Film Independent Criticized for Non-Profit Spirit Awards Status

In a highly critical article questioning the categorization of the Spirit Awards as a charitable event, published on the front page of the Los Angeles Times on the morning of Film Independent's annual awards show, the paper reports that a nonprofit watchdog group gave FIND its lowest rating (a zero) because only slightly more than half of its budget goes to events benefitting members. After being contacted by The LA Times, the paper's Paul Pringle reports that FIND re-classified its $1.3 million Spirit Awards and $2 million Los Angeles Film Festival (according to 2005 numbers) as charitable services to boost the program-spending ratio to about 75% when ($1.5 million went to workshops and services in 2005, according to the LA Times which said that FIND had a $6.3 million budget in '05). The piece, which also notes budgets and ratios for other non-profits like Sundance Institute, American Cinematheque, and AFI, additional cited FIND head Dawn Hudson's salary as high, as well. "There's hardly anything we do that is not a service," Hudson told the LA Times; the paper also received statements from FIND lawyers and its board president Vondie Curtis Hall.

Barring unusual circumstances, a well-run charity spends at least two-thirds of its budget on programs, say Charity Navigator, the American Institute of Philanthropy and the Better Business Bureau. When program spending falls below 65% or so, the raters assign charities poor grades as a heads-up to donors. The IRS requires no set percentage for program spending, although if a charity's numbers remain low from year to year, it risks a government audit - and, in extreme cases, loss of its tax exemption.

"It doesn't look good," (Daniel) Borochoff, the American Institute of Philanthropy president, said of Film Independent's spending priorities" According to the Times article, "Film Independent says the reported decline in program spending actually reflected new accounting methods, not service cuts." 
[permalink]   [ filed under Awards Watch, Events ]

Spirits and Oscars on Tap This Weekend

Its awards weekend in Los Angeles, with the Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday afternoon and the Academy Awards on Sunday. "Half Nelson" and "Little Miss Sunshine," a pair of first features by American filmmaking duos, lead the list of nominees for Film Independent's Spirit Award -- both films are nominated for best feature along with "American Gun," "The Dead Girl," and "Pan's Labyrinth." "Half Nelson" from Ryan Fleck & Anna Boden and "Little Miss Sunshine" by Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris are also nominated for best director, with Fleck singled out for "Nelson" and video directors Dayton & Faris nominated for "Sunshine." Each film received five competitive nominations, while "Nelson" producers Alex Orlovsky and Jamie Patricof were also singled out as finalists for the Axium Producers Award. This year's Spirit nominations showcase a wide range of films and filmmakers, along with "Half Nelson" and "Little Miss Sunshine," singling out both high-profile Indiewood movies ("A Prairie Home Companion," "Pan's Labyrinth," "Little Miss Sunshine") and lower-budgeted indie films ("Old Joy," "Quinceanera," "Four Eyed Monsters"), some without U.S. theatrical distribution deals ("Chalk," "Wristcutters: A Love Story"). The complete list of nominees is available here at indieWIRE.com. Meanwhile at the Oscars, Bill Condon's "Dreamgirls" led the nominations for the 79h Academy Awards with eight. Nominated for best picture of the year are: "Babel," "The Departed," "Letters From Iwo Jima," "Little Miss Sunshine," and "The Queen." "Babel," from Paramount Vantage, received seven nominations and "The Queen" from Miramax received six. A big surprise was the strong performance by Guillermo Del Toro's "Pan's Labyrinth" which received six nominations, including a nod for best foreign language film of the year. The complete list of nominees is available here at indieWIRE.com. Get the latest in indieWIRE's Awards Watch section. 
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Wolfe Takes Rights to Berlinale Film "Riparo"

Wolfe Releasing has acquired Marco Simon Puccioni's "Riparo" (Shelter), the company announced Friday. The film screened at the recent Berlinale in the Panorama section and stars Maria de Medeiros. The deal was made at the festival between Wolfe's president Maria Lynn and Loic Magneron from Wide Management. The film is the story of a lesbian couple in Italy who take in a Moroccan teen; a decision that turns all three lives upside down. Wolfe is one of the largest distributors of LGBT content in the U.S. [Brian Brooks] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Acquisitions, Berlin ]

Photo Deal: Getty Buys WireImage

Leading photo agency Getty Images has announced a deal to acquire upstart entertainment photo service, WireImage. Getty has also signed key WireImage photographers and executives to long term agreements. "The demand for entertainment, event and celebrity imagery is growing exponentially, and Getty Images has determined that there are great growth opportunities in the category," said Jonathan Klein, co-founder and CEO of Getty Images, in a statement. "A key focus for us in the last several years has been to grow our editorial imagery business, particularly in international markets. The proposed acquisition of WireImage will enable us to develop new products and services, including podcasts, editorial video, multimedia, mobile, consumer offerings and exclusive imagery. We are confident that the proposed acquisition will help us expand our global entertainment and celebrity imagery business, allowing us to satisfy growing customer demand in the U.S. and abroad." [Eugene Hernandez] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Biz ]

Method Fest to Honor Michael Madsen

Festival coverage sponsored by Stella Artois.

