Morning after...
As many of you are aware, the grim economy finally came knocking yesterday, taking many journalists off the roster and shuttering The Circuit.
It was a great run and I thank everyone for their support and sentiments. Your emails have been overwhelming and very moving.
On the plane back from Park City I sat next to a former exec, also now without a company desk. The conversation moved to the economy, and we both commented on how easily it did.
The blossoming depression is now an inevitable part of all small talk. Hard to even call the talk small. Yet in the wake of a 70,000-plus job loss yesterday, the magnitude of what the country faces threatens to make the individual story smaller. It's important to remember the stories above this drone of newspaper statistics and bad news avalanche. The news will get worse. We'll rely on filmmakers and artists to make some sense of it all, or to at least shift our gaze. Which is frankly just as good.
And that task is the film festival's job -- to put up stories in that great black box, on that giant screen, with that enveloping sound system, and under the influence of a room full of moody strangers. All without a pause button. Film festivals are cinema's art gallery and in an economic crisis it is a cheap temple to worship at. For me, it's the best worship around.
Find me on Facebook and reach out. Or look for me in those moldy seats, or combing through the fest's pocket schedule. And if there's time between screenings, let's go outside. We'll be stunned at how much of the day we've spent in the dark. And then we'll argue about what we just saw, who will buy it, or who will market it better.
But let's not take long arguing, because there is probably a bar across the street.
And you're buying.
It was a great run and I thank everyone for their support and sentiments. Your emails have been overwhelming and very moving.
On the plane back from Park City I sat next to a former exec, also now without a company desk. The conversation moved to the economy, and we both commented on how easily it did.
The blossoming depression is now an inevitable part of all small talk. Hard to even call the talk small. Yet in the wake of a 70,000-plus job loss yesterday, the magnitude of what the country faces threatens to make the individual story smaller. It's important to remember the stories above this drone of newspaper statistics and bad news avalanche. The news will get worse. We'll rely on filmmakers and artists to make some sense of it all, or to at least shift our gaze. Which is frankly just as good.
And that task is the film festival's job -- to put up stories in that great black box, on that giant screen, with that enveloping sound system, and under the influence of a room full of moody strangers. All without a pause button. Film festivals are cinema's art gallery and in an economic crisis it is a cheap temple to worship at. For me, it's the best worship around.
Find me on Facebook and reach out. Or look for me in those moldy seats, or combing through the fest's pocket schedule. And if there's time between screenings, let's go outside. We'll be stunned at how much of the day we've spent in the dark. And then we'll argue about what we just saw, who will buy it, or who will market it better.
But let's not take long arguing, because there is probably a bar across the street.
And you're buying.
Michael Jones is the film festival editor at Variety.com. 
Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!
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I usually don’t post in Blogs but your blog forced me to, amazing work.. beautiful …
Posted by: invosotoDus | 10/16/2009 11:04:53 PM
As a Newbie, I am always searching online for articles that can help me. Thank you
Posted by: invosotoDus | 10/13/2009 10:14:40 PM
Wow! what an idea ! What a concept ! Beautiful .. Amazing …
Posted by: invosotoDus | 10/11/2009 1:14:51 PM
oh! i really enjoyed your blog. you must keep everyone updated on your next endeavors. I can''''t believe this. how am i going to get the news that you delivered now? What''''s next for you?
Posted by: cybil lake | 1/29/2009 10:27:18 PM
Mike - nuts, that's a drag. And to think, I just commented on one your post about the Dude. That's what I get for leaving Park City early. Well, you're a great writer and I'm sure you'll land on your feet somewhere, sometime soon. Best of luck!
-Dan
Posted by: Dan Mirvish | 1/29/2009 8:14:38 AM
This sucks. I loved reading The Circuit!! I hope this isn't the last we've heard from you!! Best of luck to you, sir. See you on Facebook :)
Posted by: Jen | 1/28/2009 10:57:35 PM
I work in IT for a telco company and we had our first employee layoffs in five years last November. I was lucky and still have a job.
But I in the four decades I have been working, I have been through 24 takeovers and 8 layoffs.
After the first, I realized I was two paychecks from being evicted.
It does not matter how talented or experienced you are (like everyone at The Circuit), it can happen in an instant.
