My IFFCON Experience – Friday 01/10/97

by Sarah Jacobson

Opening Day

It’s another year at IFFCON. Two years ago, I was a volunteer. Last year, I
was here for “Mary Jane’s Not A Virgin Anymore“. Now my film’s in Sundance and
I’m back with my next two new scripts. I love IFFCON, because Idon’t have to
leave San Francisco and I get to play tour guide. It’s also fun to see all
the L.A. and N.Y. people finally relax.

Open Day is a series of panels with the superstars of the indie finance
world. It’s open to anyone who can pay the $125 fee. Representatives from
New Line, Miramax, Fox Searchlight, Strand, Turner, HBO, Arte, Channel 4,
CIBY 2000, First Look, Alliance, Time, Haut et Court, etc. all have a lot to
say. I’m restless and excited and my co-producer (who’s also my mom) takes
much better notes than I do. One of the panels is an ‘interactive discussion
about pitching your project. Maud Nadler related how her rabbi tried to
pitch his script to her at her father’s funeral, as the coffin was being
lowered into the ground – oy! Some producer on the panel thought it was a
big deal that a woman was breast feeding as she was pitching him. However,
he had no problem with the guy who pitched “Sailor Moon” with a girl dressed
up in the cartoon character’s skimpy outfit.

The fun started when moderator Ira Deutchman grabbed the mike and went into
the audience to get willing filmmakers to try out their pitches. The panel
would then critique each pitch. Ira looked so natural with the microphone.
He seems perfect for a TV talk show, where desperate indie filmmakers relate
their troubles to a group of professionals.

It seems so weird to me how many of the New York filmmakers don’t know each
other. They have to travel 3,000 miles to meet!actually obligated to thank
Harvey Weinstein.”

For more of Sarah Jacobson’s journal from IFFCON 97 please continue