In Focus
Hong Kong turns up the volume
On the eve of the 34th Hong Kong International Film Festival and Filmart, Liz Shackleton looks at whether the current surge in Hong Kong cinema really amounts to a revival.
Alice unlocks the windows
Disney’s move to shorten the theatrical window on Alice In Wonderland caused a major spat with exhibitors. John Hazelton looks at whether the film has set a precedent for a shift in studio distribution
Out of the blue and into the black
If 20th Century Fox regretted the co-financing alliance it made with Paramount Pictures on Titanic, splitting distribution rights and the pot on what would go on to become the biggest film of all time, it was not going to make the same move on Avatar.
The trouble with money
The introduction of the UK tax credit in 2006 was meant to end the war between the film financiers and the UK’s Inland Revenue. So why is the battle still raging over Section 48?
Berlinale selection: critical overview
The competition struggled to heat up Berlin, but there were gems to be found. Lee Marshall reports
Bullish buyers warm up market
The European Film Market in Berlin offered a ray of hope for international sales as buyers stepped up aggressively to pre-buy hot new titles. Mike Goodridge reports
Robust Sundance raises spirits
It is being hailed as the best Sundance in years by North American buyers and sellers, but what does it mean for the international market going into this month’s EFM in Berlin (Feb 11-21)? Jeremy Kay reports
Making movies the main event
The lines between producers, distributors and exhibitors are blurring as independents attempt to stand out in a crowded theatrical field with innovative event and selfreleasing strategies. But do the figures add up? Geoffrey Macnab reports
Beyond Dubai
Other Gulf territories aim to be major players in the international film industry. Mohammed Rouda reports
The Gulf: ambition and achievement
Dubai has worked hard to put itself at the centre of the Arab film-making world, with the Dubai International Film Festival and Dubai Studio City. But has the financial crisis placed a roadblock in its path? Mohammed Rouda reports
The Asian dimension
On the eve of this year’s CineAsia in Hong Kong (Dec 8-10), Liz Shackleton asks if the imminent release of 20th Century Fox’s epic Avatar can jumpstart the rollout of 3D in Asia and help stem the tide of piracy
India’s indies set global goals
It is too early to talk of an Indian film wave, but certain indie titles from the country are gaining recognition among international buyers. Liz Shackleton looks at the challenges they face in finding a global audience.
Meeting at the crossroads
Film Bazaar in Goa, which takes place this week, is where the independent indian cinema sector meets the international film industry. Liz Shackleton takes a look at what is on offer.
Pragmatism and optimism at AFM
It has been a gruelling year for the independent sector but last week’s American Film Market delivered a much-needed jolt of energy to the industry, with buyers quick to snap up top-end product. Jeremy Kay takes the temperature in Santa Monica
Far East festivals compete for market attention
In an Asian version of the Venice-Toronto marathon, the credits have now rolled on the Pusan and Tokyo film festivals. International buyers and sellers tell Liz Shackleton which event they found to be the most useful.
Japan, caution
The collapse in Japan’s independent distribution sector has made the territory one of the most difficult for foreign films to crack ‹ and nor are Hollywood studio films working. Jason Gray reports
Festivals feel the political heat
Film festivals and politics may make uneasy bedfellows at times, but most international programmers are adamant it is their duty to present culturally and politically diverse films. Five leading festival chiefs tell Screen why.
Venice and Toronto show their different strengths
The two festivals worked well together this year, says Fionnuala Halligan.
Dealmakers kick heels at slow Tiff
Although North American business was thin on the ground at the Toronto International Film Festival, foreign buyers were displaying less caution,no longer waiting for domestic deals to be done.
When will two become one?
A possible merger between the UK’s two flagship film bodies is provoking much debate both for and against the movie. But will it even ever happen?
The means of production
UK distributors are moving into local production. But, on the eve of the Toronto International Film Festival (Sept 10-19), will it be at the expense of their acquisition of third-party and international titles?
Painting the town Red
Upstart retail player Redbox is revolutionising the DVD business, but not everyone is pleased.
