The Spirit Awards celebrates artist-driven filmmaking and recognizes the finest achievements of today’s independent filmmakers.                                     2012 FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARD NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED - $115,000 in grants to be awarded to filmmakers - LOS ANGELES (Novembe...

Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival, announced nominations for the 2012 Film Independent Spirit Awards this morning. Anthony Mackie and Kate Beckinsale served as presenters. Nominees for Best Feature include 50/50, Beginners, Drive, Take Shelter, The Descendants and The Artist.Margin Call was selected to receive the annual Robert Altman Award, which is bestowed upon one film’s director, casting director and ense...

Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival, announced nominations this morning for the 2011 Film Independent Spirit Awards.  Eva Mendes and Jeremy Renner served as presenters and 2011 Spirit Awards host Joel McHale was also on hand.  Nominees for Best Feature include 127 Hours, Black Swan, Greenberg, The Kids Are All Right and Winter's Bone. Please Give was selected for the Robert Altman Award, which is given...

  by Marc Halperin The Sundance Film Festival is in full swing, some  films are being bought and others are not. Understanding the reasons for these decisions is critical for independent filmmakers.  Film Independent recently produced a round table that focused on indie distribution. It’s an offshoot from their Filmmaker Forum, which was held over an entire weekend in early October. This discussion looked at the economics of distribution; traditional, DIY, and digital stra...

The Global Film Village by Marc Halperin The Sundance Film Festival is in full swing, some films are being bought and others are not. Understanding the reasons for these decisions is critical for independent filmmakers. Film Independent recently produced a round table that focused on indie distribution. It’s an offshoot from their Filmmaker Forum, which was held over an entire weekend in early October. This discussion looked at the economics of distribution; traditional, DIY, and digital str...

Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival, elected new officers Bill Condon, Rodrigo Garcia, Alan Poul and Stephanie Allain to its Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors is comprised of leaders from the film community who serve in a volunteer capacity, and make strategic decisions on the direction and vitality of the organization. Director/producer Bill Condon (Kinsey, Gods and Monsters) will serve as Presid...

The 2009 American Film Market today announced its schedule of seminars and conferences to be held between Nov. 4 and 11. Celebrating its 30th year, the AFM will showcase panels on film financing opportunities, local and international distribution trends, marketing strategies and digital technologies. The sessions will include film executives, producers, writers, directors, distributors, financiers and attorneys. This year’s seminars and conferences will include the annual “AFM Finance Co...

Film Financing Conference: a full-day event designed to discuss different aspects of independent film production, financing, and distribution. Keynote Speaker: James D. Stern (CEO Endgame Entertainment) Panelists: Stephanie Allain (Producer, Black Snake Moan), Rick Allen (Snagfilms), Laura Bickford (Laura Bickford Productions), Peter Broderick (Paradigm Consulting), Patrick Creadon (Director, I.O.U.S.A.), Michael Donaldson (Donaldson & Callif), Jennifer Dubin (Producer, Good Dick), Da...

the Los Angeles Film Festival, announced additional official film selections and programming for the 2009 Los Angeles Film Festival, presented by the Los Angeles Times. The Los Angeles Film Festival will run from Thursday, June 18 to Sunday, June 28. Louie Psihoyos’ The Cove and Rebecca Cammisa’s Which Way Home will be a part of the Free Screenings section.Walt Disney Pictures’ Ponyo will close this year’s Festival on Sunday, June 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mann Village Theater. From the A...

     AFM Conferences and Seminars provide a forum where attendees can interact with and learn from prominent filmmakers, financiers, industry executives and talent. Belo...

I wasn't able to attend the Finance Conference, but Kristina F. Jordan was and she sent in this:Firstly, it was held in the newly opened (only three weeks old) Landmark Theatres at Pico and Westwood, which significantly elevates the theatre going experience for indie audiences.  It looks good, it feels good, and there's a cool bar where we were hosted to tasty hor d'oeuvres and drinks by American Express during the lunch break and after conference reception.Secondly, given the chan...