The Method Fest Independent Film Festival will present Michael Madsen its 2007 Maverick Award for his "outstanding contribution to cinema, his commitment to independent film, and his versatility as an actor, producer, and writer." The award will be presented at the festival's Sneak Preview Party, Thursday, March 1. Academy Award nominee Virginia Madsen, Madsen's sister, will make the presentation. The selection of films for the 9th annual The Method Fest will also be announced at the event. The 9th event is slated for March 29 – April 5 in Calabasas, CA. [Brian Brooks]  
[permalink]   [ filed under Festivals ]

NY Times: Let Them Eat Foie Gras (Gift Bags Are So Last Year)

By the glow of candlelight, the Oscar nominee Mark Wahlberg and 10 friends dined on foie gras and New York strip steak this week as they looked out over the lights of Los Angeles. The meal was gratis, and so was the Champagne, elegantly poured by silent, liveried servers at Soho House, a British-style private club practically created overnight in an empty mansion for the week leading up to Sunday's Academy Awards ceremony. It caters to the whims of Hollywood celebrities while marketing an upscale lifestyle to discerning consumers on its guest list. This is the new swag, a twist on the widespread practice of giving to the already rich and famous. Sharon Waxman reports. 
[permalink]   [ filed under Awards Watch, Trends ]

Miami Selects Nine for "Encuentros" Program

Festival coverage sponsored by Stella Artois.

The Miami International Film Festival (March 2 - 11) will include nine filmmakers to participate in its "Miami Encuentros" program, which gives emerging producers from Spain and Latin America the opportunity to present new projects to U.S. and international industry professionals, including producers, sales agents, television stations and distributors. This year's participants are: "Astronauts Diary," directed by Manuel Huerga (Spain); "Dog Eat Dog," directed by Carlos Moreno (Colombia); "Dog Security," directed by Jorge Gaggero (Argentina); "Giant," directed by Adrian Biniez (Argentina); "King of Cha Cha Cha," directed by Isabel Martinez (Costa Rica) and Vicente Ferraz (Brazil); "Lokas," directed by Gonzalo Justiniano (Chile); "Mosquita and Mari," directed by Aurora Guerrero (USA); "Negro Luz y Fer," directed by Luis Ortega (Argentina); "Square Man," directed by Andre Ristum (Brazil). "With Miami Encuentros, we are putting rhetoric into action," commented MIFF director Nicole Guillemet in a statement. "Having a brilliant vision is only part of the cinematic equation. Miami Encuentros engages emerging filmmakers by helping them bring that vision into fruition and ultimately enriching the process as a whole." [Brian Brooks]  
[permalink]   [ filed under Festivals ]

Peter Adee Appointed Marketing Exec at Overture Films

Overture Films has named Peter Adee president, Worldwide Theatrical Marketing, Distribution and New Media, Overture Films CEO Chris McGurk and COO Danny Rosett announced recently. Adee will be responsible for all marketing, advertising, promotions, and publicity for Overture Films, using traditional as well as new media outlets. Adee has been integral in the theatrical marketing campaigns "Die Another Day" when he headed marketing at MGM, "A Beautiful Mind," and "The Fast and the Furious" at Universal Pictures, "The Prince of Egypt" for DreamWorks as well as such blockbusters as "The Lion King" and "Beauty and the Beast" while at Walt Disney Co. He will be based at Overture Films' Los Angeles headquarters. [Brian Brooks] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Industry Moves ]

Bowles Named Prez of Worldwide Publicity at Focus

Focus Features has promoted Adriene Bowles to president of worldwide publicity and executive vice president of marketing, the company's CEO James Schamus announced Thursday. According to Focus, the promotion expands Bowles' purview from domestic publicity--which she has headed for the film company since its inception in the spring of 2002--to encompass broader responsibilities as part of the senior executive team overseeing both Focus and its sibling company, Rogue Pictures in addition to other duties. Bowles will remain based at the company's Universal offices in Los Angeles. "It's wonderful being part of this company's successful growth," commented Bowles in a statement. "Each and every day, I get to work alongside the most talented executives in the business, and with the most gifted filmmakers from all over the world." [Brian Brooks] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Industry Moves ]

North American Debut of Park's "Cyborg" to Close SXSW

Festival coverage sponsored by Stella Artois.

