Creative Producing Summit

In This Section

Creative Producing Summit

2012 State of the Union panelists (right to left) Victoria Cook, Micah Green, Lynette Howell, Marc Schiller, Jon Shenk, Diane Weyermann, Tom Quinn
Photo Credit: Ryan Johnson

As part of the Institute's evolving commitment to independent producers and in recognition of their importance in the creation and distribution of independent film, Sundance created the Creative Producing Summit, which takes place each summer at the Sundance Resort in Utah.

Over the three-day gathering, the Creative Producing Summit provides a forum for top industry professionals, producers, and directors to focus on three primary avenues of dialogue: narrative producing, documentary producing, and the state of the independent film industry. Over 40 panelists representing the leaders of the independent film industry are on hand for a series of curated panels, case studies, roundtables, and one-on-one meetings. Each day's programmed events allow for a revolving series of conversations around critical issues producers face such as financing, distribution, audience engagement, marketing, and sustainability.

The intense focus of daily meetings is offset by a collegial and lively atmosphere during other events including evening receptions, group meals, and evening panels and presentations. Fostering community among participating producers with the involvement of key figures in the independent film industry continues to be cornerstones of the Creative Producing Summit.

The Summit is an invitation-only event for up to 40 producers and directors identified through the full array of the Institute's programs including the Sundance Film Festival. Building on Sundance Institute's philosophy of extending a broad continuum of creative and strategic support to diverse projects, the Summit targets producers and projects already being nurtured through Labs, Fellowships, grants, and Festival participation, or those with potential to be supported by Sundance Institute programs.

The 2012 Creative Producing Summit included industry attendees such as Michael Barker, Sony Pictures Classics; Josh Braun, Submarine Entertainment; Anne Carey, Second and 10th; Dan Cogan, Impact Partners; Phillip Engelhorn, Cinereach; Micah Green, Creative Artists Agency; Lynette Howell, Electric City Entertainment; Richard Klubeck, United Talent Agency; Charlotte Mickie, Entertainment One; Ted Mundorff, Landmark Theaters; Tom Quinn, Radius-TWC; Jess Search, Channel 4 Britdoc Foundation; Yancey Strickler, Kickstarter; Christine Vachon, Killer Films; Diane Weyermann, Participant Productions; and Ron Yerxa, Bona Fide Produtions.