If last year’s SXSW was driven by panels and events around Web3, NFTs and the metaverse, this year’s has decidedly cooled on the crypto craze and is instead focused on something entirely different: chatbots.
Though chatbots are by no means new technology, the launch last fall of OpenAI’s ChatGPT has sparked renewed interest in — and anxiety over — the use of AI-powered chatbots across multiple industries, in part because of their growing sophistication. Screenwriters in film and TV have become more wary of the impact ChatGPT could have on the scriptwriting process, given that the chatbot is already capable of churning out short scripts; organizations like the Writers Guild of America West say they are actively monitoring the technology “in the event they require additional protections for writers.”
All of these dynamics will be at play in Austin on March 10, the first day of SXSW, when executives and...
Though chatbots are by no means new technology, the launch last fall of OpenAI’s ChatGPT has sparked renewed interest in — and anxiety over — the use of AI-powered chatbots across multiple industries, in part because of their growing sophistication. Screenwriters in film and TV have become more wary of the impact ChatGPT could have on the scriptwriting process, given that the chatbot is already capable of churning out short scripts; organizations like the Writers Guild of America West say they are actively monitoring the technology “in the event they require additional protections for writers.”
All of these dynamics will be at play in Austin on March 10, the first day of SXSW, when executives and...
- 3/9/2023
- by J. Clara Chan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Indeed, actor Lena Waithe and her company Hillman Grad, and 271 Films have named the filmmakers chosen to participate in the third season of their program, Rising Voices.
Those set for Rising Voices Season 3 are Ana Verde, Candace Ho, Hannah Bang, Jackie! Zhou, James Rogers III, Joey Xuetong Zhao, Justin Kim WooSŏk, Larry Owens, Maria Alvarez and Miguel Angel Caballero.
Through the program, created to uncover, invest in and share stories created by Bipoc filmmakers across the U.S., each will be given a production budget of up to 100,000 to create a short film that will go on to premiere at the Tribeca Festival in June. The theme for this year’s films, The Future of Work, comes at a time of immense change within workplaces across the globe, in the wake of the Covid pandemic.
Participants will be compensated 5,000 for writing their original script and 5,000 for directing. They’ll be...
Those set for Rising Voices Season 3 are Ana Verde, Candace Ho, Hannah Bang, Jackie! Zhou, James Rogers III, Joey Xuetong Zhao, Justin Kim WooSŏk, Larry Owens, Maria Alvarez and Miguel Angel Caballero.
Through the program, created to uncover, invest in and share stories created by Bipoc filmmakers across the U.S., each will be given a production budget of up to 100,000 to create a short film that will go on to premiere at the Tribeca Festival in June. The theme for this year’s films, The Future of Work, comes at a time of immense change within workplaces across the globe, in the wake of the Covid pandemic.
Participants will be compensated 5,000 for writing their original script and 5,000 for directing. They’ll be...
- 1/12/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Additional speakers and a new keynote session have been revealed for South by Southwest 2023.
Event organizers announced Tuesday that featured speakers for the 37th edition of the annual conference spotlighting the convergence of technology and the film and music industries include Eric André, Blxst, Josh D’Amaro, Tommy Dorfman, Ashley Flowers, Gottmik, Nick Jonas, Martin Luther King III, Damon Lindelof, Eva Longoria, Alexis Ohanian, Maya Penn, Austin Russell, RZA, Dan Schulman, Simran Jeet Singh, Cheryl Strayed, Jen Wong and more.
‘Unfold The Universe: NASA’s Webb Space Telescope’ was also named as a new keynote session at SXSW. It will include members of the James Webb Space Telescope team and feature a never-before-seen image.
“We are honored to host a Keynote Session featuring members of the James Webb Space Telescope team,” said Hugh Forrest, chief programming officer and co-president. “They join an impressive group of Featured Speakers who have consistently strived...
Event organizers announced Tuesday that featured speakers for the 37th edition of the annual conference spotlighting the convergence of technology and the film and music industries include Eric André, Blxst, Josh D’Amaro, Tommy Dorfman, Ashley Flowers, Gottmik, Nick Jonas, Martin Luther King III, Damon Lindelof, Eva Longoria, Alexis Ohanian, Maya Penn, Austin Russell, RZA, Dan Schulman, Simran Jeet Singh, Cheryl Strayed, Jen Wong and more.
