Preaching to choir rings so true, it seems the community of filmmakers 'that are active online' are aware of whats going on, but even then, there's very little focus in any solid direction.
One of the first pioneers in content distribution online was David Stewart Best known as one-half of the groundbreaking synth-pop duo Eurythmics, Dave Stewart was also a highly successful producer, and on occasion, a solo artist. David started his version of YouTube in 1995, called the Slyfi channel, he had artist like Bono from U2 and others convinced they could have their TV show online. Well to say the least the world wasn't ready, is the world ready now?
I think we are ready, with internet media moving to peoples TV's, and with independent distribution media platforms coming into play. We will know longer be preaching to the choir.
Of course social media platforms will play the biggest role in all this, but in my opinion the larger social networks like facebook will only be a starting place for building an audience. A filmmaker just has he does in the real world, is going to go after established markets such as amazon and netflix. Beyond amazon and netflix/Hollywood are the independent film sites, and some of those have their own social network such as a forums, all great outlet for filmmakers to distribute and get the word out, and Film Tiki could be a platform to expedite some of this process for filmmakers, and filmmakers need all the help we can get.
There is a social media platform that I think people, filmmakers, business have yet to fully understand and embrace, and that's Ning.
With over 600,000 growing communities linked to facebook and Youtube. Ning. Communities also are inter linkable in a way that allows you to have a common ning user ID, that you can use to join any other network, and any friends you make, can be invited to your other networks.
In my opinion we will see an explosion of independent online movie sites for filmmakers with lots of options, but the one that will survive and flourish will be the ones that best embrace web 2.0 using all social media tools and platforms, this includes businesses.
The day of the build it and leave websites are coming to an end, filmmakers are going to half to get involved
Social Media use is exploding - in a good way!
I love saying “I told you so”. But then who doesn’t…
Before I start my rant for the day, let me give you a bit of background info: for the last couple of years I have been working as a researcher and consultant on how to use Social Media to promote and distribute products and services, especially films, which is where the idea for developing FilmTiki came from. In my work as a consultant and speaker I often get asked who uses Social Media to find out about products anyway. Who cares about what their online “friends” say? Surely, it must only be teens hanging around myspace in their suburbian bedrooms - that is the most common statement. And these teens only watch “Not another teen movie”, “The Dark Knight”, “Gossip Girl” and the likes.
Well, that is not true. Not true whatsoever. A new report from Forrester Research shows that “usage of social technologies increased markedly in 2008: three in four US online adults now use social tools to connect with each, up from 56% in 2007.” (quoted from ReadWriteWeb)
Apparantly the use of ratings and reviews will continue to grow and become a staple when making purchase decisions (I certainly take user reviews on Amazon.com into account). Also, blogging and tagging remain popular.
Some of the best news for niche content producers (read: independet filmmakers) is that youtube look-alikes for a huge range of niches are popping up almost daily. Sure, not all of them are actually going to survive or be useful, but by utilizing the right mix of huge or at least big streaming platforms (along with proper TAGGING) and niche platforms suitable for ones content, filmmakers can build and reach engaged audiences for their films. And, those audiences will tell their friends about the films they like.
Things are looking up, online. Be sure, I’ll keep telling you. But if you are reading this, I am probably preaching to the choir. So… tell your friends! Especially those who doubt the usefulness of Social Media.
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