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The article presents a background of the Los Angeles Film Festival (LAFF). It mentions that the film festival started in 1995 and more than 83,000 individuals have attended the premiers, awards ceremonies as well as tributes of the organization in 2009. It also states that the festival features several independent films to promote talented independent motion picture directors in Los Angeles, California.

An interview with artists Harry Dodge and Stanya Kahn is presented. When asked about the different communities they come from, Kahn, mentions her meeting with Dodge in San Francisco, California, where there was a better video art and elaborate network communities for them. Dodge cites his working with independent film. Moreover, they also elucidated their ideas on avant-garde.

The article discusses a series of digital motion pictures directed by filmmaker Rob Nilsson. The author comments on the limited distribution that the films, which focus on the lives of various people in San Francisco, California, have received at film festivals. He notes how actor Robert Viharo has a recurring role in the films and how Nilsson formed an acting troupe that emphasized Method acting.

The article tackles the impact of the deficit-reduction package signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on the motion pictures and television industries in California. It states that the issue is about the 500 million U.S. dollars worth of tax credits that the state will hand over to movie and television producers who shoot in California. On-location shooting in Los Angeles is reported to have dropped by more than 21% from the same period in 2008. Another issue mentioned is the transferable tax credits available only to independent films.

The article reports on the Spirit Awards, held in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica, California to honor independent films, which are made outside the studio system and usually with a smaller budget. It is suggested that the U.S. motion picture industry awards show, the Academy Awards, should emulate some of the Spirit's casual format with no dress code, no time limit on acceptance speeches, and no commercials.

The article relates the experiences of director Lynn Chen and a team of Asian American actors while making a low-budget, independent film "I Will Make You Mine" in Los Angeles, California. Topics discussed include views of co-producer David Boyle on Chen's capabilities, use of the RED Helium monochrome camera to cut down on production time, and the contribution of actors Goh Nakamura and Yea-Ming Chen to the film's soundtrack.

The article features the Best Practices Laboratory (BPL), an independent technology laboratory located at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. BPL is an independent technology laboratory which is primarily dedicated to the production of independent films, commercials and television (TV) shows. The offices of BPL are located in a two story complex just down the street from Paramount Pictures. The screening rooms of BPL are equipped with film projectors and Wolf Cinema DCX video projectors.

The article focuses on IndieVest, a new business entity aimed at raising funds for development, production and distribution of independent features based in Los Angeles, California. The company was founded by chief executive officer (CEO) Wade H. Bradley. It is noted that IndieVest pledges to offer theatrical exposure for all of its production. According to the CEO, the company is engaged in direct marketing to attract investors.

"We can't sit by and watch a $17 billion-a-year sector of our economy leave California", Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra, a co-author of the bill, said in a statement. The state gives rebates amounting to 20 percent of qualifying production costs on a motion picture; 25 percent for independent films or for TV series that relocate to California. [Extracted from the article]

California Governor Jerry Brown and lawmakers struck a deal to more than triple the tax credit for Hollywood studios to stem the flight of film and TV production to other states. Subject to the current annual cap, California gives rebates amounting to 20 percent of qualifying production costs on a motion picture, and 25 percent for independent films or for TV series that relocate to the state. [Extracted from the article]

A calendar of international events related to the motion picture industry from April to May 2010 is presented, which includes the New York African Film Festival in the U.S., the Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Film in Argentina, and the Los Angeles Indian Film Festival in California.

The article announces that this season, the Film Independent Spirit Awards, will be held on Friday, March 5 instead of the usual Saturday afternoon before the Academy Awards. It is stated that the Spirit Awards are traditionally held under a tent on the beach near the Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California but this time the venue might change. It is also mentioned that the televised broadcast of the awards ceremony will continue to air live and uncut on Independent Film Channel (IFC).

The article offers information on the Los Angeles Film Festival to be held in California in June 2009. Westwood Village is the hub of the film festival. It will showcase feature films, short films and music videos. According to programming director Rachel Rosen, the genre of films at the festival will include indie.

