Indie Film Producer Christine Vachon Talked About Making Moviegoing “A Bigger Experience” for Audiences

As noted by The Hollywood Reporter, independent film producer Christine Vachon recently discussed the present-day moviegoing experience at movie theaters, making superhero films, and the Hollywood writers strike. During a Monday masterclass held on the second day of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival’s Eastern Promises Industry Day program, the indie producer dove into a variety of topics surrounding modern-day entertainment.

After being asked if movie theaters are doing enough for the present-day moviegoing experience, Vachon replied, “What the theaters are trying to do is create a bigger experience. It’s about creating environments that make the experience feel more like an event.”

The indie producer continued, “I know in Europe this is an old hat, but in America, the idea of eating a meal or having a drink in a movie theater is still relatively new and creating an event where your seat is extraordinarily comfortable with the projections actually decent.”

In addition to her thoughts on cinemas, Vachon was also asked if she’d ever considered making movies about heroes with superpowers. The indie producer responded by saying, “Why would anyone have me do that?! That is not where my fantasies go. It would be really great if one of the movies I made a lot of money, but I’m not well suited to make a Marvel movie. I’m just not that interested.”

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Christine Vachon Said She’s Interested in Doing a Project “About the ’80s in New York”

However, Vachon noted that there are other ideas she’s interested in pursuing. She said, “I really want to do something about the ’80s in New York. I feel everything I’ve seen hasn’t gotten it right. I would say the ’80s bleeding into the ’90s, that period in New York City, which was a time of the extraordinary collision of art and music and cinema but also the AIDS crisis, and it was just such an insane, insane time to be there. I just haven’t found that story.”

The indie producer also shared her thoughts on the Hollywood writers strike. Vachon said, “I remember the 2008 strike and how devastating that was. Killer (Films) barely got out of it intact. My concern is: I know a lot of young writers and how hard it is for them, especially the ones who are just getting their career started.”

She continued, “Most of the demands on the table are right. The streamers have abandoned the business so much, and they’ve got to make it right. Obviously, Killer supports the writers. We’re not part of the collective bargaining group, we have no power whatsoever. We have made it our business though as a company, to be supportive of writers in every way possible — and directors, nurturing new talents. We have helped a lot of writers get their first breaks.”

THR noted that the Czech festival (which ends on July 8th) is paying tribute to Vachon’s contributions to entertainment. In celebrating Vachon, the Karlovy Vary Festival stated that its intent is to honor “one of the most important producers of independent film.”

In praising the independent producer for helping “bring to life a dozen of award-winning films” the Karlovy Vary Festival noted that Vachon has had “many years working with outstanding talents in the field of independent cinema.”

Vachon has worked on films including Boys Don’t Cry, Happiness, and Velvet Goldmine. Her work in television includes This American Life (which won a 2008 Emmy Award) the TV movie Mrs. Harris, and the miniseries Mildred Pierce (which won five Emmys). Vachon also co-founded the independent film production company Killer Films with Pamela Koffler back in 1995.