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]
- Open Source- coming to a laptop/portable/mobile device near you
The Internet Archive hosts something they call Open Source Cinema, which is difficult at first pass to distinguish from YouTube in terms of content- though it is less fun to navigate. Apparently, all the media they host is user generated, with a Creative Commons license, so that it not only is free to download and watch, but presumably to use in other noncommercial projects.
A few feature-length films have been created in an Open Source model- one coming up in December is called THE LAST DRUG. I can’t say this approach has yielded films I’d… [more]
- Electracy: Brian Newman in London
At Power to the Pixel, Brian Newman explained the mission of ReFrame, which largely seems to be to deliver films by independent producers to the educational market… [more]
- Funding for online distribution- indies apply for grant in NY
Through a regrant from the New York Council on the Arts’ Electronic Media and Film program, free103point9 is administering a grant that allows artists and independent filmmakers from New York to apply for funding to help support their distribution efforts. The potential distribution can include (but is not limited to) electronic distribution including VOD and online, and money can be used to purchase equipment that would make distribution viable (the money may not be used for production or post). The maximum amount of the grant is $10,000. Grants are due by online submission by 12/31/08… [more]
- Hollywood Under Siege- and how about Indiewood?
At Digital Media Law, Jonathan Handel has an interesting article about the shifts in film distribution as a result of technology. He concludes that though there are definitely a number of challenges, Hollywood has many factors in its favour. However, the sheer speed at which things are moving may be its downfall.
Independents have flexibility in their favour. On the other hand, the resources needed to react and reach markets are hard to access. Think Mugsy Bogues here… [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:
- Time Limited, Then Pay- This model is definitely better for a utilitarian product
- IIFF Panel on Film Financing 11/17
The Institute for International Film Financing hosts a panel on Monday, November 17 at SVA. Included among the presenters are David Rosen and Ted Hope
- This Website is Not Yet Rated - Can the MPAA regulate internet trailers?
Over at Films.com, Christine Champ has an interesting article about the MPAA’s successful efforts to force Kevin Smith to take down a “red band” trailer of his film Zack and Miri Make a Porno from his own website. Alex Billington at FirstShowing.net goes into more detail, explaining that as a signatory of the MPAA (though not a member), the Weinstein Co. must follow certain rules related to trailers. Of course, they can make up whatever rules for members they want, in theory, but the idea that the MPAA can regulate a basically ungovernable region seems… [more]
- Take 12 - government subsidy for online distribution development
Over at Truly Free Film, Ted Hope mentions Take 12, an initiative by the UK Film Council and the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) in the UK ” to encourage independent film companies to embrace new digital technology and use it to build new revenue streams.”
Basically, the government will provide about $75,000 of consulting money for 12 companies to help them develop new revenue streams in the digital marketplace.
It’s an interesting idea but I can’t help be a little cynical about it, both because I have worked with goverment organizations on several occasions… [more]
