This process can also interlink with each other, and backtrack where needed. Each stage is connected by solid communication from each department, and they all rely on each other to ensure the production process runs smoothly.
Online Space business plan.
My idea would be to create an umbrella webspace that pulls in underground artists in both animation, gaming and filmmaking, utilising existing social networking sites and external websites dedicated to each medium, offering forums, review sections, a free space to post independent films, and a place for sponsers and mainstream representatives to turn to when roping in some of the ideology and methodology of 'underground' filmmaking.
Strategy;
In the current age of online communication and distribution of media amongst certain communities, this has offered an entire range of perks and bonuses to those wishing to find access into the wide industry that caters for it. Various ‘indie’ or underground productions have found fan bases and lives of their own via the online medium. There are downsides however, and prejudices to the underground filmmaking that mainstream features often
If an online space were to be created to cater for the needs of up and coming filmmakers, animators and games designers, then there are certain aspects that would need to be considered. For example this strategy would need to offer an extensive resource for up and coming artists to learn from, add to, and to eventually use and post their results. A library of useful links to various tutorial sites, leading practitioners, free independent videos and films to view and even sponsors to aid in the funding and promoting of said films.
I would imagine this would function as a social ‘hub’ for all filmmakers in all three aspects; games, animation and live action filmmaking, with this umbrella site pooling all the methodologies and minds of the practitioners involved. A questions and answer section, perhaps in the form of a blog could prove useful, with leading artists in the various fields lending their knowledge and support to this endeavour, sharing insider knowledge of the industry. Also a ‘review’ area would be pivotal for critiques and feedback from all fields of filmmaking, and would also generate talk about certain pieces of work. Socialising is also key for advertisement and recognition, and can be applied naturally via linking various networking websites such as Face book, MySpace, and leading forums in games and filmmaking. Allowing independent filmmakers to show case their works and generate visible support on forums is the fundamental backbone of this strategy, as the feedback from the community will generate the talk, and get the ball rolling which solves most of the other issues by its natural progression. Clear examples of external sources that could be pulled under this webspaces can be seen below.
Indi filmmaking forum http://www.indietalk.com/
Animation forum http://www.animationforum.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=7
Online freelance games forum http://board.flashkit.com/board/forumdisplay.php?forumid=5
Below are some existing social animation and filmmaking communities that can be found on networking sites, just browsing through the comments page, the video posts, the mixing of various talented people shows this is a firm yet aptly loose community which has a wealth of natural knowledge that people can glean from at their own pace.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Independent-Film/104661818133
http://www.facebook.com/massanimation#!/massanimation?v=wall
http://www.filmmaking.net/
In reversal this umbrella webspace could act as a means of constructive criticism and analysis on the mainstream industry as a whole, acting as the voice of the raw filmmakers and their opinions on marketing and distribution. The latest developments and marketing strategies could also be discussed and attempted using this space as a means of experimenting, plus the results and feedback would be available for all to take notice of, especially the industry that would no doubt keep an eye on this space. Essentially this would become a platform of the underground community becoming autonomous, and its successes and failures acting as a litmus test in the eyes of mainstream pioneers. Both remain separate, which is essential, bonuses and pit-falls too, but at the same time both would relate to and inform the development of each other.
Having a free space to distribute your work, social feedback, and a wealth of resources from other like minded individuals would be the key elements in this online space, the umbrella link to many other sites as listed above. Would this be capable of being self sufficient? Or would it need monitoring? Forums alone would require administrators due to the inevitable heated topics, arguments, and the touchy subject matters that underground films are notorious for delving into. I think this structure would ensure recognition amongst their peers, whilst not sacrificing the one fundamental aspect that makes the indie world so much more imaginative, compelling, and visionary in light of Hollywood’s mainstream features.
Video Journal. Quick video I made recording myself talking about digital animation in two films, 'The age of stupid' and 'A scanner darkly' discussing how the animation in both complimented the narrative message in each, and why the varied techniques, particularly in Age of Stupid, really helped.
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