I purchased tickets to see the new STAR WARS movie. I bought them online and started thinking "another industry job is being done away with". Seriously, I went to the movies and bought tickets at a ticket vending machine and had to pick out seats from a chart. One person in the ticket booth in case you only had cash and one person at a podium tearing tickets for all twenty-four screens. I'm surprised you aren't allowed to bag your own popcorn or pour your own drinks. I am assuming that day will come.
Negative cutters are already a dinosaur and what's a print? Everything is done digital and by computer making the process cheaper. However, I haven't seen the price of admission going down. The big studio corporations use the computer age to cut jobs and increase bottom line. When are these studios going to begin making new films and not just reboots, remakes and sequels?
I spoke to John Shea (Frontier Booking) over the weekend. John is a long time friend and agent who has told me even his job is being phased out by Internet postings. Here's an agent that has been in the business for over twenty-five years and he's struggling to keep the doors open because the new generation of performers believe they can self market through social media. How crazy is that? About as crazy as a filmmaker that wants to self distribute his film online rather than pay a percentage to a distributor to increase his chances of getting money back for his investors.
Is it because crowd funding doesn't demand a profit to be turned? Where have the days of pitching a film for the purpose of showing an investor how (with your business plan) can create a return on investment. As a filmmaker do you look at an audition tape that has been edited to be perfect or would you rather meet with someone in person. How about trust in networking? For years agents and casting directors worked together keeping the producers and directors of the world happy by supplying the right choice. To me it's important to make sure an actor is punctual, dressed properly and has the demeanor you want representing not only your company but you and your film. You've heard the expression "You are what you eat?" How about you are judged by those that represent you? (I just made that one up). If an actor/actress can't get to the audition on time and can't remember sides, what are the chances they're going to be a good casting choice?
I just returned last month from AFM (American Film Market) and there are hundreds of distributors looking for product. Many have connections with the larger VOD and PPV companies. Companies that you just can't try to send your film to and honestly have a fighting chance. Networking with distributors is as important as making the film itself. Due diligence my friends, use the Internet as a source of research and not immediate display. See what's the most lucrative direction for you to get the word out for your film and at the same time minimize the risk while maximizing the return. We do still care about return, right?
There are no short cuts. The film industry is evolving and we as filmmakers need to evolve with it. Yes, it's easier for a filmmaker to write, produce, direct, shoot and edit the project in this new era but should we? Because the computer age allows us to cut out jobs, should we? Isn't it better for a filmmaker to use another set of eyes to insure their vision is what the story is telling? Distributors are now just as interested in how many influencers your film has instead of what name stars are driving your film. Yes, there are distributors that continue to look at a film based on name value but newer distributors are finding new ways to create a buzz for your film.
I'm going to try something new and original to see if this theory works. I'll keep you in the loop whether or not it does.
Until then, support Independent film!
Bob Cook
www.BCEntertainmentGroup.com
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