the INDEPENDENT a monthly publication of the Foundation for Independent Video and Film, Inc. 99 prince st„ ny, ny 10012 ph 12121 966-0900; April 1979 CALENDAR Tues. April 17 INDEPENDENTS PRODUCING FOR TELEVISION - Discussion & screening: Jim Blue, 8:00 pm Exec Producer of "The Frontier" series of indie shows for Channel 17 in Buffalo, originator of 99 Prince St. "The Territory" — indie series in Houston & Assoc. Prof, of Media, SUNY in Buffalo & an indie documentarian. Tom Weinberg, Indie f/v producer of "Image Union" on WTTW in Chicago, and Lynn Corcoran, producer of "The Frontier" and an indie doc. videomaker. Sun. April 22 VIDEO ART — Screening & Discussion with the makers: Second part of a series on new video 8:30 pm work jointly sponsored by The Kitchen & AIVF. Curated by Maxi Cohen & Robin Weber The Kitchen "JGLNG" (pronounced "juggling") by Skip Blumberg, a high contrast b/w 5 min. abstract 484 Broome St. visualization of the act of juggling. (Shown at the Everson Museum, The Whitney, KQED, Atlanta Film Festival, Lanesville TV & more) "INTERPOLATION" by Kit Fitzgerald & John Sandborn. 15 min. Drawing on elements of drama & on images from everyday life & using both simple and sophisticated methods of video postproduction, they have created "abstracted Al- legories." All works stress the power & presence of aerial effects to underscore and complement images. "BALLS" by Steve Kolpan. 4 min exploration of the distortion of time & perspective. "WINDOWS" by Gary Hill. 8 min. study for IMU & installation piece for recoding the im- mediate environment — incorporated interactive programming of automated cameras, images processing, sense devices & dynamic image location on multiple output systems. "MEDIA BURN" by Ant Farm, 25 min. Tues. April 24 SCREENING: The Women in this program have all participated in the Director's Workshop. 7:30 PM The Nap 13 min. Directed by Joan Rosenfelt. A contemporary mystery. Working for Peanuts School of Visual 21 min. Directed by Alice Spivak. A satirical point of view of the advertising field. Margaret's Arts Bed 22 min. Directed by Wendy D'Lugin. A contemporary story confronting the problems of 209 E. 23rd understanding and communication between a woman and a man. "I am Cecil Day, 38 years (2nd & 3rd Ave) old. ..." 33 min. Directed by Susan Spencer Smith. A woman in Dallas, Texas talks about The Amphitheatre herself from childhood to the present. In counterpoint to this narrative we see one day in her 3rd floor life. Mon. April 30 LEGAL & FINANCIAL FORUM: Second part of our series bringing the expertise of outside 8:00 pm professionals to the indie community. Presented by Edwin S. Brown, CPA of Mann, Brown & 99 Prince St. Bauman and Robert Freedman, Esq. Discussion topics to include: establishing corporate & non-profit status, limited partnerships, soliciting private investors, distributor contracts, the pros & cons of tax shelters. Wed. May 9 INSURANCE FORUM: Third part of our series with outside professionals. Presented by Rose 8:00 pm H. Schaler, insurance broker, member of council of Insurance Brokers of Greater NY Inc. & 99 Prince St. Life Underwriters Asso. of the City of NY Inc.; and Larry Grant; Exec VP of Chubbs Corp. Rose will discuss basic insurance needs of the indie, i.e. health, life, workmen's comp. liability. Larry will address special entertainment risk packages, i.e. production equipment, etc. , THE INDEPENDENT is published 10 times yearly by the Foundation for Independent Video and Film, Inc., 99 CONTENTS Prince St., NY, NY 10012, with support from the New York State Council on the Arts and the National Endow- ment for the Arts, a federal agency. Subscription is included in membership to the organization. Media Awareness Update 3 Editor: Bill Jones Associate Editor: Rich Berkowitz Term Paper From The President 4 Layout & Design: Bill Jones Typesetting: Josephine Coppa, Compositype Studios Editorial Consultant: Modern Iconography Film Clinic / Screenings 6 As most have noticed, numerous changes have been made in the format and contents of the past three issues of the FIVF/ Business 7 AIVF Newsletter. The changes in format (Typesetting, binding etc.) were made for practical as well as aesthetic considerations. This must be made clear since there has been considerable feedback showing concern over the extra money assumed to Regional Report 8 have been spent for the "sprucing up" effort. In fact, the use of the typesetter pays for itself since the compacting of the information makes for a lighter package (cheaper to mail) and we've eliminated the expense of mailing envelopes (and there- Sexism In The Media 9 fore the expense of stuffing the envelopes). At the same time, through the aid of our editorial consultant, and the donations of time and talent by others, regular features and departments have been instituted. Along these lines, if you have any infor- A Statement By Pacific Coast Video / Festivals 10 mation on AIVF members' screenings or successes, or if you'd like to submit articles or ideas for articles, write to me c/o The Independent. Feel free to contact me about any ideas con- 11 cerning The Independent, no