‘Unfold The Universe: NASA’s Webb Space Telescope’ was also named as a new keynote session at SXSW. It will include members of the James Webb Space Telescope team and feature a never-before-seen image.
“We are honored to host a Keynote Session featuring members of the James Webb Space Telescope team,” said Hugh Forrest, chief programming officer and co-president. “They join an impressive group of Featured Speakers who have consistently strived...
- 1/10/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festivals has confirmed its initial Featured Speakers for the 37th edition of its annual Conference. SXSW 2023 will take place March 10 – 19, 2023 in Austin, Texas.
“At SXSW, our goal is to always host a range of speakers who represent the full spectrum of the creative industries that converge in Austin every March,” Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer, said in a statement. “Our initial group of Featured Speakers, which includes futurists like Amy Webb, lifelong activists and advocates such as Alexandra Reeve Givens and Cecile Richards, and athletic titan turned business leader Allyson Felix, marks a significant first step towards a phenomenal SXSW 2023.”
The SXSW Conference is organized into 25 programming tracks presented in a variety of session formats. The tracks for 2023 include 2050, Advertising & Brand Experience, Cannabis, Civic Engagement, Climate Change, Creating Film & Episodics, Culture, Design, Energy, Film & TV Industry, Food, Game Industry, Health & MedTech, Markets & Economies, Media Industry,...
“At SXSW, our goal is to always host a range of speakers who represent the full spectrum of the creative industries that converge in Austin every March,” Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer, said in a statement. “Our initial group of Featured Speakers, which includes futurists like Amy Webb, lifelong activists and advocates such as Alexandra Reeve Givens and Cecile Richards, and athletic titan turned business leader Allyson Felix, marks a significant first step towards a phenomenal SXSW 2023.”
The SXSW Conference is organized into 25 programming tracks presented in a variety of session formats. The tracks for 2023 include 2050, Advertising & Brand Experience, Cannabis, Civic Engagement, Climate Change, Creating Film & Episodics, Culture, Design, Energy, Film & TV Industry, Food, Game Industry, Health & MedTech, Markets & Economies, Media Industry,...
- 8/30/2022
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Leading job site Indeed, Emmy winner Lena Waithe and her company Hillman Grad Productions have today named Cara Lawson, Gbenga Komolafe, Georgia Fu, Jalmer Caceres, Justin Floyd, Leon Cheo, Shanrica Evans, Tara Motamedi, Travis Wood and Urvashi Pathania as the 10 filmmakers selected for the second edition of their Rising Voices program.
Indeed: Rising Voices was created to uncover, invest in and share stories created by Bipoc filmmakers across the U.S. Executives from Hillman Grad Productions, Indeed and Ventureland selected participants’ screenplays from a pool of 900 submissions. Each will be given a production budget of $100,000 to create a short film of less than 15 minutes in length, which will debut at the Tribeca Film Festival in June. Their journey with Rising Voices will see them receive access to a crew through Hillman Grad and 271 Films, and a $10,000 writing and directing fee, as well as mentorship from Waithe and other filmmakers including Calmatic,...
Indeed: Rising Voices was created to uncover, invest in and share stories created by Bipoc filmmakers across the U.S. Executives from Hillman Grad Productions, Indeed and Ventureland selected participants’ screenplays from a pool of 900 submissions. Each will be given a production budget of $100,000 to create a short film of less than 15 minutes in length, which will debut at the Tribeca Film Festival in June. Their journey with Rising Voices will see them receive access to a crew through Hillman Grad and 271 Films, and a $10,000 writing and directing fee, as well as mentorship from Waithe and other filmmakers including Calmatic,...
- 2/24/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad Productions and Indeed have announced the 10 filmmakers selected for season two of Rising Voices, their initiative to support the work of filmmakers of color.
Established last February, the program provides resources for Bipoc filmmakers across the United States to create a short film that will premiere at the Tribeca Festival, planned for June 8-19 in New York City.
“Indeed’s Rising Voices not only levels the playing field for Bipoc creators in Hollywood by creating opportunities for individuals to be seen, heard and represented, but also empowers the next generation of storytellers, providing access to funding, on-site skill, career development and mentorship,” Waithe said in a statement. “Our continued mission at Hillman Grad Productions is to ensure that program mentees are truly set up for success as they continue to grow within their individual careers.”
