1 down, 99 to go. I look forward to the day when the need for A2E is no longer. But that sure ain’t now. We need to launch new iterations in new locations with new participants. We need to build on what has started. We need to put the entrepreneurial knowledge into the filmmakers’ tool kit. We need to make filmmakers as savvy with the platforms as they are with the creative aspects. If we want a sustainable, diverse, and ambitious filmmaking culture, we need to make sure that the creators and their supporters are the direct financial beneficiaries of the work they generate.
Here’s the initial wrap of round one. Much more to come:
Indiewire interview with me (Ted) on the future of film.
SF Examiner on How SFFS & Tech Community Are Going To Save The Film Industry
Indiewire notes on A2E OnRamp Workshop
Initial Announcement On The A2E Artist To Entrepreneur Program
NoFilmSchool.com On Need For A2E
Lone Star Film Society on “A2E and Ted Hope’s Enduring Legacy”
Keyframe on “Hope For Film, Industry”
KQED podcast “SFIFF Trains Filmmakers To Become Entrepreneurs”
These quotes from participants:
“A2E was quite honestly a watershed moment for me as a producer regarding the way I think about financing and distribution.”
Tommy Oliver, Director/Producer of A2E film 1982
“This is an incredibly exciting time for filmmakers. But it’s also unrealistic to expect them to wake up one morning, take off their creative hat and put on a marketing one, and know what to do next. That’s why filling a room full of filmmakers, distribution experts, and technology innovators for a week seems like such a simple idea- after the experience, I think it’s borderline criminal it hasn’t been done until now.”
Dylan Marchetti, Variance Films and A2E Distribution Consultant
“A2E is a giant step away from the abyss into which the indie film business and culture of Cinema is rapidly slipping. Kudos to everyone at SFFS.”
Adam Collis, Director of A2E film CAR DOGS
“A2E and SFFS share a sense of purpose for the future of independent film and I was honored to share the ground floor with other innovators helping to mold what can happen next in direct distribution.” – Nolan Gallagher, Founder and CEO Gravitas Ventures