Special Movie Screening + Mobile Distribution Discussion – Friday 8/7 @5:30PM
This is an interesting opportunity.
The movie “Sleeping and Waking” was shot here in DC recently and is scheduled to release in October. Executive Producer Jeff Koepel has approached me with a desire to also launch the film globally on the iPhone, Android and Palm platforms.
To help Jeff and engage in a potentially industry shifting project we are hosting a special screening of the film followed by an open discussion about disrupting the current model for film distribution using the latest mobile platforms. TeqCorner has graciously offered to host the event next Friday. Doors open at 5:30PM and we’ll plan on starting the movie around 6. The event includes complimentary Beer/Wine and Appetizers.
The movie site is www.sleepingandwaking.com. Executive Producer Jeffrey Koepel will be providing the screening and participating in the strategy discussion.
Please RSVP in the comments box below and share your thoughts if you would.
Thanks,
Pete
Friday, August 7th 5:30-9PM Beer/Wine & Appetizers TeqCorner 1616 Anderson Road McLean, VA 3rd Floor Conference Room 703-473-2148 (Pete’s mobile)
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I’m very interested in creator to audience distribution. I’m an IT professional and a current film student.
I will be attending and bringing a friend.
Very relevant tweet: Netflix set to stream Watch Instantly flicks to iPhone, Wii – http://arst.ch/5p1 via @arstechnica less than 5 seconds ago
I think Srini makes a good point. The internet is facilitating the conversation between the creatives/producers and consumers, so I think that needs to be there from the very beginning, sharing insight into the whole process. John August (writer/director) does a great job sharing about the writing process, along with how his movies are doing. I’m sure there are plenty of other examples.
Also, with ubiquitous digital tech, we’re all eventually becoming creatives/producers and the desire to learn more about moviemaking will rise.
As to disruption, I think it is already happening with:
* Amazon/Netflix/Apple becoming direct distributors and in some cases publishers.
* Several online companies (babelgum, etc) getting into content distribution working directly with producers.
* Better TV & sound systems more widely available in homes (people less likely to opt for movie theaters)
* Rampant downloading of cams, ripped DVDs (even bluray)
Misc:
* Take a look at what Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) is doing with his music and community. Has (had?) an iPhone app that lets fans connect on location, get information about releases, chat on nin.com forums.
Along with Movie screening, it will be great if we can provide opportunity to interact with real people behind the camera. producer/Director/Casting/technical staff can get real feedback from real audiences through Facebook/twitter etc…
I love the general idea of getting around existing movie distribution channels and watching more independent local movies. I especially like the potential of making movies using a local setting addressing local issues instead of watching so many movies about saving the world.
I’m concerned about convenience / ease of use, though. I have a good TV setup in my living room and love the convenience of getting a DVD from netflix and just tossing it into my DVD player. For this new channel to be useful to me, there would have to be some kind of communication between my iTunes / iPod and my TV.
A good place to learn more about digital distribution and talk to people would be tomorrow’s DIY Days (http://diydays.com/) in Philly.
This is also interesting: http://showcase.fromheretoawesome.com/
An open discussion to find a way to disrupt the current model of film distribution is timely.
Even big film studios are struggling with dwindling audiences for their big budget productions. Indie film developers don’t stand a chance in this squeezed market. The big companies are always slower to react to market changes. The studios kept tying to lure people back to movie theaters, when it was clear that people would rather watch movies on DVDs at home, much cheaper and at their own convenience. The studios are finally showing signs of changing to that model by offering DVD releases at the same time as the movie release.
Well, by now the audience is moving on to the Internet, online streaming videos and mobile devices. It will be a while before the big boys catch on to this reality. It is a perfect opportunity for indie film makers to capture this medium before the big boys wake up.
Huge thanks for Myra and TeqCorner for hosting. What an important resource for Northern Virginia.
As part of my prep I’m going to read Chris Anderson’s “Free” this weekend. I look forward to the discussions and seeing if we can outline a path forward.
-Pete