Recent
Coverage

Market In Focus: Hong Kong Filmart Returns To In-Person Event As China Market Starts To Re-Open

March 3, 2023

The Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), the trade association representing independent producers and distributors worldwide, is also returning to Filmart. The IFTA Pavilion will house seven companies – CineTel Films, CMC Pictures, Lakeshore, Millennium Media, Premiere Entertainment, Vision Films and Voltage Pictures – while around a dozen other IFTA members will also be present. 

AFM 2022 touts record country attendance but deals are slow to materialise

November 10, 2022

AFM leadership said on Thursday that the recent in-person edition of the market drew attendees from a record 87 countries while the overall attendee level reached a solid 5,866.

Independent Film & Television Alliance Appoints Seven To Board Of Directors

November 3, 2022

Brian Beckmann (Arclight Films), Caroline Couret-Delegue (Film Seekers Limited), Diane Ferrandez (AGC Studios), Jeffrey Greenstein (Millennium Media), George Hamilton (Protagonist Pictures), Jasmin McSweeney (NZ Film Commission) and Lise Romanoff (Vision Films) have been elected to serve on the Independent Film & Television Alliance’s 15-person Board of Directors.

Protagonist’s George Hamilton, Arclight’s Brian Beckmann join IFTA board of directors

November 3, 2022

Independent Film and Television Alliance (IFTA), the producer of the AFM, has unveiled the results of its annual elections for the board of directors, with Arclight Films’ Brian Beckmann and Protagonist Pictures’ George Hamilton among the freshly elected board of 15.

AFM: Brian Beckman, Dianne Ferrandez and Jasmin McSweeney Join IFTA Board

November 3, 2022

Brian Beckmann of Arclight Films, Caroline Couret-Delegue of Film Seekers, Diane Ferrandez (AGC Studios), Jeffrey Greenstein (Millennium Media), George Hamilton (Protagonist Pictures), Jasmin McSweeney (NZ Film Commission) and Lise Romanoff of Vision Films have been newly elected to the board of the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

AFM: IFTA Boss Jean Prewitt on the Return of the In-Person Market and Why Indie Film “Is Invincible”

November 1, 2022

As the 43rd edition of the American Film Market returns in-person this week, it provides the first real test of whether, and how, the independent film business can bounce back from the COVID years. 

“It’s the first real ‘let’s get down to business’ market,” says Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of the producers association Independent Film & Television Alliance, which runs the AFM

IFTA head Jean Prewitt: “A shorter AFM is good for the market”

October 28, 2022

Los Angeles-based Jean Prewitt is president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), the global trade association representing independent content distributors and producers that also runs the American Film Market (AFM) in Santa Monica.

Constantin, Thunder Road, Millennium, Protagonist execs to take part in AFM sessions

October 14, 2022

Top executives from Constantin Film, Thunder Road, FilmNation, Millennium Media, and Protagonist Pictures will take part in 2022 AFM’s sessions, market heads said on Friday (October 14) as they also highlighted LocationEXPO.

American Film Market: Howard Cohen, Jeff Annison Join Speakers Lineup

October 14, 2022

Ashley Stern of Picture Perfect Federation, Constantin Film’s Martin Moszkowicz, Jeffrey Greenstein of Millennium Media and George Hamilton of Protagonist Pictures are also among panelists.

AFM Unveils Speakers, Exhibitors for First In-Person Event Since 2019

September 15, 2022

A24, FilmNation, MGM and WME Independent are among the exhibiting companies, while the Independent Film & Television Alliance has also announced two key hires.

AFM unveils new co-managing directors ahead of in-person November market

September 15, 2022

Matthew Thompson and Catherine Girard-Cobb have been appointed to the new roles of co-managing directors of AFM ahead of the November 1-6 in-person market.

American Film Market Sets Dates For In-Person Return To Santa Monica

April 28, 2022

The American Film Market will return to Santa Monica as an in-person event from November 1 through November 6, after being forced online for two years due to the Covid pandemic, the Independent Film & Television Alliance announced today.

The 43rd edition of the market, which planned its shift to a six-day run in 2020, will take place at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel and theatres throughout the city. The Loews will once again be to home to 400+ sales & production companies, LocationEXPO, and new for 2022, all Conferences & Panels, providing attendees more convenient access to this year’s sessions.

Hollywood's COVID safety measures aren't going away anytime soon. Here's why

April 29, 2022

In 2020, nearly 400 feature film projects either moved overseas or disappeared, according to the Independent Film & Television Alliance, the global trade group for independent distributors and producers. Moreover, Hamby estimates the cost of insurance premiums for productions have risen upward of 50% since before the pandemic.

AFM Sets Exhibitors, Opening Speakers & Two New Senior Hires Ahead Of Fall Launch

September 15, 2022

The Independent Film & Television Alliance has today unveiled the confirmed exhibitors, as well as the opening speakers for the 43rd edition of the American Film Market, taking place at the Loews Beach Hotel in Santa Monica and theatres throughout the city from November 1-6.

2022 In-Person AFM Scheduled to Return to Santa Monica

April 28, 2022

The market, which went virtual for the last two years due to the pandemic, will play out over six days at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel and theatres throughout the city.

Registration will open May 9 for returning and new exhibitors, while accredited buyers and industry attendees can register starting on July 5.

American Film Market Plans In-Person Event in Fall

April 28, 2022

The American Film Market is set to return with an in-person market in Santa Monica for its 43rd edition this Fall.

With the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel returning as a conference venue, the 2022 AFM will run from Nov. 1 to 6, the Independent Film & Television Alliance said on Thursday. The market, which began a six-day run in 2020, will also take place at theatres throughout the city.

Hollywood’s Ability to Influence Its China Box Office Destiny Has Never Been Weaker

January 4, 2022

“China is a market which is now totally unreliable, replete with exactly the same barriers if not worse that existed before 2012 — a black hole,” said Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) head Jean Prewitt. “We don’t know how to access it. We don’t know how to influence it. We’re waiting really on our own government to develop a game plan that includes the services industry, and includes dealing with the 2012 agreement and the issues that have sprung up since then.”

Hollywood’s Ability to Influence Its China Box Office Destiny Has Never Been Weaker

January 4, 2022

“China is a market which is now totally unreliable, replete with exactly the same barriers if not worse that existed before 2012 — a black hole,” said Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) head Jean Prewitt. “We don’t know how to access it. We don’t know how to influence it. We’re waiting really on our own government to develop a game plan that includes the services industry, and includes dealing with the 2012 agreement and the issues that have sprung up since then.”

Inside China and Hollywood’s Frayed Relationship: ‘We Need to Stop Trying to Keep the Status Quo, Because the Status Quo Is Gone’

December 21, 2021

“The politics were always there, but they were subordinated to growth. Now they’re not subordinated,” explains IFTA CEO Jean Prewitt. “We went from thinking we understood a system — albeit one where you couldn’t necessarily push a button and know what the results were — to a system that was just a black hole, where rumors are rife.”

IFTA Arbitration Process Gets New Administration Body

December 21, 2021

IFTA has partnered with ICDR-AAA for the administration of its arbitration process, which has resolved thousands of disputes among companies in the worldwide film and TV production, distribution, financing and sales.

AFM Q&A: “The industry needs markets now more than ever”, say IFTA heads

November 2, 2021

IFTA President/CEO Jean Prewitt and Chairperson Clay Epstein discuss the association's advocacy agenda, its strong member community, the challenges facing the independent film landscape and the AFM.  

IFTA head Jean Prewitt backs Congresswoman’s pandemic insurance legislation

November 2, 2021

IFTA (Independent Film & Television Alliance) president and CEO Jean Prewitt has issued a statement in support of a new version of pandemic support legislation introduced in May 2020.

Federal Pandemic Insurance Act Revived In Congress; Another Chance For Frazzled Indie Producers And Industry As Costs Soar

November 2, 2021

“For the film and TV industry, the pandemic is far from over,” said Jean Prewitt, President & CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance. “The inability to secure full insurance coverage for the risks inherent in film and television production — standard for our industry and required to lock-in financing — since March 2020, continues to damage production and production-related jobs across the U.S.

Clay Epstein elected IFTA chairperson

October 4, 2021

“I am honoured to be entrusted by our membership to lead them as Chairperson,” said Epstein. “The future of our industry relies on the talent and energy of the independent community. IFTA is the only unified voice for the Independents and it has never been more important to ensure opportunity and success for our members, colleagues, filmmakers, and the global industry.”

Film Mode’s Clay Epstein Elected New Chair Of Independent Film & Television Alliance

October 4, 2021

Clay Epstein, the president of Film Mode Entertainment, has been elected chair of the Independent Film & Television Alliance for the 2021-2023 term, IFTA said Monday. He’s been a board member since 2008 and served regularly on its executive committee.

Seven others were elected to the organization’s 15-person board including: J.D. Beaufils (VMI Worldwide), Jason Buckley (Lakeshore Entertainment), David Fannon (Screen Media), Lisa Gutberlet (Blue Fox Entertainment), Nat McCormick (The Exchange), Michael Ryan (GFM) and Rob Williams (Participant Media).

Independent producers still struggling even as pandemic recedes

July 9, 2021

“The independent industry is being heroic in their effort to get back to production, get back distribution, notwithstanding a number of hurdles that really have never been worse,” said Jean Prewitt, president of IFTA.

Indie Film Temperature Check: Vaccines Roll Out And Production Revs Up But Insurers, Banks Still MIA

April 27, 2021

“What we are looking at right now is this incredible patchwork. Everybody is cobbling together a solution of one sort or another,” said Jean Prewitt, CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, who lobbies for the industry. “The positive thing is that everybody’s working hard to find industry solutions. But as an industry, we have not stabilized yet. Nor is anyone aware of what stability is going to look like.”

Post-Pandemic Hollywood: Why Working in Entertainment Will Never Be the Same

March 18, 2021

“We’re a good 18 months — even with the best news in the world — before people feel comfortable with the production plan they might have had in place two years ago,” says Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

The IFTA is keenly focused on the issue of production insurance, which affects midrange independent films more than any others. Major insurance carriers are refusing to cover losses associated with the COVID pandemic. And even when vaccines are widely available, insurers will exclude coverage for future pandemics.

