Arts
Bec Smith (United Talent Agency) discusses her work as both a literary agent and an independent film agent. We talk about: Growing up in Australia with movie maddness A background in journalism, film criticism and development at Working Title Producing and selling Animal Kingdom at Sundance What it takes for a film to break through the noise, these days How independent films get valued and how projects get made American vs. foreign filmmaking and financing Signing clients ( David Michod, James Ponsoldt, Garth Davis ) from the start Quotes from the show: “I think it’s an exciting and interesting time for feature filmmakers, but I also think it’s more challenging than it’s ever been.” “You’ve got to have a reason for being, either in subject or in terms of the filmmaking.” “I’m a firm believer that cream rises to the top, and I find my way to the things I’m meant to find my way to.” "[A DIY filmmaker] can survive, and plenty of people do, you just have to change your lifestyle. It depends on what you're willing to get by on." "Be tough on yourself. Good isn't good enough. It has to be excellent... If you're gonna do it, just go for broke."