Could Be a Big Year at Sundance

Why do I say that? With the WGA still out on strike, many Hollywood studios are scouring their shelves for the possible "next" Box Office Blockbuster, among shelves of films that were "supposed" to be that next big film... it's a crap shoot man.

Over the past 4-5 years, more and more Sundance films have garnered Distribution deals, and less have been doomed to the "direct to video" route of many Indies. Films that once only stood a chance of seeing the light of day if their production office had a rich uncle, can now plan to get that call, and make the big distribution deal with the "big boys" under the assumed moniker of their "Indie" divisions. All the big houses have an "indie" branch, if it's even still plausible to call it "Indie".

The life of an Independent Film usually requires major refinancing of homes, autos, and life-long treasures. It's not for the weak of stomach. It's for the dreamer, the go-getter, the determined talent who feels their story is unique and needs a voice. NO studio usually puts any money up front on these, though now some of "the" Indie filmmakers are being offered deals before the shoot. A sort of "first right of refusal". But this scenario is rare.

So the way I see Sundance this year, all the studios are going to be looking for instant gratification, being able to just "buy" a project without the gamble of not knowing the final outcome. Many of these films at Sundance are "ready for the theater", and would need little if any re-work or post-post-production. It's a win win for both film houses and these Independent Directors. The Studios keep putting decent films in the theaters, and these green filmmakers get an instant payout. Sundance will be about the "deal"... who will be signed first? Who will get the best deal? Who will "give it away" for a chance at limited exposure?

In the end, I think Sundance '08 will see the biggest ratio of screened films to films given a "deal". Some will still fall by the wayside, but many will walk away with money in their pockets, and will be able to repay most of their investors. The money will fly and the deals will be tooled. Here's to the REAL winners in this... the avid film-goer, who will have more opportunity to screen more films from Sundance WITHOUT having to find them in the rental bins.

And as much as I want to see these worthy filmmakers find a deal, I also hope I can again entice a select few to participate in my SouthSide Film Festival in June. I'll report more on the market as the week at Sundance progresses.

But in the meantime.... butter up the popcorn, turn down the lights, and crank up that projector. The evening's show is about to begin.