IFTA, Guilds Ask President to Keep Job-Creating Entertainment Biz Top of Mind in Policy Agenda

February 22, 2021

The Motion Picture Association, DGA, IATSE, IFTA, SAG-AFTRA along with the AFL-CIO’s Department of Professional Employees have penned a letter to President Joe Biden urging the new administration to keep the job-providing, economy-stimulating film and television community in mind when hashing out policy.

Hollywood Coalition Calls on Senate Leaders to Act on "Critical Issue" of Pandemic Insurance

February 19, 2021

"As you develop the agenda for the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs for this year, the film, TV, and sports industries respectfully request that you address the broad economic impact that the withdrawal of pandemic risk coverage has created for our businesses," a group of film, television and sports groups (including The Motion Picture Association, the Independent Film & Television Alliance, the NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, the Directors Guild of America, the National Association of Broadcasters, IATSE, the Producers Guild of America, American Coalition for Independent Content Production and SAG-AFTRA) stated in a letter addressed to Senate leaders on Friday. 

What a Joe Biden Administration Could Mean for Hollywood

January 20, 2021

With traditionally Hollywood-friendly Democrats in the White House, “there are issues that will be resolved differently and conversations that may or may not be more comfortable,” Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), told Screen recently.

“But our industry employs people in every state in the country, both red and blue,” Prewitt added. “It’s not a one-party industry.”

Disruptors Of The Pandemic 2020

December 31, 2020

Jean Prewitt, the president and CEO of IFTA, the Independent Film & Television Alliance, has been a tireless advocate for the independent community as pandemic insurance coverage, completion bonds and financing evaporated for new production with Covid-19. As 400 film and TV projects by her estimate may have fallen away due to lack of pandemic insurance, she was a conduit for information and connections as producers sought alternate sources of cash, moved overseas and pondered expensive new specialty insurance products. 

Independent Films Feel Squeeze with Covid Insurance Out of Reach

November 30, 2020

For independent filmmakers, the Covid-19 pandemic has added a new hurdle to the already challenging task of lining up financing: finding insurance to cover virus-related interruptions.

“Losing insurance coverage has reduced our industry’s ability to work dramatically -- affecting thousands of jobs across the country in virtually every state,” said Jean Prewitt, head of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, which is working with Maloney.

Pandemic Insurance Takes Step Ahead with Capitol Hill Hearing

November 19, 2020

Jean Prewitt, President & CEO, Independent Film & Television Alliance, has estimated that as many as 400 film projects may have fallen away due to lack of COVID insurance.

Prewitt said insurance industry proposals so far all are limited to the next pandemic, not this one, “and the classic salary and overhead costs of a shut-down.” In a statement after the hearing, she said IFTA, along with the MPA, Fox Broadcasting and others in the film and television industry, is supportive of the BCC proposal that recommends businesses “be protected going forward during this pandemic, as well as future ones, and that legislation must contain provisions adapted to the specialty insurance lines including film and television production, sports events, and event cancellation.”  

Independent Film & Television Alliance Elects Eight to Board

November 18, 2020

The Independent Film & Television Alliance, which produces the annual American Film Market, has elected eight new members to its board. The new directors include executives from such companies as Lionsgate, Myriad Pictures and XYZ Films.

The latest additions to IFTA’s board are J.D. Beaufils (VMI Worldwide), Scott Bedno (Myriad Pictures), Jody Cipriano (MarVista Entertainment), Patrick Ewald (Epic Pictures Group), Will Machin (Metro International Entertainment), Wendy Reeds (Lionsgate), Lise Romanoff (Vision Films) and Nick Spicer (XYZ Films).

What a Joe Biden Administration Could Mean for Hollywood

November 16, 2020

With traditionally Hollywood-friendly Democrats in the White House, “there are issues that will be resolved differently and conversations that may or may not be more comfortable,” says Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA).

“But our industry employs people in every state in the country, both red and blue,” Prewitt adds. “It’s not a one-party industry.”

Studios, Broadcasters Back Broad Coalition for Pandemic Insurance; Congressional Hearing Finally Set for Nov. 19

October 30, 2020

The MPA, Independent Film & Television Alliance, Fox Corp, Sony Pictures Entertainment, ViacomCBS, the NAB and the NCTA have boarded a broad new coalition to tackle public-private business continuity insurance, the latest push to offset the financial devastation of COVID-19 and future pandemics.

The Business Continuity Coalition (BCC) represents two dozen industries from restaurants, hospitality and gaming to retail and real estate with over 50 million workers. 

Hundreds of Film Projects Lost Since Pandemic Insurance Vanished, IFTA Boss Tells PRIA Sponsor

September 10, 2020

A whopping 250-400 films have bitten the dust due to lack of pandemic insurance, said Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, speaking Thursday at a roundtable organized by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) to discuss the Pandemic Risk Insurance Act, or PRIA.

IFTA Head Jean Prewitt Calls for US Government Pandemic Insurance Support

September 10, 2020

Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) head Jean Prewitt has called on the US government to get behind a pandemic insurance backstop in a “disastrous” year that has seen up to 400 films stall before they could go into production.

Reopening Hollywood: Two Firms Take First Steps Toward COVID-19 Insurance For Indie Industry Desperate To Yell ‘Action!’

September 9, 2020

“It’s reasonable to look at any offer,” said Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of IFTA, which reps indie producers and has been following their insurance conundrum closely. “It’s not a substitute for what was there before,” she said of the nascent COVID policies. “But our industry wants to go back to work right now … The question really is, is there a short-term product that bridges that gap?”

How Robert Pattinson’s COVID-19 Test Could Affect ‘The Batman’ — and the Industry

September 5, 2020

“On the independent side, it is the case that brand-new projects that presumably didn’t have insurance written in March are moving very slowly,” said Jean Prewitt, CEO and president of the Independent Film and Television Alliance. “But the studios are not going to fare any better next year than the independents do.”

Hollywood ‘kowtowing’ to China takes heat from Washington. But why now?

July 27, 2020

For Hollywood, the return of the film industry’s most important foreign market was cause for cautious optimism.

“The conversation needs to be focused on gaining legal access to the Chinese market rather than trying to tie producers’ hands in their efforts to surmount the trade barrier,” said Jean Prewitt, president of the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

Lack of insurance threatens supply of Hollywood films, TV shows in 2021

July 10, 2020

Insurers have largely stopped covering independent film and television productions against the risk of COVID-19 illness, a shift that threatens the supply of new entertainment in 2021, Hollywood producers, insurers and industry experts said. While big studios can self-insure, independent producers, who turn out 70% of new films and numerous TV shows in the U.S. each year, are looking for alternatives, said Jean Prewitt, chief executive of the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

Lack of insurance threatens supply of Hollywood films, TV shows in 2021

July 9, 2020

Insurers have largely stopped covering independent film and television productions against the risk of COVID-19 illness, a shift that threatens the supply of new entertainment in 2021, Hollywood producers, insurers and industry experts said. While big studios can self-insure, independent producers, who turn out 70% of new films and numerous TV shows in the U.S. each year, are looking for alternatives, said Jean Prewitt, chief executive of the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

Lack of insurance threatens supply of Hollywood films, TV shows in 2021

July 9, 2020

Insurers have largely stopped covering independent film and television productions against the risk of COVID-19 illness, a shift that threatens the supply of new entertainment in 2021, Hollywood producers, insurers and industry experts said. While big studios can self-insure, independent producers, who turn out 70% of new films and numerous TV shows in the U.S. each year, are looking for alternatives, said Jean Prewitt, chief executive of the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

TV Programmers Seek Pandemic Insurance from Congress

July 1, 2020

Signing on to the letter were the Motion Picture Association, Independent Film & Television Alliance, NCTA–The Internet & Television Association, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, NASCAR, National Football League, Directors Guild of America, National Association of Broadcasters, Producers Guild of America, NPACT, Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Entertainment Industry Seeks Legislative Relief From COVID-19 Impact

June 29, 2020

The document, sent Monday to Congressional leaders, was signed by leaders of the Motion Picture Association, the Directors Guild of America, the Independent Film & Television Alliance, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and SAG-AFTRA. “We believe a hiring incentive modeled on the employee retention credit or the work opportunity tax credit (WOTC) will help move workers off of unemployment and bring them back into the workforce,” the letter said.

Entertainment Industry Pushes for New COVID-19 Relief Package

June 29, 2020

In a letter that went out on Monday to Congressional leaders, prominent industry groups have outlined policies from hiring incentives to a federal insurance program they'd like to see enacted. "These policies would help jumpstart domestic film and television production, encourage hiring and ameliorate the higher costs that must be undertaken to protect our industry’s workforce," states the letter signed by the leaders of the Motion Picture Association, the Directors Guild of America, the Independent Film & Television Alliance, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and SAG-AFTRA.

Hollywood lobbies US Congress for insurance backstop

June 29, 2020

The Motion Picture Association (MPA), Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) and the major Hollywood labour groups have appealed to US Congress to help resolve the looming insurance crisis as part of a package of Covid-19 relief proposals. The measure calls on legislators to set up either a federal insurance scheme or guarantee to fill the gap to cover Covid-related losses in the future.

Bond Bind: Indie Film Ecosystem At Risk With No COVID Insurance, And Solutions Far Off

June 26, 2020

“Everyone’s negotiating,” said Jean Prewitt, president of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, which represents the industry in D.C. “Some are going without pandemic insurance. Some are self-bonding. Some are paying for an additional policy out of their own pocket. Whatever is necessary… [to] assure a bank you are covering risk yourself. That you have five cast members and a limited crew … and calculate what that is going to cost you.”

NY Rep To Introduce Production-Friendly Insurance Bill Tuesday As Insurers Propose FEMA-Run Solution

May 22, 2020

The insurance industry has planted a flag with its own solution, one that calls for the federal government to set up a kind of risk-transfer mechanism. Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, said the insurance industry proposal, which was posted on NAMIC’s website Thursday and just started circulating, “has nothing to do with film and would not solve the gap in production going forward.”

Productions Need Insurance to Start Rolling — but Actuaries Don’t Want to Take the Risk

May 20, 2020

The entertainment business doesn’t work without insurance. And right now, the insurance industry is getting crushed. “This is a giant problem,” says Jean Prewitt, CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance. “If you’re not fully covered, you’re going to have difficulty getting it bonded and difficulty getting it financed,” Prewitt says.

