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By Douglas McBride/Special to LAistIf you’re an aspiring filmmaker, and you’ve got the money, get yourself down to the DGA on Sunset, for Film Independent’s FILMMAKER FORUM. Admission for Sunday is costly ($180 for members, $200 for non-members), but rewarding and interesting to say the least.
At lunch, each table offers a special guest as a host. On Saturday, I joined five other lucky diners to be welcomed by documentary film director Sacha Gervasi. Gervasi shared some hilarious stories about his new film Anvil! The Story of Anvil [LAist Review], and rifled through his bag of goodies to offer us all some cheap shwag treats. “Who ever needs any of this shit?” joked Gervasi, about the contents of his shwag bag. I did score a pretty rad notebook out of the deal, but the real score was getting the chance to interact with some of the rising stars of the independent film world, in a relaxed and inclusive setting.
There are fascinating panel discussions on offer throughout the day, catering to narrative, as well as documentary filmmakers, and the food isn’t bad either. Sunday’s schedule started at 9:00 a.m. and closes with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m., where you can enjoy a drink or two, and hobnob with some of the many panelists and players in the world of independent film.
