It’s with a heavy heart that we report the closing of Next Wave Films. Operating underneath the Independent Film Channel umbrella, Next Wave offered finishing funds to struggling filmmakers of exceptional talent. They also acted as a producer’s rep for these films, helping implement a film festival strategy and secure distribution. It’s because of Next Wave that films such as Some Body, Southern Comfort, Manic and Following got completed and saw the light of day. And now, this friend of independent filmmakers everywhere is gone.
The following is a letter from Mark Stolaroff, director of post production and finance for Next Wave.
Dear Friends, Filmmakers, and Colleagues,
As you may have already read by now, it is with regret that I inform you that Next Wave Films is no longer. Due to changing market conditions in the independent film world and difficult economic times in general, the Independent Film Channel has decided to get out of the finishing funds business, effectively pulling the plug on Next Wave’s operations. The surviving business of Next Wave Films–the management of the 13 titles we are currently involved with–will be folded into IFC Productions and spearheaded by IFC Productions’ Holly Becker.
I am incredibly fortunate to have worked at a place like Next Wave these past five years. It has truly been an honor working with all the talented filmmakers Next Wave has been involved with, and I am proud of the legacy our films leave behind. I appreciate having had the opportunity to work closely with the many wonderful organizations that give their heart and soul to independent filmmaking, including IFP/West, Filmmakers Alliance, and the many film festivals at which I have spoken or sat on the juries of.
I want to thank Jonathan Sehring and Kathy Dore for their inspired risk taking in financing a venture as unique as Next Wave years ago, and for continuing to support us through the inevitable ups and downs a company like ours faced. I want acknowledge all the hard work of my fellow employees and the various consultants, interns, and volunteers I’ve had the pleasure of working with, especially Tara Veneruso, Sylvia Terry, Gayatri Persad, Judy Scott, Chris Holbrook, Aaron Vanek, and Gert Basson.
But I am especially privileged to have had the opportunity to work with the consummate class act that is Peter Broderick. As a boss, a businessman, a passionate independent film-lover and a friend, there is no equal. Few people in this industry have the integrity, the instincts, the tireless work ethic, and the incredible generosity that Peter possesses, and I am forever grateful that he hired me back in April 1997, allowing me to share in his vision of what independent filmmaking could become, and letting me join along in the ride to getting there. I believe he is in no small way responsible for the revolution in filmmaking we have all witnessed these past few years. I am certain that in the future he will make new contributions to our art and I eagerly anticipate watching these ideas develop.
As for me, I look forward to the new challenges that await me in my film career, knowing that my incredible experience at Next Wave Films has no doubt prepared me to accept them. My last day in the office will be Thursday, August 29th. After that I can be reached at the following contact points:
Mark Stolaroff ^ 2100 N. Beachwood Dr. #207 ^ Los Angeles, CA 90068 ^ (323) 465-5012 (hm) ^ (310) 890-3064 (cell) ^ Email
I look forward to seeing some of you in Toronto and many more of you down the road. Thank you for taking the time to indulge me with this long email and keep fighting the good fight.
Best, ^ Mark