Blumhouse Plans Film Shoot on Universal Lot Despite Insurance Risks (Exclusive)

May 18, 2020

The question for the film and TV business, says IFTA president and CEO Jean Prewitt, "is how do we address risks that are specific to this industry, and can [such provisions] be added into one of those more general bills that are floating around?"

Reopening Hollywood: Will Prohibitive Insurance Hobble Production Restart & Will Government Have To Step In?

May 15, 2020

Jean Prewitt, CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, is the point person for indie producers in Washington, D.C., where several bills are in the works. She said the one from Maloney — chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee and a senior member of the House Financial Service Committee and the Joint Economic Committee — appears to be the farthest ahead and may best serve the needs of producers.

American Film Market Remains on Schedule for November

May 1, 2020

The American Film Market has announced that it remains on track to hold the 2020 market set for Nov. 3-8 in Santa Monica, Ca., despite the coronavirus pandemic. “We know how difficult the past few months have been for our industry around the world and our thoughts go out to those whose loved ones have been directly impacted by the virus,” the Independent Film & Television Alliance said Friday. “Plans for AFM 2020 continue to move forward as scheduled."

I'm a filmmaker whose business is threatened by piracy – and site blocking could be my lifeline

April 15, 2020

On March 10, Jonathan Yunger, Co-President of IFTA member Millennium Media, testified in the U.S. Senate about the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and its “safe harbor” provision that allows internet companies to dodge liability for copyright infringement on their platforms.

UNIC, MPA Join with Groups Across Europe to Urge Support for Audiovisual Sector

April 8, 2020

A joint group of companies operating in the film and audiovisual sector—IFTA, the MPA, and 49 other organizations and companies across Europe—have issued the following statement in advance of the video conference of EU ministers of culture and media on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the culture and creative sectors.

51 organisations et sociétés audiovisuelles appellent l'Europe à des mesures urgentes

April 8, 2020

Dans un communiqué commun, ces 51 voix (incluant l'IFTA) représentant tous les secteurs de l'audiovisuel et du cinéma exigent des réponses urgentes des décideurs européens pour la sauvegarde de l'industrie.

European Film, TV Bodies Unite to Call for Action in Tackling ‘Profound’ Coronavirus Crisis

April 8, 2020

Over 50 European film and TV organizations, including IFTA, have issued a joint statement this morning calling for E.U. and member state decision-makers to take urgent action to safeguard the future of the sectors in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

European Industry Calls On EU For Urgent Financial Support Amid Coronavirus

April 8, 2020

A group of 51 European film and audiovisual organizations and individual companies, including IFTA, has released a call for action by EU and member state decision makers to safeguard the future of the sector in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The statement, see it in full below, says the industry requires “urgent financial support now and in the months to come” as the film and audiovisual ecosystem “is suffering grievously because of valid social distancing measures and related societal consequences.” It warns, “The crisis in our sector will be felt way beyond the confinement period.”

Hollywood faces huge losses from coronavirus. Can the insurance industry bail it out?

March 27, 2020

“The conversations we have had suggest that most of our members are focused on keeping their projects together, negotiating mutual agreements on delays on completion and delivery, etc., because that’s the best way to maintain their business in the long run,” said Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

Filmmakers & Lawmakers Celebrate Film & TV Industry At “Beyond The Red Carpet” Day

November 15, 2019

Hollywood film and television makers and Washington lawmakers gathered in DC on Thursday for the “Beyond the Red Carpet: Movies and TV Magic Day,” an event that offered lawmakers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creativity and innovation of the film and TV industries.

Michael Ryan Re-Elected Chair of Independent Film & Television Alliance

November 7, 2019

British film executive Michael Ryan of GFM Films has been re-elected to a two-year term as chair of the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

IFTA announced the results from its annual members’ meeting on Thursday, a day after its American Film Market opened for its 40th iteration at the Loews Hotel in Santa Monica, Ca.

AFM: Michael Ryan Re-elected as IFTA Chairperson

November 7, 2019

Millennium Media's Jeffrey Greenstein, Jeannine Tang of Participant and Jeannine Tang of Participant are among the new members elected to the board of the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

Michael Ryan, a partner in London-based film group GFM Films, has been re-elected as chairperson of the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

 

Michael Ryan re-elected IFTA chair in annual vote

November 7, 2019

Michael Ryan of GFM Films has been re-elected as Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) chairperson and will serve from 2019-21.

The organisation’s 15-person board comprises newly elected members voted in at Wednesday’s annual elections: Tannaz Anisi (13 Films), Scott Bedno (Myriad Pictures), Caroline Couret-Delégue (Film Seekers Limited), Clay Epstein (Film Mode Entertainment), Patrick Ewald (Epic Pictures Group), Jeffrey Greenstein (Millennium Media), Jay Joyce (Artist View Entertainment), Jeannine Tang (Participant), and Adam Wright (Voltage Pictures).

 

Your Town Could Be in a Hollywood Movie, TV Show — If SC Expands Tax Breaks for Filmmakers

August 14, 2019

South Carolina’s movie and television industry is getting noticed — and industry officials want more government help to lure business. So far, that aid is proving difficult to find...Reviving the pre-2017 benefit is “incredibly important” to independent producers, said Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of the Los Angeles-based Independent Film & Television Alliance.

Copyright Holders Submit Anti-Piracy Ideas to US Government

August 7, 2019

Input was made by The Motion Picture Association of America, The Independent Film & Television Alliance, CreativeFuture and The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

“Moreover, because pirate websites increasingly infect consumers with malware, unauthorised online dissemination of movies and television programmes is a growing threat to consumers and our nation’s cybersecurity,” the groups added.

Movie Industry Sets Out Piracy Priorities in Submission to US Report on Pirated Goods

August 6, 2019
Organisations representing the American movie industry have made a joint submission to the US Department Of Commerce, which is working on a report on the “trafficking of counterfeit and pirated goods through online marketplaces and internet intermediaries”. The film and TV companies want to ensure that said report looks at online piracy as well as the sale of physical counterfeit goods through the net.

Trump Trade War Starts to Threaten Hollywood's Business in China

June 5, 2019
"We have heard the same information" regarding the squeeze on some U.S. content, said Jean Prewitt, president of the Independent Film & Television Alliance. "It is very unfortunate as China has become an important part of the independent film financing matrix. This would be an extreme setback."

Cannes Marche Turns 60 With Pulse on the Future of the Film Biz

May 13, 2019

Jean Prewitt notes, "You cannot underestimate the ongoing significance of having the whole industry come together at these events, to test out their own perceptions about what's valuable, what's important, what other people are seeing and how they're pricing it."

Content Groups Warn FTC Over 'Troubling; Application of EU Privacy Laws

April 8, 2019
CreativeFuture, the Independent Film and Television Alliance and the Copyright Alliance say that the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation, which went into effect last year, has hindered their ability to combat piracy.

European Indie Film Crisis Averted "For Now" After New Digital Single Market Ruling

April 1, 2019
"After an extremely hard-fought battle in the legislative process by Independent Film & TV Alliance (IFTA) and its colleagues in the audiovisual sectors, this Driective was successfully narrowed in scope from its origianal far-reaching and 'one size fits all' proposals which could have been quite disruptive and damaging to the entire film ecosysyem,' said Michal Ryan, chairperson of IFTA...

Hollywood Faces Uncertainty in China as the Film Business Slows

February 18, 2019

"The China market has slowed down to an uncertain dribble of business," said Jean Prewitt, president of the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

Europe's Film, TV Industries Hit Out at New EU Copyright Plans

February 8, 2018
At the Berlin Film Festival on Friday, global producers’ association Fiapf, whose members include Hollywood’s MPAA, and the Independent Film & TV Alliance both sought to clarify what’s at stake for Europe’s film and TV industries.

Europe, Hollywood Hail Landmark E.U. Territorial Licensing Agreement

December 18, 2018
"The new directive - in contrast to the original proposals - recognizes that these exclusive rights must be preserved with only defined, limited exceptions for broadcasters' ancillary online services," added Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, representing independent film and TV companies worldwide.

IFTA Unveils New Board of Directors

November 5, 2018
Cornerstone Films co-head Alison Thompson and The Exchange Vice President of worldwide distribution Nat McCormick are among the new intake to join the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) board, it emerged during the organization's trade show AFM.

IFTA Posts Record Membership Growth

September 7, 2018
The Independent Film & Television Alliance has just seen its biggest membership growth in the last 20 years, with 35 companies from 21 countries joining over the last year.

Hollywood Urges Congress to Bring Google to Testify

July 14, 2018
Last month, the groups CreativeFuture and the Independent Film and Television Alliance (IFTA) sent letters to the House Judiciary Committee and the Senate Energy and Commerce Committee urging them to bring the internet search giant to Capitol Hill. The original letters had 90 signatures on them, and the groups resent the letters Sunday after that number grew to 154.

Independent Film and Television Alliance Leaders Renew Contracts

June 26, 2018

Jean Prewitt, CEO and president of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, the trade association of independent film and TV producers and distributors, and Jonathan Wolf, IFTA executive vp and managing director of American film market have both had their contracts renewed for another three years, the IFTA announced Tuesday.

CreativeFuture, IFTA Urge Lawmakers to Hold Google Hearings

June 14, 2018
In letters to the Senate and House judiciary and commerce committees, CreativeFuture CEO Ruth Vitale, IFTA CEO Jean Prewitt, and more than 80 industry creative professionals seized on congressional concern over sex trafficking and election interference to urge them to also call in Google.

Net Neutrality Repeal Reactions

December 14, 2017

Jean Prewitt, President & CEO, Independent Film and Television Alliance, "Today’s 3-2 decision by the FCC to repeal the critical ‘net neutrality’ safeguards established by the 2015 Open Internet Order is a significant setback for the independent sector of the film and television industry and the consumers which we serve."

Entertainment Industry Scores Key Victory in Battle Against European Digital Single Market

December 12, 2017

Hollywood's Motion Picure Association (MPA), the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) and the Independent Film & Telecision Alliance (IFTA) were among 20 trade bodies, insitutions and comapnies that officially supported the legal affairs committee ruling, circulating a joint letter to that effect to the European represetnatives last week.

