I am particularly excited about Sundance this year. Beyond the films, there is a whole series of events that I will be participating in, and I look forward to all the people I will meet and good ideas that I will get to hear. Please come ready to share some thoughts; my ears are open.
I am now the Closing Key Note speaker at the Art House Convergence (which is actually in Salt Lake City) on Thursday January 15th prior to the festival itself. I do feel we are on the verge of a new collaboration between filmmakers and exhibitors and am eager to share this vision.
I will also be participating in what looks to be a great panel at Sundance “The Panic Button: Push or Ponder?” at 1130A at Prospector Square on Monday, January 19th. The assorted old guys like myself include Mark Gill (The Film Department), James Schamus (Focus Features), Michael Barker (Sony Pictures Classics), Jonathan Sehring (IFC Entertainment), Marcus Hu (Strand Releasing) and Peter Broderick (Paradigm Consulting). It’s moderated by no less than Sundance Film Festival Director Geoffrey Gilmore.
I have always considered myself a man of action — i.e. not one to sit and ponder — but also never believing there should even be a button to push. I promise to make this a fun and lively event. If there is anything you would like me to be sure to discuss, please let me know as soon as possible.