Around the Block: Doug Block's Doc Blog

Meet the Staff of ITVS - This Week on The D-Word

Today is the 4th day of our 5-day online discussion on The D-Word with key staffers from the Independent Television Service (ITVS).  It's a rare opportunity for doc makers to get their questions answered and glean insights into the submission and decision-making process of one of the biggest funders around (and not just for U.S. projects).

We've been extremely impressed by the generosity and candor of our special guests: Joy-Marie Scott - Programming Coordinator, ITVS International; Cynthia Kane - Programming Mngr, ITVS International; Karim Ahmad - Programming Coordinator for Open Call; and Kathryn Washington - Programming Manager for Diversity Development Fund.

The discussion will remain archived on The D-Word, but if you have specific questions to ask then get your virtual butt over there by Friday afternoon.

Speaking of archived discussions, one of our best took place in 2003 with St. Clair Bourne on The Art of the Historical Documentary.  We were all shocked and deeply saddened to hear of St. Clair's recent passing.  It's a huge loss for the global documentary community.

A WALK INTO THE SEA - Opens in Theaters on Friday

Well, opens in a theater on Friday.  Like, one (the Cinema Village in Manhattan). 

The distributor's strategy (Arthouse Films) is to release the film small, spend as little as possible and see how it goes before opening in a few more major cities.  And I think it's a smart one.

The whole idea with theatrical these days is to somehow make a blip on the public and industry radar without losing your shirt.  A tough proposition when 13 other films are opening in NY on the same day.

So, we're taking our chances on getting great reviews (which has been the trend) and beseeching our NYC-area friends and colleagues to please, please, PRETTY PLEASE come out to see it on the big screen this first weekend.

Esther and I, along with much of the rest of the production team (and probably some of the Factory gang, as well) will be at the 7:20pm showing on Friday.  Hope to see you there, too.  But if not, do us (and yourself) a favor and catch one of the other shows this weekend.  You won't regret it, I promise you.

A Walk Into the Sea: Danny Williams and the Warhol Factory - Directed by Esther Robinson.  Showtimes: 1:25, 3:20, 5:20, 7:20, 9:20 daily.  At the Cinema Village: 22 E. 12 St, NYC.