Read: The Independent
3-D (Like it Used to Be) in ‘53
Critic Kurt Brokaw reflects on life as a theater staffer in 3-D's heyday, and on some of the '50s best 3-D films, recently showcased at the Film Forum in New York.
August 30th, 2010 | Kurt Brokaw
The omnipresence of today's 3-D has roots in grand theaters outfitted with twin projectors that brought the scary "Gill-Man" to life from the Black Lagoon and threatened to pour wax all over your sweetheart and install him or her in a Wax Museum. Kurt Brokaw witnessed 3-D's golden era firsthand and recently saw the best from 1953-54 again, wearing his customized 3D frames. How does he think today's 3-D experiences stack up?
In 1953 and ‘54, this critic was popping the popcorn, changing the marquee, and patrolling the aisles of the Ritz Theater in Indianapolis, making sure couples kept both feet on the floor at all times. Being on staff at a neighborhood movie house as a high school student was the perfect introduction to the film business—particularly to 3-D.
Exhibitor FAQ: Emerging Pictures
Josh Green, VP of distribution at Emerging Pictures, explains how indie exhibitors and filmmakers can benefit from Emerging's growing network of theatrical venues.
August 13th, 2010 | Courtney Sheehan
With the largest network of digital theaters in the US, Emerging Pictures is helping exhibitors and filmmakers grasp hold of the future, which VP of distribution Josh Green says includes one-time screenings, easy access to classics, and front row seats to elite cultural programming.
With about 70 theatrical venues, Emerging Pictures is the largest network of digital theaters in the country. Existing and burgeoning theaters pay a fee for its servers, which come with hard drives chock full of specialty films, re-issues, mini-festivals and series, and their biggest hits—cultural programming—including opera and ballet.
The Show Must Go Green
"Going green" might be en vogue—and environmentally responsible, of course—but what does sustainable filmmaking really entail?
August 4th, 2010 | Steven Abrams
Prompted by Miranda Bailey's recent documentary, Greenlit, The Independent's Steven Abrams asks two eco-experts for tips on simple, environmentally conscious filmmaking methods.
Miranda Bailey's recent film-within-a-film documentary, Greenlit, portrays the hopes and eventual challenges of making the production of The River Why "green." There's an initial hope that making the Why production eco-friendly is doable, and even money-saving.
Fantasia's Programmer Simon Laperrière Wants You to See More Genre Films
Genre and auteur cinema cross paths in Montréal at the Fantasia International Film Festival.
July 30th, 2010 | Patrick Pearce
The Independent's Patrick Pearce sits down with Fantasia International Festival's programmer Simon Laperrière to discuss the intersection between genre and auteur cinema at the festival, and genre films' most influential directors.
Montréal’s Fantasia International Film Festival may well be the largest film fest you’ve never heard of. If you haven’t been following genre film at all, you might be excused...but not for much longer.
Distributor FAQ: FilmBuff
In an interview with FilmBuff's Chris Horton, The Independent asks about the evolving landscape of digital distribution, and whether or not it's an independent filmmaker's new best friend.
July 30th, 2010 | Courtney Sheehan
More and more filmmakers use digital release platforms like iTunes, Netflix Streaming, and Video-on-Demand. Chris Horton, head of acquisitions for FilmBuff, explains the role his company can play in digital distribution.
FilmBuff is a digital distribution service provided by Cinetic Rights Management (CRM). Although FilmBuff is less than three years old, its sister company, Cinetic Media, has been a major player in film sales since 2001.
How an Innovative Web Doc Secured Traditional Distribution
French filmmakers David Dufresne and Philippe Brault used web engagement to stir interest in American prison reform.
July 15th, 2010 | Courtney Sheehan
Led by two French filmmakers, the web doc Prison Valley addresses prison reform in the US with an interactive online format, making a splash in the world of digital journalism and securing distribution with Arte TV in France.
Prison Valley, a multimedia prison reform project, tells the tale of Fremont County, Colorado: a tiny patch of the Southwest packed with 13 prisons and a local economy that revolves around the incarceration of 7,735 people—many of whom are the county’s own residents.
