Lloyd Kaufman

Running for Chairperson

 

Dear IFTA Friend:

 

           We are at a critical point in the history of independent film and television. Never before have we faced so many challenges at one time:

           Now more than ever, we must bring together our collective wisdom to chart a successful path for the independent industry. Here’s is where I stand on key issues:

 

           Media Consolidation: As Jean Prewitt noted in her recent memo to Members, IFTA stayed silent while decisions taken in Washington during the 1990’s eliminated protections for independently supplied programming. We are now pursuing an aggressive campaign to force action that may open the television & cable marketplace again. The alternative to fighting is accepting the extinction of the independent sector. The same issues are arising around the world. We must be vigilant to protect our Members’ interests everywhere.

 

           Piracy: Your Board has not directed IFTA to be an expensive police force and I agree. Instead we are seeking market-based solutions, including new technologies, and using our political capital to drive government agencies around the world to enact and enforce anti-piracy laws. Member education must also continue - the recently published IFTA Practical Guide to Copyright Protection is a good example.

 

           AFM: We must add more Member-only benefits and cost reductions like the programs started during my first term as Chairman, including the Buyer Breakfasts and Member Rebates.

 

           Sales Support: Weekly emails to buyers with updates on Member films, begun last year, the Television Licensing Guide, Model Sales Agency Agreements, and Buyer Review Forums are perfect examples of how IFTA can and will build programs that broadly serve its Members.

 

           Member Involvement: IFTA must constantly seek fresh ideas and the energy that comes from new faces. I will continue to meet with and encourage participation from all Members, especially those in Europe and Asia. I am not part of any clique or old-boys club. All voices will be heard, open dialogue will be encouraged, and all ideas will be considered.

 

           IFTA Staff: I strongly support IFTA’s senior management. During my two years as Chairman, I have witnessed how their passion, concern and expertise have benefited IFTA’s Members.

 

           The good old days are gone and they aren't coming back. IFTA needs a leader who recognizes the promise of technology and uses it in his business every day; a leader who understands the tedious pace of lawmakers throughout the world and will push IFTA to move forward and not give up; and a leader who will embrace new ideas and will not seek one-size-fits-all solutions.

 

           Like most IFTA Members, I am an independent film entrepreneur. For 35 years I have produced and distributed films for my own company - setting a vision, making critical decisions, taking financial risks, and succeeding. The other candidate for Chairman had sales jobs at big companies in the 80’s and 90’s but hasn’t worked full time in sales for an IFTA Member in more than 10 years.

 

           Please read my Campaign statement on IFTA’s website. And please read my opponent’s letter as well. Compare them. Compare our thoughts and recommendations – the substance and the details. Then compare our CVs. I believe you will conclude that I am the best candidate to lead IFTA for the next two years.

 

            As always, please call or write with your thoughts, ideas and questions. Our best programs started with suggestions from Members. My mobile is +1-917-376-5337 and email is lloydk@troma.com. For additional information about my IFTA policy and history, please see work in progress:
http://www.troma.com/IFTA/.

 

Very Truly,

Lloyd Kaufman
Chairman, IFTA

 

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