The Circuit

And falling in threes. 

This week saw First Look, Peace Arch, and now the Yari Film Group -- all hit by declining fortunes and, in two cases, lawsuits. 

The Yari Film Group, while not having the kind of library of the other two, is perhaps the highest profile of the group.  The "Crash" producer hasn't able to catch another wave.  After famously losing his Oscar lawsuit, Bob Yari (pictured) has reached again and again for awards respect.  Despite the company's troubles he's pushing two longshots this season -- "What Doesn't Kill You" and "Nothing But the Truth." 

And even as he closes YFG he still seems hell-bent on getting in the winner's circle by keeping the production arm going.  (Though the two films they have -- Joe Carnahan's "Killing Pablo" and the Jennifer Lopez romantic comedy "The Governess" -- may not get him there.)

“Our goal is to aggressively work towards reorganizing our debt so that we can become a stronger company,” Yari said. “In the meantime, our production arms are distinct entities with separate financing which remain unaffected by the legal proceedings. We will go on functioning, making new films, covering our payroll and paying for employee benefits.”

While none of the three companies could have been called big hunters in the indie film market, their hobbling is yet another somber reminder that indie film may have a long way to go before it hits bottom -- and just as the season turns to Sundance.