REDFORD AIMS TO CASH IN ON INDIE APPEAL; DEAL CREATES SUNDANCE THEATERS.

Byline: Dave McNary / Daily News Staff Writer

Actor-director Robert Redford announced Wednesday he has launched Sundance Cinemas, a chain of art house theaters, to take advantage of the heightened interest in independent films.

The joint venture deal with General Cinema Theatres, which had been widely rumored in recent weeks, calls for a ``significant'' number of facilities in urban, suburban and college locations but gives no timetable. Salt Lake City-based Sundance Group, an affiliate of the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, disclosed in April that it was exploring such a venture.

``Sundance Cinemas is the logical extension of our efforts over the past 18 years to expand the opportunities for independent filmmakers to reach the broadest possible audience,'' Redford said in a statement. ``I also believe that filmgoers are starved for new ideas, voices and visions.''

The art house business, with about 400 screens nationwide, has been boosted in recent years as major studios have snapped up independent producers such as Miramax and October or set up in-house operations such as Fox Searchlight, Fine Line and Sony Classics.

Status of the indies peaked in March as ``The English Patient,'' ``Fargo,'' ``Shine'' and ``Sling Blade'' took most of the major Academy Awards.

Results from such films have been mixed since then, with only ``Cop Land,'' ``Chasing Amy'' and ``Ulee's Gold'' performing respectably at the box office, but business is expected to pick up in coming months.

``There's obviously an appetite among moviegoers for high-quality indie films,'' said Kevin Skislock, an analyst with L.H. Friend, Weinress, Frankson & Presson. ``My initial reaction is that this is a super idea for Sundance and General Cinema.''

The announcement comes a week after Landmark Entertainment, the leading player in the art house business with 48 theaters and 140 screens, was put up for sale by parent Metromedia International. Los Angeles-based Landmark announced plans last month for 28 more art house screens, including a 16-plex in West Los Angeles.

Art house operators have mostly stayed on the sidelines in recent years amid a building boom led by major chains opening movie palaces of up to 30 screens. Analysts say megaplex owners have been reluctant to set aside screens for art house product except for a breakout hit like ``The English Patient.''

``The megaplex build-out was supposed to be a boon for the indies, but that's been something of a disappointment,'' Skislock said. ``People who run megaplexes tend to use to extra screens for additional runs of things like `Liar Liar' or `Men in Black.' ''

Boston-based General Cinema is one of the oldest U.S. chains and operates 1,168 screens at 185 locations in 25 states. Its five-year plan calls for up to 400 new screens, and it is exploring overseas expansion as well.

``We intend to establish Sundance Cinemas as the most distinctive theater circuit in the country,'' said Robert A. Smith, president and chief operating officer of parent GC Cos., in a statement. ``The names Robert Redford and Sundance resonate powerfully with millions of moviegoers across the country.''

The Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, screened 127 films this year and was the starting point for recent hits such as ``sex, lies and videotape,'' ``Clerks'' and ``Shine.'' Sundance Group launched a cable channel in 1996 specializing in independent fare that is currently seen in more than 10 million homes.

CAPTION(S):

Photo

PHOTO (color) ``I believe that filmgoers are starved for new ideas, voices and visions.''

--- Robert Redford, actor-director