Next Wave Films, a unit of the Independent Film Channel, has established a production arm to finance and produce digital video features for wide release.
Some of the films that will be produced by the new unit, known as Agenda 2000, will have their world premiere on the IFC.
“Recent breakthroughs in digital technologies have made it possible to shoot features on DV that will receive worldwide theatrical distribution,” said Peter Broderick, president of Next Wave Films.
Broderick pointed to Thomas Vinterberg’s “The Celebration,” which was shot entirely with a digital camera, as a recent breakthrough in the field. The official Danish entry for best foreign film, “Celebration” is in distribution in more than 20 countries. October Films has U.S. rights.
In its initial phase, Agenda 2000 will produce films by directors who have already made at least one feature.
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Next Wave was founded in March 1997 to provide finishing funds to low-budget features and to help them find distribution by serving as a producers rep. So far, the company has supported Joe Carnahan’s “Blood, Guts, Bullets & Octane,” which was acquired by Lions Gate, and Christopher Nolan’s “Following.”
Recently, Broderick and his colleagues Mark Stolaroff and Tara Veneruso have been charting trends, identifying resources and holding workshops on digital filmmaking. Broderick will be making presentations at the upcoming Sundance and Rotterdam film festivals.