The Film Panel Notetaker

Notes from IFP’s Independent Filmmaker Conference 2009Fashion Institute of TechnologyNew York, NY
IFP’s annual Independent Filmmaker Conference returned this year to New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, Sept. 19-23. I attended panels on the first two days on Saturday, Sept. 19, and Sunday, Sept. 20. Instead of my mostly usual highlights from the transcripts of [...]

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Independent Film WeekCase Study: Documentary Marketing – Beautiful Losers & I.O.U.S.A.September 18, 2008
This panel was about how to consider the marketing dimensions of a film. To think through how to secure fan, organizational and subject support. Every film is unique and marketing is expression of film’s core values.Case Study: Beautiful LosersThe film’s subjects were urban [...]

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The State of the IndustryIndependent Film WeekTuesday, September 16, 2008FIT – Haft Auditorium – New York, NY

Last Tuesday at the Independent Filmmaker Conference, Variety’s Anne Thompson moderated a discussion with indie film distribution stalwart Bob Berney, who lead Warner Bros.’ specialty division Picturehouse, which was recently relinquished into the larger fabric of the company. [...]

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A Conversation with Kevin SmithIndependent Film WeekSunday, September 14, 2008FIT – Haft Auditorium – New York, NY
Filmmaker Kevin Smith, whose new film Zack and Miri Make a Porno opens in theaters this Halloween, came to the Independent Filmmaker Conference to talk about his new film, his career, his upcoming politically-driven film Red State, and to [...]

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Independent Film WeekWorking with Doc SubjectsSeptember 18, 2008
Again, this panel was composed of all Femmes who each provided clips exhibiting their wonderful films. In each, it was clear that they had to make their subjects a part of the film to accomplish it. Ethics is in the bloodstream of a filmmaker.
Most of Nina Davenport’s previous [...]

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Sunday was the first day of Independent Film Week 2008. At the Filmmaker Conference, I attended a panel on positioning for festivals that addressed once you’ve finished your film, what do you do next? How do you manage your expectations for film festivals? Below are some highlights of that discussion.
Show & Sell: Positioning for FestivalsIndependent [...]

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Be on the look out next week for a slew of notes from the great panel discussions planned at IFP’s 30th Independent Filmmaker Conference being held during Independent Film Week in New York at Chelsea’s Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.) and surrounding venues. This will mark my seventh return to the conference, which was called [...]

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