European Parliament Rejects Key Proposed Digital Single Market Regulation

December 12, 2017
European Members of Parliament vote against re opening the case on controversial proposed pan-European online transmissions...FIAPF, Hollywood's Motion Picture Assn. (MPA) and the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) were among 20 trade bodies, institutions or companies that circulated a joint letter Friday to MEPs supporting the Juri committee's decision.

How an Atlanta Power Couple's Business Has Heightened Hollywood and Silicon Valley's Piracy Anxieties

November 17, 2017

Jonathan Yunger, co-president of film production company Millennium Media, bristles at the thought of TickBox and similar businesses profiting from the illegal use of his movies. Several of Millennium’s films, including “The Expendables 3” and “The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” have lost millions from online piracy.

Cannes: Hacking Threat Leaves Big Independent Films Vulnerable

May 18, 2017
Industry leaders are assessing the changing nature of the threat. “The pirates are now looking at a whole other revenue stream, which is extortion,” Jean Prewitt, CEO of the Independent Film and Television Alliance, said. “Now there are people who think they can get money directly from you — it’s shifted the equation in terms of piracy.”

Europe, Hollywood Denounce European Commission Digital Market Plans

May 2, 2017
The letters’ signatories include representatives of Hollywood’s MPAA, as well as FIAPF, the global producers’ body, and IFTA, whose president is Jean Prewitt (pictured), another global trade assn., representing the independent industry.

Oscar Noms Show Rise in Indie Movies as Studios Pull Back on Adult Dramas

February 24, 2017

Indeed, 78 of the Oscar nominations this year are for movies produced by companies outside the six major studios, according to the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

Hollywood Seeks New Business Terms with China

February 8, 2017

Hollywood will soon have its first chance in five years to change the terms of doing business in China, a politically fraught opportunity for studios to reap billions more from their most important foreign market.

Europe's DSM: What You Need to Know & How it Could Kill The Indie Biz

November 21, 2016

Indeed, it’s a complex issue, but at its beating heart lies a dangerous prospect for the future of the audio-visual sector, which threatens to dismantle territory-by-territory licensing in Europe.

Independent Film & Television Alliance Elects Board & Vice-Chairs

September 22, 2016

The Independent Film & Television Alliance, an international trade association representing more than 135 companies in 23 countries, elected four vice-chairs at its annual membership meetings today in Los Angeles and London. Elected vice-chairs were Jay Joyce of Artist View Entertainment, Troma Entertainment’s Lloyd Kaufman, Charlotte Mickie of Mongrel International and Screen Media’s Almira Ravil.

‘Brexit’ Worries British Cultural Institutions Facing Loss of Aid

June 29, 2016

Michael Ryan, the chairman of the Independent Film and Television Alliance, said in a statement on Friday that the decision was “a major blow to the U.K. film and TV industry.”

British Exit from E.U. Could 'Devastate' U.K. Creative Sector, Says Independent Film & TV Alliance Chairman

June 24, 2016
Michael Ryan, the chairman of the Independent Film and Television Alliance, and a partner at GFM Films, has expressed his dismay following the decision by U.K. voters to leave the European Union, and said it is likely to be “devastating” for the U.K. creative sector, including the film and TV industry.

'Brexit' Vote Sparks 'Grieving' Within the U.K. Film & TV Industries

June 24, 2016

“Uncertainty might be the greatest impact,” said Michael Ryan, the chairman of the Independent Film and Television Alliance, and a partner at GFM Films. “The U.K. employs a massive amount of people in this industry, and right now it’s a very confused place.”

Brexit 'Major Blow' to Film & TV Industry, but Not to 'Game of Thrones'

June 24, 2016
The United Kingdom's exit from the European Union could have an extensive impact on the country's film and television industries, but not on one of TV's most popular shows, "Game of Thrones." "We do not anticipate that the result of the EU Referendum will have any material effect on HBO producing 'Game of Thrones,'" a HBO spokeswoman said in a statement.

EU Referendum Result "Devastating" for UK Film & TV

June 24, 2016
As the UK votes decisively to leave the European Union, the film and TV sectors are in limbo. Following the resounding win for the vote Leave campaign in the EU referendum, which was a 52%-48% vote in favour of exiting the Union, the UK film and TV sectors have been left shocked and in limbo.

Brexit is "Major Blow" to Film, TV Industries

June 24, 2016

"The decision to exit the European Union is a major blow to the U.K. film and TV industry," said Michael Ryan, chairman of the Independent Film & Television Alliance in a statement.

Brexit is "Major Blow" to Film, TV Industries, Says IFTA

June 23, 2016
The entertainment industry is reeling following the result of the historic Brexit vote, warning that Britain's decision to leave the European Union (EU) could have disastrous consequences. Film and television producers worry the Brexit will create uncertainty and could unravel much of the financial infrastructure the independent industry relies on.

EU Leave Vote Prompts Mixed Arts Response

June 24, 2016
Entertainment figures and arts bodies have greeted Leave winning the EU referendum with a mixture of views. Michael Ryan, chair of the Independent Film and Television Alliance (IFTA), said the result, which saw Leave take 51.9% of the vote, was "a major blow".

Industry Reacts to Brexit Win; Media Stocks Crash; Execs Plan for Uncertainty

June 24, 2016

Reactions have rolled in from industry execs following last night’s vote by Britain to exit the EU and as media stocks crashed in London.

Brexit decision 'devastating' for UK's creative sector says industry chief - and it's bad news for Game of Thrones

June 24, 2016
The decision for Britain to leave the European Union following yesterday's referendum has been described as "devastating" to our TV and film industry. The chairman of the Independent Film and Television Alliance (IFTA), speaking to Variety, explained the uncertain future of the creative sector.

"The decision to exit the European Union is a major blow to the UK film and TV industry," said Michael Ryan.

The EU’s Digital Single Market Strategy is Regulatory Hubris that Will Damage Europe’s Audiovisual Production

June 16, 2016
As a committed European, I have looked with rising disbelief at the Digital Single Market Strategy (or DSM) outlined by the European Commission last December. Through a series of measures, including a proposed review of a 1993 directive on satellite broadcasting and cable retransmission, the Commission is proposing to do no less than abolish the mechanisms that maintain a sustainable financing and distribution ecosystem for audiovisual content.

Cannes: E.U. Digital Plans Make European Consumers 'Worse Off Over All,' New Report Suggests

May 15, 2016
Industry commissioned report on collateral damage of cross-border access presented at Cannes Festival. The report was funded by the serried ranks of major movie and TV companies – 21st Century Fox, Entertainment One, Constantin, the U.K.’s Sky and ITV – plus industry organizations such as the Motion Picture Assn. of America and the Intl. Federation of Film Producers Assns, whose members include the MPAA and IFTA.

There Will Be 'Serious' Risks for Hollywood if Trans Pacific Partnership Doesn't Pass, U.S. Trade Rep Says

May 3, 2016
Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of IFTA, said that the goal is to make sure that there is a notice-and-takedown system in place in every country, even if it does not spell out specifically how it should work. “Any trade agreement is a floor, not a ceiling,” she said.

Embattled Trans-Pacific Trade Pact Good for Hollywood, says Official

May 3, 2016
The agreement would have “no effect” on the practice of selling film rights on a territory by territory basis, said Jean Prewitt, president of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, at whose offices the briefing took place. She added that the copyright extension was justified by the increased useful life of films and the importance of sequel rights. Froman, who is meeting with IFTA members including Lionsgate and Nu Image during his time in L.A., pointed to such 1966 movies as The Sound of Music and Dr. Zhivago that will soon lose copyright protection in various countries absent the extension.

Showbiz Groups Say FCC Set-Top Box Proposal Could Have Harmful Impact

April 22, 2016
Other organizations planning to file comments include the American Federation of Musicians, the Copyright Alliance, CreativeFuture, Crossings TV, IATSE, the Independent Film and Television Alliance, the National Music Publishers Assn., SoundExchange and VMe TV.

Not all American Films Travel Easily, it takes Expertise to Connect them with Foriegn Audiences

April 15, 2016

"Hollywood is hitting serious competition from local TV and film productions," said Jean M. Prewitt, president and chief executive of the Independent Film & Television Alliance. "More countries are producing world-quality films. We're certainly seeing that."

Michael Ryan, Jean Prewitt - Why Global Film/TV Industries Should Not Drop Their Guard On EU DSM Drive

January 20, 2016
The Independent Film & Television Alliance's Chairperson Michael Ryan and President & CEO Jean Prewitt deliver a beginner’s guide to key ongoing issues and concerns surrounding potential new regulation.

IFTA Raises Concerns Over EC Copyright Plans

December 11, 2015
The Independent Film & Television Alliance has raised concerns over the European Commission’s Digital Single Market plan to allow cross-border access to online content.

Europe's Digital Single Market: War Not Over, Warns Indie Film, TV Chief Jean Prewitt

May 22, 2015
The battle to protect the film and television industries' ability to license copyright by territory in Europe appeared to have wont at the Cannes Film Festival this week, but the war is not over, Jean Prewitt, CEO of IFTA, told Variety.

Cannes: Puttnam Sets E.U. Digital Dispute Roadmap

May 16, 2015
"At the same panel, the Motion Picture Assn. (MPA) and Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) joined other producer and distributor trade orgs to call for an E.U. digital policy that preserved territorial licensing."

Film Industry "Concerned" Over Digital Single Market Plans

May 7, 2015
"IFTA's President and CEO Jean Prewitt said that her organization was encouraged that the Commission acknowledges that 'copyright underpins creativity and the cultural industry in Europe. However, we are deeply concerned that the Commission persists addressing online rights in isolation from the rest of the AV value chain including theatrical exhibition."

Why Film Bizzers Are Still Outraged Over Europe's Digital Single Market Plan

May 5, 2015
"Jean Prewitt, who heads IFTA, argued that the concept would allow a handful of multinational companies to control financing. 'Cross-border access would make it possible for broader offerings to domiate markets,' she explained. 'It would make it difficult for smaller platforms in local languages to survive."

