Optimism Film’s Alicia Brown takes internship with Ted Hope
Screen Australia has announced Alicia Brown of Optimism Film as the recipient of an internship with Ted Hope. Hope is the producer of indie films 21 Grams, American Splendor and The Ice Storm and recently held a workshop called Hope For Film in Sydney over two days. Brown’s internship is valued at $40,000. The announcement:
Screen Australia is pleased to announce that Sydney-based producer Alicia Brown of Optimism Film has been selected as the recipient of a $40,000 internship, working with legendary US independent producer Ted Hope. Alicia will work with Ted Hope at the San Francisco Film Society to gain experience in alternative distribution methods.
Ted Hope is recognised by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the most influential and powerful people in the US independent film scene. He is the producer of more than 60 films, including 21 Grams, American Splendor, Happiness, The Ice Storm, In the Bedroom and Martha Marcy May Marlene.
In August 2012, it was announced that Ted Hope would take up the role of Executive Director of the San Francisco Film Society (SFFS), which hosts America’s longest-running film festival. He has long been an advocate of producers developing alternative methods of distribution and one of his key focal points at SFFS will be developing an artist–owner, multi-platform distribution network. Alicia Brown will spend much of her time helping SFFS build this innovative distribution platform.
Ted Hope was supported by Screen Australia last month to present his producing workshop, Hope for Film, in Sydney. Over two inspiring days, Mr Hope spoke about his producing methodologies and gave the audience insights into how to maintain a healthy and long-standing career as an independent producer. Both days were recorded and highlights will be made available through Screen Australia’s iTunes podcast channel and website, with the first two being launched today.
In the first podcast, Ted critiques the current state of the film industry and questions whether it is still a slave to antiquated concepts entrenched over 100 years that no longer apply. In the second podcast, he discusses the need to stimulate investment in the cultural industries through a new business model allowing creatives to receive revenue while positioning their films on a cross-platform, multi-territory stage. Download the first two podcasts from Screen Australia’s website.
Source: Screen Australia press release
