The slow healing process predictable for 2002 is still grinding away. It seems people can't wait for the cathartic effects of a new year. Everyone wants a new beginning. But, it's not so easy as that because what really has to happen after we have caught our breath in 2002 is rebuild. While substance and structure are important parts of rebuilding, rebuilding the spirit can be the hardest part!

In my heart of hearts I'd like to wish for a giant eraser that would remove so many destructive and undesirable consequences of our recent life and times from our consciousness, just rub out the failing economy, the uncertain election ramifications, the loss of the Mass Film Office. That's pure folly and not possible, though it demonstrates people are wishing, not predicting on a practical basis right now. You'll see what I mean when you read this year's predictions in this issue of IMAGINE. Not a single predictor takes on the economic future picture right now. Even some of the technology predictions have the timing quotient absent (that's most likely economic driven). And it's apparent some of our forecasters are hoping for a lot and some have settled for whimsically tongue-in-cheek offerings in their mix of thoughts and metaphors.

I do believe, however, that most everyone stands ready to roll up his and her sleeves, stand our ground and focus on the rebuilding process.
So, start those engines, get those motors running, and keep the fuel coming, as there is much work for us to do!

Not the least of which is to reconstitute a state funded and supported Mass Film Office. Every New England State Film Office suffered this year, mostly from budget cuts. But, none, other than Massachusetts, lost their full funding and state support and had their offices closed. The City of Boston didn't fare well either. The industry's creative talent and crew base here deserve more! It's time to rebuild and make Massachusetts an even better place for top producers and studios to bring their work. We can do it because we do have so much to offer and the firm resolves to make it happen. We must do because the industry needs the support of the city and state to grant fee-free locations, provide permitting, police and security, provide incentives, and coordinate outreach, marketing of all our production resources.

IMAGINE is dedicated to promoting and growing our industry. Again this year we will attend 10 major industry events in North America, not to just distribute IMAGINE, but more importantly to export the viability and increase the visibility of New England talent and resources. We're self appointed and dedicated to creating absolutely the best and most fertile filmmaking, media producing community to be found anywhere in the world. We also devote our great energies and synergies to improving our chances at home by supporting the people and work that is developed and done here and telling their stories, by connecting the dots, and fiercely fighting for support and understanding from our municipal, state, and federal governments, and encouraging incentives and tax relief for the participants and companies that are already here.

Earlier this year IMAGINE worked to help elect Brian P. Wallace. As Representative-Elect he has already filed a bill to reconstitute a Mass Film Office and reports considerable support. Our mission in this instance is to provide technical support and testimony for this effort. Likewise we are supporting City Councillor John Tobin, Jr. working to expand and beef up Boston's film effort. Unlike a Democratic Convention, a good studio film doesn't require millions of dollars from the city and state in order to leave behind $20 - $50 million in the area. But like a Democratic Convention, movies shot in the state impact media and tourism and do more, such as realizing talent and crew net gains. It's about increasing the tax base and the experience factor at the same time.

To support this and all the work we do here at IMAGINE we're kicking off the New Year by getting the industry together at a New Year Party & Celebration on January 14, 2003, 7 - 11 PM at Tom Kershaw's new TK's JAZZ CAFE at Faneuil Hall in Boston. Everyone is invited! Look for your invitation in this issue!
The purpose and focus for IMAGINE is increasing our subscription base to enhance our attraction of advertisers and to qualify for better and faster postal rates for our mailed distribution.
Our celebration is designed to set the tone for 2003. It's to be a celebration of our industry, getting everyone working in the industry together with great food, jazz entertainment, complimentary martinis, beer and wine for the first hour (come early, drink fast), networking, dancing, schmoozing and a BIG PRIZE that some lucky person will win! We will also be kicking-off the Boston Comedy & Movie Festival coming up May 1 - 10. You will find out how to participate in the fun.

The price of admission is a one-year subscription to IMAGINE. That's $26! And that's an excellent value
If you are not a subscriber, the price of admission is $44. So why not subscribe? Every person attending helps IMAGINE grow its paid subscriber base.

The BIG PRIZE is A DREAM Trip for Two to Bermuda for their intimate and wonderful Bermuda International Film Festival, including round trip airfare for 2, hotel accommodations and festival passes!
Someone will win this fabulous prize January 14th, guaranteed! Don't miss it.
I want to congratulate Robb Moss for his documentary SAME RIVER TWICE being the lone New England submission to Sundance 2003 that has been accepted for Competition. Robb is a Cambridge, MA independent non-fiction filmmaker who describes his film as a film about bodies, time, and living with one's life choices. Twenty-five years ago the director filmed a month long white river rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. RIVERRATS was his first film. He and his friends were river guides: communal, unscheduled, and naked. Now they are middle-aged.

Moss told IMAGINE, "I have not been to Sundance, it is my first time. Trying to negotiate the sales part responsibly and still enjoy myself." He is the Rudolf Arnheim Lecturer on Filmmaking at Harvard University where he has taught for the past fifteen years.

I attended the Boston Premiere of Daniel McCarthy's IRISH EYES along with a sold out crowd many who are friend's of the filmmaker at Loew's Boston Common Theater. Several members of the movie's impressive cast were present for the gala event and party. Read the whole story by Robert Pushkar in this issue.

As we go to press the films that are being accepted for Slamdance, Slamdunk, Nodance, etc. are still unknown to us. IMAGINE will cover these festivals and films after the fact. Several IMAGINE contributors will be in attendance and we're looking forward to the New Year's film offerings.

Best Wishes for the Holidays and A Happy New Year to everyone who touches our lives and mission!
Carol Patton