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Indie Film Producers Say Coronavirus Isolation Is Sparking More Creativity and Communication | Webinar

by Beatrice Verhoeven | March 24, 2020 @ 4:13 PM

TheWrap hosted a virtual meet-up with producers Jane Rosenthal, John Sloss and Tommy Oliver on Tuesday

While Hollywood is bracing for more changes due to the coronavirus outbreak, some independent film producers say the pandemic is actually leading to more communication and creativity among Hollywood execs and creatives.

Producers Jane Rosenthal (“The Irishman”), John Sloss (“Green Book”) and Tommy Oliver (“Black Love”) joined TheWrap founder and Editor-in-Chief Sharon Waxman Tuesday on a Zoom virtual meet-up to discuss how the industry has changed during the pandemic, and what people can do to make sure their work is still seen.

“We’re actually talking to each other more than we ever have before,” Sloss said about his New York-based company, Cinetic Media. “It’s kind of remarkable. It feels like we’re working together more effectively than usual. I’m spending a lot of time on video conferences — if this happened, I guess it’s good it happened in such advanced technology… we have 40 films we are currently selling, and I think there will be growing demand among the platforms to acquire content so it’s conceivable that we’ll be as busy as ever in the next few months.”

Also Read: 'Wonder Woman 1984' Theatrical Release Delayed to August Amid Coronavirus Concerns

Oliver agreed, adding that while many of his projects have halted physical production, they are moving “full-steam ahead on development.”

“There is a silver lining in almost any situation, and it comes down to our attitude and how we are approaching it,” Oliver said. “More now than ever, it’s about being creative and how you can make things work for you. We still have the same access to technology and people, and now, you have access to more of a captive audience.”

Rosenthal, who is also the co-founder, CEO and executive chair of Tribeca Enterprises, which puts on the Tribeca Film Festival every year, shared the sentiment.

“This is an opportunity to be more creative, to come up with creative solutions, and to write that script,” she said. “Tribeca started in 2001 after 9/11, and I only thought I was gonna do that festival once, and it was about bringing people together at a time of such crisis. It was by being together that we could say, ‘We are here,’ and we could laugh together. What I find and struggle with is: What happens when we can’t gather? What happens when you can’t hear that laughter? We have so many platforms to be creative on and hearing each other’s voices — aside from not having that human connection, it is an exciting time to be creative.”

While the actual development of projects doesn’t seem to be hurt, many indie filmmakers and film buyers are concerned about sales for finished products, given that major film festivals like Cannes, SXSW and Rosenthal’s own Tribeca have been canceled or postponed. Rosenthal said Tribeca is in the midst of figuring out how to create a virtual festival so the films can still be seen on streaming platforms.

And Sloss believes that while filmmakers and buyers are going to have to adapt to a new norm, acquisitions will continue to thrive. “There might be more opportunity for acquisitions even though those festivals might not occur,” he said. “Those are going to continue with possible vigor. It’s a disrupted environment and we have to adapt to it.”

But to Oliver, festivals aren’t just about the sales market. It’s about the connections and relationships formed. After all, that’s how Oliver got his own start in the film space. He took his first produced project, “Kinyarwanda,” to the Sundance Film Festival in 2011, and his directorial debut, “1982,” to the Toronto International Film Festival in 2013.

Also Read: Tribeca to Launch a Short Film Each Day to Keep 'Anxiety Away' During Coronavirus Isolation

“I wouldn’t be here had it not been for festivals,” he explained. “There’s a lot more to festivals than films being sold — there are connections being formed that are vital to people’s careers. It’s also more about the entire team — it’s a hard thing to replicate. I don’t know what the answer is — the market of sales is only taking care of a portion of it. We are going to have to figure out how to do this for people just starting out.”

Another question at the forefront of people’s minds is how theater chains are going to survive the pandemic. All chains have closed their doors to stop the spread of the virus, meaning a lot of blockbuster releases have been pushed. But perhaps a bigger question is how theater owners and distributors might approach future releases, given and whether the traditional 90-day window between theatrical release and on-demand/streaming will hold. On that point, Rosenthal, Sloss and Oliver agree: Things will change.

