By Quendrith Johnson, Los Angeles Correspondent   First, the set-up:  James Franco: Wins Big for 127 HOURS Braving the Santa Monica cold front, Spirit Award nominee Jesse Eisenberg of THE SOCIAL NETWORK just strolled by the press tent at the show with his handlers. Natalie Portman, pregnant and radiant in a yellow lace short sleeve gown, just mentioned there was no medic on the BLACK SWAN set. Her presence in advance of the Oscars tomorrow night is an act of bravery, ...

  by Marc Halperin The Sundance Film Festival is in full swing, some  films are being bought and others are not. Understanding the reasons for these decisions is critical for independent filmmakers.  Film Independent recently produced a round table that focused on indie distribution. It’s an offshoot from their Filmmaker Forum, which was held over an entire weekend in early October. This discussion looked at the economics of distribution; traditional, DIY, and digital stra...

  CRACKS,  starring Eva Green (Casino Royale, The Dreamers), which premiered to critical acclaim at the 2009 Toronto Film Festival, has been picked up for North American distribution by IFC FILMS. The UK/US co-production is the directorial debut of Jordan Scott, who was born in England and has directed campaigns throughout the world for RSA Films. She directed a short-film advertising campaign for Prada as well as public service announcements advocating gun control. She also co-direct...

DISPATCH FROM MARTHA'S VINEYARD | In Its Third Year, Festival Grows Beyond Local Event by Cameron Yates (September 16, 2008) As September begins, Martha's Vineyard breathes a sigh of relief after 100,000 summer visitors have left, and the island's population returns to 15,000 year-round residents. The Martha's Vineyard International Film Festival, in its third year, is meant for those who remain, as Co-Directors Richard Paradise and Nevette Previd are quick to point out. "T...