The Evolution of Independent Cinema

In the 1990s, original storytelling rose on the back of new technology, as VCR and DVD revenue flowed into the recoupment waterfall. Risking $1 million to make and market a new film became a “why not” – Until streaming platforms eclipsed all distribution. Audiences increased while revenues diminished. Today, the monolithic streaming model has proved unsustainable. When Hollywood studios are stumped, what's the hope for the Indies? 

This panel considers how we got here and the pathway out.

PANELISTS:

John Sloss is an entertainment lawyer, film producer, talent manager, sales agent, and founder of Cinetic Media, whose credits include The Velvet Underground, Green Book, Boyhood, I’m Not There, Before Sunset, and Far from Heaven, among others.

Eugene Hernandez is the Director of the Sundance Film Festival & Public Programming, co-founder of Indiewire, and former Director of the New York Film Festival.

Bob Berney is the CEO of Picturehouse, co-founded and operated FilmDistrict, Apparition, Newmarket Films, and IFC Films.

Moderated by Wendy Ettinger

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