A Europe Plan That Would 'Destory' Independent Film

March 25, 2015
"If you take away territorial exclusivity, you hand over the ability to distribute to a tiny handful of multinational companies that are not curating for a local audience and aren't interested in doing so', says Jean Prewitt, CEO/President of IFTA."

Filmart 2015: US Falls for Appeal

March 23, 2015
"This is the fifth year IFTA has operated an unbrella stand, although for the first time ti will not be dedicated solely to US companies and is open to the organization's global membership".

Brussels Copyright Plans Meet Resistance

March 5, 2015
"In the UK, six executives of the leading film industry trade associations - IFTA, PACT, FDA, CEA, BVA and COBA - joined froces to issue an open letter - 'EU threat to films'... highlighting their concerns about the British Government supporting 'in principle' the European Commission's proposals."

British Film Producers Warn of New EU Threat to Industry

February 9, 2015
"Jean Prewitt, CEO and President of [IFTA] argued: 'The Commission's proposal would seriously damage the ability of independent producers to finance their films, which depends on exclusive licenses to local distributors."

Berlin: Market Reveals Select Sales But Tough Business

February 9, 2015
"The bottom line, however, is that the international sales biz has now got significantly tougher. 'If you talk to sales agents, they will tell you that they are working five times as hard today to make the same money as they did five years ago,' said Jean Prewitt, IFTA President-CEO."

China Poised to Expand Censorship Crackdown

February 7, 2015

"There are fears that increased censorship also could encourage more piracy, and could give domestic movies, which have to go through the censorship process every early on, an advantage."

Hollywood's COVID safety measures aren't going away anytime soon. Here's why

April 29, 2022

In 2020, nearly 400 feature film projects either moved overseas or disappeared, according to the Independent Film & Television Alliance, the global trade group for independent distributors and producers. Moreover, Hamby estimates the cost of insurance premiums for productions have risen upward of 50% since before the pandemic.

Hollywood's COVID safety measures aren't going away anytime soon. Here's why

April 29, 2022

In 2020, nearly 400 feature film projects either moved overseas or disappeared, according to the Independent Film & Television Alliance, the global trade group for independent distributors and producers. Moreover, Hamby estimates the cost of insurance premiums for productions have risen upward of 50% since before the pandemic.

Hollywood's COVID safety measures aren't going away anytime soon. Here's why

April 29, 2022

In 2020, nearly 400 feature film projects either moved overseas or disappeared, according to the Independent Film & Television Alliance, the global trade group for independent distributors and producers. Moreover, Hamby estimates the cost of insurance premiums for productions have risen upward of 50% since before the pandemic.

Hollywood's COVID safety measures aren't going away anytime soon. Here's why

April 29, 2022

In 2020, nearly 400 feature film projects either moved overseas or disappeared, according to the Independent Film & Television Alliance, the global trade group for independent distributors and producers. Moreover, Hamby estimates the cost of insurance premiums for productions have risen upward of 50% since before the pandemic.

American Film Market Sets Dates For In-Person Return To Santa Monica

April 28, 2022

The American Film Market will return to Santa Monica as an in-person event from November 1 through November 6, after being forced online for two years due to the Covid pandemic, the Independent Film & Television Alliance announced today.

The 43rd edition of the market, which planned its shift to a six-day run in 2020, will take place at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel and theatres throughout the city. The Loews will once again be to home to 400+ sales & production companies, LocationEXPO, and new for 2022, all Conferences & Panels, providing attendees more convenient access to this year’s sessions.

2022 In-Person AFM Scheduled to Return to Santa Monica

April 28, 2022

The market, which went virtual for the last two years due to the pandemic, will play out over six days at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel and theatres throughout the city.

Registration will open May 9 for returning and new exhibitors, while accredited buyers and industry attendees can register starting on July 5.

American Film Market Plans In-Person Event in Fall

April 28, 2022

The American Film Market is set to return with an in-person market in Santa Monica for its 43rd edition this Fall.

With the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel returning as a conference venue, the 2022 AFM will run from Nov. 1 to 6, the Independent Film & Television Alliance said on Thursday. The market, which began a six-day run in 2020, will also take place at theatres throughout the city.

Hollywood’s Ability to Influence Its China Box Office Destiny Has Never Been Weaker

January 4, 2022

“China is a market which is now totally unreliable, replete with exactly the same barriers if not worse that existed before 2012 — a black hole,” said Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) head Jean Prewitt. “We don’t know how to access it. We don’t know how to influence it. We’re waiting really on our own government to develop a game plan that includes the services industry, and includes dealing with the 2012 agreement and the issues that have sprung up since then.”

Hollywood’s Ability to Influence Its China Box Office Destiny Has Never Been Weaker

January 4, 2022

“China is a market which is now totally unreliable, replete with exactly the same barriers if not worse that existed before 2012 — a black hole,” said Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) head Jean Prewitt. “We don’t know how to access it. We don’t know how to influence it. We’re waiting really on our own government to develop a game plan that includes the services industry, and includes dealing with the 2012 agreement and the issues that have sprung up since then.”

Inside China and Hollywood’s Frayed Relationship: ‘We Need to Stop Trying to Keep the Status Quo, Because the Status Quo Is Gone’

December 21, 2021

“The politics were always there, but they were subordinated to growth. Now they’re not subordinated,” explains IFTA CEO Jean Prewitt. “We went from thinking we understood a system — albeit one where you couldn’t necessarily push a button and know what the results were — to a system that was just a black hole, where rumors are rife.”

IFTA Arbitration Process Gets New Administration Body

December 21, 2021

IFTA has partnered with ICDR-AAA for the administration of its arbitration process, which has resolved thousands of disputes among companies in the worldwide film and TV production, distribution, financing and sales.

AFM Q&A: “The industry needs markets now more than ever”, say IFTA heads

November 2, 2021

IFTA President/CEO Jean Prewitt and Chairperson Clay Epstein discuss the association's advocacy agenda, its strong member community, the challenges facing the independent film landscape and the AFM.  

IFTA head Jean Prewitt backs Congresswoman’s pandemic insurance legislation

November 2, 2021

IFTA (Independent Film & Television Alliance) president and CEO Jean Prewitt has issued a statement in support of a new version of pandemic support legislation introduced in May 2020.

Federal Pandemic Insurance Act Revived In Congress; Another Chance For Frazzled Indie Producers And Industry As Costs Soar

November 2, 2021

“For the film and TV industry, the pandemic is far from over,” said Jean Prewitt, President & CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance. “The inability to secure full insurance coverage for the risks inherent in film and television production — standard for our industry and required to lock-in financing — since March 2020, continues to damage production and production-related jobs across the U.S.

Clay Epstein elected IFTA chairperson

October 4, 2021

“I am honoured to be entrusted by our membership to lead them as Chairperson,” said Epstein. “The future of our industry relies on the talent and energy of the independent community. IFTA is the only unified voice for the Independents and it has never been more important to ensure opportunity and success for our members, colleagues, filmmakers, and the global industry.”

Film Mode’s Clay Epstein Elected New Chair Of Independent Film & Television Alliance

October 4, 2021

Clay Epstein, the president of Film Mode Entertainment, has been elected chair of the Independent Film & Television Alliance for the 2021-2023 term, IFTA said Monday. He’s been a board member since 2008 and served regularly on its executive committee.

Seven others were elected to the organization’s 15-person board including: J.D. Beaufils (VMI Worldwide), Jason Buckley (Lakeshore Entertainment), David Fannon (Screen Media), Lisa Gutberlet (Blue Fox Entertainment), Nat McCormick (The Exchange), Michael Ryan (GFM) and Rob Williams (Participant Media).

Independent producers still struggling even as pandemic recedes

July 9, 2021

“The independent industry is being heroic in their effort to get back to production, get back distribution, notwithstanding a number of hurdles that really have never been worse,” said Jean Prewitt, president of IFTA.

Indie Film Temperature Check: Vaccines Roll Out And Production Revs Up But Insurers, Banks Still MIA

April 27, 2021

“What we are looking at right now is this incredible patchwork. Everybody is cobbling together a solution of one sort or another,” said Jean Prewitt, CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, who lobbies for the industry. “The positive thing is that everybody’s working hard to find industry solutions. But as an industry, we have not stabilized yet. Nor is anyone aware of what stability is going to look like.”

Post-Pandemic Hollywood: Why Working in Entertainment Will Never Be the Same

March 18, 2021

“We’re a good 18 months — even with the best news in the world — before people feel comfortable with the production plan they might have had in place two years ago,” says Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

The IFTA is keenly focused on the issue of production insurance, which affects midrange independent films more than any others. Major insurance carriers are refusing to cover losses associated with the COVID pandemic. And even when vaccines are widely available, insurers will exclude coverage for future pandemics.

IFTA, Guilds Ask President to Keep Job-Creating Entertainment Biz Top of Mind in Policy Agenda

February 22, 2021

The Motion Picture Association, DGA, IATSE, IFTA, SAG-AFTRA along with the AFL-CIO’s Department of Professional Employees have penned a letter to President Joe Biden urging the new administration to keep the job-providing, economy-stimulating film and television community in mind when hashing out policy.

Hollywood Coalition Calls on Senate Leaders to Act on "Critical Issue" of Pandemic Insurance

February 19, 2021

"As you develop the agenda for the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs for this year, the film, TV, and sports industries respectfully request that you address the broad economic impact that the withdrawal of pandemic risk coverage has created for our businesses," a group of film, television and sports groups (including The Motion Picture Association, the Independent Film & Television Alliance, the NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, the Directors Guild of America, the National Association of Broadcasters, IATSE, the Producers Guild of America, American Coalition for Independent Content Production and SAG-AFTRA) stated in a letter addressed to Senate leaders on Friday. 

What a Joe Biden Administration Could Mean for Hollywood

January 20, 2021

With traditionally Hollywood-friendly Democrats in the White House, “there are issues that will be resolved differently and conversations that may or may not be more comfortable,” Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), told Screen recently.

“But our industry employs people in every state in the country, both red and blue,” Prewitt added. “It’s not a one-party industry.”

