Las Vegas, NV -- Fiercely Independent Films, Inc. announced today that the Independent Cinema Expo will be held on March 8th & 9th, 2003 in Las Vegas at the Alexis Park Resort Hotel. The Independent Cinema Expo (or “ICExpo,” www.icexpo.com) is a 2-day seminar showcasing nationally-recognized authorities teaching all aspects of the art and business of funding, making and selling independent feature films. The ICExpo is sponsored by Panasonic, ProMAX, Film Threat Magazine, Big Film Shorts, the AIVF, IndieClub.com and Fiercely Independent Films.
"People are more interested than ever in making their own films,” said Barry Green, Executive Director of the show. “The recent breakout success of films like My Big Fat Greek Wedding and The Blair Witch Project was like pouring gasoline on a smoldering fire – and with the explosion in desktop production tools and new 24P film-like video cameras, the timing couldn’t be better.”[an error occurred while processing this directive]The Expo brings top instructors, industry experts, and filmmakers together to teach aspiring filmmakers the full spectrum of making their own movies. Some of the presenters include:
• Dov Simens, of the famous Hollywood 2-Day Film School. The Wall Street Journal called Dov’s class “Brilliant… It’s a boot camp for filmmakers,” and the Sydney Times says it is “Spectacular… The greatest film course ever.” Dov has taught filmmakers such as Spike Lee and Quentin Tarantino, and will be presenting two lectures: The 99-Minute Film School – Making The Film, and The 99-Minute Film School – Selling The Film.
• Gerald R. Molen, Academy-award-winning producer of Schindler’s List. Jerry Molen is one of the highest-box-office-grossing producers in Hollywood history, producing films such as Minority Report, Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park II, Twister, Hook, Days of Thunder, and Rain Man. He has recently shifted focus from studio films to producing small independent films, such as last year’s The Other Side of Heaven and the upcoming The Legend of Johnny Lingo.
• Bo Svenson, veteran Hollywood actor who first shot to fame in the Walking Tall series of films, has starred in more than 40 movies. Bo is also an accomplished writer, director, and producer of independent features.
• Rick Schmidt, independent filmmaker and author of Feature Filmmaking At Used Car Prices. More than 80,000 copies of Rick’s book have been sold, inspiring filmmakers such as Kevin Smith (Clerks, Dogma, Chasing Amy), Eduardo Sanches (The Blair Witch Project) and Vin Diesel (The Fast & The Furious, xXx).
Other speakers include film distributor David Russell of Big Film Shorts, business plan and film fundraising specialist Louise Levison (of www.moviemoney.com), and film arts/grants/donation specialist Morrie Warshawski.
Technology and equipment will also receive center stage at the Expo. Lead sponsor Panasonic has introduced two revolutionary film-like video cameras specifically marketed towards independent filmmakers: the affordable AG-DVX100 and the high-definition AJ-HDC27. “The great thing is, with the tools that are available now, it’s never been easier or more affordable to make your own movie,” continues Green. “For the first time ever, video is an acceptable alternative to film origination. Just look at Spy Kids 2 – most people don’t know that it was shot on video. Panasonic will showcase some of the most exciting video options available. We’ll also teach ways to shoot your movie on 35mm film for under $3,000.” Sponsor ProMAX will demonstrate complete end-to-end post-production services, so filmmakers can master a DVD of their movie, right on their desktop, ready for worldwide sale over the Internet.
“Las Vegas is known as the Entertainment Capital Of The World,” said Green. “We want to see it become the Independent Film Capital Of The World too.” Complete details about all the speakers and sponsors can be seen on the Expo’s website, www.icexpo.com.
ABOUT FIERCELY INDEPENDENT FILMS: Formed in January 1999, Fiercely Independent Films, Inc. produces screenplays, theatrical feature-length films and short films from its base in Las Vegas. Awards won include the prestigious Telly Award, the Summit Creative Award, and multiple Electronic Media Awards and Cinema In Industry (“CINDY”) awards, and the Company’s var ious screenplays have been named as Finalist, Quarterfinalist, and 2nd-Place Winner in multiple national screenwriting competitions. The Company also produces television commercials and corporate films for clients such as the Better Business Bureau, Westwood Studios, and Consumer Guide, Inc. Fiercely Independent Films is the promoter for the Independent Cinema Expo.
