Autograph Collection Hotels launches unprecedented cultural program focusing on independent film

BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Autograph Collection, Marriott International’s distinctive portfolio of one-of-a-kind hotels, is launching the Independent Film Initiative.  Launching in January 2017, this dynamic, experiential cultural program will celebrate independent film – an art form that shares Autograph Collection Hotels’ goals of championing individuality and diversity. The initiative will be curated by respected names working at the forefront of independent cinema including Franklin Leonard, Founder & CEO of The Black List, and digital entertainment distributor, FilmBuff.

By collaborating with these cutting-edge industry leaders, Autograph Collection will create one-of-a-kind guest experiences in its global portfolio of more than 100 hotels, which are found in the world’s most desirable destinations.  Program highlights will include film premieres, live performances, director talks, screenwriter residencies, a signature cocktail as well as Autograph Collection Hotels’ very own indie film channel for guests.

“Aligning with independent film is a natural fit since we both celebrate creative license,” said Julius Robinson, Vice President & Global Lead, Autograph Collection Hotels.  “Independent filmmakers tell stories without the influence of a big studio – and our hotels both tell and inspire travel stories of their own in a truly unscripted way.”

The Independent Film Initiative will kick off during January 2017’s Sundance Film Festival with the launch of the Autograph Collection Hotels & The Black List Sundance Social Space (January 19 – 23, 2017). This will take shape as a vibrant networking hub at Autograph Collection’s Hotel Park City, where cutting-edge filmmakers will gather with Leonard and The Black List team.  One of the week’s focal points will be the bestowal of Autograph Collection Hotel Residencies to five screenwriters shortlisted on the 2016 Annual Black List.

The Annual Black List is a comprehensive list of screenplays which is published once a year on The Black List website. Leonard has posted it every year, since 2008, to draw attention to scripts that are “best liked” in Hollywood yet are unproduced and require financing. The posting of the Annual Black List has consistently connected screenwriters to moviemakers. For example, four of the last eight Best Picture Oscars and nine of the last 18 screenplay Oscars have gone to Annual Black List scripts. Now, Autograph Collection Hotel Residencies will lend extra support to independent screenwriters affording them the luxury of researching and writing at an Autograph Collection hotel of their choice over the course of 2017.

“We are thrilled to partner with The Black List and FilmBuff to shine a light on storytelling,” said Amanda Altree, Senior Director, Brand Marketing, Autograph Collection Hotels. “Our ‘exactly like nothing else’ hotels are products of passion that inspire stories with their unique design and unmatched guest experiences – and we look forward to sharing those stories with the independent film community.”

Through January 2017, Autograph Collection Hotels will serve as settings for other Black List events. The 2017 Black List Screenwriter Labs – weeklong, intensive workshops where promising yet non-professional screenwriters gather and enjoy one-on-one sessions with established professionals – will be staged at select Autograph Collection properties.  The brand will also co-sponsor the Black List Live staged script readings, productions that bring to life Black List scripts as talented actors animate them on stage.

“When you find another organization that shares your values, it only makes sense to work together to further them,” said Franklin Leonard, Founder & CEO, The Black List. “Both The Black List and Autograph Collection Hotels champion craftsmanship and specificity in order to leave lasting impressions, and working together, we’ll be empowered to do more of both.”

Autograph Collection Hotels will also host The Black List Happy Hour. These convivial, global gatherings happen monthly so The Black List’s community of scriptwriters can meet and exchange ideas offline. To commemorate the first Happy Hour, The Black List, a signature cocktail, created by an Autograph Collection mixologist and Mr. Leonard, will debut and henceforth be featured on hotel bar menus.

Meanwhile, FilmBuff, an established leader in digital entertainment that is recognized for championing independent film, will curate the Autograph Collection’s Independent Film Channel. This will be a dedicated, guest entertainment channel that will broadcast a range of titles from FilmBuff’s critically acclaimed library of 1500 titles. The content will include feature films, award-winning documentaries, shorts, TV shows and webisodes. Tailored to guests’ interests, the programming will focus on art, design, food and music.

Autograph Collection Hotels Premieres by FilmBuff – a series of three debuts of FilmBuff releases – will be showcased through 2017 in screening rooms and iconic spaces at Autograph Collection Hotels. Each premiere will be preceded by a pre-curtain cocktail reception and followed by a film-festival-style Q&A with the production’s director. Special and intimate, these cinematic events will make for experiences that promise to be exactly like nothing else.

For further information on Autograph Collection Hotels and the brand’s independent film initiatives, visit www.autographhotels.com