The article previews the "5th Annual Global Art Film Festival-Hollywood" to be held at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles, California on June 9, 2007. Independent films and filmmakers from around the world, screenplay writers and celebrity appearances will be showcased and introduced at the event.

Reviews several independent films to be released in Los Angeles, California in spring 2006 including "Koreatown," "Wassup Rockers" and "Ask the Dust."

The article spotlights DVDcircus, a Los Angeles, California-based company created and developed by Dan Holman to provide a high-quality post-production facility for independent-minded moviemakers. The company offers CD and DVD duplication, replication and packaging services. Moreover, it allows moviemakers to oversee editing, audio/video encoding and compression, standards conversions and graphic design.

The article reports on the increase confidence of the independent films sales sector as the global film business descends for the American Film Market (AFM) in Santa Monica, California in 2010. It highlights the two new large-scale projects which creates a sound in the industry which include "Walking With Dinosaurs 3D," from BBC Worldwide Ltd. and Reliance Big Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. and "Hunger Games" from Lionsgate. It notes the pre-selling of Protagonist Pictures of "Streetdance 3D 2" at AFM.

The article reports on the decision of the organizers of the Spirit Awards to change the venue to L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. The author reveals that the 25th awards ceremony will be on March 5, 2010. She also mentions that the event was previously held in Santa Monica. Nominees for the year's awards are also listed including "500 Days of Summer," "Precious" and "The Last Station."

The article reports on the corporate reorganization of Miramax Film Corp. It notes that the studio will reduce 75% of its staff to remain only 20 executives and will handle certain marketing, distribution, operations and administrative support functions from its Burbank headquarters in Los Angeles, California. It also states that the decreasing slots for the independent films at Miramax indicates a continuous tough time faced by filmmakers.

The article reports on the Newport Beach Film Festival in Newport Beach, California that will showcase age-appropriate films and family-friendly activities. It cites that Spongebob SquarePants will be featured by Cabler Nickelodeon on April 25, 2009 as a 10th anniversary salute to the cartoon character. It states that its Family Film series offers documentaries, indie features, and 15 short films. Festival senior programmer Leslie Feibleman notes the enthusiasm of the children participants.

The article focuses on the preferences for independent films in the upcoming 24th Spirit Awards in Santa Monica Beach, California. It presents the difference of the awards with other film awards in terms of eligibility rules, composition of blue ribbon committees, and recognition of independent films. However, it cites the difficult elimination process to determine the deserving films. It also reveals the increase in the number of nominees and the recent top nominated films.

The article reports that the first pictures of the comedy "Daddy's Home" and the thriller "Psycho/Analysis" films are featured on the indie shingle Edge, which was launched by veteran film producers Jonathan Krane and Beau Rogers in 2006 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. The pictures were based on the making of the Alfred Hitchcock's film "Psycho." The films, which was funded with $10 million, will be shot in Hungary later in 2007 with the $11 million mob thriller film "Unmade Man."

The article reports that comedy film "Little Miss Sunshine," from Fox won 4 awards at the Independent Spirit Awards. The film won the best film award, the best director award for Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, best screen play for Michael Arndt and the best supporting actor for Alan Arkin. Other films that won awards include "Half nelson," and "Sweet land." The article presents information on the other award winners at the Independent Spirit Awards on the Santa Monica beach, California.

The article offers information on the 22nd Independent Spirit Awards for independent film to be held in Santa Monica, California, on February 24, 2007. The two hour-show will be hosted by comedian Sarah Silverman and will feature old and new segments including the Robert Altman ensemble. It will be shown live through the Independent Film Channel (IFC) and webcast through the Rainbow Media Holdings LLC's web sites.

The article focuses on the film nominees for the 2007 Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica Bay, California. The nominees for 2007 were selected from 250 entries and were considered for the 13 categories. They were chosen by the members of the Film Independent and to be announced during the awarding ceremony. Nominees included "American Gun" and "Half Nelson." Executive director Dawn Hudson said that the selection process has remained unaltered.

