PARADIGM SHIFT?
The independent film world
seems to have been in the middle of a major paradigm shift the past
several years, one in which three elements are interwoven and ready to
converge towards a definable critical mass
in the near future. The elements in this shift are taking places in the way film
projects are developed and strategized, how they are produced and
distributed, and in their thematic content. This shift appears to be
creating a new path for the independent filmmaker, outside the normal
centralized traditions of the film industry .
First, how film
projects are developed and strategized. There have always been
independent filmmakers and hopefully there always will be. However,
in the past many of these filmmakers were usually trying to package an element of
their project that had Hollywood ties of some sort and/or they were
usually looking for a way to break into the big Hollywood game. In
other words, searching for a way to grow their future in the direction of
the industry's glitzy hub. Now however, more filmmakers are
developing niche projects in their respective communities with no real
plan or goal to 'break' into Hollywood. Whether it's a high-velocity digital flick
about skateboarders in Lawrence, Kansas, or a Hi-Def docu-drama about a
hospice in Montgomery, Alabama, niche projects for local (and online)
communities are revolutionizing filmmaking. But of course, the
technologies of digital filmmaking and the Internet have fueled much of
this. Which brings us to number two.
Second, how film
projects are produced and distributed. Because many of the barriers to entry
have been scaled or removed, largely by way of this new digital technology,
we're all flooding through the gates. Possibly creating a glut of product
searching for an audience? The question here though, is access to
the tools of production good enough? Has craft been served? If
audiences can be found efficiently, then certainly leave it up to them.
Ah, but that is the crux. While production does offer this easy
access to many, distribution is now the last frontier of the independent
filmmaker.
Third, the
thematic content of this new generation of films. As previously
mentioned niche content is searching for niche audiences, which affects
how these films break through this final frontier and are actually
distributed. In the filmmaker's quest to level the
creative and business playing fields, a decentralization and
a democratization occurring right now in all areas of media is creating
one of the
biggest communications revolutions in history. Gutenberg was a minor
influence compared to what we could see in the next decade or so in the
settling of this new and wild digital frontier.
Below are some of the
elements which are defining the differences between the traditional film
world and the paradigm of the new, emerging independent film world.
STUDIO FILMS
NEW INDIE FILMS
1)
Budgets rising Budgets
falling
2) New technologies enable
New technologies
enable films
better special
effects
to be made in new ways
3) Corporate financing
Self/family/friends financing
4) Stars
essential Stars irrelevant
5) Formulaic filmmaking rewarded
Unique filmmaking rewarded
6) Financier has creative control
Filmmaker has creative control
7)
Genre driven
Niche driven
8) Homogenous/centralized
Fragmented/decentralized
9)
Cast & Crew-
Cast & Crew-
large/high salary/
small/low-deferred salary/
uncommitted/no ownership
committed/co-ownership
10)
Dependent filmmaking
Independent filmmaking
11) Faux independent filmmaking
Guerilla filmmaking
The convergent
dream in this new paradigm is this then; to develop, produce and
distribute film product without centralized 'Hollywood' money, talent,
production, marketing or distribution resources.
Today's
filmmaker
now has at his/her disposal the means to develop, produce, market and
distribute media products worldwide without lots of money, expensive
equipment or large crews.
This is becoming an exciting reality, as filmmakers are making their mark in
communities all around the world, creating new cinematic models for us all.
With an
attitude of creativity and innovation, these alternative filmmakers may be
short on money, but not on passion and vision. They are the new breed
of independent filmmakers, who embody the true independence that used to
inspire ones of the past, not the faux independence propagated by
Hollywood studios who co-opt independent themes and styles. Of course in
the end, these filmmakers still need to create satisfying cinema that will entertain,
educate and enlighten their audiences. It has been said that
mainstream media assures the audience, while independent media challenges
the audience. Are you ready to be challenged?
NEW
CONSCIOUSNESS MARKET
For the past three or four decades the
world has been experiencing a type of consciousness awakening, a new
creativity and a change in the way experiences are expressed. The
social consciousness of the 60's and 70's blended with the self-help
and spiritual focus of the 80's, which in turn created a new
marketplace movement into the 90's, all laying the foundation for
phenomenal growth into this new millennium.
This trend, whether it be called
"consciousness raising", "positive thinking", or
"personal inner growth" with elements of the self-help and
spiritual growth movements blended in, has reshaped both the outer
and inner
landscape of our world. It is here. It is a known fact. And it continues to
grow and expand.
A number of points highlight and illustrate this
phenomena;
Several large reputable
companies use consciousness raising techniques in their management
programs.
Metaphysical publishing has become one of
the fastest growing markets in the publishing industry.
The skyrocketing growth and
awareness of 'socially responsible criteria' investments.