The ten selected filmmaker teams for the 2022 edition of Rising Voices are Cara Lawson,...
Established last February, the program provides resources for Bipoc filmmakers across the United States to create a short film that will premiere at the Tribeca Festival, planned for June 8-19 in New York City.
“Indeed’s Rising Voices not only levels the playing field for Bipoc creators in Hollywood by creating opportunities for individuals to be seen, heard and represented, but also empowers the next generation of storytellers, providing access to funding, on-site skill, career development and mentorship,” Waithe said in a statement. “Our continued mission at Hillman Grad Productions is to ensure that program mentees are truly set up for success as they continue to grow within their individual careers.”
The ten selected filmmaker teams for the 2022 edition of Rising Voices are Cara Lawson,...
- 2/24/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Leading job site Indeed announced today that it is extending its partnership with Emmy winner Lena Waithe and her company Hillman Grad productions to further invest in Bipoc filmmakers via the Rising Voices initiative. Heading into the second cycle of the program established in February, it will triple its original investment, pouring $3 million into another filmmaker residency program, as part of its commitment to bolstering underrepresented talent and their stories.
As they gear up for Rising Voices Season 2, Indeed and Hillman Grad are once again calling for filmmakers to share stories about the meaning of work and how connecting all people to opportunity leads to better lives. Each of the 10 filmmakers selected will be given a production budget of $100,000 to create a short film of less than 15 minutes in length, which will debut on the festival circuit next year. Their journey with Rising Voices will see...
As they gear up for Rising Voices Season 2, Indeed and Hillman Grad are once again calling for filmmakers to share stories about the meaning of work and how connecting all people to opportunity leads to better lives. Each of the 10 filmmakers selected will be given a production budget of $100,000 to create a short film of less than 15 minutes in length, which will debut on the festival circuit next year. Their journey with Rising Voices will see...
- 12/7/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Lena Waithe has been advocating for supporting marginalized storytellers for years, but now she has real money behind that mission. In a new partnership between her company Hillman Grad Productions and global job listings site Indeed, Waithe has launched the Rising Voices initiative, which aims to uncover, invest in, and share stories created by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (Bipoc) filmmakers. The initial 10 short films produced by the initiative came out of a $1 million investment from the partnership.
All of those short films made their world premieres during a special Tribeca Film Festival event at Pier 76 this week, with Waithe and Indeed CEO Chris Hyams in attendance. In an interview with IndieWire shortly before the screenings, Hyams and Waithe explained how the partnership emerged from the wider goals of Indeed itself.
“Our mission was to help people get jobs and see how important a job is in a person...
All of those short films made their world premieres during a special Tribeca Film Festival event at Pier 76 this week, with Waithe and Indeed CEO Chris Hyams in attendance. In an interview with IndieWire shortly before the screenings, Hyams and Waithe explained how the partnership emerged from the wider goals of Indeed itself.
“Our mission was to help people get jobs and see how important a job is in a person...
- 6/18/2021
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad Productions and Indeed have teamed up to spotlight 10 Black, Indigenous and people of color (Bipoc) filmmaker teams, debuting each of their films at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City.
Under the companies’ “Rising Voices” partnership, the filmmakers have been awarded a $100,000 production budget and crew (via Hillman Grad and 271 Films) to produce a 15-minute short film.
“Whenever I talk to up and coming filmmakers they always tell me finding money is the biggest hurdle they face. That’s why I’m so grateful to Indeed: Rising Voices, for helping us give ten filmmakers both money to make their films and mentorship while they do it,” Waithe, Hillman Grad’s CEO, said in a statement announcing the selections.
“This is a great opportunity for these filmmakers, but it’s also a great opportunity for us,” Waithe continued. “We get a first look at...
Under the companies’ “Rising Voices” partnership, the filmmakers have been awarded a $100,000 production budget and crew (via Hillman Grad and 271 Films) to produce a 15-minute short film.
“Whenever I talk to up and coming filmmakers they always tell me finding money is the biggest hurdle they face. That’s why I’m so grateful to Indeed: Rising Voices, for helping us give ten filmmakers both money to make their films and mentorship while they do it,” Waithe, Hillman Grad’s CEO, said in a statement announcing the selections.
