0
  • Deadlines

    Funding: Catapult Film Fund

    Nov 7, 2011

    Catapult Film Fund provides early development funding to documentary filmmakers who have a compelling story to tell. It supports powerful stories, and moving storytelling, across a broad spectrum of issues and perspectives. ELIGIBILITY: Applicant must be 18 or older. Catapult Film Fund does not award grants for student films. Documentary projects must be 28 minutes or longer. Development funds must specifically be used to complete early writing, shooting and editing once story and characters are in place. Applicants must be independent producers. They must own the copyright of their production, and have artistic, budgetary and editorial control of their project. Applicants must have previous film or television production experience in a principal role as demonstrated by submitting previously completed work sample. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have successfully fund-raised for an independent documentary film, in line with its original budget. AWARDS: Catapult Film Fund development grants range from $5,000 to $20,000. DEADLINE: November 7, 2011. WEBSITE: catapultfilmfund.org/.

  • News & Blogs

    Thompson on Hollywood: "Film Independent Names Lab Participants, Sloan Award Winners"

    Oct 24, 2011

    "After their weekend-long Film Independent Forum," reports Sophia Savage, "FIND announced eleven filmmakers and nine projects for their 11th annual Producers Lab, and named Brent Hoff and Malcom Pullinger the winners of the 5th annual $25,000 Sloan Producers Grant." More at indiewire.com/thompsononhollywood.

  • Deadlines

    Opportunities: Cinequest Screenwriting Competition

    Oct 17, 2011

    Cinequest Screenwriting Competition, held in conjunction with the Cinequest Film Festival (February 28-March 11, 2012), is accepting submissions. ELIGIBILITY: The competition is open to screenplays of all genres and lengths up to 140 pages that have not been optioned, purchased, produced, or put into production. Scripts should be in English, properly formatted, and submitted in PDF format. Scripts written as adaptations of other works must have secured rights before being submitted. Entry fee $45-65. AWARDS: Finalists receive non-cash prizes, including exposure to literary agents, film studios, and producers. Top prize is $5,000. DEADLINE: September 26, 2011 (early); October 17, 2011 (late). WEBSITE: cinequest.org/sp_agent.php.

  • Events

    'American Teacher'

    Oct 7, 2011

    The Matt Damon-narrated SFIFF hit 'American Teacher' follows the lives of a few edu-system stars, one based in San Francisco, forced by low wages and crumbling job security to reconsider their chosen profession. Filmmaker Vanessa Roth and producers Dave Eggers and Nînive Calegari will be present for Q&A following Friday's screening; special reception Tuesday, October 11. More info at roxie.com.

  • October 4 2011

    'American Teacher'

    Oct 7, 2011

    The Matt Damon-narrated SFIFF hit 'American Teacher' follows the lives of a few edu-system stars, one based in San Francisco, forced by low wages and crumbling job security to reconsider their chosen profession. Filmmaker Vanessa Roth and producers Dave Eggers and Nînive Calegari will be present for Q&A following Friday's screening; special reception Tuesday, October 11. More info at roxie.com.

  • Deadlines

    Funding: The Roy W. Dean LA August Grant

    Aug 30, 2011

    The Roy W. Dean Film and Writing Grants fund shorts, documentaries and low budget independent features. ELIGIBILITY: New film and video projects (including works-in-progress) that are unique and benefit the society. Student filmmakers, independent producers or independent production companies are all welcome. AWARDS: Winner gets a variety of awards including scholarships and cash prizes for different production fields. DEADLINE: August 30, 2011. WEBSITE: fromtheheartproductions.com/grant-lavideo.shtml.

  • August 18, 2011

    What’s So Bleeping Funny?!

    Karen Everett
    Aug 15, 2011

    Placing well-timed humor in a documentary film can be a great way to open minds.

  • Home

    What’s So Bleeping Funny?!

