Palisades Fire Destroys Family Home of Sundance Institute’s Michelle Satter, Film Producer David Latt

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The devastating Pacific Palisades wildfire has sadly demolished the home of Michelle Satter, the cherished founding senior director of artist programs at Sundance Institute, along with her longtime partner David Latt, a seasoned figure in Hollywood writing and production.

On Thursday, Satter broke the heartbreaking news via Instagram, re-sharing information initially posted by their son, Franklin Latt – a renowned CAA agent and co-head of the agency’s prestigious motion picture talent department.

Franklin Latt, a well-known figure in the business community and friend to stars like Meryl Streep, Michelle Pfeiffer, Zendaya, Pedro Pascal, Charlize Theron, Viola Davis, and Elizabeth Olsen, shared that our family home was destroyed by fire, leaving our hometown in ruins. Fortunately, we are safe. Unfortunately, many others have lost everything and are in need of help. Let’s show our compassion and support them.

In her subsequent message, Satter expressed sympathy for those suffering losses amidst this tragic period in our city, offering affection and encouragement while hoping for a path towards recovery together.

Industry experts, such as filmmaker Ava DuVernay, offered reassuring words in response to the news. She wrote on her social media platform, “My thoughts are with you and your family. One of the strongest families I know. May you be blessed and find support during this time. I’m praying for your success.

Filmmaker Rachel Morrison remarked, “I understand your family has faced unimaginable hardships once more. I send you courage, love, and fortitude to persevere. If there’s anything I can assist with from here, please let me know.

Morrison’s “immeasurable” reference is about the heartbreaking murder of Michael Latt, the son of the couple and brother of Franklin. In November 2023, a homeless woman fatally shot Michael inside his Miracle Mile home, taking him and his fiancée hostage at gunpoint. She was convicted last July and given a sentence of 35 years to life in prison. Michael, an ardent advocate for social justice with deep roots in the community, founded entertainment marketing firm Lead With Love. After this tragic event, the family established the Michael Latt Legacy Fund.

I’m one of the many people who have unfortunately lost their homes this week, joining stars like Mandy Moore, Milo Ventimiglia, Anna Faris, Paris Hilton, Bozoma Saint John, Jeff Bridges, Billy Crystal, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, Cary Elwes, James Woods, Diane Warren, Cameron Mathison, Ricki Lake, Jhené Aiko, record producer Lou Adler, and stylist Maeve Reilly. It’s a tough time for us all.

This week, Los Angeles County has been severely affected by destructive wildfires that ignited on Tuesday and are still causing widespread destruction from the coastline to Pasadena. The Palisades Fire is currently being labeled as the most devastating fire in L.A.’s history, having destroyed over 5,300 structures – including homes, apartment buildings, businesses, outbuildings, and vehicles – across nearly 20,000 acres. In addition, another blaze known as the Eaton Fire has consumed Altadena and surrounding regions, burning more than 5,000 structures and around 14,000 acres, according to officials. According to Accuweather’s estimates, the fires have caused approximately $135-$150 billion in damages and economic losses.

The fires in Los Angeles are taking place as the film industry gets ready for the Sundance Film Festival, which is due to commence in Park City on January 23. This event will feature films starring Jennifer Lopez, Dev Patel, Chloe Sevigny, Juliette Lewis and Bowen Yang. At present, the festival is expected to carry on as planned. However, some awards season events and red carpet premieres have been delayed due to the fires, such as the Critics Choice Awards, while Oscar voting has been extended for an additional two days, with the announcement of Oscar nominations also being postponed by two days.

I’m thrilled to be a centerpiece during the opening days of the festival, honored as a marquee recipient at Celebrating Sundance Institute presented by Google TV, happening at Park City’s new Grand Hyatt Deer Valley on January 24th. It all started way back in 1981 when I joined forces with Robert Redford at the Sundance Institute. Together, we nurtured a dream to empower independent storytellers through an annual June filmmakers lab. Over the years, I’ve played a pivotal role in constructing the episodic program, producers program, and the Institute’s global initiatives. I also manage the Indigenous, catalyst, and documentary film programs and am proud to have founded the global digital platform Sundance Collab.

She is widely recognized as a powerful mentor to numerous filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino, Chloé Zhao, Dee Rees, John Cameron Mitchell, Paul Thomas Anderson, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Ryan Coogler, Miranda July, Kimberly Peirce, Darren Aronofsky, Sterlin Harjo, Taika Waititi and many others. In 2024, she was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, often referred to as an honorary Oscar, at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences’ Governors Awards ceremony.

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2025-01-10 23:54