“This is a great opportunity for these filmmakers, but it’s also a great opportunity for us,” Waithe continued. “We get a first look at...
- 3/30/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Lena Waithe is looking for the next generation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (Bipoc) filmmakers. The actor, producer and Emmy-winning writer, Hillman Grad Productions is partnering with Indeed to launch the “Rising Voices” initiative which showcases the power of how jobs change our world.
The initiative looks to uncover, invest in and share stories created by Bipoc storytellers around the singular theme of the meaning of work, and the idea that jobs can change us all. The open call kicks off today, with the 10 finalists to be selected by the end of February.
“Our mission at Hillman Grad Productions is to provide opportunities for the filmmakers that Hollywood has ignored, support the talent that hasn’t had access to the business, and advocate for the artists who aren’t on studio lists,” said Waithe who is also CEO of Hillman Grad Productions. “We’re proud to partner with...
The initiative looks to uncover, invest in and share stories created by Bipoc storytellers around the singular theme of the meaning of work, and the idea that jobs can change us all. The open call kicks off today, with the 10 finalists to be selected by the end of February.
“Our mission at Hillman Grad Productions is to provide opportunities for the filmmakers that Hollywood has ignored, support the talent that hasn’t had access to the business, and advocate for the artists who aren’t on studio lists,” said Waithe who is also CEO of Hillman Grad Productions. “We’re proud to partner with...
- 2/16/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Most advancements in technology, notably the incredible strides digital video has made in recent years, are hailed as grand steps towards some idealized zenith of uninhibited collectivist creativity. With HD video and professional-grade editing suites readily available to the general public there’s no telling what magnificent works of art are being produced by middle-aged divorced Midwestern suburbanites as we speak. Right?
In theory the concept is solid. Film has traditionally been one of the world’s most expensive and time-consuming art forms, leaving the means to create films in the hands of a very small elite club — Hollywood and her foreign equivalents. It stands to reason then, if the number of people with the means to create films increases, the number of films being produced will likewise increase. And with a greater number of films being made, the number of good films will inevitably increase.
More good movies being...
In theory the concept is solid. Film has traditionally been one of the world’s most expensive and time-consuming art forms, leaving the means to create films in the hands of a very small elite club — Hollywood and her foreign equivalents. It stands to reason then, if the number of people with the means to create films increases, the number of films being produced will likewise increase. And with a greater number of films being made, the number of good films will inevitably increase.
More good movies being...
- 5/27/2010
- by Eric M. Armstrong
- The Moving Arts Journal
By Brian Newman
For a few years now, the topic du jour at panels and conferences has been whether or not the sky is falling on the film business. Most panelists seem to settle on a common culprit contributing to the malaise: Too many films being made.
Case in point: During a recent conversation between Ted Hope and Chris Hyams, hosted by TheWrap’s Sharon Waxman, the panelists bemoaned this fact, and when Waxman commented that more than 3,000 films were submitted to Sundance last year, Chris Hyams quickly interjected that the Sundance submission number grossly underestimates the real ...
For a few years now, the topic du jour at panels and conferences has been whether or not the sky is falling on the film business. Most panelists seem to settle on a common culprit contributing to the malaise: Too many films being made.
Case in point: During a recent conversation between Ted Hope and Chris Hyams, hosted by TheWrap’s Sharon Waxman, the panelists bemoaned this fact, and when Waxman commented that more than 3,000 films were submitted to Sundance last year, Chris Hyams quickly interjected that the Sundance submission number grossly underestimates the real ...
- 5/13/2010
- by Lisa Horowitz
- The Wrap
In conjunction with the Tribeca Film Festival, TheWrap hosted its first event in New York City on Monday. Sharon Waxman, TheWrap's editor in chief, Ted Hope, independent film veteran, and Chris Hyams, founder of B-Side, a company devoted to engaging film festival-goers with the web, discussed the state of the indie film industry. In particular, the group talked about how social media is helping the industry evolve in the face of studio belt-tightening. See pictures from the big night. Here's the WaxWord post about it: http://www.thewrap.com/ind-column/watch-livestream-our-tribeca-event-ton...
