June 2010
Exhibitor and Distributor FAQ: Seattle's Northwest Film Forum
Seattle’s Northwest Film Forum exhibits films, funds production, helps with distribution, and offers education and equipment to the independent community in the Pacific Northwest.
July 2nd, 2010 | Courtney Sheehan
Located in Seattle, the Northwest Film Forum (NWFF) is an invaluable resource for independent filmmakers in the Pacific Northwest, providing production grants and access to equipment and post-production facilities. The Independent spoke with film programmer Adam Sekuler to get the scoop on how NWFF puts together its exhibition calendar and their support programs for regional filmmakers, as well as some thoughts on the future of independent film distribution.
Located in Seattle, the Northwest Film Forum (NWFF) is an invaluable resource for independent filmmakers in the Pacific Northwest, providing production grants and access to equipment and post-production facilities. The Film Forum also boasts a 364-day exhibition calendar of independent films, many of which are hard to come by at other theaters in the region.
No Thanks, Take-Back Manifesto
The Independent’s Courtney Sheehan isn’t signing The Take-Back Manifesto, which, among other dictates, wants to return film to its pure, panel discussion-less state.
June 28th, 2010 | Courtney Sheehan
Grumpy about raising money to make your films? Michael Tully, Vadim Rizov, and others who signed The Take-Back Manifesto earlier this spring don't want to hear it. Enter The Independent's Courtney Sheehan. She explains why she's declining to sign and what she'll be researching on behalf of The Independent's readership this summer.
“Can we get back to talking about movies, please?”
Funder FAQ: Playboy's Surprising Mission
Playboy is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, but we're guessing not many people know that the Playboy Foundation funds social change documentaries.
June 28th, 2010 | Maddy Kadish
You'll likely be surprised when you find out exactly what types of films the Playboy Foundation is passionate about making. A hint? Nudity is not a requirement.
Damned in the U.S.A. (1991)
Heart of the Matter (1994)
In the Family (2008)
The Most Dangerous Man in America (2010)
The Times of Harvey Milk (1984)
When Billy Broke His Head…. And Other Tales of Wonder (1999)
What do all these films have in common?
From Documentary to Fictional Filmmaker: How to Make the Transition
With her recent narrative feature, "Toe to Toe," Emily Abt learned how to move from documentary to fiction filmmaking.
June 17th, 2010 | Angela Wu
On the Fast Track of Derby History
Roller derby expert Steven LaFond (aka “Pelvis Costello”) recommends five documentaries that chart the rise of the modern roller derby revival.
June 17th, 2010 | Steven LaFond
According to Steven LaFond, err...Pelvis Costello, roller derby is back. With a vengeance. Get to know the real story behind its reemergence with five must-see documentaries, from the classic Blood on the Flat Track to the most recent Hugs and Bruises.
Tribeca 2010 Critic's Choice: "Cairo Time"
Kurt Brokaw hand selects and reviews films from Tribeca 2010.
June 8th, 2010 | Kurt Brokaw
Cairo Time
(Ruba Nadda. 2009. Canada/Ireland/Egypt. 89 min.)
Doc Doctor's Story Strategies: Don't Worry, We'll Fix it in Post
In her 6th installment of "Story Strategies: Debunking the Myths of Storytelling," Doc Doctor Fernanda Rossi asks: What's smarter, edit in post or plan ahead?
June 2nd, 2010 | Fernanda Rossi
In her 6th installment of "Story Strategies: Debunking the Myths of Storytelling," Doc Doctor Fernanda Rossi examines production priorities. Should storytelling trump technical perfection? What do you think?
Myth #6
"All technical glitches, or disasters, can be avoided with preparation."
Wait, what about those who say:
"Obsessing over technology is a waste of time I could devote to the story."
The myth in all its glory
We've had great success with The Independent's Guide to Film Distributors, which features the acquisition details of nearly 200 distribution companies. But times are changing FAST so we're hard at work on a 2nd edition due out later this year. Our current edition is available at 
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