Over 25% of U.S. physicians now use some
type of alternative technique in their practice.
People in this 'alternative psychographic'
control about 1/3 of all discretionary income in the U.S.
Estimates state that between 50 and 60 million people in the U.S. are
interested in 'spiritual products'.
Estimates state that about 40% of U.S.
adults purchase 'alternative' products regularly.
Estimates state that 40% to 60% of the people in the U.S. are involved in
some type of 'spiritual quest'.
Repeated prominent exposure from the media of this
new consciousness
market's growth
and strength.
To take this
point farther, into the realm of film and media, we are led to ...
NEW CINEMA
NICHE?
Films with metaphysical themes and
content. Media with mystical and supernatural elements. Cinema with
spiritual ideas and concepts. Some call it Spiritual Cinema, a new genre,
or sub-genre, in the entertainment world. By spiritual we do not mean
religious. Religious type media promotes a particular doctrine or
philosophy. Films with a more generic metaphysical or spiritual theme
usually do not proselytize, but have a more universal, yet personal
theme. They generally have positive, inspiring and uplifting stories that
reveal and express insight and wisdom into our inner natures. Without
sounding too preachy, they can be very powerful, and many people respond
to them in an empathetic way. Most include a positive vision of life and
leave you feeling good afterwards, containing no gratuitous violence,
exploitative sex, or other negative imagery. These films usually delight
and inspire, and contain positive role models, important messages and
humor. In a way they are emotional, mental and spiritual nutrition for
audiences hungry and thirsty for their vision, intent and originality.
There is some
recognition of this market by Hollywood, since they periodically put out
films (and TV programs) with these themes.
Of course, they are not marketed as this
niche, but within a mainstream genre, such as drama, comedy, thriller,
sci-fi, etc, to capture a wide market demographic.
A number of
mainstream films and TV shows that have been produced over the years
could be classified in this genre. Just a few examples: (for
more go
here)
A GUY NAMED JOE HERE COMES MR. JORDAN POWDER
ALWAYS IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE RESURRECTION
CHANCES ARE JACOB'S LADDER SIXTH SENSE
DEFENDING YOUR LIFE JOAN
OF ARCADIA (TV) STAR WARS
DRAGONFLY KUNG FU (TV) THE RAZOR'S EDGE
FIELD OF DREAMS LITTLE BUDDHA VANILLA SKY
GHOST MY
LIFE WHAT DREAMS MAY COME
HEAVEN CAN WAIT PHENOMENON WHAT THE BLEEP DO WE KNOW?
Oddly, many of these type of films are not
favorites of the mainstream Hollywood community, even though most are
usually
financially successful, and some even critically acclaimed. Many are
projects pushed forward by someone with clout, and/or were
independent, or they probably would not have been produced/distributed
within the Hollywood studio system.
Stephen Simon
(Producer of over 20 films, including SOMEWHERE IN TIME and WHAT DREAMS
MAY COME), through his Spiritual Cinema Circle and Institute for Spiritual
Entertainment (see links),
has spearheaded the growth of this genre. He works tirelessly today
to help shepherd the awareness and expansion of this cinematic movement.
OUR PARADIGM
- OUR NICHE
WAY TO GO
MEDIA
is an exciting, new film development company dedicated to making
independent, digital films with metaphysical themes through illuminating
and powerful stories with meaning for all. By carefully crafting
quality stories into inspiring and insightful cinema, we will appeal to an
underserved audience seeking fresh and enriching entertainment. These
elements are becoming more and more important in both mainstream and
independent films, which will expand their prominence in our society.
We are currently positioning
our resources to develop, produce, market and
distribute low-budget, high-quality, Hi-Def feature films (dramatic and
documentary) in this
spiritual/metaphysical/mystical genre. We intend to create
cinematic projects where story is king, creativity the rule and hard work
the norm. Using state-of-the-art digital production tools, a
highly-motivated cast and crew pool that will enjoy co-ownership
opportunities and an innovative, dynamic model for distribution, we feel
we have a winning formula for a successful future.
We are also
seeking others who share our vision and passion in creating original,
provocative film projects, the likes of which the world has never seen
before. If you have any such interest,
go to our
contact page.
There are a number of ways to get involved. We look forward to
hearing from you, especially if you're searching for a new ... way to go
... in your creative life.
“To me, the great hope is
that now these little video recorders and stuff are coming
out, and some, just people, who normally
wouldn’t be making movies are
gonna
start making them. And, y’know, suddenly one day, some
little
fat girl in Ohio is gonna be the new Mozart,
y'know, and
make some film with her little father's
camcorder. And
for once, the so-called
professionalism about movies
will be destroyed…forever, y’know.
And then
it will really become an art form…”
Francis Ford Coppola
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