The article focuses on the nomination of various actors and actresses of independent films in the 2012 Spirit Awards to be held at Santa Monica Beach in Santa Monica, California on February 25. It says that Demian Bichir of "A Better Life" is one of the candidates for male lead category. It states that Lauren Ambrose of "Think of Me" is nominated in the female lead category. Moreover, Jessica Chastain of "Take Shelter" is nominated for best supporting actress.

The article reports that the independent film "Multiple Sarcasms" has been set for theatrical release in New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco, California in March 2010. The drama starring Timothy Hutton, Mira Sorvino and Dana Delany will be marketed to additional markets in April and May through Multiple Avenue Releasing, founded by entertainment branding consultant Brooks Branch. Branch has worked with several companies including MGM, Universal Studios Inc., and Discovery Channel.

The article focuses on the American Film Market (AFM) as a source of films for independent distribution companies. The AFM will be held from November 4 to 11, 2009 at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel in Santa Monica, California. Roughly 400 production and distribution companies are invited by AFM for screenings, networking and acquisitions and the 2009 festival will include 445 films. Its partner events include AFI Fest and AFCI Cineposium.

The article reports that the presentation of the 25th annual Independent Spirit Awards by the Film Independent organization in Santa Monica, California will be held on March 5, 2010. The event, which is usually held Saturday afternoon, has been changed to a Friday primetime event due to its milestone anniversary. The final deadline for the submission of entries for the awards is set on October 6, 2009.

This article announces the launch of Maya Entertainment and Blockbuster Inc. of the Maya Independent Film Series on July 17, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. The series will release eight Latino-themed films throughout the summer in eight U.S. cities through September 10, 2009. Maya Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Moctesuma Esparza says several films are not getting the attention that they need. Some of the films included in the series are "The Line," "Bad Guys," and "Vicious Circle." Particular focus is given to the target audience of this film series.

The article announces that awards in 35 categories including studio as well as student and independent films will be presented by the Coalition for Quality Children's Media at the Kids First! Best Day and Awards Celebration in North Hollywood, California on October 4, 2008. Moreover, screenings for "Soccer Mom" and "The Adventures of Food Boy" will also be conducted.

The article reports on the acquisition of inDplay Inc. by Global Media Exchange (GMX) of Ascent Media Group in San Francisco, California. The move is indicated to make GMX ramp up quicker with the addition of industry savvy, especially in the field of independent film. Furthermore, the acquisition has given additional titles of GMX.

The article reports on the decision of Netflix Inc. to close Red Envelope Entertainment, a Beverly Hills, California-based investment unit that funded almost 100 independent films. According to Antefix spokesperson Steve Swasey, the closure affects five employees, including four executives, in the Beverly Hills office. He denied that the closure had anything to do with the efforts of Netflix to stream films through its proprietary and third-party services.

The article reports that film distributor Slowhand Cinema Releasing acquired the rights to director Rafal Zielinski's independent feature film "Downtown: A Street Tale," which it proposes to release on April 20, 2007. According to the article, director Martin Scorsese's daughter Domenica Cameron-Scorsese was in the cast led by Genevieve Bujold and Chad Allen. The company planned to release the film in New York (N.Y.) and Los Angeles, (Calif.)

The article focuses on the box office performance of independent film distributor Freestyle Releasing of Malibu, California from September 2005 to September 2006. It provides information on the firm's total box office revenue during the period, its top executives, and the notable films it released since September 2005. The company's releases starting October 2006 include "The Salon," "Constellation," and "Goose on the Loose."

The article reports on non-union production employed by some independent films in Los Angeles, California for creative as well as budgetary reasons. "Quinceanera's," by co-screenwriter and co-director Wash Westmoreland, sought out area Mexican-American teens for the film's roles. Producer-helmer Carl Colpaert hired non-union unknowns for the Cine Vegas grand jury winner "G.I. Jesus." Writer-director Camille Cellucci used Internet casting sites for the two leads of her short film "Grace."