, Pen-ek Ratanaruang, Oskar Roehler, and Michael Winterbottom. These films will debut in competition at the event.

The event started today with Marc Evans' film, "Snow Cake," starring Alan Rickman and Sigourney Weaver.

    Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin - English Language Site

    Altman, Chabrol, and More Square Off at '06 Berlinale - indieWIRE

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Posted by John at 06:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Robin Williams was late getting to Berlin. His Sundance-featured film, "The Night Listener" just barely made it to the Berlin International Film Festival. Just turned down 10 days ago, the film is now slated as a "Film Surprise" and will receive a showing on Sunday at 9:30 p.m. The film made its mark in part by being the first Sundance title to be picked up by the new Daniel Battsek-headed Miramax Films, which paid a reported $3 million for North American rights.

    'Night Listener' Late Entrée on Fest Roster - Variety

    Berlin International Film Festival - English Site

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Posted by John at 07:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Sundance post mortem has begun. After the adreneline has subsided, critics and observers are wondering whether this year's festival was worth the effort. Sales were low this year, and chief among the reasons sited are the low production values of this year's entries. The culprit: digital video and lack of craftsmanship. Variety's Todd McCarthy sites the amateurish nature of the 2006 films. They were "visually clueless," he said. "I don't know if working on video instead of 35mm film has anything to do with the lack of visual adventurousness on the part of the young filmmakers today."

Now, I can agree with that. I watched all 10 episodes of Sundance Channel's Festival Dailies, where clips of this year's films were shown. There were plenty of dark, muddy visuals, and plenty of odd-ball camera angles. When your production looks unprofessional, it makes it tough to be considered professional, and worth being bought. I'll give you my take on the problems with low-budget digital video features in my next article.

    Sundance: Why Weren't There More Sales? - BloggingSundance

    Festival Dailies - Sundance Channel

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Posted by John at 05:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

BloggingSundance has been conducting video interviews with Sundance filmmakers. They have 4 completed programs online. Featuring a wide array of filmmakers and films, they provide a great way to learn more about this year's festival.

    Cinematical At Sundance: Roundtable Four - BloggingSundance

    Cinematical @ Sundance: Roundtable Three - BloggingSundance

    Blogging Sundance: Roundtable Video 2 - BloggingSundance

    Sundance Video Roundup (so far) - BloggingSundance

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Posted by John at 09:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Parting is such sweet sorrow. Thank you all for tuning in to FilmBlab for this year's Sundance coverage. I hope to be there at Park City next year and report directly! Could be very interesting, don't you think?

I want to thank BloggingSundance and indieWIRE for all their great coverage. In that spirit, indieWIRE has compiled 75 articles on this year's festival. Wow, there's lots more to read about! It's weird, I looked through the documentary films in competition this year, and didn't even recognize a lot of them.

Blogging has really helped open up Sundance to those of us who haven't been able to attend (yet!). So, check out the articles available. Sundance is definitely the Number 1 place for independent film. What took place at this year's festival will set the stage for what independent films we'll all be seeing for the rest of 2006. Happy viewing, everyone! I'll continue to pass on post-festival coverage, and of course, provide you all with the latest goings on in the film biz!

    75 Articles About Sundance - indieWIRE

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Posted by John at 10:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"Half Nelson" and "TV Junkie" made deals as Sundance winds down. While many have gone home, some days before now, there were enough movers and shakers around to get deals signed.

    ThinkFilm acquired worldwide rights to "Half Nelson," directed by Ryan Fleck and starring Ryan Gosling and newcomer Shareeka Epps.

    Foreign Sales Rep Katapult has acquired the worldwide rights, excluding North America, for documentary "TV Junkie." Producer/co-director Michael Cain and editor/co-director Matt Radecki's representatives are in negotiations for the North American rights.

    "Half Nelson" Goes to ThinkFilm - indieWIRE

    Katapult Acquires Non-North American Rights to "TV Junkie" - indieWIRE

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Posted by John at 04:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Sundance 2006 Awards were announced this evening in Park City. Here are the recipients:

    Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic - "Quinceanera," written and directed by Wash Westmoreland and Richard Glatzer.