- 4/27/2010
- by Brent Lang
- The Wrap
By Sharon Waxman
TheWrap is co-host-ing its first New York event, with Flicktweets, a film-lover-meets-Twitter delight. (You can find the latest tweets about your favorite films, and there's a section on Tribeca festival films.)
Please join the event by watching it on Livestream's feed.
Ted Hope, the independent film veteran and crusader for figure-this-shit-out-already-wouldja of the indie world, will join Chris Hyams and myself to discuss how social media is impacti...
TheWrap is co-host-ing its first New York event, with Flicktweets, a film-lover-meets-Twitter delight. (You can find the latest tweets about your favorite films, and there's a section on Tribeca festival films.)
Please join the event by watching it on Livestream's feed.
Ted Hope, the independent film veteran and crusader for figure-this-shit-out-already-wouldja of the indie world, will join Chris Hyams and myself to discuss how social media is impacti...
- 4/26/2010
- by Sharon Waxman
- The Wrap
If you are a frequent film fest-goer, you've probably used B-Side's "Festival Genius" to help create your schedules at one time or another. A number of large and small festivals have incorporated the application into their websites, such as Sundance 2010 and Austin's Fantastic Fest. Festival Genius not only works as a scheduler but lets participants rate films, so after a fest ended, B-Side and the fest organizers could see which films were popular and well-regarded that year.
B-Side closed up shop earlier this year when it ran out of funds. A lot of us starting wringing our hands and worrying how we'd get through the next festival or two. Fortunately, a deal has been struck and Festival Genius will still be around. Slated, a New York-based media and entertainment company, has bought all B-Side's intellectual property, including Festival Genius. B-Side founder Chris Hyams will become Slated's Chief Operating Officer.
Slated...
B-Side closed up shop earlier this year when it ran out of funds. A lot of us starting wringing our hands and worrying how we'd get through the next festival or two. Fortunately, a deal has been struck and Festival Genius will still be around. Slated, a New York-based media and entertainment company, has bought all B-Side's intellectual property, including Festival Genius. B-Side founder Chris Hyams will become Slated's Chief Operating Officer.
Slated...
- 4/9/2010
- by Jette Kernion
- Cinematical
File this under Couldn't Be Happier Unless I Had Angel Money to Do This Myself... Austin-based B-Side has been acquired by Slated, and the much missed B-Side Festival Genius has been licensed to long time indie nonprofit Ifp.
Just announced Thursday night, the film community rejoiced that the best technological tool for film festivals has been revived. People were downright twitterpated, you could say. I'm re-using the same picture Jette used when she had to announce the sad news about B-Side closing its doors, because, well, B-Side founder Chris Hyams looks equally celebratory and defiant, and that attitude seems to have helped B-Side find a new home.
Personally I could not be happier for Chris and the core members of his team (Chris Holland, Jesse Trussell and Mike McCown) who are all back to work a mere six weeks after the unexpected announcement that B-Side was closing its offices. Hyams and McCown go to Slated,...
Just announced Thursday night, the film community rejoiced that the best technological tool for film festivals has been revived. People were downright twitterpated, you could say. I'm re-using the same picture Jette used when she had to announce the sad news about B-Side closing its doors, because, well, B-Side founder Chris Hyams looks equally celebratory and defiant, and that attitude seems to have helped B-Side find a new home.
Personally I could not be happier for Chris and the core members of his team (Chris Holland, Jesse Trussell and Mike McCown) who are all back to work a mere six weeks after the unexpected announcement that B-Side was closing its offices. Hyams and McCown go to Slated,...
- 4/9/2010
- by Jenn Brown
- Slackerwood
By Wrap Staff
The Festival Genius technology and database, from the recently shuttered B-Side, has found a new home.
Slated has acquired all of B-Side's intellectual property, and effective immediately licensed the B-Side Festival Genius to Ifp, the companies said Thursday.
Senior executives from B-Side including founder Chris Hyams have joined Slated, while key members of B-Side’s festival team are joining Ifp.
The move will transform Ifp, exponentially expanding its potential membership base and the organization’s ability to build audiences for independent films,...
The Festival Genius technology and database, from the recently shuttered B-Side, has found a new home.
Slated has acquired all of B-Side's intellectual property, and effective immediately licensed the B-Side Festival Genius to Ifp, the companies said Thursday.
