First Independent Pictures

First Independent Pictures, formed by Gary Rubin, is designed to release 4 to 6 films a year, most to the theatrical marketplace and others to be given premiere treatment in the ancillary world. FIP is beginning its 2nd tranche of private fundraising. FIP distributes to the DVD universe through its label deal with the Vivendi/Universal Music Group. Its releases include the David Mamet-penned “Edmond” starring William H. Macy and Julia Stiles; Danny Leiner’s (“Harold and Kumar”) “The Great New Wonderful” starring Maggie Gyllenhaal, Tony Shalhoub, and Edie Falco; the acclaimed ’05 Sundance selection “New York Doll;” and “Everything’s Gone Green,” the first screenplay by Douglas Coupland, author and creator of “Generation X.” FIP also provides selected consulting and repping services.

Gary Rubin, President - First Independent Pictures

Gary Rubin has over twenty years of experience in the motion picture and television businesses, having held an array of positions that cross the entire gamut of distribution, acquisitions/ production and management. Prior to forming First Independent Pictures, Rubin served as Executive Vice President, Sales and Acquisitions, for Artisan Entertainment (since merged with Lion's Gate). During his tenure, the company released “The Blair Witch Project,” for which Mr. Rubin oversaw the TV sales, at the time breaking records for an independent. Also during that time, he helped lead the company into a highly successful acquisition/co-production program of bigger budget features to be exploited primarily in TV and video. Prior to that, Rubin was employed by October Films, (since merged with Focus Features), where he held the dual position of VP, Ancillary Distribution and Library Acquisitions, as well as Sr. VP, Millenium Films. Residing in Los Angeles/Santa Monica, Rubin teaches a course on the independent film business at UCLA. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan.