Major changes arrive to the Sundance Film Festival in 2009. Beginning in February when Festival Director, Geoffrey Gilmore, leaves Sundance after 19 years and moves over to Tribeca Enterprises and Film Festival. In March, John Cooper, the festival's former Director of Film Programming, takes Gilmore's place as Director. And finally, this month Trevor Groth steps into Cooper's vacant position.
Cooper, with 20 years experience at Sundance and previous experience as a playwright, is no amateur and will surely sail the Sundance ship like he's been captain all along. Known for his easy demeanor and championing of the underdog, he is sure to bring a slightly new flavor to the festival.
Groth, a Salt Lake City native, and a part of the festival for more than 16 years says it has been "an exhilirating journey." He began as a volunteer for the festival when he was in high school. Cooper sites Groth as having a taste for the "offbeat and experimental."
The changes in leadership will bring immediate though subtle changes to 2010's festival and beyond. Already there is talk of new film categories for next year's festival. Cooper's keen awareness of changing technologies in film and the challenges of independent filmmakers will also certainly come into play along with Groth's experiences working at CineVegas Film Festival.
In addition to all of the changes with the festival, the Sundance Institute lost its Executive Director, Ken Brecher, in April. Brecher also had been with Robert Redford's Sundance for 19 years and will stay on as a strategic advisor for the next two years. In the meantime, a search for his replacement is ongoing.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Next Wednesday
"The Times of Harvey Milk
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
7 p.m. Park City Library
1255 Park Ave.
Park City, UT
Shown at the 1985 Sundance Film Festival, and timelier than ever, The Times of Harvey Milk is a film about American values in conflict. Set in San Francisco in the 1970's, it tells of the extraordinary rise to power of Harvey Milk, a long-haired gay camera store owner from the Castro District who became one of the city's most colorful and influential elected officials and one of the decade's most prominent leaders of the lesbian and gay rights movement.
Director Robert Epstein will be in attendance and will participate in a Q&A following the screening. " - Sundance Institute
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
7 p.m. Park City Library
1255 Park Ave.
Park City, UT
Shown at the 1985 Sundance Film Festival, and timelier than ever, The Times of Harvey Milk is a film about American values in conflict. Set in San Francisco in the 1970's, it tells of the extraordinary rise to power of Harvey Milk, a long-haired gay camera store owner from the Castro District who became one of the city's most colorful and influential elected officials and one of the decade's most prominent leaders of the lesbian and gay rights movement.
Director Robert Epstein will be in attendance and will participate in a Q&A following the screening. " - Sundance Institute
Monday, May 25, 2009
Hollywood
Well folks, I'm back from hiatus. Part of my trip including five days in Los Angeles. I had a great time talking with people working in the heart of show business.
My friend Jennifer and I outside of the Kodak Theater where the Academy Awards are held each year. It is also the home of American Idol.
I also got to go see a couple movies at some historical theatres like Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the Cinerama Dome at Archlight Theatre. These are both venues for Hollywood premiers.
Grauman's was incredibly beautiful outside and in and features an Academy Award winning sound system that was fantastic.
Why don't they make theatres like this anymore?
Craftsmen from China were brought in to build this theatre. The detail work was stunning.
I wish I were born in the era where going to the movies was an event. I want to dress up to see a film sometime. I loved seeing movies in locations were the destination was part of the experience.
From the Hollywood display going on in the Los Angeles library.
P.S. - If you haven't seen Star Trek yet, please go see it on a big screen. You will not be disappointed.
My friend Jennifer and I outside of the Kodak Theater where the Academy Awards are held each year. It is also the home of American Idol.
I also got to go see a couple movies at some historical theatres like Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the Cinerama Dome at Archlight Theatre. These are both venues for Hollywood premiers.
Grauman's was incredibly beautiful outside and in and features an Academy Award winning sound system that was fantastic.
Why don't they make theatres like this anymore?
Craftsmen from China were brought in to build this theatre. The detail work was stunning.
I wish I were born in the era where going to the movies was an event. I want to dress up to see a film sometime. I loved seeing movies in locations were the destination was part of the experience.
From the Hollywood display going on in the Los Angeles library.
P.S. - If you haven't seen Star Trek yet, please go see it on a big screen. You will not be disappointed.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Utah Projects
Current Motion Picture Association of Utah Projects:
http://www.mpau.org/projects.htm
Film in Utah is alive and thriving:)
http://www.mpau.org/projects.htm
Film in Utah is alive and thriving:)
Friday, May 8, 2009
Meeting Up with Others in The Industry
We're compiling a list of Groups (online and offline) and Resources for the Film and Video Production Industries in Utah and could use your help!
Utah Actors - "A Site for Utah Actors and people in the movie industry" hosted on the ning.com platform and created by Jeff Johnson.
Salt Aire Films Meetup Group - "Our ultimate mission is to develop, produce, promote and reward films, media and entertainment that promotes integrity, creative drive, bridge to artistic networking, and help achieve the potential of the human spirits in the arts."
East Bay Studios Meetup Group - "East Bay Studios is Utah Valley's hub for the Film and Video Production Industries, Actors, Local Bands, Photographers, and Models."
Utah Filmmakers Meet and Greet Facebook Page - "Utah Filmmakers Meet and Greet is an event held once a month to help unite, connect, network, and encourage filmmakers/actors to stay informed about what's going on in our state in the film industry."
Utah Filmmakers and Actors Facebook Group - "A place for people in Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, or any place in Utah, who are interested in Film making, acting, directing, producing, or any other film production aspect, to gather and make connections."
Utah Screen Writers Association Facebook Group - "For professional and aspiring screenwriters looking for feedback, support, collaboration, material, ideas, directors, funding, etc."