A Meeting of Worlds: YouTube Biennial at the Guggenheim
Courtney Sheehan reports on the Guggenheim’s foray into digital culture and the mixed reactions to merging low and high culture
July 9th, 2010 | Courtney Sheehan
YouTube and the Guggenheim are joining forces to orchestrate “the first biennial of creative video,” called YouTube Play. The Independent's Courtney Sheehan ponders the high-meets-low aspect of this endeavor with help from the blogosphere.
The Guggenheim Museum: one of the art world’s most venerable institutions, home of masterpieces from the Impressionist movement to the modern era.
Exhibitor and Distributor FAQ: Seattle's Northwest Film Forum
Seattle’s Northwest Film Forum exhibits films, funds production, helps with distribution, and offers education and equipment to the independent community in the Pacific Northwest.
July 2nd, 2010 | Courtney Sheehan
Located in Seattle, the Northwest Film Forum (NWFF) is an invaluable resource for independent filmmakers in the Pacific Northwest, providing production grants and access to equipment and post-production facilities. The Independent spoke with film programmer Adam Sekuler to get the scoop on how NWFF puts together its exhibition calendar and their support programs for regional filmmakers, as well as some thoughts on the future of independent film distribution.
Located in Seattle, the Northwest Film Forum (NWFF) is an invaluable resource for independent filmmakers in the Pacific Northwest, providing production grants and access to equipment and post-production facilities. The Film Forum also boasts a 364-day exhibition calendar of independent films, many of which are hard to come by at other theaters in the region.
Funder FAQ: Playboy's Surprising Mission
Playboy is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, but we're guessing not many people know that the Playboy Foundation funds social change documentaries.
June 28th, 2010 | Maddy Kadish
You'll likely be surprised when you find out exactly what types of films the Playboy Foundation is passionate about making. A hint? Nudity is not a requirement.
Damned in the U.S.A. (1991)
Heart of the Matter (1994)
In the Family (2008)
The Most Dangerous Man in America (2010)
The Times of Harvey Milk (1984)
When Billy Broke His Head…. And Other Tales of Wonder (1999)
What do all these films have in common?
No Thanks, Take-Back Manifesto
The Independent’s Courtney Sheehan isn’t signing The Take-Back Manifesto, which, among other dictates, wants to return film to its pure, panel discussion-less state.
June 28th, 2010 | Courtney Sheehan
Grumpy about raising money to make your films? Michael Tully, Vadim Rizov, and others who signed The Take-Back Manifesto earlier this spring don't want to hear it. Enter The Independent's Courtney Sheehan. She explains why she's declining to sign and what she'll be researching on behalf of The Independent's readership this summer.
“Can we get back to talking about movies, please?”
From Documentary to Fictional Filmmaker: How to Make the Transition
With her recent narrative feature, "Toe to Toe," Emily Abt learned how to move from documentary to fiction filmmaking.
June 17th, 2010 | Angela Wu
On the Fast Track of Derby History
Roller derby expert Steven LaFond (aka “Pelvis Costello”) recommends five documentaries that chart the rise of the modern roller derby revival.
June 17th, 2010 | Steven LaFond
According to Steven LaFond, err...Pelvis Costello, roller derby is back. With a vengeance. Get to know the real story behind its reemergence with five must-see documentaries, from the classic Blood on the Flat Track to the most recent Hugs and Bruises.
Tribeca 2010 Critic's Choice: "Cairo Time"
Kurt Brokaw hand selects and reviews films from Tribeca 2010.
June 8th, 2010 | Kurt Brokaw
Cairo Time
(Ruba Nadda. 2009. Canada/Ireland/Egypt. 89 min.)
Doc Doctor's Story Strategies: Don't Worry, We'll Fix it in Post
In her 6th installment of "Story Strategies: Debunking the Myths of Storytelling," Doc Doctor Fernanda Rossi asks: What's smarter, edit in post or plan ahead?
June 2nd, 2010 | Fernanda Rossi
In her 6th installment of "Story Strategies: Debunking the Myths of Storytelling," Doc Doctor Fernanda Rossi examines production priorities. Should storytelling trump technical perfection? What do you think?
Myth #6
"All technical glitches, or disasters, can be avoided with preparation."
Wait, what about those who say:
"Obsessing over technology is a waste of time I could devote to the story."
The myth in all its glory
We've had great success with The Independent's Guide to Film Distributors, which features the acquisition details of nearly 200 distribution companies. But times are changing FAST so we're hard at work on a 2nd edition due out later this year. Our current edition is available at 
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