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SCENE @ SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2009 – Special Event
IndieVest Pictures Party, with Performance by Molly Jenson

By Denise Castillón

IndieVest, an independent film studio, financier and distributor, held the first of its parties during Sundance, on Friday, January 16th. The festivities commenced following a private cocktail reception and four-course gourmet dinner in the main ballroom of the luxurious Hotel Park City, and featured a special performance by up-and-coming singer/songwriter, Molly Jenson. The exclusive guest list included film industry “insiders” as well as high-net-worth IndieVest members.

IndieVest is an independent film studio and distributor financed by its’ membership-based community of accredited investors. IndieVest members are provided with opportunities to become an “exclusive insider” in the independent film community, as well as “first look” access to independent film projects currently under development at IndieVest Pictures. Once a member chooses to invest in one or more independent film investment opportunities, they become a screen-credited IndieVest Executive Producer. Above and beyond the reward of contributing to a feature film project and a potentially significant return on investment, investors receive “Executive Producer-only” privileges. An Executive Producer is able to attend the set location while their particular film is shooting, plus enjoy premium VIP seating at their film’s premiere screening as well as the after-party attended with members of the cast.

Among the guests enjoying the evening’s events, were IndieVest Executive Producers –New York-based artist Nic Rad, chemical manufacturers and brothers, Aakash and Badal Shah, who are financing the studios’ first film production, the comedy SAINT JOHN OF LAS VEGAS, starring Steve Buscemi, Sarah Silverman, Romany Malco and Peter Dinklage.

YET: What motivated you to become a film investor?

BADAL SHAH: The motivation for me to become a film investor was largely due to my passion for film combined with the opportunistic participation that IndieVest provided. I always knew that I would like to pursue my passion for film by getting involved with the business side of the industry and indieVest offered the best opportunity and what seemed to be the lowest-risk investment for a rookie film investor.

AAKASH SHAH: I felt very confident in the indieVest team and revenue model, and this is what really helped me confirm that I was making the right decision. I feel confident that being a part of indieVest will help me become involved in quality films that bring real experiences to the viewers.

NIC RAD: I see the value…plus, I value the opportunity to bring together artists and commerce. Personally, I’ve watched friends struggle to bring their film projects into production. Now that I’ve achieved success as an artist, I can support filmmakers in their artistic medium through my investment.


YET: Why join IndieVest community?

BADAL SHAH: I chose to join the IndieVest community because of the wealth of experience, knowledge, and intelligence of the indieVest staff. This combined with their extremely strategic revenue model which included guaranteed distribution, proved to be an extremely attractive investment and team that I wanted to join.

AAKASH SHAH: I also feel that it is a great opportunity to meet with other investors from completely different industries as a way of networking and possibly diversifying further into new business opportunities.

NIC RAD: I joined IndieVest, then got involved in its’ SAINT JOHN OF LAS VEGAS film project, before the economic crisis hit in late 2008. Nevertheless, the movie industry did very well in 2008, and, continues to do so. Just look how well the comedy “Four Christmases” performed at the box office.


YET: Why did you commit to participate financially on SAINT JOHN OF LAS VEGAS?

AAKASH SHAH: I chose to financially participate in “Saint John” because I believed in the project and the experience that would resonate with the viewers. I believe that this type of comedy would create a good experience for viewers who are stuck in the dark days of the current economic crisis. I feel that with the combination of actors such as Steve Buscemi, Romany Malco, and Sarah Silverman, this will be a classic slapstick comedy that many people will like to see over and over again.

NIC RAD: I’m very impressed with IndieVest ….SAINT JOHN OF LAS VEGAS is a comedy with a great cast. And, it’s all been a good experience. I’ve enjoyed collaborating with the other investors as well as visiting the set and meeting the actors in the film, especially, Steve Buscemi, whose work I’ve always admired. It’s been a unique experience.

The feature-length comedy, SAINT JOHN OF LAS VEGAS is due to premiere late spring of 2009, and is a playful adaptation of Dante's "Inferno," starring Steve Buscemi as an ex-gambler, who gets lured back into the “Game” by a maverick insurance fraud investigator, played by Romany Malco. Emily Mortimer stars as their quirky co-worker. Tim Blake Nelson, John Cho and Emmanuelle Chriqui round out the films’ cast.


The founder and CEO of IndieVest, Inc. (IndieVest Pictures, IndieVest Securties), is former venture capitalist, Wade H. Bradley. The IndieVest Industry Advisory Board is comprised of Don Cheadle, Liev Schreiber, Mike Binder and Tim Blake Nelson.

In 2008, IndieVest’s membership, comprised of primarily individualists- doctors, surgeons, various business and technology entrepreneurs, real estate developers, oilmen, fund managers, commodity and equity traders, -grew nearly 300% over 2007. www.IndieVest.com