Senior executives from B-Side including founder Chris Hyams have joined Slated, while key members of B-Side’s festival team are joining Ifp.
The move will transform Ifp, exponentially expanding its potential membership base and the organization’s ability to build audiences for independent films,...
- 4/9/2010
- by Lisa Horowitz
- The Wrap
Updated At 7:42 Pm, Et--Festival Genius, a major initiative of recently shuttered B-Side has found a new home with Ifp. The New York-based independent film advocacy group is teaming with NYC-based company Slated, which recently acquired B-Side's intellectual property, and has licensed B-Side's Festival Genius product to Ifp. Former B-Side execs, including Chris Hyams, have joined Slated, and other former B-Siders have joined Ifp. Slated will take over B-Side’s business of ...
- 4/8/2010
- Indiewire
In a release sent out moments ago, the Ifp has announced that B-Side, the recently shuttered Austin-based technology and distribution company that provided Web site services to film festivals, will be handing over it’s “Festival Genius” technology to Ifp. Slated, a company that provides film and market research services to producers and distributors, has acquired B-Side’s intellectual property and will be licensing the service to Ifp. According to the release, key members of the B-Side staff will be joining Ifp while founder Chris Hyams and senior executives from the company will be joining Slated. As you read on the blog earlier this year, B-Side closed its doors after losing funding. Ifp plans to expand the...
- 4/8/2010
- by Jason Guerrasio
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Today's theme: Hello and Goodbye...
Austin-based distributor, marketing and festival scheduler B-Side is closing effective March 1. CEO and founder Chris Hyams announced the news in a post on the B-Side blog, citing economic pressures and the ongoing upheaval in the film business as the reasons behind the decision of their investors to stop funding the company. He writes, "The timing is especially disappointing, as the past year has been our best ever. In 2009, we opened our New York office and launched a new distribution business, successfully releasing 8 films. ...
Austin-based distributor, marketing and festival scheduler B-Side is closing effective March 1. CEO and founder Chris Hyams announced the news in a post on the B-Side blog, citing economic pressures and the ongoing upheaval in the film business as the reasons behind the decision of their investors to stop funding the company. He writes, "The timing is especially disappointing, as the past year has been our best ever. In 2009, we opened our New York office and launched a new distribution business, successfully releasing 8 films. ...
- 2/24/2010
- by IDA Editorial Staff
- International Documentary Association
The Wall Street Journal-hosted Venture Capital Dispatch blog linked to my article yesterday about the closing of independent film distributor and festival website service business B-Side Entertainment. Scott Austin's piece focused on comments made in the piece by CEO Chris Hyams and President of Distribution Paola Freccero about the company's fate at the hands of the Vc funding model. The executives said that B-Side was on the road to being profitable but couldn't deliver large enough returns in the time period desired by financier Valhalla Partners. Austin points to another B-Side investor: original Series A-funder Mike Maples, Jr. and his Vc firm Silverton Partners. Maples and his firm invested $3.1 million in B-Side in 2006. Last week,...
- 2/23/2010
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
B-Side, the film festival listings website and film distribution company, is folding on March 1 after being in business for a decade. Filmmaker Magazine has the scoop.
This is particularly crappy news for several reasons. One, yes, obviously the unemployment for its employees. Two, B-Side’s festival listings were a fantastic product. Three, the loss of yet another distribution opportunity for indie filmmakers.
Sadly, according to Filmmaker’s interview with B-Side CEO and founder Chris Hyams, it seems like it was the distribution arm of the company that ultimately killed the whole thing. The venture capital firm, Valhalla Partners, that was backing B-Side was unahppy with the amount of revenue the distributed films was bringing in, so they cut off all funding. Then, B-Side was unable to find another investor.
One of the things that surprised me personally reading B-Side’s obit is that the company didn’t charge for their festival listings.
This is particularly crappy news for several reasons. One, yes, obviously the unemployment for its employees. Two, B-Side’s festival listings were a fantastic product. Three, the loss of yet another distribution opportunity for indie filmmakers.
Sadly, according to Filmmaker’s interview with B-Side CEO and founder Chris Hyams, it seems like it was the distribution arm of the company that ultimately killed the whole thing. The venture capital firm, Valhalla Partners, that was backing B-Side was unahppy with the amount of revenue the distributed films was bringing in, so they cut off all funding. Then, B-Side was unable to find another investor.