    Karen Everett
    Aug 15, 2011

    Placing well-timed humor in a documentary film can be a great way to open minds.

  • Story Structure

    What’s So Bleeping Funny?!

    Karen Everett
    Aug 15, 2011

    Placing well-timed humor in a documentary film can be a great way to open minds.

  • June 28, 2011

    'Cultures of Resistance'

    Jun 30, 2011

    Award-winning 2010 doc 'Cultures of Resistance' captures the ways artists, musicians and other cultural producers create political change through art, from Iran to China to other points worldwide. The event features a live interview with director Iara Lee via Skype after screening; ticket sales benefit clean water efforts for children in Gaza. Plays at Berkeley City College. More at mecaforpeace.org.

  • Home

    A City’s Smutty History, Embraced

    Julia Barbosa
    Jun 21, 2011

    Stabile film at Frameline, Tribeca and, soon, YBCA, looks at San Francisco’s sex-film history.

  • June 23 2011

    A City’s Smutty History, Embraced

    Julia Barbosa
    Jun 21, 2011

    Stabile film at Frameline, Tribeca and, soon, YBCA, looks at San Francisco’s sex-film history.

  • June 23, 2011

    A City’s Smutty History, Embraced

    Julia Barbosa
    Jun 21, 2011

    Stabile film at Frameline, Tribeca and, soon, YBCA, looks at San Francisco’s sex-film history.

  • Q & A

    A City’s Smutty History, Embraced

    Julia Barbosa
    Jun 21, 2011

    Stabile film at Frameline, Tribeca and, soon, YBCA, looks at San Francisco’s sex-film history.

  • First Person

    Production Values: Michael Whalen

    Adrianne Anderson
    Jun 6, 2011

    Whalen speaks from experience on the importance of story and drama in nonfiction filmmaking.

  • Home

    Production Values: Michael Whalen

    Adrianne Anderson
    Jun 6, 2011

    Whalen speaks from experience on the importance of story and drama in nonfiction filmmaking.

  • June 9, 2011

    Production Values: Michael Whalen

    Adrianne Anderson
    Jun 6, 2011

    Whalen speaks from experience on the importance of story and drama in nonfiction filmmaking.

  • First Person

    Production Values: Michael Whalen

    Adrianne Anderson
    Jun 6, 2011

    Whalen speaks from experience on the importance of story and drama in nonfiction filmmaking.

  • Home

    Production Values: Michael Whalen

    Adrianne Anderson
    Jun 6, 2011

    Whalen speaks from experience on the importance of story and drama in nonfiction filmmaking.

  • June 9, 2011

    Production Values: Michael Whalen

    Adrianne Anderson
    Jun 6, 2011

    Whalen speaks from experience on the importance of story and drama in nonfiction filmmaking.

  • Home

    New Approaches Embolden Doc Genre

    Karen Everett
    May 17, 2011

    Nonfiction filmmakers are re-engaging audiences with an entrepreneurial spirit and a focus on creative narrative strategy.

  • May 19, 2011

    New Approaches Embolden Doc Genre

    Karen Everett
    May 17, 2011

    Nonfiction filmmakers are re-engaging audiences with an entrepreneurial spirit and a focus on creative narrative strategy.

  • Story Structure

    New Approaches Embolden Doc Genre

    Karen Everett
    May 17, 2011

    Nonfiction filmmakers are re-engaging audiences with an entrepreneurial spirit and a focus on creative narrative strategy.

  • april 22 2011

    Production Values: Debbie Brubaker

    Adrianne Anderson
    Apr 19, 2011

    A veteran producer talks about the art, craft and industry behind her work.

  • First Person

    Production Values: Debbie Brubaker

    Adrianne Anderson
    Apr 19, 2011

    A veteran producer talks about the art, craft and industry behind her work.

  • Home

    Production Values: Debbie Brubaker

    Adrianne Anderson
    Apr 19, 2011

    A veteran producer talks about the art, craft and industry behind her work.

