Episode 140 - Hollywood 2.0: Use the Web To Make Your Movie [Discussion]

[marilee]

This week we're wondering who our new enemy should be! And somewhat ironically, we are also looking at ways that social media can unite people. Howard Stern thinks blogging is for losers, Ze Frank is trying to bring together red states and blue states, and the FU of the Week is delivered by a filmmaker using the web to bring people together to crowd-fund her new movie. All that, plus an artist named Mr. Brainwash. What more could you need?

Watch or download the episode. (http://revision3.com/epicfu/jessicastover)

[hollywoodbound]

No Replies? Wow ok. I didn't realize people didn't have fingers. Anyways, I thoroughly enjoyed this one :-) As an actor I have got to respond to the posed question about whether crowd sourcing is a good alternative to studio funding.

The answer is mostly HHHEEEeeeelllll no! haha I am sorry to say but unless you are already a credible filmmaker/actor/producer that most people using the internet already know or have a genuine cause I don't believe people are going to donate. You MAY get something but it'll almost be pointless.

The young filmmaker in this past episode (Jessica Stover) claims shes already received 40 grand toward a 150,000 dollar budget. That is really something great and what she is doing with the creation of a forum and interactive fan base is great but I generally subscribe to a forum AFTER I see whatever it is there is to talk about (that was a tongue twister).

It also depends on the kind of movie being made. I think its safe to say that crowd sourcing would be most effective toward a documentary that investigates a topic people are passionate about.

Example:
John Smith is making a film about the discoloration of dandelions = donation of a ZERO

Al Gore is making a documentary about the Human Genome Project = donation of 100 bucks.

Crowd sourcing would also be more effective if people received something in return. Perhaps an honorable mention in the credits or some sort of simple royalty on an investment over X amount of dollars.

In regard to Howard Stern and his view on anyone over 15 blogging... I half agree and half disagree. I am a twitter user and I used to have a blog of stuff I thought was cool. I realized after using google analytics I had little to no pageviews... People don't care. Truthfully, I don't usually care either about the average joe. I wanna read about the kind of tea Kevin Rose is making or if Veronica Belmont got a new shirt because those are the people I feel most comfy around and inspired by.

On the flip side, however, I DID just put up a blog about a road trip I took across America. Even though I am pretty average (though in my head I friggin rock) this is something that is a dream for most people so I wanted to share it. If you are blogging about a niche topic and have something unique to say i say GO FOR IT! If you are using tumblr to promote your own personal daily musings I say don't waste your time.

Anyways this was my first ep of epic in a few weeks and Its safe to say that I felt like I was on an awesome version of geeky speed! Love it Zadi! Keep doing your thing! (and keep your job at rev3 also please... if you can help it... I miss my Sarah Lane)

Ahhh fuck it... Ill plug that blog I was talking about. Supertrip.tumblr.com

--Darrin