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Few deals but some Oscar tips
Source: Agencies |
September 20, 2009, Sunday
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Print Edition
THIS year's Toronto film festival lowered its curtain yesterday after 10 days of premieres and industry networking that produced few movie deals but showcased some good bets for the Oscars.
Executives, hoping for signs of a recovery in the independent film industry, had little to celebrate. Barely a handful of distribution deals were announced during a festival that began with more than 100 titles available.
"I anticipated a slow market, but I guess I was surprised. I thought there would be a few more deals closed by now," said entertainment lawyer Steven Beer.
Films like rock'n'roll vampire flick "Suck" and the Woody Harrelson superhero movie "Defendor" were among the exceptions that found distributors.
While summer season box-office receipts crept up from last year, the independent film industry has been hit by plunging DVD sales and fewer sources of production funds.
There is also uncertainty over how digital downloads and movies-on-demand on TV will affect future revenues.
Timed just before Hollywood's Oscar season, the Toronto festival has in the past given a push to small pictures like "Slumdog Millionaire" and "The Wrestler," both of which went on to Oscar nominations and awards. Early buzz this year has surrounded the Oprah Winfrey-backed "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," about a troubled teen growing up in Harlem.
Also getting attention is Jason Reitman's "Up in the Air," Robert Duvall for "Get Low" and George Clooney for acting turns in Reitman's film and in "The Men Who Stare At Goats."
A trio of little known actresses are earning buzz: Carey Mulligan in "An Education," Gabourey Sidibe for "Precious" and in a supporting role, Anna Kendrick for "Up in the Air."
Executives, hoping for signs of a recovery in the independent film industry, had little to celebrate. Barely a handful of distribution deals were announced during a festival that began with more than 100 titles available.
"I anticipated a slow market, but I guess I was surprised. I thought there would be a few more deals closed by now," said entertainment lawyer Steven Beer.
Films like rock'n'roll vampire flick "Suck" and the Woody Harrelson superhero movie "Defendor" were among the exceptions that found distributors.
While summer season box-office receipts crept up from last year, the independent film industry has been hit by plunging DVD sales and fewer sources of production funds.
There is also uncertainty over how digital downloads and movies-on-demand on TV will affect future revenues.
Timed just before Hollywood's Oscar season, the Toronto festival has in the past given a push to small pictures like "Slumdog Millionaire" and "The Wrestler," both of which went on to Oscar nominations and awards. Early buzz this year has surrounded the Oprah Winfrey-backed "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," about a troubled teen growing up in Harlem.
Also getting attention is Jason Reitman's "Up in the Air," Robert Duvall for "Get Low" and George Clooney for acting turns in Reitman's film and in "The Men Who Stare At Goats."
A trio of little known actresses are earning buzz: Carey Mulligan in "An Education," Gabourey Sidibe for "Precious" and in a supporting role, Anna Kendrick for "Up in the Air."
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