“The theatrical world needs to change — there can’t films be in theaters for three months,” Rosenthal said. “Our businesses are changing in terms of how we are dating and platforming, and this is going to be the big push to make a change.”

“Shortened windows are in everyone’s best interest,” Sloss agreed. “But first, there is a much bigger threshold that needs to be addressed — they need to stay in business and be open after the pandemic.”

Oliver said that theater chains will have to be open to the discussion of shortening windows. “I don’t think they are mutually exclusive and the conversation has to happen now, otherwise theaters as they are now, they won’t exist,” he said. “No matter how things were enforced, things are not how things were. It’s going to change — it has to change.”

TheWrap’s next webinar will take place next Tuesday, March 31, at 12 p.m. PT/3 p.m. ET. Details to follow.

Watch the video above.

All the Movies Suspended or Delayed Due to Coronavirus Pandemic (Updating)

As the coronavirus continues to spread, an increasing number of movies are delaying or suspending production. As the number of impacted movies grows, TheWrap felt it would be most informative to keep a running list.
Disney/MGM/Warner Bros.
"No Time to Die"

MGM, Universal and Bond producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, announced that after careful consideration and thorough evaluation of the global theatrical marketplace, the release of "No Time to Die" will be postponed until November 2020.
Photo credit: Universal
"A Quiet Place Part II"

Director John Krasinski announced on Instagram that the horror sequel's release will be delayed amid the growing spread of the coronavirus around the globe.
Photo credit: Paramount
“Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway”

Sony has pushed the worldwide release date of the family film “Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway” to August 7 over fears of the coronavirus after it was originally slated to start rolling out abroad at the end of March.
Photo credit: Sony
"Fast and Furious 9"

The release of the next “Fast & Furious” installment, “F9,” has been delayed from May 22 to now opening on April 2, 2021.
Photo credit: Universal
"The Lovebirds"

Paramount has postponed the theatrical release of the Issa Rae-Kamail Nanjiani rom-com “The Lovebirds," that was scheduled to hit theaters April 3. The studio has not set a new release date.
Photo credit: Paramount
"Blue Story"

Paramount has delayed the controversial UK gang film "Blue Story," which was set for release on March 20. A future release date has not been announced.
Photo credit: Paramount
"The Artist's Wife"

Strand Releasing and Water's End Productions delayed the limited release of the Bruce Dern and Lena Olin film "The Artist's Wife." The film was meant to open in New York on April 3 in Los Angeles on April 10 and in San Francisco on April 17. No new release date has been set.
Strand Releasing
"The Truth"

Hirokazu Kore-eda's film "The Truth" from IFC Films will postpone its March 20 domestic release to now open at an unspecified date in summer 2020. The film is in both French and English starring Catherine Deneuve, Juliette Binoche and Ethan Hawke and has already opened in some overseas markets.
IFC Films
"Mulan"

Disney formally postponed the release of its blockbuster, live-action remake "Mulan" "out of an abundance of caution." The studio is currently looking at new release dates in 2020. The film was meant to open March 27.
Disney
"The New Mutants"

After numerous delays, 20th Century's X-Men spinoff "The New Mutants" was also pushed back by Disney "out of an abundance of caution." The film from director Josh Boone was meant to open April 3. No new release date has been set.
20th Century Studios
"Antlers"

"Antlers," an indie horror film from director Scott Cooper starring Keri Russell, was also pushed back by Disney and Searchlight Pictures from its April 17 release. No new release date has been set.
Searchlight Pictures
"Bros"

Universal has delayed production on the Billy Eichner romantic comedy “Bros” amid coronavirus concerns, TheWrap has learned exclusively. The film was set to begin production on April 13.
Getty Images
"The Little Mermaid"

The Rob Marshall directed live action musical starring Halle Bailey was supposed to start production in London next week.
Getty Images/Disney
“Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings”

News broke Wednesday night that production on “Shang-Chi” would be delayed after TheWrap reported that director Destin Daniel Cretton had been tested for coronavirus and was self-isolating.
Marvel
"The Last Duel"

“The Last Duel” starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck was scheduled to shoot in Ireland after already completing 4 1/2 weeks of shooting.
Getty Images
"Nightmare Alley"