    Grand Jury Prize: Documentary - "God Grew Tired of Us," directed by Christopher Quinn.

    World Cinema Jury Prize: Dramatic - "13 Tzameti" (France), written and directed by Gela Babluani.

    World Cinema Jury Prize: Documentary - "In the Pit" (Mexico), written and directed by Juan Carlos Rulfo.

    Audience Award: Dramatic - "Quinceanera," written and directed by Wash Westmoreland and Richard Glatzer.

    Audience Award: Documentary - "God Grew Tired of Us," directed by Christopher Quinn.

    World Cinema Audience Award: Dramatic - "No. 2" (New Zealand), written and directed by Toa Fraser.

    World Cinema Audience Award - "De Nadie" (Mexico), directed by Tin Dirdamal.

    Dramatic Directing Award - Dito Montiel for "A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints."

    Documentary Directing Award - James Longley, director of "Iraq in Fragments."

    Sundance '06 Awards - indieWIRE

    Sundance 2006 Awards - Blogging Sundance

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Posted by John at 10:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

Here is the rundown of major Sundance deals, courtesy of the Sundance Channel Blog:

    "Little Miss Sunshine" sold for $10 million.

    "Right At Your Door," the dirty bomb thriller from first-time director Chris Gorak, sold for $2 million.

    "Wordplay," the documentary on New York Times crossword puzzles, sold for $1 million.

    "The Science of Sleep," directed by Michel Gondry and starring Gael Garcia Bernal, sold for $6 million.

    "Stay" (about an impulsive sexual encounter), "The Night Listener" (co-written by "Tales of the City" writer Armistead Maupin and Terry Anderson, and starring Robin Williams) and "The Darwin Awards" (starring Winona Ryder and the late Chris Penn) sold for undisclosed amounts.

    Films with deals being rumored are "Half Nelson" (starring Ryan Gosling), "The Hawk is Dying," and "Small Town Gay Bar."

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Posted by John at 03:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Available on the Sundance Website are the "Daily Insider" newsletters. There is one for each day, in Adobe Acrobat .pdf format. Each file is kinda large at 5 MB or so. Lots of good articles, with that quirky, off-beat Sundance Channel feel to it. You can also access the articles right there on the web page using the Menu Bar ("Intro," "Features," etc.) Happy reading, folks!

     Sundance Film Festival Daily Insider - Newsletters for Download

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Posted by John at 02:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Crossword puzzle doc "Wordplay," which was picked up by IFC Films, is now having its deal contested. Warner Independent and Sony Pictures Classics both have questions for attorney John Sloss, who negotiated the deal. Sony Classic's co-president Tom Bernard opined that the filmmakers weren't made aware of the other offers. He implied that "major lawsuits" could be the result if regulations aren't put in place for these types of negotiations.

     Sundance Reports: Controversy Over Wordplay Deal - BloggingSundance

     Crossword Gurus Highlighted in 'Wordplay' - Associated Press

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Posted by John at 02:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Kirby Dick's documentary This Film is Not Yet Rated puts the Motion Picture Association of America on trial. The film asks whether it has too much power, and whether it abuses that power. The doc has gotten buzz since the MPAA themselves supposedly made their own copy of the documentary, counter to director Kirby Dick's wishes. The film premieres tonight at 9:30 PM at the Eccles Theatre.

     Sundance Report: This Film is Not Yet Rated - Blogging Sundance

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Posted by John at 04:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sexy Scientologist Katie Holmes isn't going to show us her moves anytime soon. Her 12-second sex scene in the Sundance-featured movie "Thank You for Smoking" just plain disappeared. At its Sundance premiere, director Jason Reitman was "shocked" that it was gone from the print. His audience didn't take his reaction too well, responding with grumbling and a few boos.

So, what happened? Was it Tom who had it cut? Could it be aliens? Who knows for sure. Controversy at the Sundance Film Festival. You gotta love it!

     No "Smoking" Sex for Katie - E! Online News

     Thank You for Smoking - Sundance 06 Film Profile

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