Independent films find a home on KSTC.TV Channel 45 10/1/03
KSTC.TV, Channel 45 announces the debut of a new, original locally-produced program called, FilmFinds. The show airs Monday nights from 8:00-10:00 p.m. beginning October 6, 2003.
FilmFinds will present everything: from films that may be completely unfamiliar to audiences (because they never made it to the big screen or video stores) -- to films that are considered independent "classics" -- to films that feature star actors before they became household names. Throughout the 26 original episodes of the show, viewers will get a new window into the movie-going experience by discovering voices that aren't usually heard at commercial multi-plex theatres.
FilmFindsBackground
After 13 years in Los Angeles, actor Todd Hansen is back in his home state of Minnesota to host FilmFinds. Though most recognizable for his roles on national commercials, Todd also spent his time in L.A. programming one of the country's most influential film festivals, the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival.
It was while watching hundreds of excellent independent films that were made outside of the Hollywood system -- and would never be seen except in very limited release -- that Todd got the idea for FilmFinds. He was determined to find another outlet for these under-discovered gems. Todd states: "These movies may not have celebrity stars or incredible special effects, but they do have great acting and wonderful stories, and most movie lovers would agree that they deserve to be seen by a wider audience." When local television station KSTC.TV, Channel 45 got involved, the path to a broader audience was secure.
According to Todd, "There are so many possible films for us to show on FilmFinds, so many movies that never got a chance to be seen by large audiences. Most networks have underestimated the interest that people have in these types of movies, leaving films not made by Hollywood studios absent from TV except on premium cable channels. We're thrilled that Channel 45 agrees that there is an audience for a program like FilmFinds. Now, people will have the chance to not only discover these films but see them for free, over the air, in primetime hours, on an independent broadcast station."
The show premiers on October 6 with Escanaba in da Moonlight, a movie about hunting written by, directed by and starring Jeff Daniels. Man With a Plan is a parody featuring the real residents of a small town in Vermont. Joe & Joe on the third week is a story of two normal guys, a mysterious woman, and buried treasure. The fourth week is a small town murder mystery entitled Dirt Boy. The fifth week, November 3, brings Funkytown. Funkytown is a rockumentary that explores the real roller-coaster world of working musicians in the Twin Cities. This film features Greazy Meal, The Delilahs, The Found, Iya, and Tina and the B-Side Movement. It's directed by Steven Greenberg, producer of the worldwide hit song, "Funkytown." Todd will interview Greenberg on the show.
FilmFinds is produced for air on KSTC.TV, Channel 45 by the Minnesota Film and TV Board (MFTVB). The MFTVB has actively built and promoted Minnesota's indigenous film community throughout its 20-year history.
About Channel 45
KSTC.TV, Channel 45 is owned and operated by the pioneering broadcasting company Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc. It is the only locally owned and operated independent television broadcast station serving the Twin Cities. Channel 45 offers original local programming -- especially sports including the Minnesota Twins, Golden Gophers and St. Paul Saints -- plus syndicated shows. Channel 45 can also be found on cable channel 12 in most of the Twin Cities and surrounding area. For more information, visit www.kstc45.com.
About The Minnesota Film & TV Board
The Minnesota Film and TV Board (MFTVB) works to build and promote the moving picture industry in Minnesota. MFTVB is the only public/private office of its type in the country. As the only advocate for this industry, the MFTVB brings pure revenue and employment to the state by attracting business and serving the businesses that call this state home. The direct economic impact is around $1 million per film or per TV series. Around 9,000 Minnesotans work in the film/video production industry. For more information, visit www.mnfilm.org.
