Sundance Channel Celebrates Inaugural London Film & Music Festival

NEW YORK/LONDON: As part of the coverage for the first-ever Sundance London film and music festival, Sundance Channel in Europe and Asia have slated new programming, including content created by Shine Group’s newly established youth-run production unit and the outreach agency Livity.

From May 5 to 6, the network’s exclusive coverage of the event will be created by young aspiring producers. Sundance Channel in collaboration with Sundance Institute have commissioned the youth-run production unit set up by Shine Group and the youth outreach agency Livity to produce selected highlights packages from around Sundance London that will be shown internationally on the channel. This is the first for the as-yet-unnamed project, which enables ten young producers from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds to have the opportunity to become professional independent creators through a one-year apprenticeship.

Also, the network acquired three films that premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival: California Solo, Father’s Chair and L. California Solo is from U.S. writer/director Marshall Lewy. Father’s Chair, from Brazil, is from director Luciano Moura, and Greece’s L is directed by Babis Makridis.

Robert Redford, the founder of Sundance Channel, commented, “This is a continuation of our mission that began 30 years ago in the mountains of Utah. Independent film has since become one of the most exciting forums to showcase diverse voices and compelling stories. Sundance Channel continues to provide a platform for emerging talent. It’s also exciting that young artists will become involved in the first Sundance London festival and that their work will be seen on the network internationally.”

Bruce Tuchman, the president of AMC/Sundance Channel Global, added, “Sundance Channel’s mission is to provide compelling, independent-minded entertainment to audiences across the globe. This extensive promotion to support new voices and outstanding creativity will enable viewers to experience the energy and excitement of Sundance London and the Sundance Film Festival in their own homes.”

Ben Hall, the managing director of the Shine Group and Livity young producers scheme, said, “We are delighted to be given the task of capturing all aspects of the inaugural Sundance London and to bring it to life for viewers of the Sundance Channel internationally. It is a wonderful first commercial commission for the team.”