One of the things that surprised me personally reading B-Side’s obit is that the company didn’t charge for their festival listings.
- 2/23/2010
- by Mike Everleth
- Underground Film Journal
"B-Side Entertainment, the Austin-based tech and distribution company that provides website services to film festivals, is closing." Filmmaker's Scott Macaulay posted the full story this morning and the shock waves are still reverberating across Twitter and Facebook. B-Side CEO and founder Chris Hyams on his own blog: "The timing is especially disappointing, as the past year has been our best ever. In 2009, we opened our New York office and launched a new distribution business, successfully releasing 8 films. We grew to 220 film festival partners worldwide and started off 2010 with our widely praised Sundance collaboration. Unfortunately, in the face of the lingering economic crisis and ongoing upheaval in the film business, our investors decided to stop funding the company. Under extreme time pressure, we were unable to secure alternate financing, and are left with no choice other than to shut down."...
- 2/22/2010
- MUBI
Nothing like some depressing news to start off a Monday. B-Side Entertainment, the company that's been distributing indie films and making incredibly useful interactive online guides for a number of film festivals, is closing its doors. Filmmaker magazine reports that the Austin-based company laid off most of its staff last week and is now trying to find homes for the movies still in B-Side's pipeline.
The reason is the one you hear a lot these days: the funding ran out. B-Side's CEO and founder, Chris Hyams, said the venture capital firm that had been backing them pulled out in late 2009. "We have spent the last four or five months looking for [an] alternative.... But we reached the end of our cash before we could secure new investment. We had to shut the company down."
To use the official economic term, this sucks. Let me here recount some of the ways this sucks.
The reason is the one you hear a lot these days: the funding ran out. B-Side's CEO and founder, Chris Hyams, said the venture capital firm that had been backing them pulled out in late 2009. "We have spent the last four or five months looking for [an] alternative.... But we reached the end of our cash before we could secure new investment. We had to shut the company down."
To use the official economic term, this sucks. Let me here recount some of the ways this sucks.
- 2/22/2010
- by Eric D. Snider
- Cinematical
B-Side Founder & CEO Chris Hyams, in a blog post this morning, announced that the Austin-based distributor, marketing and festival scheduler is closing effective March 1. Rumors were swirling in recent weeks indicating that investors were pulling the plug on the company, founded in 2005, and staff had been pared down. "On behalf of the entire B-Side team, I am sad to announce that after 5 years in business B-Side is ...
- 2/22/2010
- Indiewire
It was just yesterday that Jenn Brown and I were plotting our SXSW coverage strategy for Slackerwood (and other outlets) and hoping B-Side would host a Festival Genius site for scheduling SXSW Film. All of us at Slackerwood who have covered film festivals have loved the scheduling application from B-Side and found that it made fest planning vastly easier.
So we were very sad to learn that Austin-based B-Side Entertainment will be closing its doors this week. Filmmaker Magazine's blog is reporting that the company has been unable to find new investors and is out of funds. B-Side employees have all been laid off, many of which we've become familiar with at local film festivals -- including occasional Slackerwood contributor Chris Holland -- and we are obviously personally unhappy about the news as well. Back at SXSW 2007, I interviewed B-Side founder Chris Hyams (pictured at right) for Studio Sx (sadly,...
So we were very sad to learn that Austin-based B-Side Entertainment will be closing its doors this week. Filmmaker Magazine's blog is reporting that the company has been unable to find new investors and is out of funds. B-Side employees have all been laid off, many of which we've become familiar with at local film festivals -- including occasional Slackerwood contributor Chris Holland -- and we are obviously personally unhappy about the news as well. Back at SXSW 2007, I interviewed B-Side founder Chris Hyams (pictured at right) for Studio Sx (sadly,...
- 2/22/2010
- by Jette Kernion
- Slackerwood
B-side Entertainment, the Austin-based tech and distribution company that provides website services to film festivals, is closing. The company, which launched a New York-based distribution arm just 13 months ago, lost its funding from venture capital fund Valhalla Partners in late 2009. “We have spent the last four or five months looking for a [financing] alternative,” B-Side CEO and founder Chris Hyams told Filmmaker. “But we reached the end of our cash before we could secure new investment. We had to shut the company down.” B-Side laid off the majority of its staff last week and throughout the weekend notified its filmmakers and festival partners. In the coming weeks Hyams and core staffers will seek new homes for B-Side’s films and its...
