In this workshop we address the current trends in American Indie Cinema. What are the films that got bought at Sundance this year? What were the prices paid for these films? How do these sales affect the films that get financed this year? What films have shot this year? What trends do they reflect in current finance strategies? Are there any indie strategies that are trend proof? YES! It is called the “actor driven awards film” (Mike made two last year). What is the “actor driven awards film?”

Mike S. Ryan holds a directing and screenwriting masters degree from the NYU Tisch School of the Arts. He first started his drama career in theater as an actor and director. He is a member of the Screen Actors Guild and continues to act in small roles in films and theater. Mike has directed two feature films including the recent Toronto Film Festival selection, Think of Me, which stars Lauren Ambrose and Dylan Baker. Mike’s full filmography can be found on IMDB. Mike currently has a film playing at the Roxie that was in dramatic competition at Sundance. He has produced true independent films by such auteurs as Kelly Reichardt, Todd Solondz, Bela Tarr, Ira Sachs, Hal Hartley and Gaspar Noe.

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