  • april 22 2011

    Production Values: Debbie Brubaker

    Adrianne Anderson
    Apr 19, 2011

    A veteran producer talks about the art, craft and industry behind her work.

  • First Person

    Production Values: Debbie Brubaker

    Adrianne Anderson
    Apr 19, 2011

    A veteran producer talks about the art, craft and industry behind her work.

  • Home

    Production Values: Debbie Brubaker

    Adrianne Anderson
    Apr 19, 2011

    A veteran producer talks about the art, craft and industry behind her work.

  • april 22 2011

    On Producing Killer Films

    Dennis Harvey
    Apr 18, 2011

    Christine Vachon examines her varied indie successes while offering notes on the world of change engulfing cinema.

  • Home

    On Producing Killer Films

    Dennis Harvey
    Apr 18, 2011

    Christine Vachon examines her varied indie successes while offering notes on the world of change engulfing cinema.

  • Q & A

    On Producing Killer Films

    Dennis Harvey
    Apr 18, 2011

    Christine Vachon examines her varied indie successes while offering notes on the world of change engulfing cinema.

  • April 14, 2011

    Getting Behind 'Bill Cunningham'

    Susan Gerhard
    Apr 8, 2011

    Richard Press and Philip Gefter pay tribute to a worker's devotion in making 'Bill Cunningham New York.'

  • Home

    Getting Behind 'Bill Cunningham'

    Susan Gerhard
    Apr 8, 2011

    Richard Press and Philip Gefter pay tribute to a worker's devotion in making 'Bill Cunningham New York.'

  • Q & A

    Getting Behind 'Bill Cunningham'

    Susan Gerhard
    Apr 8, 2011

    Richard Press and Philip Gefter pay tribute to a worker's devotion in making 'Bill Cunningham New York.'

  • April 7, 2011

    Juelich Rides ‘Neon’ Roller Coaster

    Michael Fox
    Apr 6, 2011

    Jennifer Juelich uses California carnivals as atmosphere for her DIY drama.

  • Home

    Juelich Rides ‘Neon’ Roller Coaster

    Michael Fox
    Apr 6, 2011

    Jennifer Juelich uses California carnivals as atmosphere for her DIY drama.

  • In Production

    Juelich Rides ‘Neon’ Roller Coaster

    Michael Fox
    Apr 6, 2011

    Jennifer Juelich uses California carnivals as atmosphere for her DIY drama.

  • February 24, 2011

    Mitchell Block Brings Oscar Attention to Vets

    Jessica Sapick
    Feb 21, 2011

    Producer and teacher Mitchell Block talks about the making of great films, including the Oscar-nominated 'Poster Girl.'

  • Home

    Mitchell Block Brings Oscar Attention to Vets

    Jessica Sapick
    Feb 21, 2011

    Producer and teacher Mitchell Block talks about the making of great films, including the Oscar-nominated 'Poster Girl.'

  • Q & A

    Mitchell Block Brings Oscar Attention to Vets

    Jessica Sapick
    Feb 21, 2011

    Producer and teacher Mitchell Block talks about the making of great films, including the Oscar-nominated 'Poster Girl.'

  • February 1, 2011

    'The Garden of Sinners'

    Feb 8, 2011

    Viz Cinema at New People hosts the U.S. premiere of the Japanese animated film ‘The Garden of Sinners,’ based on Kinoko Nasu’s successful cult novel. Producers are in attendance for a discussion panel following. More at newpeopleworld.com.

  • February 8, 2011

    'The Garden of Sinners'

    Feb 8, 2011

    Viz Cinema at New People hosts the U.S. premiere of the Japanese animated film ‘The Garden of Sinners,’ based on Kinoko Nasu’s successful cult novel. Producers are in attendance for a discussion panel following. More at newpeopleworld.com.