- 2/22/2010
- by Scott Macaulay
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
The 2009 American Film Market today announced its schedule of seminars and conferences to be held between Nov. 4 and 11. Celebrating its 30th year, the Afm will showcase panels on film financing opportunities, local and international distribution trends, marketing strategies and digital technologies. The sessions will include film executives, producers, writers, directors, distributors, financiers and attorneys. This year’s seminars and conferences will include the annual “Afm Finance Conference” on Friday, Nov. 6; “Pitch Me!” on Saturday, Nov. 7; “No Direction Home – Changing Indie Distribution Strategies” on Sunday, Nov. 8; “Writing for the Genre World” on Monday, Nov. 9; “Case Study: How to Package and Finance Your Independent Project Overseas” on Monday, Nov. 9; and “The New Hollywood Movie Studio, New Media and Social Networking” on Tuesday, Nov. 10.
Programming the seminars and conferences will be the American Society of Cinematographers, British Academy of Film & Television Arts/Los Angeles, Directors Guild of America, Film Independent, Hong Kong Trade Development Council,...
Programming the seminars and conferences will be the American Society of Cinematographers, British Academy of Film & Television Arts/Los Angeles, Directors Guild of America, Film Independent, Hong Kong Trade Development Council,...
- 10/16/2009
- by sean
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
Relativity Media's Ryan Kavanaugh, Comerica Bank's Morgan Rector and Media Rights Capital's Modi Wiczyk will discuss the current state of the indie film business at the opening panel of the American Film Market's finance conference on Nov. 6.
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld's P. John Burke will moderate the session to be held at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica.
The conference will also include a session on foreign investment as a source of film financing, to be moderated by Kpmg's Benson R. Berro, and a look at Hong Kong as a co-production partner programmed by the Hong Kong Development Council.
Afm's lineup of panels, programmed by the Independent Film & Television Alliance, consists of:
Nov. 7
-- "Pitch Me!," moderated by Peggy Rajski; panelists, Caroline Baron and Ron Yerxa.
-- "Produce & Sell Your Film with Dov S-s Simens," presented by Dov S-s Simens.
Nov. 8
-- "No Direction Home - Changing Indie Distribution Strategies,...
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld's P. John Burke will moderate the session to be held at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica.
The conference will also include a session on foreign investment as a source of film financing, to be moderated by Kpmg's Benson R. Berro, and a look at Hong Kong as a co-production partner programmed by the Hong Kong Development Council.
Afm's lineup of panels, programmed by the Independent Film & Television Alliance, consists of:
Nov. 7
-- "Pitch Me!," moderated by Peggy Rajski; panelists, Caroline Baron and Ron Yerxa.
-- "Produce & Sell Your Film with Dov S-s Simens," presented by Dov S-s Simens.
Nov. 8
-- "No Direction Home - Changing Indie Distribution Strategies,...
- 10/14/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
So a few months ago I'm enjoying a stupid cigarette outside of my Park City (Sundance, woo) hotel, and I see my old friend Chris Hyams walking my way. Chris is one of the founders and wizards behind Bside.com, an outfit that does everything from mega-nifty festival schedules to full-bore film distribution. So because I am loud (and also a pathetic movie nerd), I say "Hey Chris! Wouldn't it be cool if your Dad was Peter Hyams?"
Chris smiled and said "It sure would be. And he is my dad!" After about four minutes of Chris trying to convince me he was telling the truth, we quickly got rambling about the awesomeness of Outland, which is a film his dad made way back in 1981, and is still the finest "High Noon in space" movie that Sean Connery ever starred in. During my conversation with Chris, my brain kept screaming "Don't mention The Musketeer!
Chris smiled and said "It sure would be. And he is my dad!" After about four minutes of Chris trying to convince me he was telling the truth, we quickly got rambling about the awesomeness of Outland, which is a film his dad made way back in 1981, and is still the finest "High Noon in space" movie that Sean Connery ever starred in. During my conversation with Chris, my brain kept screaming "Don't mention The Musketeer!
- 3/30/2009
- by Scott Weinberg
- Cinematical
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.