Guillermo Del Toro’s “Nightmare Alley” which was supposed to star Bradley Cooper had suspended production and it is currently unknown how many weeks into production they were.
Getty Images
“Shrunk"

Comedy legend Rick Moranis was set to return to the “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” franchise with a new film at Disney called “Shrunk.” The film was in pre-production and postponed amid coronavirus concerns.
Disney
"Shrine"

Screen Gems announced a four-week hiatus on writer-director Evan Spiliotopoulos' horror thriller, which stars Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Katie Aselton.
Getty Images
"Home Alone" Reboot

Production on the "Home Alone" reboot starring Archie Yates was suspended also suspended amid coronavirus concerns.
20th Century Studios
"Peter Pan & Wendy"

“Peter Pan & Wendy” is another live-action update on a Disney classic that was supposed to be directed by David Lowery. The film was pre-production and delayed till further notice.
Disney
"The Prom"

Ryan Murphy halted work on his big-screen adaptation of the Broadway musical.
Getty Images
Untitled Elvis Movie

Baz Luhrmann's Elvis Presley biopic starring Austin Butler ceased production in Australia after co-star Tom Hanks (playing Presley manager Col. Parker) and his wife, Rita Wilson, tested positive for COVID-19.
Getty Images
"Mission: Impossible 7"

In late February, Paramount's action sequel halted production in Italy on the Tom Cruise action sequel.
Paramount Pictures
"The Nightingale"

Sony postponed the Budapest shoot of the drama starring real-life sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning.
Getty Images
"Birds of Paradise"

Amazon Studios halted production in Budapest on director Sarah Adina Smith's ballet drama.
Getty Images
"Jurassic World: Dominion"

Universal put a pause on production on the third "Jurassic World," with Chris Pratt returning to star in the dinosaur-stomping sequel.

Universal Pictures
"Flint Strong"

Universal also halted production on this boxing biopic starring Ice Cube and Ryan Destiny.
Getty Images
"The Man From Toronto"

Sony has delayed the start of production on the action comedy starring Kevin Hart and Woody Harrelson (who stepped in to replace Jason Statham).
"Official Competition"

Spanish studio Mediapro suspended production on the new comedy starring Penélope Cruz and Antonio Banderas.
Getty Images
"The Batman"

On March 14, Warner Bros. halted the U.K. production on Matt Reeve's DC Films reboot for at least two weeks. The film stars Robert Pattinson as the Caped Crusader.
Warner Bros.
"Samaritan"

On March 14, MGM paused production on the Sylvester Stallone thriller for at least two weeks. The film had been shooting in Atlanta.
Getty Images
"Cinderella"

Sony's modernized take on "Cinderella" from director Kay Cannon and starring Camila Cabello will put its production on hiatus for two weeks due to the travel ban extension to the UK. The film was shooting at Pinewood Studios.
Getty Images
"Fantastic Beasts 3"

The third installment of J.K. Rowling's "Fantastic Beasts" series that's spun off from the Harry Potter universe will postpone its production that was scheduled to begin on Monday in the U.K. The film stars Eddie Redmayne, Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Katherine Waterston.
Warner Bros.
"The Card Counter"

Paul Schrader's "The Card Counter," starring Oscar Isaac, Willem Dafoe, Tye Sheridan and Tiffany Haddish, shut down production in Los Angeles for five days beginning Monday after the director said on Facebook that a "day player" tested positive for the virus. "Myself, I would have shot through hellfire rain to complete the film," Schrader added. "I'm old and asthmatic, what better way to die than on the job?"

