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Conservatory - CBAC Meeting: 05/20/2009

11/11/09

Conservatory Board Advisory Committee
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Ahmanson Room, Mayer Library
12:00 – 2:00p.m.
In Attendance
Board Members: Jon Avnet (Chair), Rick Jewel, Doe Mayer, Kim Myer,
Joe Pichirallo, Frank Spotnitz
AFI Staff/Faculty: Neil Canton, Gill Dennis, Joe Garrity, Pat Hanson,
Stephen Lighthill, Phil Linson, Robert Mandel, Kip
Pastor, Joe Petricca, Frank Pierson, Tom Rickman,
Frank Spotnitz
MINUTES
Welcome/ Approval of Minutes
Jon Avnet starts meeting at12:30pm by encouraging everyone to introduce
themselves.
Bob Gazzale takes the floor with news of upcoming events for the month of
June. He mentions the new venue hosted by TV Land PRIME for The AFI Life
Achievement Award, honoring Michael Douglas, June 11.
Robert Mandel talks about curriculum from first year to second year and the
future involvement of Screenwriting Fellows in the Thesis Film process.
Mandel argues that the foundation of their skills is established upon arrival,
and it is the Conservatory’s goal to develop critical thinking. Gill Dennis
reaffirms Mandel’s statement by adding that the Fellows’ previous
experience working on cycle films adds tension to the learning process. The
result is often that writers are shut out of the production process. Dennis
concludes that when writers take part in the production experience, they find
the experience to be invaluable. Tom Rickman adds to Dennis’ argument
that the AFI Conservatory is the perfect atmosphere for writers to see the
evolution of their work. Frank Pierson says that the current First Year
Directing Fellows are the most talented he has ever seen, but he feels that
their attitude toward the source material shows a lack of maturity.

He adds that the Fellows concentrate solely on plot and have no
understanding of story and what their films are really about. Avnet asks if
this attitude toward story is instituted by the writers or the directors. Rickman
answers that the industry model is what instates the current attitude. Avnet’s
solution is to shoot two different versions of the screenplay, what is written
and what the director wants and somewhere in between, story will be
addressed. Rickman affirms that writers are aware of the compromise, but
he argues that the AFI Conservatory is a school for everyone to learn.
Rickman suggests that the first Cycle film should be rigidly shot as written for
the sake of the writers.
Joe Pichirallo argues that the Producer should have the ultimate say as to
what ends up on the screen. Mandel answers Pichirallo by stating that there
is a mechanism (development meetings) in place that gives the producers a
certain amount of authority. Pichirallo counters by asking who has “final
cut”? Kip Pastor interjects that there is no rule in place in the Fellow
Handbook concerning “final cut,” but Pastor believes that the Director
usually has the last word. Avnet argues that as a learning institution, the AFI
Conservatory should put more emphasis on the process rather than the end
product. Avnet believes that by letting the filmmakers shoot two different
version (as said earlier, “what is written and what the director wants”) and
instituting a workshop like the “Sundance Lab,” the filmmakers can show an
audience different stages of the work while in progress.
Pat Hanson reports the status on cleaning and reorganizing the library.
Hansan points to the montages and the drapes in the Ahmanson room.
Hanson then mentions the reorganizing and cleaning of archival materials.
She announces that there will be a rebuilding of archival storage and
shelves. Pichirallo asks if the library has an internet research system in
place. Hanson answers that the library has two accounts with Studio
System.
Mandel announces the success of this year’s Thesis Showcase - April 20 to
April 23 - which the Fellows’ organized themselves.
Mandel then announces upcoming Conservatory events: Production Design
Showcase, June 8, The Commencement ceremony, June 9. Mandel
mentions that Clint Eastwood is confirmed as the special guest.
Stephen Lighthill announces the MOS event screening May 21.
Avnet Adjourns.

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