The New Tools of Indie Filmmaking
This list of new tools goes past the usual talk of cameras and computers when discussing the changing technological landscape of filmmaking. Instead it dives into the piecemeal online marketing minutiae that as a whole becomes an important backbone for your film’s online presence. (more…)
Why the iPad is Important
On January 27 when Steve Jobs announced the iPad, Apple’s worst kept secret and to some worst named, the response from the technorati nation was less awe and more guffaw. Most pundits not only teased about the name, but reduced the piece of hardware to just being a bigger iPhone. While everyone was stuck on the technology specs of the iPad, I was drawn more to the idea of what this 10-inch piece of hardware represented: the future of all media. (more…)
Google Buzzkill
There’s already been tons of digital ink spilled on Google’s defensive move in the real-time social media landscape with their new tool/app/feature/thingamajig: Buzz. The biggest news being it’s integration with Gmail that has an installed user base of about 40+ million. For those that don’t know what Buzz is, the homepage pitch explains simply: “Go beyond status messages. Share updates, photos, videos, and more. Start conversations about the things you find interesting.” Essentially it’s a hybrid of Twitter, a RSS Reader, Facebook Status Updates and the niche-loved, but mainstream-ignored FriendFeed. (more…)
The Mad Genius of Karl Pilkington
I have a confession to make: I’m a Karl Pilkington addict.
For those that don’t know who he is, Karl is essentially the “star” of The Ricky Gervais Podcast. The podcast being the brainchild of Ricky Gervais, obviously, and Stephen Merchant, England’s comedy power duo who hit homeruns with the BBC series The Office and the HBO series Extras. Their affiliation with Karl Pilkington dates back to their days as UK radio DJs on XFM where Karl was the behind-the-scenes producer of the program and who was slowly brought out of his shell by the not-so-gentle prodding of Gervais and Merchant. What was their, and now my, infatuation with this bald-headed Manchester bloke? It’s his dimwitted, yet innocent view of the world. (more…)
Appreciation Processes
There’s always been a lingering question in my head about why I’m always drawn to doing movie-related work. From working at the CineVegas Film Festival for five years to my current work at The Auteurs I find an immense pleasure in creating, designing and implementing platforms for people to discover films. Of course the biggest reason is my insatiable passion for cinema, whether it be watching, talking or making them. I always felt there was a more rooted reason for not just enjoying the pleasure of watching movies, but wanting to be part of their discovery. (more…)
Live Streaming Sundance
I just got back from a two week long excursion to the snowy (and slippery) streets of Park City, UT for the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. I was hired as the live streaming director for five Sundance events over the course of 12 days. This was the first year that the festival had ever attempted to live stream and, needles to say, there was a bit of pressure to make it a success. I’m glad to say not only was it a success, but a complete blow out of expectations. The amazing Dot Org Team was composed of the best and the brightest and were great partners in this new endeavor. I’d like to thank Joe Beyer, Michael Bodie, Alf Seccombe, Vanessa Rojas, Will Roegge, Dave Drusky, Carl Moczydlowsky and Bridgette Bates. (more…)
Take 3 of “Is There a Doctor in the House?”
This is a continuation of wrap-up notes from the mega-panel known as “Is There a Doctor in the House?” Moderated by Eugene Hernandez, indieWIRE Editor-in-Chief; and Peter Broderick, head of Paradigm Consulting and sage in the new distribution landscape, the panel was split into four different sections with different panelists. You can find Take 1 here and Take 2 here. This third group included Richard Abramowitz from Anvil! The Story of Anvil; Sandi Dubowski, director of Trembling Before God; Chris Hyams, founder and CEO of B-Side; Tim League, founder of the Alamo Drafthouse and Cora Olson, producer of “Good Dick.” (more…)
Take 2 of “Is There a Doctor in the House?”
This is a continuation of wrap-up notes from the mega-panel known as “Is There a Doctor in the House?” It was moderated by Eugene Hernandez, indieWIRE Editor-in-Chief; and Peter Broderick, head of Paradigm Consulting and sage in the new distribution landscape. You can find Take 1 here. In a radical panel format there were four rotating groups of industry experts, filmmakers, and strategists exploring concrete visions and case studies of the new distribution paradigm. The second group included Andy Bohn, Matt Dentler of Cinetic, Jon Fougner of Facebook, Sarah Pollock of YouTube and filmmaker Lance Weiler. (more…)
Take 1 of “Is There a Doctor in the House?”
What I call the knights of the distribution round table took place today at the Prospector Square Theatre. Officially called “Is There a Doctor in the House?” it was moderated by Eugene Hernandez, indieWIRE Editor-in-Chief, and Peter Broderick, head of Paradigm Consulting and sage in the new distribution landscape. In a radical panel format there were four rotating groups of industry experts, filmmakers, and strategists exploring concrete visions and case studies of the new distribution paradigm. Here is a wrap-up of the first group which included Magnolia Senior VP, Tom Quinn; IFC acquisitions and production VP, Ariana Bocco; legendary independent producer, Ted Hope and Marian Koltai of “Bass Ackwards.” (more…)
The Future of the Theatrical Experience
Before introducing the “Cinerama Futurama: The Future of the Theatrical Experience” panel, Jeffrey Winters revealed how forward thinking the Festival is, “Here at Sundance we like to imagine what films will look like in 50 years, to allow ourselves to just imagine what the possibilities are.” Winters then ended on an all too true observation of most film/tech-centric panels, “the conversation will probably go to money, but the answer we want is what will this future look like?” (more…)