Categories
Truly Free Film

10 Must Read Film Biz Articles Of 2014

A lot has gone on in 2014. Our world continues to change rapidly. It no longer will be what it once was and we have to move on from it. IMHO, few have a handle on where it is all heading. All the more reason why you should want to dig in deep and explore.  All the more reason why we need filters and curators to point us in one direction or the other.  All the more reason we need someone to approach it as a business, and stop relying on those who feel forced to do it as a hobby.

Here’s my quick survey on the year in film biz that was, as told by the articles that resonated for me (or at least ten of the subjects). Many thanks to my friends who helped pull this together by recommending reads along the way.

Categories
Truly Free Film

May You Never Really Know What You Are Doing

Okay, we aim for mastery (yes and autonomy and purpose too) but it’s most exciting to grow.  And personally I think it is more exciting to WATCH someone who is learning than someone who is demonstrating what they know.  I describe this as loving the experiment over the proof.  I get chills when I watch

Categories
Truly Free Film

Ads Could Save Independent Film: Part 1

There is little I hate more in life than online advertising. Dental visits, food poisoning, taxes; I hate ads more. That’s at least what I would have told you a few years ago, and I would have been right. I’d tell you that they were the worst thing to happen to filmed entertainment since online streaming began. You think anyone is going to risk sitting through five commercial breaks on Hulu to watch your random indie movie? Our overstimulated brains have a hard enough time keeping focused and interested as it is.

So what’s a cinephile to do?

Categories
Truly Free Film

Pop Culture Called For Revolution In 2014

"If you can't break eggs to make an omelette, break the plate."
“If you can’t break eggs to make an omelette, break the plate.”

We love to bring down oppressive regimes — at least in our films. What does this say about our ability to recognize our own situation regarding our desire for greater freedoms? Are we tapping our desire for change with the stories we tell? Are our artists as free to explore this desire for change as we think? Do they have to take the quiet road when walking that talk? If they are somehow oppressed, how and where is the oppression manifest? What can we learn by examining the work we made, distributed, and consumed this year?

In other words, if art is partially about showing us all that we can aspire to as individuals, communities, and a planet, what are our films telling us about where we should be headed this coming year?

Categories
Truly Free Film

16 Predictions For The Film Biz 2015 And Beyond

"Stare into the sun"
“Stare into the sun”

Okay, I did not get it all right last year.  Perhaps you think my crystal ball had a crack in it. But I did not say they would all hit this year. Check back on 2014’s predictions come the 2020’s and you might be surprised how right I am. Or not, but still if we don’t look at where we think we are going, how are we to pave the roads to take us there?

So what I do I predict this year for the years ahead? In examining this list, take in mind that I am not advocating for these developments, nor am I ranking them.  I just took the moments needed to examine where we are today, what’s been said, and where it may all lead. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this and where you think it may go too.

Categories
Truly Free Film

A First Time Writer/Director’s Trial by Fire, Part #5: Not Wise to Ignore David Lynch

I was going to post about the fun and vitality of look books. Removing the writer’s hat and stepping into the director’s shoes to create the bridge that offers potential producers, managers or investors a first glimpse into how you intend to transform your story into a visually vibrant world. Next time. After reading an inspiring article by Ariston Anderson in Filmmaker Magazine about David Lynch, I slammed on my brakes to focus on a more esoteric topic: hope.

DL: “Looking back I did not have much self-assuredness in the beginning.”

Whether you enjoy his work or not, David Lynch is one of the most unique cinematic artists of our generation.

Categories
Truly Free Film

The Really Good Things In FilmBiz 2014

Let's look at the bright side!
Let’s look at the bright side!

Some rituals help keep us focused throughout the year. This marks the 4th time I have looked back at all the good things that occurred in the film biz and listed them out for all of us. Tracking them through year, keeps me from abandoning hope. Sometimes they may just be the silver lining in the storm cloud, but nonetheless they keep me going, keep me convinced that in fact we truly are: building it better together. I hope they do something close to that for you. It’s been a good year, and I have thirty two morsels to tempt you with. And of course the year’s not through yet, so perhaps you have some to add to this too. 

If you’ve encountered elements of this list earlier on my postings in Film Comment and on Keyframe, pay careful attention as I have weaved some new points into all for your reading pleasure. And if you like a little of the bitter to wash down the sweet, don’t forget the list of 30 Bad Things In 2014’s Film Biz here.