"Lost Sight of their Original Goals"

Tom Bernard of Sony Pictures Classics makes an excellent point in a recent keynote address to the filmmaking community.


"As a group you need to reach out to all these organizations that say they are there to help indie filmmakers and urge them to come up with programs and resources to empower filmmakers with the information and tools to guide your films through the marketplace.  These organizations spend so much time looking for nonprofit grants they have lost sight of the original goals established when they were formed.  IFP, Sundance, F.I.N.D.,  Women in Film, DGA, etc., should all have mentor programs, data on deals, fees and feedback on sales agents, PR companies and distributors as well as programs that can explain the different distribution opportunities – the pluses, the minuses and the financials. They should create courses that can be taught at colleges that deal with and explain all these issues."


In terms of getting our film CALVIN MARSHALL produced and released over the past 4 years -- all of these organizations (and many more) have been completely irrelevant in our journey from pre-production through distribution.  


I know I don't speak for everyone, but I believe the system is not only a racket, but it's broken and won't be fixed any time soon.  Money drives 99.9% of any decision making which greatly effects the world's most expensive art form.  Any kind of altruism or mentorship in the independent film business is as difficult to find as financing.

Calvin Marshall opens in Grants Pass, Oregon

Tomorrow at Southgate Cinemas.  Stadium Seating.  Fri (5/21): (2:15, 4:40) 7:05, 9:30  Sat (5/22): (11:50, 2:15, 4:40) 7:05, 9:30  Sun (5/23): (11:50, 2:15, 4:40) 7:05, 9:30  Mon (5/24): (4:40) 7:05, 9:30  Tue (5/25): (4:40) 7:05, 9:30  Wed (5/26): (4:40) 7:05, 9:30

David Lynch

Sure he might draw from the same well, but his commitment to emotional truth keeps each new film fresh, funny and moving.

Calvin on Netflix

Place Calvin Marshall IN YOUR QUEUE right now.  DVD out September 21st.

Official Trailer on Apple.com

Calvin Marshall has been held over by Coming Attractions and will play another week at the Varsity Theater.  See it this week on the big screen if you're in the Rogue Valley.  More dates to be announced soon.

OFFICIAL TRAILER NOW ON APPLE.COM

Calvin Opens in Ashland, Oregon 4/30/10

Very excited about Calvin Marshall playing the Varsity Theater beginning tomorrow.  A big thank you to Coming Attractions, Southern Oregon Film and Television and the Ashland Independent Film Festival for their ongoing support.  

Q&A's from Cast/Crew will follow the evening screenings in this first week.

SHOWTIMES - This week at the Varsity Theater in Ashland, Oregon! 

Fri (4/30): (3:35) 6:00, 8:40 

Sat (5/1): (1:10, 3:35) 6:00, 8:40 

Sun (5/2): (1:10, 3:35) 6:00, 8:40 

Mon (5/3): (3:35) 6:00, 8:40 

Tue (5/4): (3:35) 6:00, 8:40 

Wed (5/5): (3:35) 6:00, 8:40 

Thu (5/6): (3:35) 6:00, 8:40

Wow and Flutter

If you missed it, here's a Hi-Res QuickTime of a short film I directed back in 2005.  Every now and then the Mediafire link must be reset.

WOW AND FLUTTER