Disruptors Of The Pandemic 2020

December 31, 2020

Jean Prewitt, the president and CEO of IFTA, the Independent Film & Television Alliance, has been a tireless advocate for the independent community as pandemic insurance coverage, completion bonds and financing evaporated for new production with Covid-19. As 400 film and TV projects by her estimate may have fallen away due to lack of pandemic insurance, she was a conduit for information and connections as producers sought alternate sources of cash, moved overseas and pondered expensive new specialty insurance products. 

Independent Films Feel Squeeze with Covid Insurance Out of Reach

November 30, 2020

For independent filmmakers, the Covid-19 pandemic has added a new hurdle to the already challenging task of lining up financing: finding insurance to cover virus-related interruptions.

“Losing insurance coverage has reduced our industry’s ability to work dramatically -- affecting thousands of jobs across the country in virtually every state,” said Jean Prewitt, head of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, which is working with Maloney.

Pandemic Insurance Takes Step Ahead with Capitol Hill Hearing

November 19, 2020

Jean Prewitt, President & CEO, Independent Film & Television Alliance, has estimated that as many as 400 film projects may have fallen away due to lack of COVID insurance.

Prewitt said insurance industry proposals so far all are limited to the next pandemic, not this one, “and the classic salary and overhead costs of a shut-down.” In a statement after the hearing, she said IFTA, along with the MPA, Fox Broadcasting and others in the film and television industry, is supportive of the BCC proposal that recommends businesses “be protected going forward during this pandemic, as well as future ones, and that legislation must contain provisions adapted to the specialty insurance lines including film and television production, sports events, and event cancellation.”  

Independent Film & Television Alliance Elects Eight to Board

November 18, 2020

The Independent Film & Television Alliance, which produces the annual American Film Market, has elected eight new members to its board. The new directors include executives from such companies as Lionsgate, Myriad Pictures and XYZ Films.

The latest additions to IFTA’s board are J.D. Beaufils (VMI Worldwide), Scott Bedno (Myriad Pictures), Jody Cipriano (MarVista Entertainment), Patrick Ewald (Epic Pictures Group), Will Machin (Metro International Entertainment), Wendy Reeds (Lionsgate), Lise Romanoff (Vision Films) and Nick Spicer (XYZ Films).

What a Joe Biden Administration Could Mean for Hollywood

November 16, 2020

With traditionally Hollywood-friendly Democrats in the White House, “there are issues that will be resolved differently and conversations that may or may not be more comfortable,” says Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA).

“But our industry employs people in every state in the country, both red and blue,” Prewitt adds. “It’s not a one-party industry.”

Studios, Broadcasters Back Broad Coalition for Pandemic Insurance; Congressional Hearing Finally Set for Nov. 19

October 30, 2020

The MPA, Independent Film & Television Alliance, Fox Corp, Sony Pictures Entertainment, ViacomCBS, the NAB and the NCTA have boarded a broad new coalition to tackle public-private business continuity insurance, the latest push to offset the financial devastation of COVID-19 and future pandemics.

The Business Continuity Coalition (BCC) represents two dozen industries from restaurants, hospitality and gaming to retail and real estate with over 50 million workers. 

Hundreds of Film Projects Lost Since Pandemic Insurance Vanished, IFTA Boss Tells PRIA Sponsor

September 10, 2020

A whopping 250-400 films have bitten the dust due to lack of pandemic insurance, said Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, speaking Thursday at a roundtable organized by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) to discuss the Pandemic Risk Insurance Act, or PRIA.

IFTA Head Jean Prewitt Calls for US Government Pandemic Insurance Support

September 10, 2020

Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) head Jean Prewitt has called on the US government to get behind a pandemic insurance backstop in a “disastrous” year that has seen up to 400 films stall before they could go into production.

Reopening Hollywood: Two Firms Take First Steps Toward COVID-19 Insurance For Indie Industry Desperate To Yell ‘Action!’

September 9, 2020

“It’s reasonable to look at any offer,” said Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of IFTA, which reps indie producers and has been following their insurance conundrum closely. “It’s not a substitute for what was there before,” she said of the nascent COVID policies. “But our industry wants to go back to work right now … The question really is, is there a short-term product that bridges that gap?”

How Robert Pattinson’s COVID-19 Test Could Affect ‘The Batman’ — and the Industry

September 5, 2020

“On the independent side, it is the case that brand-new projects that presumably didn’t have insurance written in March are moving very slowly,” said Jean Prewitt, CEO and president of the Independent Film and Television Alliance. “But the studios are not going to fare any better next year than the independents do.”

Hollywood ‘kowtowing’ to China takes heat from Washington. But why now?

July 27, 2020

For Hollywood, the return of the film industry’s most important foreign market was cause for cautious optimism.

“The conversation needs to be focused on gaining legal access to the Chinese market rather than trying to tie producers’ hands in their efforts to surmount the trade barrier,” said Jean Prewitt, president of the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

Lack of insurance threatens supply of Hollywood films, TV shows in 2021

July 10, 2020

Insurers have largely stopped covering independent film and television productions against the risk of COVID-19 illness, a shift that threatens the supply of new entertainment in 2021, Hollywood producers, insurers and industry experts said. While big studios can self-insure, independent producers, who turn out 70% of new films and numerous TV shows in the U.S. each year, are looking for alternatives, said Jean Prewitt, chief executive of the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

Lack of insurance threatens supply of Hollywood films, TV shows in 2021

July 9, 2020

Insurers have largely stopped covering independent film and television productions against the risk of COVID-19 illness, a shift that threatens the supply of new entertainment in 2021, Hollywood producers, insurers and industry experts said. While big studios can self-insure, independent producers, who turn out 70% of new films and numerous TV shows in the U.S. each year, are looking for alternatives, said Jean Prewitt, chief executive of the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

Lack of insurance threatens supply of Hollywood films, TV shows in 2021

July 9, 2020

Insurers have largely stopped covering independent film and television productions against the risk of COVID-19 illness, a shift that threatens the supply of new entertainment in 2021, Hollywood producers, insurers and industry experts said. While big studios can self-insure, independent producers, who turn out 70% of new films and numerous TV shows in the U.S. each year, are looking for alternatives, said Jean Prewitt, chief executive of the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

TV Programmers Seek Pandemic Insurance from Congress

July 1, 2020

Signing on to the letter were the Motion Picture Association, Independent Film & Television Alliance, NCTA–The Internet & Television Association, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, NASCAR, National Football League, Directors Guild of America, National Association of Broadcasters, Producers Guild of America, NPACT, Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Entertainment Industry Seeks Legislative Relief From COVID-19 Impact

June 29, 2020

The document, sent Monday to Congressional leaders, was signed by leaders of the Motion Picture Association, the Directors Guild of America, the Independent Film & Television Alliance, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and SAG-AFTRA. “We believe a hiring incentive modeled on the employee retention credit or the work opportunity tax credit (WOTC) will help move workers off of unemployment and bring them back into the workforce,” the letter said.

Entertainment Industry Pushes for New COVID-19 Relief Package

June 29, 2020

In a letter that went out on Monday to Congressional leaders, prominent industry groups have outlined policies from hiring incentives to a federal insurance program they'd like to see enacted. "These policies would help jumpstart domestic film and television production, encourage hiring and ameliorate the higher costs that must be undertaken to protect our industry’s workforce," states the letter signed by the leaders of the Motion Picture Association, the Directors Guild of America, the Independent Film & Television Alliance, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and SAG-AFTRA.

Hollywood lobbies US Congress for insurance backstop

June 29, 2020

The Motion Picture Association (MPA), Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) and the major Hollywood labour groups have appealed to US Congress to help resolve the looming insurance crisis as part of a package of Covid-19 relief proposals. The measure calls on legislators to set up either a federal insurance scheme or guarantee to fill the gap to cover Covid-related losses in the future.

Bond Bind: Indie Film Ecosystem At Risk With No COVID Insurance, And Solutions Far Off

June 26, 2020

“Everyone’s negotiating,” said Jean Prewitt, president of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, which represents the industry in D.C. “Some are going without pandemic insurance. Some are self-bonding. Some are paying for an additional policy out of their own pocket. Whatever is necessary… [to] assure a bank you are covering risk yourself. That you have five cast members and a limited crew … and calculate what that is going to cost you.”

NY Rep To Introduce Production-Friendly Insurance Bill Tuesday As Insurers Propose FEMA-Run Solution

May 22, 2020

The insurance industry has planted a flag with its own solution, one that calls for the federal government to set up a kind of risk-transfer mechanism. Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, said the insurance industry proposal, which was posted on NAMIC’s website Thursday and just started circulating, “has nothing to do with film and would not solve the gap in production going forward.”

Productions Need Insurance to Start Rolling — but Actuaries Don’t Want to Take the Risk

May 20, 2020

The entertainment business doesn’t work without insurance. And right now, the insurance industry is getting crushed. “This is a giant problem,” says Jean Prewitt, CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance. “If you’re not fully covered, you’re going to have difficulty getting it bonded and difficulty getting it financed,” Prewitt says.

Blumhouse Plans Film Shoot on Universal Lot Despite Insurance Risks (Exclusive)

May 18, 2020

The question for the film and TV business, says IFTA president and CEO Jean Prewitt, "is how do we address risks that are specific to this industry, and can [such provisions] be added into one of those more general bills that are floating around?"

Reopening Hollywood: Will Prohibitive Insurance Hobble Production Restart & Will Government Have To Step In?

May 15, 2020

Jean Prewitt, CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, is the point person for indie producers in Washington, D.C., where several bills are in the works. She said the one from Maloney — chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee and a senior member of the House Financial Service Committee and the Joint Economic Committee — appears to be the farthest ahead and may best serve the needs of producers.

American Film Market Remains on Schedule for November

May 1, 2020

The American Film Market has announced that it remains on track to hold the 2020 market set for Nov. 3-8 in Santa Monica, Ca., despite the coronavirus pandemic. “We know how difficult the past few months have been for our industry around the world and our thoughts go out to those whose loved ones have been directly impacted by the virus,” the Independent Film & Television Alliance said Friday. “Plans for AFM 2020 continue to move forward as scheduled."

I'm a filmmaker whose business is threatened by piracy – and site blocking could be my lifeline

April 15, 2020

On March 10, Jonathan Yunger, Co-President of IFTA member Millennium Media, testified in the U.S. Senate about the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and its “safe harbor” provision that allows internet companies to dodge liability for copyright infringement on their platforms.

