News

Inspired by the connection between famous faces and fabulous destinations, Cunard, Conde Nast Traveler and The Film Foundation presented screenings of three beautifully restored classic films --THE BIG SLEEP (1946, d. Howard Hawk), THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA (1954, d. Joseph L. Mankiewicz) and DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944, d. Billy Wilder) – aboard the Queen Elizabeth II’s (QE2) transatlantic crossing from New York to South Hampton, England. Director Michael Caton-Jones and archivist Mary Lea Bandy served as the foundation’s representatives aboard the QE2, participating in a series of informal discussions about filmmaking, the film preservation process, and the foundation’s efforts.

On October 3, 2002, The Film Foundation and ArcLight Cinema co-hosted a special reception and screening celebrating the 50th Anniversary of THIS IS CINERAMA at the ArcLight Cinerama Dome in Los Angeles. Attendees included: Thora Birch, John Landis, and Betty Thomas. Robert Rosen, the Chair of The Film Foundation's Archivists Advisory Committee, opened the evening with a few remarks on the foundation’s behalf.

Los Angeles (September 20, 2002) – The Film Foundation announced its full support of the Directors Guild of America’s countersuit against companies that perform unauthorized editing of videocassettes and DVDs, for distribution and sale, without the permission or involvement of the directors who make the films or the studios that own them.

The Film Foundation is aware of a growing number of companies formed for the express purpose of editing the content of films. These companies take it upon themselves – using their own judgment and personal standards – to change words and images, or add commercials to films. They then distribute and/or sell these altered versions to consumers as being “family friendly.” They not only exploit copyrighted works, but also challenge the fundamental issue of artistic integrity. Additionally, because the films’ directors continue to be associated with these unauthorized versions—albeit unfairly—these companies are misleading consumers and tainting the reputations of the filmmakers.

The Board of The Film Foundation supports the efforts of the Directors Guild of America and their fellow directors to ensure that the integrity of authorship, filmmaking and storytelling remains intact.

Los Angeles (September 20, 2002) – The Film Foundation announced its full support of the Directors Guild of America’s countersuit against companies that perform unauthorized editing of videocassettes and DVDs, for distribution and sale, without the permission or involvement of the directors who make the films or the studios that own them. 

The Film Foundation is aware of a growing number of companies formed for the express purpose of editing the content of films. These companies take it upon themselves – using their own judgment and personal standards – to change words and images, or add commercials to films. They then distribute and/or sell these altered versions to consumers as being “family friendly.” They not only exploit copyrighted works, but also challenge the fundamental issue of artistic integrity. Additionally, because the films’ directors continue to be associated with these unauthorized versions—albeit unfairly—these companies are misleading consumers and tainting the reputations of the filmmakers.

The Board of The Film Foundation supports the efforts of the Directors Guild of America and their fellow directors to ensure that the integrity of authorship, filmmaking and storytelling remains intact.