Film distribution in the digital age.


  • RiP: A Remix Manifesto in the tradition of mainfestos past

    I recently got a chance to check out RiP: A REMIX MANIFESTO, the Canadian documentary that takes a look at copyright (and the mashup artist Girl Talk) in a kind of method way- the producers, EYESTEELFILM, and director, Brett Gaylor decided that since the costs of licensing all the expensive music in the film would be prohibitive, and since the film was about these costs, it would essentially be fair use to go ahead and use whatever they wanted (including network footage, usually very expensive) and just see what happens.

    It’s a pretty interesting concept, and though the film does paint the issue in overly black and white terms (the CopyRIGHT vs. the Copy LEFT), by the end, Gaylor has raised some interesting issues about the state of copyright, though I’m not sure many of them are answered. Hope to have a discussion with one of the producers which will be here soon.

    It’s definitely worth seeing especially if you enjoy the Girl Talk phenomenon- I met him a few weeks ago at a show and was impressed- he’s totally into giving a great performance- which is all the more remarkable given that his performance is pushing some buttons. And, in keeping with the mashup philosophy, if you don’t like the film (or especially if you do) you can make your own version at OpenSourceCinema.

  • Recent Digital Distribution Articles of Interest

    I haven’t had a chance to write about many notable recent articles about the digital distribution scene, but some highlights:

    It seems like the idea of digital distribution has enough traction to serve as a seductive cover come-on, but like “10 New Cellulite Cures” or “Are Jen and Brad and Angelina Buddies?”; “Internet for Indies: The Future of Distribution” (HDVideoPro) basically serves to tell us there is a whole lot we don’t know yet.

    The New York Times dedicated an issue of its Sunday Magazine to “screens” small and large. A.O. Scott’s article “The Screening of America,” which might be… [more]

  • Freemium models for online distribution

    Chis Anderson’s latest post on the subject of “freemium” models of software pricing naturally has parallels to the issue of selling films in the digital age. I think there are some differences between utilitarian products and aesthetic ones, but fundamentally, how to create something that traditionally has cost a lot (a lot being 1-20 million for an indie and 40-200 million for a studio) and find a way to reach an audience who wants it without the audience directly paying for it.

    The models he proposes are:

    1. Time Limited, Then Pay- This model is definitely better for a utilitarian product

infinite cinema

Distribution in the digital age. Film/video/future. A resource for independent filmmakers about new technologies, copyright, and digital rights management.

  • Archives

  • LATEST / POSTS