The North American remiere of Korean director Park Chan-wook's new film, "I'm a Cyborg, but That's OK" will close the upcoming South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference & Festival. The film recently premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival. [Brian Brooks] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Festivals ]

Killer Deal at THINKFilm

Creating a relationship that will replicate "the structure of a specialty division" (in the words of an announcement), THINKFilm and Killer Films have unveiled a partnership that will see Killer developing and producing films to be financed and distributed worldwide by THINKFilm, effective immediately. Elaborating on the pact, in a statement, THINKFilm's EVP of acquisitions and business affairs Randy Manis said, "THINKFilm will have the right to finance any or all of Killer's productions and, where it is not so involved, the company's International Sales division will play a key role in setting up the films overseas." Killer Films is partially funded through an overhead deal with JWP and this year marks the 7th year of that pact; John Wells serves as an executive producer on each Killer film. THINKFilm was recently acquired by film financier and producer David Bergstein, who is now the company's Chairman. "Since our inception we have aimed to collaborate with people who share our taste and our approach," said Killer partner Christine Vachon, in a statement this afternoon, "and we believe that the THINK team and the Killer family couldn't be more like-minded and compatible." THINK head of theatrical distribution Mark Urman added in a statement, "We are thrilled to formalize this deal with Killer. They have the most amazing track record and depth of experience, yet have managed to retain the joy and enthusiasm of absolute beginners." [Eugene Hernandez]  
[permalink]   [ filed under Biz ]

Cannes Accepting Submissions through March 15

Festival coverage sponsored by Stella Artois.

Submissions for the Official Selection for the 60th Festival de Cannes are currently being accepted through March 15. Films submitted for the event, taking place May 16 - 27 must have been produced in the preceding twelve months and must not have screened outside their country of origin. All shorts must not exceed 15 minutes. Cannes also has a slew of other rules, for more information, vist the festival's submission's web page. 
[permalink]   [ filed under Festivals ]

AFP: Oscars go global as Hollywood red carpet welcomes the world

The 79th Academy Awards take place here Sunday with an array of international movie talent descending on the glitziest red carpet of all for what are poised to be the globalization Oscars. An unusually diverse field are jostling for honors, with no fewer than nine countries--Australia, Benin, Britain, Canada, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Spain and the United States--represented in the acting categories alone. The cosmopolitan theme also extends to the subject matter of films competing at the industry's most prestigious annual awards, whether it is the Japanese-language "Letters from Iwo Jima" or the multilingual drama "Babel." Rob Woollard reports. 
[permalink]   [ filed under Awards Watch, People ]

AFP: Japanese director Kitano shoots secret film for Cannes

Festival coverage sponsored by Stella Artois.

Acclaimed Japanese director Takeshi Kitano has shot a short film to mark this year's 60th Cannes Film Festival, his office said Wednesday, but he is keeping the content under wraps. Kitano, who is 60 himself, is one of 35 directors from 25 countries asked by Cannes organisers to contribute a film, three minutes or shorter, on the theme of a "motion-picture theatre" for the anniversary. Germany's Wim Wenders, Poland's Roman Polanski, Britain's Ken Loach, China's Zhang Yimou and Hong Kong's Wong Karwai are also lined up for the collection, to be screened at the festival on May 20. AFP reports. 
[permalink]   [ filed under Cannes, Festivals ]

AP: Michael Moore wins a new court round

Michael Moore won a round Tuesday in a court battle with the brother of Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols, but the plaintiff's lawyer said she is considering whether to take the case to the Supreme Court. The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Ohio sided with a Michigan-based federal judge who in 2005 threw out James Nichols' suit accusing filmmaker Moore of libel and defamation in the Oscar-winning movie "Bowling for Columbine." John Flesher reports. 
[permalink]   [ filed under People ]

Oscar-nominated "Queen" Writer Peter Morgan to Receive San Francisco Fest Honors

Festival coverage sponsored by Stella Artois.

Oscar-nominated screenwriter Peter Morgan ("The Queen") will receive the Kanbar Award for excellence in screenwriting at the 50th San Francisco International Film Festival (April 26 – May 10). The award, which will be presented to Morgan at Film Society Awards Night Thursday, May 3, at the Westin St. Francis Hotel will "acknowledge the vital role that screenwriting plays in the creation of great films." "Peter Morgan is a brilliant writer with a singular genius for dramatizing complicated sociopolitical circumstances and for revealing the humanity and intelligence of complex historical figures," commented Graham Leggat, Film Society executive director. "His work for television, film and the stage, particularly in recent years, when he has gone from strength to strength, is peerless." The Kanbar Award is named in honor of Maurice Kanbar, a longtime member of the board of directors of the San Francisco Film Society, which organizes the annual festival. [Brian Brooks] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Festivals ]

The First Saudi and Bahraini Films to Screen in US Highlight Arab & South Asian Film Fest

Festival coverage sponsored by Stella Artois.

