Back to reality. That may be the best way to describe both the status of our global economy and the previous 12 months in independent film. Little irrational exuberance; no breakout blockbusters; but a few profitable indie films, perhaps countable on one hand, that stand out as carrots for hundreds of others to try to reach out and emulate. Calmer heads prevailed at Sundance 2012 as sellers and buyers got down to the more complicated business of the current indie marketplace, with its delicate mix of theatrical and VOD platform releasing. No one was throwing money around like it was […]
by Anthony Kaufman on Jan 17, 2013Mike Birbiglia’s directorial debut, Sleepwalk with Me, has provided one of the underdog success stories in U.S. indie film this year, so it’s all too fitting that Birbiglia has been chosen to host this year’s IFP Gotham Awards on Monday, November 26, 2012 in New York City. IFP’s Executive Director, Joana Vicente, said of the actor/writer/director’s appointment as the 2012 Gothams emcee, “We are so thrilled that Mike Birbiglia will be hosting the Gotham Awards this year. Coming off an exciting year as a debut director, with a hit film under his belt, Birbiglia’s charm and humor are sure to delight our […]
by Nick Dawson on Sep 12, 2012Mike Birbiglia’s feature debut, Sleepwalk With Me, is released tomorrow, so there’s no better time to revisit the wonderful interview This American Life‘s Ira Glass gave to Filmmaker about producing Birbiglia’s movie. And, for good measure, here’s Birbiglia talking to the magazine about his film too.
by Nick Dawson on Aug 23, 2012Last week, Mike Birbiglia and Ira Glass released a cute little online short film to help promote their upcoming film Sleepwalk with Me, but their latest web marketing ploy is pure genius. My only question: how many people will realize this is a joke?
by Nick Dawson on Aug 14, 2012Today the full lineup for BAMCinemafest has been unveiled, including the opening and closing night films. (The initial slate of titles was announced just over a month ago.) The fest will be bookended by comedian Mike Birbiglia’s Sundance charmer Sleepwalk with Me and Rock ‘n’ Roll Exposed: The Photography of Bob Gruen, the latest doc from British musician and filmmaker Don Letts (Dancehall Queen). The Spotlight screening is Benh Zeitlin’s Sundance Grand Prize winner Beasts of the Southern Wild, and other highlights out of the newly announced titles include the Ross brothers’ Tchoupitoulas, Cory McAbee’s Crazy and Thief and Tim Sutton’s […]
by Nick Dawson on May 3, 2012[PREMIERE SCREENING: Monday, January 23, 5:30 pm –Library Center Theatre, park City] I’m drawn to be an artist because when I watch successful art- whether it’s stand up comedy or plays or movies- it makes me feel a little bit less alone. And the idea that I could do that for someone else seems worthwhile. Sleepwalk With Me is a based on a true story that actually HAS been expressed in different media: it was a story on This American Life. It was a book, and it was a one-man play of the same name. But the reason I decided […]
by Filmmaker Staff on Jan 23, 2012