From in-person to now online communication–that’s the transition that will ensure that dialogue among commercial producers from around the world continues year-round so that issues can be addressed and notes compared on a real-time basis. This plan crystallized and gained approval at the third annual World Producers Summit held by the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) and the Commercial Film Producers of Europe (CFP-E) last month during the International Advertising Festival in Cannes.
The Cannes session brought together 89 commercial filmmakers from 28 countries. The participants, all significant stakeholders in production houses, exchanged ideas and considered issues they have in common. But just as, if not more, importantly, they agreed to continue their discussion using an online international bulletin board.
AICP president/CEO Matt Miller dubbed the dynamic as a World Producers E-Summit. “Our intent is to always have a channel open so that producers from around the world can engage in meaningful dialogue and exchanges about their concerns and industry issues,” he said.
For example, the subject of WPP-owned production shop Plush was discussed at length during the half-day Cannes summit, according to Miller and CFP-E president Francois Chilot. It’s a topic that figures to generate plenty of follow-up online. Plush competes with independent producers, yet relies primarily on directorial talent from production companies around the world. This is in sharp contrast to generally failed agency in-house production entities of the past, which recruited their own exclusive lineups of staff directors.
World Producers Summit participants expressed concern over the precedent being set by Plush and the impact such a business model could have on the production process and the ability of independents to compete fairly. Most of that impact has been felt Down Under. But a number of producers outside Australia said they had interactions with Plush, demonstrating the reach such entities could have. Most contended that their experience was negative and counterproductive for the advertiser.
As exemplified in Plush, what goes on in one corner of the world has the potential to impact the business at large in today’s global marketplace. Thus, reasoned the AICP and the CFP-E, it’s imperative for producers around the world to update each other, compare notes and share concerns and ideas on a regular basis–not just at an annual face-to-face gathering, which will continue at Cannes.
The online discussion board is being hosted at AICPtalk.com. The hybrid blog/chat room/bulletin board had been put through its test paces prior to the World Producers Summit. The board facilitated exchanges among producers who offered input as to what issues and developments were of particular concern to them, helping to set the agenda for last month’s in-person Summit.
Other points of discussion during the recently concluded Summit included the possibility of establishing global guidelines relative to basic business practices and expectations, and the ways in which production companies work. Though nothing concrete emerged out of initial dialogue on that topic, Miller said the clear consensus was that eventually putting such guidelines in place would be “a good idea.”
Also discussed during the Summit–and what could emerge as blogging fuel–was production companies sharing bad business practices they have encountered in the marketplace. “As production houses, clients and advertisers start to work more globally, this sharing of experiences and information could prove valuable,” assessed Miller.
The End of The “Rust” Criminal Case Against Alec Baldwin May Unlock A Civil Lawsuit
The conclusion of a criminal case against Alec Baldwin in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer clears the way for a related civil lawsuit by relatives of the deceased woman and efforts to depose the actor under oath, attorneys for plaintiffs in the civil suit said Tuesday.
At a news conference in Los Angeles, victims' rights attorney Gloria Allred said that the parents and younger sister of deceased cinematographer Halyna Hutchins were disappointed that prosecutors won't appeal the dismissal of an involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin. The criminal charge against Baldwin was dismissed halfway through trial in July on allegations that police and prosecutors withheld evidence from the defense.
Hutchins died shortly after being wounded during a rehearsal in the movie "Rust" in October 2021 at a film-set ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Baldwin, the lead actor and coproducer, was pointing a pistol at Hutchins when it discharged, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. Baldwin has said he pulled back the hammer — but not the trigger — and the revolver fired.
Allred said Hutchins' relatives are determined to pursue damages and compensation from Baldwin and "Rust" producers in New Mexico civil court, and want Baldwin to answer questions under oath in the proceedings. Hutchins' widower and son previously reached a separate legal settlement.
"With the withdrawal that was made public yesterday, we are now able to proceed with our civil case," Allred said. "Clearly, the rights of Alec Baldwin were protected, but the due process rights of the victims — Halyna Hutchins and her parents and her sister — were violated."
Allred said she's ready to prove that Hutchins had a close relationship... Read More