FIRST EVER ALLIANCE FOR SUNDANCE CHANNEL AND SUNDANCE INSTITUTE WITH SHINE GROUP & LIVITY’S YOUNG PRODUCERS PROJECT
20th Apr 2012
To celebrate the inaugural Sundance London festival (26-29 April), Sundance Channel in Europe and Asia will feature new programming, including the television premieres of recently acquired titles from the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.
Airing 5-6 May, the network’s exclusive coverage of Sundance London will be created by young aspiring producers, thanks to a first-of-its-kind collaboration between Sundance Channel and Sundance Institute, and the young producers programme recently established by Shine Group and youth agency Livity.
Robert Redford commented, “This is a continuation of our mission that began 30 years ago in the mountains of Utah. Independent film has since become one of the most exciting forums to showcase diverse voices and compelling stories. Sundance Channel continues to provide a platform for emerging talent. It’s also exciting that young artists will become involved in the first Sundance London festival and that their work will be seen on the network internationally.”
The network has acquired three films that premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, including: California Solo from U.S. writer/director Marshall Lewy and starring Robert Carlyle (Trainspotting); Brazil’s Father’s Chair (A Cadeira do Pai) from director Luciano Moura; and Greece’s L directed by Babis Makridis.
Additionally, Sundance Channel in collaboration with Sundance Institute have commissioned the newly established youth-run production unit set up by Shine Group and youth outreach agency Livity to produce selected highlights packages from around Sundance London that will be showcased internationally on the Channel throughout the weekend.
The commission marks the first for the as-yet-unnamed project which enables 10 young producers from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to become professional, independent creators through a one-year apprenticeship.
Bruce Tuchman, President of AMC/Sundance Channel Global, commented, “Sundance Channel’s mission is to provide compelling, independent-minded entertainment to audiences across the globe. This extensive promotion to support new voices and outstanding creativity will enable viewers to experience the energy and excitement of Sundance London and the Sundance Film Festival in their own homes.”
Ben Hall, Managing Director of the Shine Group and Livity young producers project said, “We are delighted to be given the task of capturing all aspects of the inaugural Sundance London and to bring it to life for viewers of the Sundance Channel internationally. It is a wonderful first commercial commission for the team.”