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2011 Sundance Predictions: Elgin James’ Little Birds
Having participated at both the Directors and Screenwriters Labs, helmer Elgin James has been building his nest at Sundance for a while now. His directorial feature debut Little Birds is a shoe-in title for the festival and should grab a slot in the U.S. Dramatic Competition section.
2011 Sundance Predictions: Drake Doremus’ Like Crazy
If you need any packing tips for a film festival in Park City, you may want to contact American Film Institute grad Drake Doremus. It could very well be a "three films in three years in Park City" banner year for Doremus -- in 2009 he showed up with Spooner at Slamdance, this past January was the unveiling of Douchebag, and in 2011 chances are highly likely that'll show up with his parka, mitts and Like Crazy.
2011 Sundance Predictions: Matthew Chapman’s The Ledge
Will a festival that promotes new talent behind the camera be interested in a first-time veteran? Matthew Chapman, the author/writer of Consenting Adults, Color of Night, Runaway Jury, and Kaye's Black Water Transit, took to directing his debut film earlier this year and technically the dramatic thriller should be in the can...but admittedly, despite a cast that includes Patrick Wilson, Charlie Hunnam, Liv Tyler and Terrence Howard, if The Ledge were to be included in the line-up it would be somewhat of a small victory. Expect a Premieres screening if included.
2011 Sundance Predictions: Duplass Bros.’ Jeff Who Lives At Home
Now that they're are moving into a different "bracket", is this the end of the Duplass Bros. in terms of directing efforts for the Sundance Film Festival? Certainly not. Unlike Cyrus, their latest comedy Jeff Who Lives At Home which stars Jason Segel, Ed Helms, Susan Sarandon, Judy Greer and Katie Aselton, could be positioned for a release much later in the year by those who own the distribution rights (Paramount Pictures). I say, count it in, before you count it out. Premieres category would make sense.
FilmDistrict Writes Up Ticket for Nicolas Winding Refn’s ‘Drive’
With this week's deal on Soul Surfer (true story of a teenage surfer girl who is shark bite victim) with TriStar Pictures and today's pick-up of Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive, Bob Berney is giving us a clearer idea of what to expect from new outfitter FilmDistrict. With a mandate of releasing in the 4 to 8 title range, we can expect to see big marketing campaigns and as Deadline mentions, four wall strategies that would open films in the 1500 and 2000 screen range. The project which is still shooting in Los Angeles was being chased by other middle-weight distribs Lionsgate and Summit. Expect a release midway next year