  • Home

    Politics, Sacrifice Define 'Bhutto,' Director

    Michael Fox
    Jan 5, 2011

    Director Duane Baughman's day job in direct mail/political consulting brought him unbelievable access to Benazir Bhutto.

  • In Production

    Politics, Sacrifice Define 'Bhutto,' Director

    Michael Fox
    Jan 5, 2011

    Director Duane Baughman's day job in direct mail/political consulting brought him unbelievable access to Benazir Bhutto.

  • January 6, 2010

    Politics, Sacrifice Define 'Bhutto,' Director

    Michael Fox
    Jan 5, 2011

    Director Duane Baughman's day job in direct mail/political consulting brought him unbelievable access to Benazir Bhutto.

  • Festivals

    New Italian Cinema Puts Focus on Ferzan Ozpetek

    Dennis Harvey
    Nov 14, 2010

    'When in Rome,' or outside it: NIC offers fresh voices, new locations.

  • Home

    New Italian Cinema Puts Focus on Ferzan Ozpetek

    Dennis Harvey
    Nov 14, 2010

    'When in Rome,' or outside it: NIC offers fresh voices, new locations.

  • November 11, 2010

    New Italian Cinema Puts Focus on Ferzan Ozpetek

    Dennis Harvey
    Nov 14, 2010

    'When in Rome,' or outside it: NIC offers fresh voices, new locations.

  • November 18, 2010

    New Italian Cinema Puts Focus on Ferzan Ozpetek

    Dennis Harvey
    Nov 14, 2010

    'When in Rome,' or outside it: NIC offers fresh voices, new locations.

  • Home

    Essential SF: Gail Silva

    Michael Fox
    Nov 3, 2010

    Former Film Arts Foundation head Gail Silva continues to catalyze the film community. It would be a simple matter to collect testimonies to Gail Silva’s extraordinary impact and influence on the Bay Area film community—and beyond—from the countless artists and novices she has counseled, coached, prodded and pushed in the last 30-plus years and counting. But an extensive public appreciation already exists, you see, in the hundreds and hundreds of films, long and short, that prominently acknowledged her contribution in the end credits. The longtime executive director of Film Arts Foundation (of blessed memory) and creative and strategic consultant for a host of individual clients, Silva is deservedly included in the inaugural class of Essential SF honorees.

  • November 3 2010

    Essential SF: Gail Silva

    Michael Fox
    Nov 3, 2010

    Former Film Arts Foundation head Gail Silva continues to catalyze the film community. It would be a simple matter to collect testimonies to Gail Silva’s extraordinary impact and influence on the Bay Area film community—and beyond—from the countless artists and novices she has counseled, coached, prodded and pushed in the last 30-plus years and counting. But an extensive public appreciation already exists, you see, in the hundreds and hundreds of films, long and short, that prominently acknowledged her contribution in the end credits. The longtime executive director of Film Arts Foundation (of blessed memory) and creative and strategic consultant for a host of individual clients, Silva is deservedly included in the inaugural class of Essential SF honorees.

  • First Person

    Pitchers Craft Hits at SFFS Film Arts Forum

    Gianmaria Franchini
    Oct 19, 2010

    At SFFS Film Arts Forum, experts offered live advice on how to pitch a film.

  • Home

    Pitchers Craft Hits at SFFS Film Arts Forum

    Gianmaria Franchini
    Oct 19, 2010

    At SFFS Film Arts Forum, experts offered live advice on how to pitch a film.

  • October 21, 2010

    Pitchers Craft Hits at SFFS Film Arts Forum

    Gianmaria Franchini
    Oct 19, 2010

    At SFFS Film Arts Forum, experts offered live advice on how to pitch a film.

  • Documentary

    Are You Expecting Your Producer to Save You?

    Fernanda Rossi
    Oct 12, 2010

    What to consider when you're considering hiring a producer.

  • Home

    Are You Expecting Your Producer to Save You?