I will tell you what I always tell my team. Pay your bills. Sock away a year's salary. Take classes and keep your skill sets up to date. That way no matter what happens, you and your family are prepared.
I hope everyone is working again soon, and for those lucky enough to be employed, please make sure you have a rainy day fund put away.
Posted by: Jacki Whitford | 1/28/2009 11:43:33 AM
I loved reading the circuit. I will miss it very much. MJ you did a great job (though I am still tuned to hear the news about why Day-Lewis is evasive around the press). Sometimes getting fired just opens new opportunities. Did you know what Matt Fox did before he got the Lost lead? Haunted on UPN. Cancellation was the best thing that ever happened to him. I am sure that good things will happen to you too MJ. Cya!
Posted by: Tinasky/Ktroop/Segovia | 1/27/2009 8:01:33 PM
Mike, so sorry to read this. This is quite depressing. Am a big fan of your blog and as a film festival worker, it was my daily bible. take care and looking forward to your next endeavor.... anderson
Posted by: Anderson Le | 1/27/2009 6:54:30 PM
“You walked into a room with a pencil in your hand" and supported the festival world, including the Jackson Hole Film Festival from beginning to end. You, “mister jones†are a true journalist and supporter of the arts. I am very sorry that THE CIRCUIT is no more. I look forward to your future endeavors and know that you forever have a fan in me.
Posted by: Melanie Miller | 1/27/2009 6:22:38 PM
Mike:
Man, I''m sorry!!!! This is such a blow. Appreciate all you''ve done for all festivals and your particular enthusiasm for SXSW. Of course we hope to see you here again. And look forward to your evolution.
Fondest regards,
Janet
Posted by: Janet Pierson | 1/27/2009 1:59:18 PM
Mike, You did a great job with this, and really brought the sensibility that indieWIRE developed to a new audience. Your column will be missed! Matty
Posted by: Matty Ross | 1/27/2009 12:40:59 PM
jones, you already know how i feel. but, i''ll say it again here, YOU ROCK!
i''m really disappointed by these decisions, specifically to cut you and Anne from Variety. it was a great platform for the two of you, but even more importantly, you each brought something special to the table.
from my vantage point, it really won''t be the same without your perspective and voice in the mix. and that bums me out.
Posted by: eug | 1/27/2009 11:42:46 AM
jones, you already know how i feel. but, i''ll say it again here, YOU ROCK!
i''m really disappointed by these decisions, specifically to cut you and Anne from Variety. it was a great platform for the two of you, but even more importantly, you each brought something special to the table.
from my vantage point, it really won''t be the same without your perspective and voice in the mix. and that bums me out.
Posted by: eug | 1/27/2009 11:41:53 AM
I''''m so sorry, Mike. You''''ve done great work here, this economy just sucks.
Posted by: Erin D. | 1/27/2009 10:58:54 AM
Jesus, Mike! You went and got me all teary-eyed. Seriously! This recession is no joke and I think I now know more people out of work than in secure jobs.
See you soon I hope, my friend!
Posted by: Mark Rabinowitz | 1/27/2009 10:51:29 AM
Sorry to hear this, Mike. I hope you'll end up somewhere even better soon.
Posted by: James McNally | 1/27/2009 10:47:23 AM
Mike -- I enjoyed writing for The Circuit, and I''m sorry to hear the bad news. Hope we''ll see your writing somewhere else soon. If you get to SXSW this year, I''m buying.
Posted by: Jette Kernion | 1/27/2009 10:44:12 AM
Thank you for your continued service and for recognizing our business for the art that it is
Posted by: Gen Art Jeff | 1/27/2009 10:35:29 AM
Good work, I've enjoyed it... 'hope you're back working soon.
Posted by: Perry Lang | 1/27/2009 10:30:44 AM
I only recently started reading you, you can''''t go already! are you going to continue blogging on your own? Hope good luck comes knocking, Katie
Posted by: Katie | 1/27/2009 10:25:57 AM
Oh no. I love the Circuit (and you). I''ll buy you a drink, perhaps some Absinthe in honor of Sundance 09 and because its good! Until then, best wishes, Meira
Posted by: Meira Blaustein | 1/27/2009 10:21:16 AM