TAPELIST to Launch Arthouse / Independent Film Club

TAPELIST (http://www.tapelist.com), an exciting new service to help film-goers discover new independent films, launched at Sundance by presenting the best independent films audiences hadn't seen through promotional dispatches and video cassettes. Next month, TAPELIST gives film-goers the same access as industry to discover new and exciting works at no charge, through a members-only club. It's free to get on, and for the first time, audiences will be able to contact and interact with the directors, producers and behind-the-scenes talent just as industry might.

February 19th, 2003, New York. -- TAPELIST (http://www.tapelist.com), an exciting new service to help film-goers discover new independent films, launched at Sundance by presenting the best independent films audiences hadn't seen through promotional dispatches and video cassettes. Next month, TAPELIST gives film-goers the same access as industry to discover new and exciting works at no charge, through a members-only club. It's free to get on, and for the first time, audiences will be able to contact and interact with the directors, producers and behind-the-scenes talent just as industry might.

"Too many good films fall through the cracks - some are less commercial, some don't achieve the proper distribution - but the talent is enormous," said Evan Friedman, founder of the company. "There currently is no mechanism in place for film-goers to discover new independent works, which can't compete with the marketing budgets of Hollywood fare. Through a streamlined system, and a more direct approach with the film-goer, we believe filmmakers, producers reps, publicists and distributors will finally be able to compete."

Launched for industry, the service helps filmmakers find distribution through opt-in relationships with distributors, distribution outlets, independent theaters, festivals and media. Now, film-goer interest can help determine the distribution route a film finds, and audiences will more readily be able to track the journey of a title. "Really, we expect film-goers to play a key component, through voices there interest to distributors, media and outlets. Too often, independent films get lost in the shuffle. How many times have you heard of a film and a month later, lose track?" Friedman continued.

The service aims to interest film-goers with exclusive content they won't find anywhere else. Industry had access to the launch mailing with a short film, "Hideous Man" written and directed by John Malkovich, and produced by Bella Freud, and other high profile talents will follow. Film-goers will have access to these films through a variety of options; through local festivals playing the title in there area, through distributors or distribution outlets (television and video rental/retail), and direct from the filmmaker. Finally, for works without a distributor, self-distribution might eventually be a real possibility.

Tapelist is a mailing of cassettes with independent film trailers and exclusive content available at no-charge. Hundreds of industry have joined, and can request screeners at no-charge. January/February selections include Ivans XTC," nominated four for IFP Independent Spirit Awards, directed by Bernard Rose (Immortal Beloved") and produced by Lisa Enos, based on Leo Tolstoy's "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" and inspired by the a real-life Hollywood agents downward spiral; and Reckless Indifference," recently featured on 60 Minutes II" by Academy Award nominated, Emmy Award winning William Gazecki (Waco Rules of Engagement").