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| UP Main Street |
A typographical error lead me to believe the DAY ONE PRESS CONFERENCE was to take place TOMORROW at 1 pm, not TODAY at 1 pm. So, after realizing the error, and looking at the clock (1:00 pm), I grabbed my camera bag and audio equipment and SPRINTED up (Please make sure you read the word "up.") Main Street for about a half mile. UP for a half mile. I was only 5 minutes late. Thank God I do triathlons! Anyway, I inconspicuously sat down at the Egyptian Theater just a few rows back from Robert Redford and the rest of the panel.
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| Robert Redford |
As I blotted the sweat from my brow, I began to listen to the ideals and hopes of the Sundance Film Festival. Mr. Redford, still VERY handsome, was eloquent and honest about the changes in movies, the film industry as a whole as well as the movement of the Independent Film Industry. He noted many interesting changes that have occurred over the last 28 years, one of which is the interest of mainstream movie makers coming over to the Indie world. He felt that with the independent movies, one could have more control and freedom over his or her creation. One of the biggest difficulties this industry is facing now is not just piracy but illegal downloading, especially considering that one of the major avenues for distribution is via the internet and video on demand.
Mr. Redford (did I mention how handsome he still is?) and Sundance is all about the filmmaker. In fact, he stated that one of his favorite parts of Sundance is when he can really meet and talk with them. Although he can't see all the films shown during Sundance, he does see each and every one after the festival. The most exciting category for him is the Documentaries. With over 5000 entries pared down to the couple hundred at the festival, not all movies will get picked up. In comes ARTIST SERVICES. Sundance Institute is a non-profit organization. Artist services are there to help any filmmaker figure out ways to have his or her creation stay alive. This is true of movies past as well. These older movies that were never distributed, now have a way to be reincarnated. It isn't all about the money, but about the pride of creation and art. Mr. Redford and the Sundance Institute have committed 28 years to helping filmmakers learn and grow. The film industry is lucky to have an organization such as Sundance who is committed to such as wonderful ideal.
NEXT UP...OPENING NIGHT MOVIE
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