matter how large or small. AIVF Classifieds My thanks to those who continue to work unselfishly so that this publication exist. may ecj The viewpoints expressed herein do not necessarily re- flect the opinion of the Board of Directors— they are as diversified as our member and staff contributors. We welcome your response in the form of letters, re- views, articles or suggestions. As time and space are of the essence we can't guarantee publication. Please send your material to: THE INDEPENDENT, 99 Prince St., NY, NY 10012. If you'd like your material returned to you please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope. NOTE: All submissions to newsletter due by 15th of month preceeding publication, preferrably earlier. Press Reception, Carnegie II THE INDEPENDENT APRIL 1979 MEDIA AWARENESS UPDATE SUMMARY CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT WORK: AIVF strongly IN PUBLIC WE TRUST supports this department as a way to nourish existing A Public Trust or "Carnegie II", the report by the production entities and centers. The role of the Center Carnegie Commission on the Future of Public Broad- should be to advocate the interests of independents. casting, was released at a press conference on Jan. 23rd Procedures for grievances must be established as well at the Carnegie International Center. as a mechanism to monitor the relationship of independents to public television. We applaud the creation of a Program Services Endowment as they The Commission's support of production by independents have outlined would mean increased funding to indepen- and the availability of alternative outlets for distri- dents.* must actively work to insure that the intent We bution. But th Center must not be the only avenue of of the report is specifically mandated in enabling legis- support. Independents must have full access to the lation. The report covers a lot of ground and there are Endowment. Independents' work must not be isolated areas in which we have proposals for implemen- many in the Center nor restricted to alternative broadcast tation. mechanisms. In response to the report, the AIVF Media Awareness FUNDING: Incentives for the promotion and Project recently held a conference/party to encourage broadcast of independents' work and local public discussion on the report of the Carnegie Commission on affairs programming should be built into the overall the Future of Public Broadcasting. The reception was funding structure. The Association supports a tax on held at the home of Martha Stuart, a noted video artist. the excess profits of commercial stations, networks AIVF's response is entitled "Beyond Carnegie II". and satellite operations. FCC figures on commercial The AIVF praised the goals of the Carnegie Commis- station finances must be made public. Corporate sion's report and the Commission's purpose and hard support must be structured in order to preclude work. Independents generally approved the Carnegie program influence. report, but felt certain points necessitated elaboration or MINORITIES: Minorities should not be restricted to modification to insure that the intent of the report is not "minority" projects but be part of the mainstream for lost in enabling legislation. The following is an excerpt all productions and activities. In addition, a priority from AIVF's response to the Carnegie Commission of the system should be to create substantial Report. programming to appeal to minority audiences; more research and analysis is insufficient. INTRODUCTION ENDOWMENT/TRUST: The AIVF applauds Carnegie We support the spirit and intent of the Carnegie II II' s support of production and mechanisms for report. The AIVF supports the recommendations for alternative distribution of programming. However, we increased federal support, separation of programming believe that it is crucial for public broadcasting to and administration, the insulation of programming insure a mechanism for the airing of the wealth and from political control, public accountability and the diversity of programming produced by independents. support of American creative talent. However, we Peer review must be included as an integral part of believe that in order to insure that the intent of the decision making. report is carried out, substantive mechanisms are necessary in enabling legislation which mandate PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY: Boards should reflect the protection of independents and the public. Carnegie I various constituencies of the Public rather than the had a lot of beautiful language but its recommen- Industry. AIVF advocates procedural steps for dations were not truly implemented. Failure to eventual open Board elections at all community monitor the system allowed it to develop in ways stations. Financial disclosures should apply to which do not provide the American public with the Endowment and Trust Boards and Management. vital and diverse system they deserve. EDUCATION: Independents should be allowed to We applaud the increased funds to independents and contribute their cost-effective and imaginative the options available for alternative distribution.