Dismantling Net Neutrality means that the major movie studios will rule the Internet, while access to the digital distribution that indie filmmakers believe to be the future WILL BE CRIPPLED.
The independent filmmaking industry needs a new relationship with investors [UPDATED]
Prolific indie film producer Ted Hope, who spent the past year as Executive Director of the San Francisco Film Society (as of June 2015, a Production Executive at AMAZON STUDIOS), recently posted "Towards A Sustainable Investor Class: Accessing Quality Projects" as a call to build a healthy independent filmmaking industry. As always, he makes an … Continue reading The independent filmmaking industry needs a new relationship with investors [UPDATED]
My Bumpy Road Through “Hollywood” — CROWDFUNDING SUCKS.
CROWDFUNDING SUCKS. In the past two days, I've had some conversations that remind me that there is no "fun" in crowdfund. It is a necessary evil, borne of the collapse of the economy, possibly the only chance for the art of filmmaking to continue. That's versus the marketing channel that is the current Hollywood studio … Continue reading My Bumpy Road Through “Hollywood” — CROWDFUNDING SUCKS.
You’ll enjoy reading NATE AND KELLY
If anything I've written has informed or inspired you, you will enjoy reading my novel NATE AND KELLY. Read the many reviews!
From the Ivey Business Review: “Arrested Economics — Assessing Netflix’s Original Content Business”
Story-makers, the shift in the independent film industry includes new opportunities in what is commonly called "television." The new creative opportunities are exciting. Here's the second of two discussions about these new opportunities. Arrested Development and House of Cards aren't designed to deliver the metrics Wall Street expects, and this means a lot about how … Continue reading From the Ivey Business Review: “Arrested Economics — Assessing Netflix’s Original Content Business”
From the Ivey Business Review: “Original TV Series — The Illusory ‘Silver Bullet'”
Story-makers, the shift in the independent film industry includes new opportunities in what is commonly called "television." The new creative opportunities are exciting. Here's the first of two discussions about these new opportunities. Streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon see original TV series as the path to success. It's not. But consumers win. Reposted … Continue reading From the Ivey Business Review: “Original TV Series — The Illusory ‘Silver Bullet'”
There’s a fine line between exploitation and opportunity in the film industry. [UPDATED AGAIN!]
There has been a battle going on in Hollywood for a while now that threatens to upset one of the premises of the entire film industry. You might think it must be about digital disruption, but it's not. Is it about 3D? No. Maybe it's about lack of creativity in an industry swollen with sequels, … Continue reading There’s a fine line between exploitation and opportunity in the film industry. [UPDATED AGAIN!]
Should YouTubers launch new platforms to compete with YouTube?
From Slated.com: “The new ‘soft’ money” for making indie movies
This is very important information for filmmakers seeking funds for their movie projects, and explains the approach that has been surprising and frustrating for those indie filmmakers who are not interested in ROI ("Return on Investment") or the investment aspect of filmmaking. (See my earlier blog, "Crowdfunding and 'Hey Zach Braff STFU and pay for … Continue reading From Slated.com: “The new ‘soft’ money” for making indie movies
Episode 2: Lloyd Kaufman of TROMA discusses crowdfunding
The SECOND episode of Indie Film Industry News is now online. We feature indie icon Lloyd Kaufman of TROMA Entertainment, who discusses crowdfunding for indie movies, including his opinion of successful directors using crowdfunding for their large movie projects.
Episode 1: Hal “Corky” Kessler explains Sec. 181
Episode 1: Hal "Corky" Kessler explains Sec. 181.
Crowdfunding and “Hey Zach Braff STFU and pay for your own movie” [UPDATED January 2014]
Why is there controversy about projects such as Rob Thomas's VERONICA MARS and Zach Braff's WISH I WAS HERE going to crowdfunding for the money to make their projects? The surge in Perks-based Donor Crowdfunding over the past few years was primarily built on the concept that creative projects dreamed up by common folks with … Continue reading Crowdfunding and “Hey Zach Braff STFU and pay for your own movie” [UPDATED January 2014]
THIS IS THE SECOND ‘GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION.’
When looking at what I've termed "The Blended Screens" -- the destruction of all the different ways that used to define what we were watching (it was a "movie" because it was shot on film and shown in a movie theater; it was a "TV Show" because it was shot on tape and broadcast by … Continue reading THIS IS THE SECOND ‘GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION.’
“Story-making”
Production is morphing into ... what? Is it "filmmaking" if there's no film? Are we "taping" a program if there's no tape? Are they "films" or "movies" it they are viewed on a smartphone? Is it "Television" if it's streaming online on demand? The technology of production and the delivery methods are no longer pertinent … Continue reading “Story-making”
The JOBS Act of April 2012 is a Failure for America.