Utah Video and Film Production Facebook Group - "A place for video and film professionals in Utah to network. Links to Photographers, Producers, Audio, Grip, Craft Service, etc. This group is for crew members or those seeking crew in Utah. Tell us all about your specialties!"
Utah Talent Facebook Group - "This is for those interested NETWORKING and COLLABORATING in Utah in the fields of acting, modeling, film-making, photography and the like!"
Utah Film Entertainment and Media Facebook Group - "All things film in Utah. Quite a bit of movement is being made on the political side of the Utah Film Industry, so this group will be a nice way to keep us all informed."
Utah Film Writers Facebook Group - "A place to bring scriptwriters together. Need people to bounce ideas off of? Having writers block? Want to do a read through? Want to get your script into production? Need a co-writer? Let's make it happen!"
Motion Picture Association of Utah
Utah Film Commission
Production Hub
Utah Actors - "A Site for Utah Actors and people in the movie industry" hosted on the ning.com platform and created by Jeff Johnson.
Salt Aire Films Meetup Group - "Our ultimate mission is to develop, produce, promote and reward films, media and entertainment that promotes integrity, creative drive, bridge to artistic networking, and help achieve the potential of the human spirits in the arts."
East Bay Studios Meetup Group - "East Bay Studios is Utah Valley's hub for the Film and Video Production Industries, Actors, Local Bands, Photographers, and Models."
Utah Filmmakers Meet and Greet Facebook Page - "Utah Filmmakers Meet and Greet is an event held once a month to help unite, connect, network, and encourage filmmakers/actors to stay informed about what's going on in our state in the film industry."
Utah Filmmakers and Actors Facebook Group - "A place for people in Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, or any place in Utah, who are interested in Film making, acting, directing, producing, or any other film production aspect, to gather and make connections."
Utah Screen Writers Association Facebook Group - "For professional and aspiring screenwriters looking for feedback, support, collaboration, material, ideas, directors, funding, etc."
Utah Video and Film Production Facebook Group - "A place for video and film professionals in Utah to network. Links to Photographers, Producers, Audio, Grip, Craft Service, etc. This group is for crew members or those seeking crew in Utah. Tell us all about your specialties!"
Utah Talent Facebook Group - "This is for those interested NETWORKING and COLLABORATING in Utah in the fields of acting, modeling, film-making, photography and the like!"
Utah Film Entertainment and Media Facebook Group - "All things film in Utah. Quite a bit of movement is being made on the political side of the Utah Film Industry, so this group will be a nice way to keep us all informed."
Utah Film Writers Facebook Group - "A place to bring scriptwriters together. Need people to bounce ideas off of? Having writers block? Want to do a read through? Want to get your script into production? Need a co-writer? Let's make it happen!"
Motion Picture Association of Utah
Utah Film Commission
Production Hub
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Rasing Kayn
Seasoned actress, Taunya Gren, is heading up a new internet series debuting late this summer. Inspired by Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog and it's unique comedy, style, and popularity, Gren has completed the scripts for 15 episodes of a new urban fantasy (think Buffy the Vampire Slayer) show. Gren is joined by cinematographer, George Koblasa (Harry & the Hendersons, Columbo), choreographer James Woodson, director Colton Tran, and her two daughters, Seanna and Kayla for a team bursting with so much talent they are certain to be successful.
Though a big fan of urban fantasy, Taunya felt that this genre could use an infusion of family values. Rasing Kayn, the series' working title, will be not only an action-packed comedy, but also a family-friendly show with a message of the strength found in loved ones. Using monsters and mad scientists as a metaphor for the real struggles in our lives, the series' website will also host two charities where viewers can help fight disease and kidnapping.
Currently casting quirky characters such as Andy the Werebunny and Wilbur the Ninja. Filming will take place in multiple locations across the state in June and July and the show should release online by early September. This is an exciting new venture for so many people in this industry in Utah and I, for one, can't wait to watch it all unfold.
Though a big fan of urban fantasy, Taunya felt that this genre could use an infusion of family values. Rasing Kayn, the series' working title, will be not only an action-packed comedy, but also a family-friendly show with a message of the strength found in loved ones. Using monsters and mad scientists as a metaphor for the real struggles in our lives, the series' website will also host two charities where viewers can help fight disease and kidnapping.
Currently casting quirky characters such as Andy the Werebunny and Wilbur the Ninja. Filming will take place in multiple locations across the state in June and July and the show should release online by early September. This is an exciting new venture for so many people in this industry in Utah and I, for one, can't wait to watch it all unfold.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Utah Filmmakers Meet and Greet - May 8th
Utah Filmmakers Meet and Greet is an event held once a month to help unite, connect, network, and to help encourage filmmakers/actors to stay informed about what going on in our state the film industry.
Next meet and greet is going to be Friday the 8th of May, 7 to 11pm, and all filmmakers and actors in Utah are invited! For younger talent you and your parents are invited! No age limit on this one. It will be at:
2065 W Parkway Blvd.
West Valley, Utah 84119
(Map Quest for directions)
They are offering one session of seminars on film making or acting classes free to attendees of the filmmakers event!!!! saltairefilms.com
$2 bucks to get in, Dress to impress (NOT formal gown or anything, at least not yet...just look your best!)
appetizers, music, etc...
Next meet and greet is going to be Friday the 8th of May, 7 to 11pm, and all filmmakers and actors in Utah are invited! For younger talent you and your parents are invited! No age limit on this one. It will be at:
West Valley, Utah 84119
(Map Quest for directions)
They are offering one session of seminars on film making or acting classes free to attendees of the filmmakers event!!!! saltairefilms.com
$2 bucks to get in, Dress to impress (NOT formal gown or anything, at least not yet...just look your best!)
appetizers, music, etc...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