Photo by Jayne Wexler for TheWrap
"The Matrix 4"

Production on "The Matrix 4" was temporarily put on hold on Monday, an individual with knowledge told TheWrap. The sequel starring Keanu Reeves was in production in Berlin, Germany.
Warner Bros.
"First Cow"

After releasing Kelly Reichardt's "First Cow" in limited release on March 6, the distributor announced Monday it will re-release the film in theaters later this year.
A24
"Deerskin"

The theatrical release of the indie film "Deerskin" from director Quentin Dupieux starring Jean Dujardin has been postponed until further notice. Greenwich Entertainment meant to release the film on March 20 after it played at Cannes, TIFF and Fantastic Fest.
Greenwich Entertainment
"Uncharted"

Sony has postponed pre-production for six weeks on “Uncharted,” the film adaptation of the popular PlayStation video game franchise starring Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg, and Antonio Banderas amid coronavirus concerns.
Getty Images/Naughty Dog
"The Climb"

Sony Pictures Classics' indie comedy "The Climb," which played at Sundance this year, was meant to hit theaters March 20 but is now delayed until further notice, it was announced Monday.
Sony Pictures Classics
"Avatar"

The sequels to James Cameron's four "Avatar" sequels delayed shooting in New Zealand indefinitely, according to the film's producer Jon Landau speaking to the New Zealand Herald. The executive team was to fly to Wellington, NZ on Friday but will remain in Los Angeles due to the coronavirus. Landau said he couldn't give an answer as to when production would resume and when the local Kiwi crew could get back to work. "If I told you we are going to know something in two weeks I'd be lying. I might not be wrong - even a broken clock is right twice a day. But I would be lying because I don't know," Landau said. "We're in the midst of a global crisis and this is not about the film industry. I think everybody needs to do now whatever we can do, as we say here, to flatten the curve."
20th Century Studios
"Black Widow"

Marvel's "Black Widow" starring Scarlett Johansson was moved from its May 1 release date by Disney in accordance with the CDC's recommendation to limit public gatherings. No new release date has been set.
Marvel
"The Personal History of David Copperfield"

Searchlight Studios was meant to release "Veep" creator Armando Iannucci's comedic take on the Charles Dickens novel on May 8. No new release date has been set.
Searchlight Pictures
"The Woman in the Window"

The Amy Adams mystery thriller from director Joe Wright, "The Woman in the Window" was meant to open in theaters on May 15 from 20th Century Studios. No new release date has been set.
20th Century Studios
"Bull"

The theatrical release of the Annie Silverstein indie drama "Bull" was postponed from its March 20 release and will now open on VOD and digital on May 1. The film has toured the festival circuit since making its debut at Cannes in 2019.
Samuel Goldwyn Films
"Minions: The Rise of Gru"

The latest "Minions" movie "The Rise of Gru" was postponed from its release date on July 3. Illumination Entertainment's Paris office was forced to shut down due to the coronavirus, so the film was not able to be finished in time. The film is currently unset.
Universal
"Tape"

Deborah Kampmeier’s sexual exploitation revenge drama "Tape" will be released in a theatrical model via an online platform beginning Thursday, March 26th, Full Moon Films announced on Thursday.
Brainstorm Media
"The Infiltrators"

The theatrical release of Oscilloscope's docu-thriller "The Infiltrators" has been postponed, and the film will be released on both Cable On Demand and Digital Platforms starting June 2, the company announced on Thursday.

Oscilloscope
"Working Man"

The March 27th theatrical release of "Working Man" has been cancelled due to the theater closures, and the film will now premiere on May 5 via Video On Demand, distributor Brainstorm Media announced on Thursday.

Full Moon Films
"Wonder Woman 1984"

The sequel to "Wonder Woman" starring Gal Gadot will now hit theaters on Aug. 14 after being pushed back from its June 5 release date.
Warner Bros.
"Scoob!"

"Scoob!," the animated prequel film about a young Shaggy and Scooby Doo, was postponed indefinitely from its May 15 release date. No new release date has been set.
Warner Animation
"In the Heights"

The movie musical based on Lin-Manuel Miranda's stage production "In the Heights" was postponed by Warner Bros. indefinitely from its June 26 release date. No new date has been set.
Warner Bros.
"Malignant"

"Malignant," a horror film from director James Wan, was pushed indefinitely from its release date on Aug. 14 to clear the way for "Wonder Woman 1984" to open at the tail end of the summer.
Getty Images

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“Mulan,” “No Time to Die” and “Wonder Woman 1984” are among the growing number of movies halted as COVID-19 spreads

As the coronavirus continues to spread, an increasing number of movies are delaying or suspending production. As the number of impacted movies grows, TheWrap felt it would be most informative to keep a running list.

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