    Fernanda Rossi
    Oct 12, 2010

    What to consider when you're considering hiring a producer.

  • October 14, 2010

    Are You Expecting Your Producer to Save You?

    Fernanda Rossi
    Oct 12, 2010

    What to consider when you're considering hiring a producer.

  • 08-05-2010

    'Winnebago Man' Hits the Road

    Susan Gerhard
    Aug 2, 2010

    Director Ben Steinbauer and Bay Area-based producer Malcolm Pullinger talk about anger, RVs, and "going viral" with their new film.

  • Home

    'Winnebago Man' Hits the Road

    Susan Gerhard
    Aug 2, 2010

    Director Ben Steinbauer and Bay Area-based producer Malcolm Pullinger talk about anger, RVs, and "going viral" with their new film.

  • Q & A

    'Winnebago Man' Hits the Road

    Susan Gerhard
    Aug 2, 2010

    Director Ben Steinbauer and Bay Area-based producer Malcolm Pullinger talk about anger, RVs, and "going viral" with their new film.

  • First Person

    Why Hire a Producer of Marketing, Distribution

    Jon Reiss
    Jul 27, 2010

    Every film needs one person devoted to the distribution and marketing of the film from the start, just as they have a line producer, assistant director, or editor.

  • Home

    Why Hire a Producer of Marketing, Distribution

    Jon Reiss
    Jul 27, 2010

    Every film needs one person devoted to the distribution and marketing of the film from the start, just as they have a line producer, assistant director, or editor.

  • News & Blogs

    Festivals from Cannes to Marfa, San Francisco Filmmakers Reporting

    Emile Bokaer, Cynthia Mitchell
    May 21, 2010

    Bay Area filmmakers report back from film festivals far (Cannes) and wide (Marfa).

  • Q & A

    New York-set Charlie Barker's Big S.F. Break

    Michael Fox
    May 2, 2010

    Along with selfless sacrifices and random luck, low-budget independent films often depend on the timely intervention of an angel.

  • Legal

    Do You Pass the Test?

    George Rush
    Apr 26, 2010

    You are awesome. Spectacular, incredible, interesting, accomplished and generally just way awesome. Everyone wants to hear every possible thing there is to know about you.

  • In Production

    Riffe's Raw Milk Germ

    Michael Fox
    Mar 23, 2010

    There's so much about this product called milk that we think we know everything about, declares Jed Riffe with his usual blend of enthusiasm and amazement.

  • Funding

    Road-Tested Rules For Bang-up Fundraising Events

    Holly Million
    Jan 12, 2010

    Seems like every filmmaker I know is ready to party! Everyone s throwing fundraising events for their films. So many babes in the party-planning woods.

  • Legal

    What's In a Name?

    George Rush
    Jan 5, 2010

    The thing about titles is they re too short to receive copyright protection. For copyright purposes, a title is like a label of a copyrighted work.

  • In Production

    Hess, Janos and the Volunteers of America

    Michael Fox
    Aug 25, 2009

    With in-process Volunteer Nation: Stories of Service, veteran producer-directors Ben Hess and Dan Janos are mobilizing the millennials.

  • Q & A

    Weimberg/Ryan on Conflict and Conscience

    Sura Wood
    Jun 7, 2009

    Berkeley-based filmmaking team Gary Weimberg and Catherine Ryan speak about social justice as a career and their film Soldiers of Conscience.

  • In Production

    'In-World War:' Brant Smith's Directorial Debut

    Michael Fox
    May 20, 2009

    Michael Fox reviews Brant Smith's In-World War, a dark sci-fi comedy about a beta tester trapped in a futuristic war on terror.

  • First Person

    Funder as Supplicant

    John R. Killacky
    Jan 20, 2009

    First-Person: A program officer at the San Francisco Foundation has a sobering experience making a documentary.

