At DIY Days in Philadelphia, Lance Weiler‘s traveling post-distribution networking conference, I may be drinking too much of the haterade*, but what seems to be emerging is kind of three-path future for film.

Path one is gigantic studio films that cost a lot and still rely on a certain level of lockdown on copyright and general control of dissemination.

Path two is the small filmmaker with an emerging set of tools to reach an audience, whose work must be made cheaply and flexibly, and who must include an element of interactivity and audience participation.

Path three responds to an audience demand for aesthetically pleasing, well-made films. Since there won’t be a revenue model to create these anymore, we’ll have more sophisticated delivery systems for the catalogues already out there.

I kind of think it’s a little bit apocalyptic, but the general consensus at the conference seemed to be in agreement. Now, the consensus would probably be different at Sundance or Cannes, where the DIY model has the kind of science fiction quality of the singularity, despite various panels promoting self- and digital-distribution.

Perhaps the most engaging event at the conference had less to do with mobile app development or website technology and more to do with storytelling and economics. Douglas Rushkoff, while not imparting information I always agreed with (or in certain cases, was entirely happy to hear), was fascinating to watch and dynamic and had the level of engagement and expertise that are worth getting up at some ungodly hour for. His thoughts about alternative systems of consumption are essential for anyone interested in producing in the DIY model. AND he played with PTV; you really can’t get more cred than that.

*term by Astra

If you’re at Hot Docs next month, you’re welcome to check out this panel on ‘The New Distribution’ I’ll be on. It’s Tuesday, May 5th at the Rogers Industry Centre and will concern:

As commissioning budgets shrink, distribution bucks the trend with acquisition and sales windfalls. Is it a sign of the times, or the ebb and flow of the market? Join our international sales and distribution powerbrokers’ status report on their theatrical, broadcast, DVD and online media ventures. Find out how they are working for filmmakers and adapting sales techniques to the new economy.

Not sure if there’s really any bucking but it should be a good time. & After that I hope to be powerbroking at some nice TO bars and movie theatres.

The lovely and talented Scott Kirsner hosts a panel today at noon at Sundance described as “In today’s brutal marketplace, filmmakers and distributors are forced to think outside the box. From DIY theatrical to multiplatform releases and viral marketing, there are as many new strategies today as there are successful films. Join us as we showcase films capitalizing on the newest opportunities, as well as the distribution companies articulating the clearest visions.”No surprise that panelists include Matt Dentler from Cinetic, as well as Lance Hammer, Connie White, Christian Gaines, MJ Peckos, Cora Olson and Steven Raphael. Expect to see a post-game on this one at Cinematech.

On Wednesday, another panel in the What Next? series will cover “As traditional film distribution wanes, is broadband ready to pick up the slack? We are finally seeing the major Hollywood players put their cards on the table, and filmmakers are weighing their options. Will broadband revitalize the entertainment industry, or is the industry facing a collapse? This panel assembles studio execs, major independents, and trend spotters to discuss digital distribution. As traditional film distribution wanes, is broadband ready to pick up the slack? We are finally seeing the major Hollywood players put their cards on the table, and filmmakers are weighing their options. Will broadband revitalize the entertainment industry, or is the industry facing a collapse? This panel assembles studio execs, major independents, and trend spotters to discuss digital distribution.”

Oddly, though New Frontier panels are open to the public and free, the logical conclusion of streaming hasn’t really hit yet. What’s next?

Ted Hope Art House Convergence Closing Remarks from joe zina on Vimeo.
Indiewire has posted Ted Hope’s keynote address for the Arthouse Convergence, a conference for indie exhibitors ‘and friends’ in Salt Lake City this week. Kind of like one of those relaxation exercises where the speaker keeps repeating “listen to the sound of my voice”, this speech will take you from “the Hell of Now” to a brighter– well, somewhat brighter– place.

New York Women in Film & Television hosts a panel to discuss how new technology can be used to promote films with a social message on November 18 at Showbiz Software at 19 West 21st Street, (between 5th and 6th Avenues).  You must register to attend.

Highlighting the eternal “this is my art” versus “this is a product” tension that is only getting more acute as online markets grow (and do not necessarily make more money per film), this discussion from the recent DIY Days isn’t exactly new info, but it does give a sense of what some issues are for filmmakers.

The somewhat deer-in-the-headlights initital reaction of the audience to Arin Crumley‘s demand to know what filmmakers need in the digital distribution realm I think is pretty reflective of where we’re at right now.  Also, small point, I don’t think Current TV is the only one following the online –> TV acquisition model- SuperU was one that came to mind.

The Conversation is taking place in Berkeley, CA and Shooting People‘s Ingrid Kopp (among others) is covering it by blog and Twitter.  Not sure how the 2-day discussion on “the future of the entertainment industry” can be streamed or downloaded quite yet- but if that isn’t an element of the event, there would be a fundamental disconnect.

I’ll be moderating a panel at the IFP “Independent Film Week” next week and I hope you’ll come out and and join us.

Know Your Digital Rights
How much are digital rights worth to producers and filmmakers?  And which rights should filmmakers consider retaining or exploiting in this proliferation of new distribution outlets? Learn the deal structures and benefits for independent filmmakers from the experts.

Wednesday, September 17^th, 10-11 AM

FIT, 7th Ave between 27/28th, NYC

Panelists:

Steven Beer, Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig

Janet Brown, COO, Cinetic Rights Management

Charles Choi, Founder, Caachi

Karol Martesko-Fenster, Head of Film, Cinelan

Joe Swanberg, Director, Hannah Takes the Stairs