Though some details were sketchy at press time, SHOOT confirmed that A Band Apart’s spot operation has closed. Managing director Jeff Armstrong said company principal Lawrence Bender informed him of the decision to shutter the shop last week. Armstrong in turn made staffers and directors aware of the closure. A SHOOT phone call to Bender had not been returned at press time. Armstrong said he was disappointed over the decision to shut down A Band Apart in that he felt there were viable alternatives. There’s been some speculation that some of the talent at A Band Apart might stay together and form another venture; Armstrong related that he was still considering his options. He said his immediate priorities were trying to help staffers deal with the turn of events while also making creditors aware of the situation. Armstrong added that he is among those creditors. Among the directors on the A Band Apart roster were Marcel Langenegger, Coodie & Chike, Brendan Donovan, Per Dreyer, Derek Horn, Jennifer Little, Michael Palmieri, Corbett Scott, Martin Weisz and James White……EUE/Screen Gems has shuttered its New York-based Highway 61 production company satellite. Highway 61 was most recently headed up by exec producer Marc Rosenberg and at the time of its closing represented directors Rupert Wainwright, Eddy Chu, Tom Cartier and Doug Coleman. “The decision to close Highway 61 is part of an ongoing strategic plan here at Screen Gems that will include the opening of additional satellites in the future,” said EUE principal Chris Cooney in a released statement. “We’re also going to focus on further developing our growing business in the areas of branded entertainment, television and feature film production and distribution.”….Saville Productions, Beverly Hills, has signed director Joachim Hellinger, a.k.a. Helli, for exclusive U.S. representation. He is best known for his work in European action spots and documentaries….Director Jeff Labbe has joined Fools and Horses, Los Angeles….U.K.’s Passion Pictures has added directors Carl Zitelmann and Nathasha Rand….Troika Design Group, Hollywood, has brought Dale Everett on board as creative director….
Breakout Films and Major Takeaways From This Year’s Sundance Fest
Film wasn't the only thing on people's minds at this year's Sundance Film Festival, which comes to a close Sunday in Park City, Utah ( and online ).
The effects of the wildfires in Southern California loomed large, as did the bittersweet knowledge that this year will be the second to last Sundance based in Park City. Some films offered an escape from reality; others were a pointed reminder of the domestic and international political landscape, from transgender rights to the war in Ukraine.
Here are some of the key takeaways from the 41st edition of the festival.
The effects of the Southern California fires were deeply felt
The wildfires were still burning in parts of Los Angeles when Sundance began last week and reminders of its devastation were everywhere, even on screen. Max Walker-Silverman's "Rebuilding," starring Josh O'Connor as a cowboy who loses his ranch in a wildfire and forms a community with fellow survivors in a FEMA camp, hit close to home for many.
Filmmakers Meena Menon and Paul Gleason lost their home in Altadena where they filmed some of their zombie apocalypse movie "Didn't Die." Sundance artist labs head Michelle Satter lost her Palisades home as well. Satter had an audience of Sundance Institute donors in tears early in the festival while accepting an honor at a fundraising gala.
"It's a deeply devastating time for us and so many others, a moment that calls for all of us coming together to support our bigger community," Satter said. "As a friend recently noted, and I have to listen to this, 'Take a deep breath ... We lost our village, but at the end of the day we are the village.'"
The festival's move to another city dominated conversations
It was a topic... Read More