Hollywood studios are now thinking twice about splurging on A-list movie stars and costly productions in reaction to the poor economy, but also because of the surprising success of recent films with unknown actors.

After buddy comedy "The Hangover," a movie with a little-known cast, made $459 million at the global boxooffice this past summer, several films have shown that a great concept or story can trump star appeal when it comes to luring fans.

SCORE, a non-profit resource partner of the Small Business Association ( run by retired business execs) announced a new initiative recently.  The "Accelerate Your Success" program is a campaign to help small businesses/ entrepreneurs(which includes us indie media folks too)  focus on creating a plan for success, manage and acquire cash and develop a sales pipeline.  The program will continue through 2009.  Each month a new tool kit is added, offering online courses, podcasts, interactive tools, and additional resources  Visit their website to see the current tool kits offered at: www.score.irg/accelerate

Forty one million people watch Oprah every week!  For 14 years a San Anselmo, California media and marketing coach, Susan Harrow, who is the author of The Ultimate Guide to Getting Booked on Oprah has monitored the Oprah show to learn what it takes to be chosen to be on Oprah and to be a successful guest and can coach you to get there! One secret, that is part of making a difference in the world is: "Focus on how you can serve, rather than what you can get!"
 

"It is not economic prosperity but peace that guarantees press freedom. That is the main lesson to be drawn from the world press freedom index that Reporters Without Borders compiles every year.
 

Meetings act as their fundraiser to keep this group alive. They aim to enhance local filmmaking. Membership includes: film related job opportunities, auditions, cast & crew postings, location & equipment needs, post & pre production needs, film related events, film festival call to entries, contests and much, much more. Help support the work of member GLORINDA MARIE by joining.

TO JOIN SF INDIECLUB, and for meeting details and updated information: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SFindieclub

* ALL meeting details and updated information will be posted there.

Media That Matters is the premier showcase for short films with big messages. Following a New York City Premiere, Awards Ceremony and industry networking events in June 2009, chosen films will take part in the Media That Matters international, multi-platform campaign with DVD distribution, broadcasts, streaming and hundreds of screenings across the globe! Hundreds of thousands of people including educators, activists and nonprofits will watch these films.

For information: www.mediathatmattersfest.org

Link TV broadcasts programs that engage, educate and activate viewers to become involved in the world. These programs provide a unique perspective on international news, current events, and diverse cultures, presenting issues not often covered in the U.S. media.  Bill Cosby calls Link TV “a friendly, wonderful revolution.”

Check it out at: www.linktv.org

IFC is the first and only network dedicated to independent film and related programming, 24 hours a day, uncut and uncensored. Operating under the mantra 'always, uncut,' IFC presents feature-length films, thought-provoking original documentaries such as At the Death House Door and Heavy Load, shorts, animated series, original series such as the sketch comedy The Whitest Kids U' Know and the new comedy series Z Rock as well as television's most comprehensive independent film library. The network also offers some of the most innovative original series exclusively for the web, including the 2008 Webby nominee Getting Away with Murder.

Inciting Change Through Storytelling

Bioneers is a forum for connecting the environment, health, social justice, and spirit within a broad progressive framework. As part of the annual Bioneers conference, the Moving Image Festival seeks to get people out of their seats and into the streets to create a better, fairer world. Through screenings and panels, the festival explores the potential of independent visual media to engage us in the issues that matter most, spark dialogue, connect us in meaningful ways to the global community, and inspire action.

What began in December 05 as the worlds first conscious 48-hour film festival has rapidly evolved into a breakthrough multi-media event.  ELEVATE Film Festival 5 “All Tribes Unite” premiered on October 5th at Los Angeles’ premiere arena, the 7000 seat state-of-the-art Nokia Theatre. In the way Cirque Du Soleil has radically redefined circus, Elevate is revolutionizing the experience of cinema.  By merging cutting edge science and technology with movies, music and new media, ELEVATE is a futuristic feast for the senses. During the show, audience members have a chance to experience advanced sound and energy healing modalities that will demonstrate the effects of sight and sound on the human body,and reveal how our collective potential can affect the world.