YouTube Logo - H 2011
YouTube and The Hollywood Reporter have partnered to present two separate panel discussions — dubbed THR Talks — at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, focusing on connecting creators and audiences in a digital world.
The THR Talks panels will address two topics (“Financing Through the Power of Fans” and “Jumpstarting Your Career”) and will feature Sundance’s breakout names and YouTube’s leading creators — such as Bryan Carberry and Clay Tweel, co-directors of Finders Keepers, Boyhood producer John Sloss, Rooster Teeth co-founder Burnie Burns, Indiegogo head Marc Hofstatter, Black List founder Franklin Leonard and Fullscreen CEO George Strompolos.
The panels will be moderated by THR senior film writer Tatiana Siegel and THR film reporter Rebecca Ford.
“Sundance Film Festival has morphed over the years to be much more than movie screenings but a rare opportunity to pick the brains of Hollywood’s best and brightest,” Janice Min, co-president and chief creative officer of Guggenheim Media’s Entertainment Group, which owns THR, said. “Facilitating these conversations and making the content available to viewers long after the festival is what The Hollywood Reporter does best.”
YouTube’s chief marketing officer Danielle Tiedt added, “On YouTube, there are no limits to creative freedom, allowing creators to experiment and push the boundaries of traditional formats and mediums. As the sponsor of the Sundance Short Film program, along with the array of panels and events that we’re involved in, we hope to connect with, inspire and foster the growth of independent creators.”
The THR Talks panels, which are open to the public, will take place on Friday, Jan. 23. The “Financing Through the Power of Fans” panel will take place at 11:30 a.m. at Park City Live, located at 427 Main St. The “Jumpstarting Your Career” panel will take place at the same location at 1:30 p.m. Space is limited. You can RSVP here.
This news comes on the heels of another big announcement: THR has signed on to become the official industry media publication of the Sundance Film Festival through 2017, replacing Entertainment Weekly, and formed a partnership with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association to host an exclusive, invite-only cocktail party celebrating the films, filmmakers and talent of the fest. In conjunction with the reception, sponsored by American Airlines, THR will publish its inaugural Next Gen Actors list, honoring a group of breakthrough talent age 35 and under.
