After parting ways with its parent company First Look Media in December, the non-profit documentary production studioFounded in 2015 by former Hot Docs programming director, “CitizenFour” Oscar winner Laura Poitras and SXSW prize winner A.J. Schnack , the company now run by Cook has become a force to be reckoned with in recent years.
“We started to invest in docs to really build towards this independent future in sustainability,” says Cook. “I was very hesitant about doing investment and about Field of Vision walking into a commercial space because I really wanted to make sure we could do that and retain our values. Luckily, we found that we could.”
“It’s a very different way of thinking about commercial funding,” says Cook. “We really saw success last year with ‘Nothing Compares’ and ‘We Met in VR.’ It was a financial success more than we ever anticipated.”“We aren’t aiming to be a commercial studio,” says Cook. “It’s a side part of what we do. It’s a way to generate some revenue and then also really help a film and filmmaker.
This year Cook is in Park City to not only support Field of Vision filmmakers, but to also raise grant money that will eventually replace First Look Media investments.