UNIC, MPA Join with Groups Across Europe to Urge Support for Audiovisual Sector

April 8, 2020

A joint group of companies operating in the film and audiovisual sector—IFTA, the MPA, and 49 other organizations and companies across Europe—have issued the following statement in advance of the video conference of EU ministers of culture and media on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the culture and creative sectors.

51 organisations et sociétés audiovisuelles appellent l'Europe à des mesures urgentes

April 8, 2020

Dans un communiqué commun, ces 51 voix (incluant l'IFTA) représentant tous les secteurs de l'audiovisuel et du cinéma exigent des réponses urgentes des décideurs européens pour la sauvegarde de l'industrie.

European Film, TV Bodies Unite to Call for Action in Tackling ‘Profound’ Coronavirus Crisis

April 8, 2020

Over 50 European film and TV organizations, including IFTA, have issued a joint statement this morning calling for E.U. and member state decision-makers to take urgent action to safeguard the future of the sectors in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

European Industry Calls On EU For Urgent Financial Support Amid Coronavirus

April 8, 2020

A group of 51 European film and audiovisual organizations and individual companies, including IFTA, has released a call for action by EU and member state decision makers to safeguard the future of the sector in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The statement, see it in full below, says the industry requires “urgent financial support now and in the months to come” as the film and audiovisual ecosystem “is suffering grievously because of valid social distancing measures and related societal consequences.” It warns, “The crisis in our sector will be felt way beyond the confinement period.”

Hollywood faces huge losses from coronavirus. Can the insurance industry bail it out?

March 27, 2020

“The conversations we have had suggest that most of our members are focused on keeping their projects together, negotiating mutual agreements on delays on completion and delivery, etc., because that’s the best way to maintain their business in the long run,” said Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

Filmmakers & Lawmakers Celebrate Film & TV Industry At “Beyond The Red Carpet” Day

November 15, 2019

Hollywood film and television makers and Washington lawmakers gathered in DC on Thursday for the “Beyond the Red Carpet: Movies and TV Magic Day,” an event that offered lawmakers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creativity and innovation of the film and TV industries.

Michael Ryan Re-Elected Chair of Independent Film & Television Alliance

November 7, 2019

British film executive Michael Ryan of GFM Films has been re-elected to a two-year term as chair of the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

IFTA announced the results from its annual members’ meeting on Thursday, a day after its American Film Market opened for its 40th iteration at the Loews Hotel in Santa Monica, Ca.

AFM: Michael Ryan Re-elected as IFTA Chairperson

November 7, 2019

Millennium Media's Jeffrey Greenstein, Jeannine Tang of Participant and Jeannine Tang of Participant are among the new members elected to the board of the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

Michael Ryan, a partner in London-based film group GFM Films, has been re-elected as chairperson of the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

 

Michael Ryan re-elected IFTA chair in annual vote

November 7, 2019

Michael Ryan of GFM Films has been re-elected as Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) chairperson and will serve from 2019-21.

The organisation’s 15-person board comprises newly elected members voted in at Wednesday’s annual elections: Tannaz Anisi (13 Films), Scott Bedno (Myriad Pictures), Caroline Couret-Delégue (Film Seekers Limited), Clay Epstein (Film Mode Entertainment), Patrick Ewald (Epic Pictures Group), Jeffrey Greenstein (Millennium Media), Jay Joyce (Artist View Entertainment), Jeannine Tang (Participant), and Adam Wright (Voltage Pictures).

 

Your Town Could Be in a Hollywood Movie, TV Show — If SC Expands Tax Breaks for Filmmakers

August 14, 2019

South Carolina’s movie and television industry is getting noticed — and industry officials want more government help to lure business. So far, that aid is proving difficult to find...Reviving the pre-2017 benefit is “incredibly important” to independent producers, said Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of the Los Angeles-based Independent Film & Television Alliance.

Copyright Holders Submit Anti-Piracy Ideas to US Government

August 7, 2019

Input was made by The Motion Picture Association of America, The Independent Film & Television Alliance, CreativeFuture and The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

“Moreover, because pirate websites increasingly infect consumers with malware, unauthorised online dissemination of movies and television programmes is a growing threat to consumers and our nation’s cybersecurity,” the groups added.

Movie Industry Sets Out Piracy Priorities in Submission to US Report on Pirated Goods

August 6, 2019
Organisations representing the American movie industry have made a joint submission to the US Department Of Commerce, which is working on a report on the “trafficking of counterfeit and pirated goods through online marketplaces and internet intermediaries”. The film and TV companies want to ensure that said report looks at online piracy as well as the sale of physical counterfeit goods through the net.

Trump Trade War Starts to Threaten Hollywood's Business in China

June 5, 2019
"We have heard the same information" regarding the squeeze on some U.S. content, said Jean Prewitt, president of the Independent Film & Television Alliance. "It is very unfortunate as China has become an important part of the independent film financing matrix. This would be an extreme setback."

Cannes Marche Turns 60 With Pulse on the Future of the Film Biz

May 13, 2019

Jean Prewitt notes, "You cannot underestimate the ongoing significance of having the whole industry come together at these events, to test out their own perceptions about what's valuable, what's important, what other people are seeing and how they're pricing it."

Content Groups Warn FTC Over 'Troubling; Application of EU Privacy Laws

April 8, 2019
CreativeFuture, the Independent Film and Television Alliance and the Copyright Alliance say that the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation, which went into effect last year, has hindered their ability to combat piracy.

European Indie Film Crisis Averted "For Now" After New Digital Single Market Ruling

April 1, 2019
"After an extremely hard-fought battle in the legislative process by Independent Film & TV Alliance (IFTA) and its colleagues in the audiovisual sectors, this Driective was successfully narrowed in scope from its origianal far-reaching and 'one size fits all' proposals which could have been quite disruptive and damaging to the entire film ecosysyem,' said Michal Ryan, chairperson of IFTA...

Hollywood Faces Uncertainty in China as the Film Business Slows

February 18, 2019

"The China market has slowed down to an uncertain dribble of business," said Jean Prewitt, president of the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

Europe's Film, TV Industries Hit Out at New EU Copyright Plans

February 8, 2018
At the Berlin Film Festival on Friday, global producers’ association Fiapf, whose members include Hollywood’s MPAA, and the Independent Film & TV Alliance both sought to clarify what’s at stake for Europe’s film and TV industries.

Europe, Hollywood Hail Landmark E.U. Territorial Licensing Agreement

December 18, 2018
"The new directive - in contrast to the original proposals - recognizes that these exclusive rights must be preserved with only defined, limited exceptions for broadcasters' ancillary online services," added Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, representing independent film and TV companies worldwide.

IFTA Unveils New Board of Directors

November 5, 2018
Cornerstone Films co-head Alison Thompson and The Exchange Vice President of worldwide distribution Nat McCormick are among the new intake to join the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) board, it emerged during the organization's trade show AFM.

IFTA Posts Record Membership Growth

September 7, 2018
The Independent Film & Television Alliance has just seen its biggest membership growth in the last 20 years, with 35 companies from 21 countries joining over the last year.

Hollywood Urges Congress to Bring Google to Testify

July 14, 2018
Last month, the groups CreativeFuture and the Independent Film and Television Alliance (IFTA) sent letters to the House Judiciary Committee and the Senate Energy and Commerce Committee urging them to bring the internet search giant to Capitol Hill. The original letters had 90 signatures on them, and the groups resent the letters Sunday after that number grew to 154.

Independent Film and Television Alliance Leaders Renew Contracts

June 26, 2018

Jean Prewitt, CEO and president of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, the trade association of independent film and TV producers and distributors, and Jonathan Wolf, IFTA executive vp and managing director of American film market have both had their contracts renewed for another three years, the IFTA announced Tuesday.

CreativeFuture, IFTA Urge Lawmakers to Hold Google Hearings

June 14, 2018
In letters to the Senate and House judiciary and commerce committees, CreativeFuture CEO Ruth Vitale, IFTA CEO Jean Prewitt, and more than 80 industry creative professionals seized on congressional concern over sex trafficking and election interference to urge them to also call in Google.

Net Neutrality Repeal Reactions

December 14, 2017

Jean Prewitt, President & CEO, Independent Film and Television Alliance, "Today’s 3-2 decision by the FCC to repeal the critical ‘net neutrality’ safeguards established by the 2015 Open Internet Order is a significant setback for the independent sector of the film and television industry and the consumers which we serve."

Entertainment Industry Scores Key Victory in Battle Against European Digital Single Market

December 12, 2017

Hollywood's Motion Picure Association (MPA), the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) and the Independent Film & Telecision Alliance (IFTA) were among 20 trade bodies, insitutions and comapnies that officially supported the legal affairs committee ruling, circulating a joint letter to that effect to the European represetnatives last week.

European Parliament Rejects Key Proposed Digital Single Market Regulation

December 12, 2017
European Members of Parliament vote against re opening the case on controversial proposed pan-European online transmissions...FIAPF, Hollywood's Motion Picture Assn. (MPA) and the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) were among 20 trade bodies, institutions or companies that circulated a joint letter Friday to MEPs supporting the Juri committee's decision.

How an Atlanta Power Couple's Business Has Heightened Hollywood and Silicon Valley's Piracy Anxieties

November 17, 2017

Jonathan Yunger, co-president of film production company Millennium Media, bristles at the thought of TickBox and similar businesses profiting from the illegal use of his movies. Several of Millennium’s films, including “The Expendables 3” and “The Hitman’s Bodyguard,” have lost millions from online piracy.

Cannes: Hacking Threat Leaves Big Independent Films Vulnerable

May 18, 2017
Industry leaders are assessing the changing nature of the threat. “The pirates are now looking at a whole other revenue stream, which is extortion,” Jean Prewitt, CEO of the Independent Film and Television Alliance, said. “Now there are people who think they can get money directly from you — it’s shifted the equation in terms of piracy.”

Europe, Hollywood Denounce European Commission Digital Market Plans

May 2, 2017
The letters’ signatories include representatives of Hollywood’s MPAA, as well as FIAPF, the global producers’ body, and IFTA, whose president is Jean Prewitt (pictured), another global trade assn., representing the independent industry.