New York will play host to the Arab & South Asian Film Festival, taking place February 23 - March 4. Highlights of this year's event include the first Saudi Arabian film showin in the U.S., "Shadow of Silence" by Abdullah Al Muheisen (who will be in attendance) as well as the first Bahraini feature to be shown Stateside, "Bahraini Tale" by Bassam Al Thawadi. Also on tap are docs, a focus on Palestinian film and war footage shot by videographers and ordinary people in Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine. For more information and a full line up, visit the festival's website. [Brian Brooks] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Festivals, World Cinema ]

SXSW Adds Panels, Features and Shorts to Upcoming Event

Festival coverage sponsored by Stella Artois.

The South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and Festival (March 9 - 17) announced its complete lineup of panels, short films, retrospectives, and new additions to the feature film schedule. The panels lineup will conclude on Tuesday, March 13 with a session entitled "Ready for Primetime: TV Comedy Today" featuring TV performers and producers such as Seth MacFarlane ("Family Guy"), Al Jean ("The Simpsons"), Rob Corddry (Fox's new show "The Winner," "The Daily Show"). Other notable additions to the panels lineup include: "A Conversation with Bill Paxton" on Saturday, March 10, the addition of filmmaker John Cameron Mitchell ("Shortbus") to the Monday, March 12 session "Sex Scenes Stay Hard," and a multimedia presentation by animator Emily Hubley. For a list of panels as well as feature additions and the festival's shorts, visit the SXSW website. [Brian Brooks] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Festivals, SXSW ]

AP: Spike Lee wins Polk Award

Director Spike Lee was named Tuesday as a winner of the annual George Polk Awards for his documentary on life in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Lee, the director of "Malcolm X" and "Do the Right Thing," was honored for "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts," along with its producer, Sam Pollard. They won the award for documentary television for illustrating evidence of the government's poor performance in the aftermath of the August 2005 storm. Larry McShane reports. 
[permalink]   [ filed under Awards Watch, Honors ]

Dart and Rogalski Join Toronto Shorts Programming Team

The Toronto International Film Festival has appointed two new programmers to its Short Cuts Canada team. Artist and programmer Jay Dart and filmmaker and curator Alex Rogalski will join programmer Agata Smoluch Del Sorbo for the program. Dart is producer and creative director of RESFEST Digital Film Festival and production designer for Now Magazine, while Rogalski is director of the "One Take Super 8 Event," which he started in Regina, Saskatchewan "to create new cinema for local audiences." In addition to two new programmers, the Festival is announcing that for the first time, short films which have been created for online audiences and may have previously appeared online, are now eligible for submission into the Short Cuts Canada program. [Brian Brooks] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Industry Moves, Toronto ]

AFP: "Last King of Scotland" premiers in Idi Amin's home country

"The Last King of Scotland" premiered in Uganda, the country where the film is set and where it was shot and with the actor playing its bloodthirsty former dictator Idi Amin in attendance. Showing at Kampala's Cineplex cinema, the showing of Hollywood's take on Uganda's darkest period was also attended by Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, the film's director Kevin Macdonald and Forest Whitaker's co-star James McAvoy. Vincent Mayanja reports. 
[permalink]   [ filed under Movies ]

"Children of Men" Wins Cinematography Guild Prize

Emmanuel Lubezki won the feature film award for best cinematography for "Children of Men" at the 21st annual American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) Outstanding Achievement Awards in Los Angeles this weekend, winning the prize for the first time. The lifetime achievement award went to Allen Daviau for his work on such films as "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial," "The Color Purple," and "Avalon", while Ron Howard received the ASC Board of Governors Award and Michael Ballhaus was presented the International Achievement Award. Gerald Hirschfeld received the ASC Presidents Award and the ASC John Alonzo Heritage Award was presented to two student filmmakers, Brian Melton from the North Carolina School of the Arts and Lyle Vincent from the NYU Tisch School of the Arts. [Eugene Hernandez]  
[permalink]   [ filed under Awards Watch, Honors ]

"Babel" and "Departed" Tie for Dramatic Eddie Award; "Dreamgirls" and "Inconvenient Truth" Also Honored

For only the second time, the ACE Eddie Awards featured a tie with "Babel" and "The Departed" sharing the award for best edited feature film (drama) at the 57th annual event. Stephen Mirrione and Douglas Crise were honored for their world on "Babel" while Thelma Schoonmaker was presented with the prize for her work on "The Departed" at the event this weekend in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, in the best edited feature film (comedy or musical) category, the Eddie Award went to Virginia Katz for "Dreamgirls" and the ACE Eddie Award for best edited documentary went to Jay Cassidy and Dan Sweitlik for "An Inconvenient Truth." Alex Lamb from Chapman University won the Student Editing Competition this year, while Quentin Tarantino received the ACE Golden Eddie Filmmaker of the Year Award and lifetime career achievement awards went to John Soh and Frank Urioste. [Eugene Hernandez] 
[permalink]   [ filed under Awards Watch, Honors ]