THIS IS A MAJOR JOBS PROBLEM AND NEEDS OUR ATTENTION:America needs good jobs. Joblessness and low-wage jobs have crippled the survival and prosperity of millions of Americans, and are a drag on our entire economy.The promise of the JOBS Act, signed into law a year ago and supported by the most bi-partisanship effort in recent … Continue reading The JOBS Act of April 2012 is a Failure for America.
Rich Lackey explains “dynamic range” …
In the debate about digital versus film, Rich Lackey explains "dynamic range" ...
If You EVER Use FACEBOOK On Your Phone, They Will Always Track You!
The latest news from Facebook is that they are turning your phone into a permanent tracking device so they can sell your whereabouts to any organization or person they choose, regardless of whether you've turned anything on or off. Unlike other services such as Foursquare or Google's Latitude, you won't be choosing what to share … Continue reading If You EVER Use FACEBOOK On Your Phone, They Will Always Track You!
FILMMAKERS, IT’S 2013. DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR JOBS ACT IS? Part 1
1 FILMMAKERS, IT’S 2013. DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR JOBS ACT IS? Part 1 of 2 Written by Michael R. Barnard Michael R. Barnard is a writer and filmmaker who has been researching the American JOBS Act since it was first proposed. Barnard is currently working on creating an independent feature film, A FATHER AND … Continue reading FILMMAKERS, IT’S 2013. DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR JOBS ACT IS? Part 1
FILMMAKERS, IT’S 2013. DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR JOBS ACT IS? Part 2
1 FILMMAKERS, IT’S 2013. DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR JOBS ACT IS? Part 2 of 2 Written by Michael R. Barnard Michael R. Barnard is a writer and filmmaker who has been researching the American JOBS Act since it was first proposed. Barnard is currently working on creating an independent feature film, A FATHER AND … Continue reading FILMMAKERS, IT’S 2013. DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR JOBS ACT IS? Part 2
Review of Budgeting and Scheduling programs for Indie Filmmakers
Norman Berns of ReelGrok, the website "Where Filmmakers Get It," has reviewed several of the programs available for indie filmmakers to schedule and budget their movie projects. He reviews Movie Magic, Showbiz, Gorilla, Hot Budget, and scenechronize. MOVIE MAGIC Despite its advanced age, Movie Magic (https://www.reelgrok.com/review-detail.cfm?rid=8) remains the feature film budgeting/scheduling choice at most studios. … Continue reading Review of Budgeting and Scheduling programs for Indie Filmmakers
WRITER’S AGENTS IN LOS ANGELES & NEW YORK CITY
This is the start of a list that will, I hope, build based on input from writers and others with knowledge of the agencies. For now, I will try to update the list and keep it focused on Los Angeles and New York City area agencies. Please add names, contact information, the agency's preferences, and … Continue reading WRITER’S AGENTS IN LOS ANGELES & NEW YORK CITY
THE UNIVERSAL FILM ACCESS POINT
How will independent filmmakers fully embrace digital distribution for maximum value? It's a new world, and the old methods cannot be squeezed and twisted to work in it. There will be a new approach to bringing indie films to the audience. I call it the UNIVERSAL FILM ACCESS POINT. The old world existed because of … Continue reading THE UNIVERSAL FILM ACCESS POINT
Coffee joints for Writers & Filmmakers in NYC & L.A.
This is just for writers and filmmakers! =} Writers and filmmakers are often hauling their laptops to coffee houses for writing and working. In New York and Los Angeles, there are many such places, but sometimes they are difficult to find. Let’s build a list of coffee joints where we like to work. Besides, we … Continue reading Coffee joints for Writers & Filmmakers in NYC & L.A.
EQUITY CROWDFUNDING RULEMAKING APPROACHES SOON.
I was at a seminar this week that purported to be about the new EQUITY CROWDFUNDING, but sadly, the panel was populated by finance professionals whose disdain for those of us who are not "high end, high net worth" made the panel useless. These types of professional fundraisers, coming from the status quo investment community, … Continue reading EQUITY CROWDFUNDING RULEMAKING APPROACHES SOON.
URGENT UPDATE for filmmakers regarding the Crowdfunding Act of the JOBS ACT
The Securities and Exchange Commission is accepting comments on how it will formulate rules for the new equity CROWDFUNDING act that was included in the JOBS ACT. (See my story on ReelGrok.com at http://www.reelgrok.com/jobs-act-crowdfunding) This is important for indie filmmakers, since the ability to reasonably raise up to $1,000,000 from investors could reinvigorate the indie … Continue reading URGENT UPDATE for filmmakers regarding the Crowdfunding Act of the JOBS ACT
Michael R. Barnard's Thoughts & Discussions. 