  • Q & A

    Eddie Muller and Noir City

    Sura Wood
    Jan 18, 2009

    SF360.org spoke with Eddie Muller, who launched Noir City, an annual noir festival that has attracted an avid following in the Bay Area and beyond.

  • Q & A

    Wendy Levy on the Politics of Participation

    Susan Gerhard
    Jan 12, 2009

    Levy offers thoughts on the program she's presenting at Sundance and what's being called the "New Documentary Movement."

  • Q & A

    Wendy Levy on the Politics of Participation

    Susan Gerhard
    Jan 12, 2009

    Levy offers thoughts on the program she's presenting at Sundance and what's being called the "New Documentary Movement."

  • Q & A

    Emiko Omori and Wendy Slick's "Passion & Power"

    Susan Gerhard
    Feb 18, 2008

    “Passion & Power, the Technology of Orgasm” gives Rachel Maines’ entertaining academic book on the subject a new life onscreen.

  • Q & A

    Alan K. Rode on Noir and Charles McGraw

    Michael Fox
    Jan 28, 2008

    Alan K. Rode, a cofounder of the Film Noir Foundation, sang the praises of San Francisco movie audiences on the horn from L.A., then got down to brass tacks.

  • Reviews

    Saul Bass, "Phase IV"

    Dennis Harvey
    Jul 25, 2007

    Few people not employed as directors, producers, cinematographers, costume or production designers have had as much impact on the "look" of movies.

  • Q & A

    Andrea Sperling, powering up

    Claire Faggioli
    Jun 24, 2007

    Sperling's Itty Bitty Titty Committee closes the SF International LGBT Film Festival, at which Sperling—17 films strong—receives the Frameline Award.

  • Festivals

    Liane Yasumoto and Superfest International Disability Film Festival

    Susan Gerhard
    May 27, 2007

    A week before the 27th festival, SF360.org spoke with the executive director on what Superfest gets about disability that the rest of the filmmaking world doesn't.

  • Reviews

    Otto Motives, A Preminger Perspective

    Dennis Harvey
    Nov 30, 2006

    The director, producer and sometime actor enjoyed a painless ride from well-off circumstances to well-connected beginnings to one of Hollywood's biggest names for decades.

  • Reviews

    Fighting for Freedom: Exploring Vachon's "Killer Life"

    Eugene Hernandez/indieWIRE
    Oct 3, 2006

    Killer Films' Christine Vachon's new memoir, A Killer Life (written with Austin Bunn), bolsters the producer as the driving force of independent film.

  • Reviews

    Fighting for Freedom: Exploring Vachon's "Killer Life"

    Eugene Hernandez/indieWIRE
    Oct 3, 2006

    Killer Films' Christine Vachon's new memoir, A Killer Life (written with Austin Bunn), bolsters the producer as the driving force of independent film.

  • Q & A

    Opening "Red Doors" in Asian American Family

    Susan Gerhard
    Sep 19, 2006

    Filmmaker Georgia Lee discusses her narrative feature with family member Frances Chang.

  • News & Blogs

    Current TV and the Audience as Auteur

    Justin Juul
    Aug 29, 2006

    Al Gore's fledgling S.F.--based cable and satellite channel, Current TV, generates cutting-edge content democratically, with a third of the programming created by viewers.

  • Reviews

    We Want Our "Dykeback Mountain"

    Staff
    Jun 27, 2006

    Conference discusses the difficulties for lesbian features to get made and do well at the box office.

  • Q & A

    Tommy Pallotta's Reanimation of "A Scanner Darkly"

    Daniel Cowles
    Apr 18, 2006

    The producer talks about the barriers filmmakers have faced in bringing Philip K. Dick's novel to the screen.

  • Reviews

    'Hot Fuzz' a Cheeky Riposte to H-wood

    Dennis Harvey
    Apr 17, 2006

    This English comedy, the second feature made by the guys behind that genius horror spoof, 'Shaun of the Dead,' satirizes fake cinematic testosterone.


previousnext

previousnext