Oscar Noms Show Rise in Indie Movies as Studios Pull Back on Adult Dramas

February 24, 2017

Indeed, 78 of the Oscar nominations this year are for movies produced by companies outside the six major studios, according to the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

Hollywood Seeks New Business Terms with China

February 8, 2017

Hollywood will soon have its first chance in five years to change the terms of doing business in China, a politically fraught opportunity for studios to reap billions more from their most important foreign market.

Europe's DSM: What You Need to Know & How it Could Kill The Indie Biz

November 21, 2016

Indeed, it’s a complex issue, but at its beating heart lies a dangerous prospect for the future of the audio-visual sector, which threatens to dismantle territory-by-territory licensing in Europe.

Independent Film & Television Alliance Elects Board & Vice-Chairs

September 22, 2016

The Independent Film & Television Alliance, an international trade association representing more than 135 companies in 23 countries, elected four vice-chairs at its annual membership meetings today in Los Angeles and London. Elected vice-chairs were Jay Joyce of Artist View Entertainment, Troma Entertainment’s Lloyd Kaufman, Charlotte Mickie of Mongrel International and Screen Media’s Almira Ravil.

‘Brexit’ Worries British Cultural Institutions Facing Loss of Aid

June 29, 2016

Michael Ryan, the chairman of the Independent Film and Television Alliance, said in a statement on Friday that the decision was “a major blow to the U.K. film and TV industry.”

British Exit from E.U. Could 'Devastate' U.K. Creative Sector, Says Independent Film & TV Alliance Chairman

June 24, 2016
Michael Ryan, the chairman of the Independent Film and Television Alliance, and a partner at GFM Films, has expressed his dismay following the decision by U.K. voters to leave the European Union, and said it is likely to be “devastating” for the U.K. creative sector, including the film and TV industry.

'Brexit' Vote Sparks 'Grieving' Within the U.K. Film & TV Industries

June 24, 2016

“Uncertainty might be the greatest impact,” said Michael Ryan, the chairman of the Independent Film and Television Alliance, and a partner at GFM Films. “The U.K. employs a massive amount of people in this industry, and right now it’s a very confused place.”

Brexit 'Major Blow' to Film & TV Industry, but Not to 'Game of Thrones'

June 24, 2016
The United Kingdom's exit from the European Union could have an extensive impact on the country's film and television industries, but not on one of TV's most popular shows, "Game of Thrones." "We do not anticipate that the result of the EU Referendum will have any material effect on HBO producing 'Game of Thrones,'" a HBO spokeswoman said in a statement.

EU Referendum Result "Devastating" for UK Film & TV

June 24, 2016
As the UK votes decisively to leave the European Union, the film and TV sectors are in limbo. Following the resounding win for the vote Leave campaign in the EU referendum, which was a 52%-48% vote in favour of exiting the Union, the UK film and TV sectors have been left shocked and in limbo.

Brexit is "Major Blow" to Film, TV Industries

June 24, 2016

"The decision to exit the European Union is a major blow to the U.K. film and TV industry," said Michael Ryan, chairman of the Independent Film & Television Alliance in a statement.

Brexit is "Major Blow" to Film, TV Industries, Says IFTA

June 23, 2016
The entertainment industry is reeling following the result of the historic Brexit vote, warning that Britain's decision to leave the European Union (EU) could have disastrous consequences. Film and television producers worry the Brexit will create uncertainty and could unravel much of the financial infrastructure the independent industry relies on.

EU Leave Vote Prompts Mixed Arts Response

June 24, 2016
Entertainment figures and arts bodies have greeted Leave winning the EU referendum with a mixture of views. Michael Ryan, chair of the Independent Film and Television Alliance (IFTA), said the result, which saw Leave take 51.9% of the vote, was "a major blow".

Industry Reacts to Brexit Win; Media Stocks Crash; Execs Plan for Uncertainty

June 24, 2016

Reactions have rolled in from industry execs following last night’s vote by Britain to exit the EU and as media stocks crashed in London.

Brexit decision 'devastating' for UK's creative sector says industry chief - and it's bad news for Game of Thrones

June 24, 2016
The decision for Britain to leave the European Union following yesterday's referendum has been described as "devastating" to our TV and film industry. The chairman of the Independent Film and Television Alliance (IFTA), speaking to Variety, explained the uncertain future of the creative sector.

"The decision to exit the European Union is a major blow to the UK film and TV industry," said Michael Ryan.

The EU’s Digital Single Market Strategy is Regulatory Hubris that Will Damage Europe’s Audiovisual Production

June 16, 2016
As a committed European, I have looked with rising disbelief at the Digital Single Market Strategy (or DSM) outlined by the European Commission last December. Through a series of measures, including a proposed review of a 1993 directive on satellite broadcasting and cable retransmission, the Commission is proposing to do no less than abolish the mechanisms that maintain a sustainable financing and distribution ecosystem for audiovisual content.

Cannes: E.U. Digital Plans Make European Consumers 'Worse Off Over All,' New Report Suggests

May 15, 2016
Industry commissioned report on collateral damage of cross-border access presented at Cannes Festival. The report was funded by the serried ranks of major movie and TV companies – 21st Century Fox, Entertainment One, Constantin, the U.K.’s Sky and ITV – plus industry organizations such as the Motion Picture Assn. of America and the Intl. Federation of Film Producers Assns, whose members include the MPAA and IFTA.

There Will Be 'Serious' Risks for Hollywood if Trans Pacific Partnership Doesn't Pass, U.S. Trade Rep Says

May 3, 2016
Jean Prewitt, president and CEO of IFTA, said that the goal is to make sure that there is a notice-and-takedown system in place in every country, even if it does not spell out specifically how it should work. “Any trade agreement is a floor, not a ceiling,” she said.

Embattled Trans-Pacific Trade Pact Good for Hollywood, says Official

May 3, 2016
The agreement would have “no effect” on the practice of selling film rights on a territory by territory basis, said Jean Prewitt, president of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, at whose offices the briefing took place. She added that the copyright extension was justified by the increased useful life of films and the importance of sequel rights. Froman, who is meeting with IFTA members including Lionsgate and Nu Image during his time in L.A., pointed to such 1966 movies as The Sound of Music and Dr. Zhivago that will soon lose copyright protection in various countries absent the extension.

Showbiz Groups Say FCC Set-Top Box Proposal Could Have Harmful Impact

April 22, 2016
Other organizations planning to file comments include the American Federation of Musicians, the Copyright Alliance, CreativeFuture, Crossings TV, IATSE, the Independent Film and Television Alliance, the National Music Publishers Assn., SoundExchange and VMe TV.

Not all American Films Travel Easily, it takes Expertise to Connect them with Foriegn Audiences

April 15, 2016

"Hollywood is hitting serious competition from local TV and film productions," said Jean M. Prewitt, president and chief executive of the Independent Film & Television Alliance. "More countries are producing world-quality films. We're certainly seeing that."

Michael Ryan, Jean Prewitt - Why Global Film/TV Industries Should Not Drop Their Guard On EU DSM Drive

January 20, 2016
The Independent Film & Television Alliance's Chairperson Michael Ryan and President & CEO Jean Prewitt deliver a beginner’s guide to key ongoing issues and concerns surrounding potential new regulation.

IFTA Raises Concerns Over EC Copyright Plans

December 11, 2015
The Independent Film & Television Alliance has raised concerns over the European Commission’s Digital Single Market plan to allow cross-border access to online content.

Europe's Digital Single Market: War Not Over, Warns Indie Film, TV Chief Jean Prewitt

May 22, 2015
The battle to protect the film and television industries' ability to license copyright by territory in Europe appeared to have wont at the Cannes Film Festival this week, but the war is not over, Jean Prewitt, CEO of IFTA, told Variety.

Cannes: Puttnam Sets E.U. Digital Dispute Roadmap

May 16, 2015
"At the same panel, the Motion Picture Assn. (MPA) and Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) joined other producer and distributor trade orgs to call for an E.U. digital policy that preserved territorial licensing."

Film Industry "Concerned" Over Digital Single Market Plans

May 7, 2015
"IFTA's President and CEO Jean Prewitt said that her organization was encouraged that the Commission acknowledges that 'copyright underpins creativity and the cultural industry in Europe. However, we are deeply concerned that the Commission persists addressing online rights in isolation from the rest of the AV value chain including theatrical exhibition."

Why Film Bizzers Are Still Outraged Over Europe's Digital Single Market Plan

May 5, 2015
"Jean Prewitt, who heads IFTA, argued that the concept would allow a handful of multinational companies to control financing. 'Cross-border access would make it possible for broader offerings to domiate markets,' she explained. 'It would make it difficult for smaller platforms in local languages to survive."

A Europe Plan That Would 'Destory' Independent Film

March 25, 2015
"If you take away territorial exclusivity, you hand over the ability to distribute to a tiny handful of multinational companies that are not curating for a local audience and aren't interested in doing so', says Jean Prewitt, CEO/President of IFTA."

Filmart 2015: US Falls for Appeal

March 23, 2015
"This is the fifth year IFTA has operated an unbrella stand, although for the first time ti will not be dedicated solely to US companies and is open to the organization's global membership".

Brussels Copyright Plans Meet Resistance

March 5, 2015
"In the UK, six executives of the leading film industry trade associations - IFTA, PACT, FDA, CEA, BVA and COBA - joined froces to issue an open letter - 'EU threat to films'... highlighting their concerns about the British Government supporting 'in principle' the European Commission's proposals."

British Film Producers Warn of New EU Threat to Industry

February 9, 2015
"Jean Prewitt, CEO and President of [IFTA] argued: 'The Commission's proposal would seriously damage the ability of independent producers to finance their films, which depends on exclusive licenses to local distributors."

Berlin: Market Reveals Select Sales But Tough Business

February 9, 2015
"The bottom line, however, is that the international sales biz has now got significantly tougher. 'If you talk to sales agents, they will tell you that they are working five times as hard today to make the same money as they did five years ago,' said Jean Prewitt, IFTA President-CEO."

China Poised to Expand Censorship Crackdown

February 7, 2015

"There are fears that increased censorship also could encourage more piracy, and could give domestic movies, which have to go through the censorship process every early on, an advantage."