The Sundance Institute is expanding its support for producers in 2009-10 by accommodating documentary film-makers and stepping up industry access.

Under the reconceived Creative Producing Summit (formerly the Independent Producers Conference), the Creative Producing Lab will support six Fellows from the Feature Film Program and,, for the first time, four from the Documentary Film Program.

Sundance Industry meetings to connect film-makers with industry members will take place at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.

The Creative Producing Summit will occur at the Sundance Resort from July 24-26, an invitation-only event for up to 40 producers and directors focusing on narrative producing, documentary producing, and the state of the independent film industry.

Twenty panellists representing what the Institute claims will be “the best of the independent film industry” will be on hand for one-on-one meetings, intimate round tables, and case study reviews.

The Fellows and projects selected for the five-day Feature Film Creative Producing Lab from July 20-24 are: Julien Favre with Arcadia; Dan Janvey and Josh Penn with Beasts Of The Southern Wild; Cara Marcous with On The Ice; Thomas Woodrow with Skeleton Twins; and Mynette Louie with You’re A Big Girl Now.

Fellows will receive year-round support and will attend the Creative Producing Summit and the festival in January. Creative advisors include producers Mary Jane Skalski (The Visitor, The Station Agent), Paul Mezey (Sugar, Half Nelson), Lynette Howell (Phoebe In Wonderland, Half Nelson), and Jay Van Hoy (Treeless Mountain, Old Joy).

The Fellows and projects attending the Documentary Film Creative Producing Lab from July 22-24 are: Kaye Pyle with ¿Donde Estan?; Daniela Alatorre with El General; Marty Syjuco with Give Up Tomorrow; and Ann S Kim with Match.

Fellows will also attend the Creative Producing Summit and receive on-going creative and technical support throughout the year. Producers Jennifer Fox (Love & Diane, On The Ropes) and Tia Lessin (Trouble The Water) will serve as creative advisors.

“We believe this expansion will not only support the next generation of independent producers, but renew the community of veteran producers committed to the vibrancy of independent film,” Anne Lai, Producer In Residence, Sundance Institute Feature Film Program, said.

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