Word is that Michael Bodnarchek, co-president/CEO of A Band Apart, Los Angeles, has departed the production company. In a related development, Jeff Armstrong, who previously held the title of executive producer at A Band Apart, has been promoted to managing director of music videos and commercials….The ABC TV network has entered into a program development deal with media agency Mindshare North America, a unit of WPP Group. The two firms’ initial focus will be on creating scripted series designed to appeal to family audiences. Per the arrangement, ABC and Mindshare will share in development costs. Earlier this year, Mindshare hired former CBS Entertainment president Peter Tortorici, who is now slated to work with ABC and Mindshare clients on the TV program initiative. He is based in Mindshare’s Los Angeles office. Mindshare handles media buying for such clients as Sears and Unilever….Director Mat Kirkby has signed a deal for commercial representation with Little Minx@ RSA, the Los-Angeles based satellite of bicoastal RSA USA and RSA Films, London…. Director Kathi Prosser has come aboard bicoastal/ international Chelsea Pictures for exclusive spot representation in the U.S…. Michael Patti, chairman/CEO/worldwide creative director at Young & Rubicam, will chair the advertising judging for the 83rd annual Art Directors Club (ADC) Awards….Online editor Jay Tilin has joined R!OT Manhattan….Director Lionel Coleman has joined Santa Monica-based production house Uncle….Editor Jeff Grippe has joined Swietlik Inc., Santa Monica….San Francisco agency Odiorne Wilde Narraway + Partners is changing its name to See….Robert Richardson is again available to direct commercials via bicoastal Tool of North America after wrapping cinematography on the Martin Scorsese-directed feature, The Aviator…. Due to incorrect information provided to SHOOT, the Crushing Blueprint item that ran in Street Talk (11/21, p. 22) contained an inaccurate reference. Timbaland’s camp will not be working out of Crushing Blueprint. For the complete story, see page 7….
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