Filmmaking App Development
As part of Fetcher’s (http://www.fetchermedia.com) on-going commitment as a resource for filmmakers, we are currently in the process of developing a custom built Location Scout App through our mobile department at Gabriel Media Group Inc.(http://www.gabrielmediagroupinc.com)
The idea came to us after reading Arin Crumley’s (http://www.arincrumley.com) tech review article of the Nexus One phone in Filmmaker Magazine (http://filmmakermagazine.com/news/2010/07/soft-sell/) where he ponders the question of whether or not a Location Scout App exists – to which, we discovered – there is not a general app! After reaching out to Arin through his openindie.com site, he has agreed to consult with us and has provided a great wish list of features.
Although there are some good production apps on the market (http://www.mimvi.com is a good place to start a search for related apps) we have noticed that there are not any good “producer’s toolkit apps”, so we have put that in our development pipeline as well.
We would welcome any feedback on what you (filmmaker, producer, industry professional) would most like to have as a helpful feature in a toolkit app. Our goal is to release them as an app for iPhone, iPad and Andriod later this year. Let us know!
Indie Film Distribution
There is certainly a lot of discussion about the changing state of distribution for filmmakers looking for ways to get their film monetized and of course, seen by audiences. When I first started down the road of creating Fetcher Media as a resource for filmmakers to own and profit from their own content, the words “hybrid distribution” did not even exist. But that strategy, to spread out various licensing rights ( VOD, DVD, download, theatrical) for your film in order to capitalize on the strengths of different distribution business models and providers and create an revenue streams from those resources is exactly where Fetcher fits in for those filmmakers looking for non-exclusive DVD direct to consumer distribution and fulfillment.
To understand the new world order, there are some great articles and books out there. I recommend starting with Peter Broderick’s article, “Welcome to the New World of Distribution” which appeared in IndieWire magazine back in September of 2008. In it he clearly lays out a chart of differences from old world distribution vs. new world distribution. Most notably, that the old world model leaves the distributor in complete control of the success or failure of the film, and in new world distribution, the filmmaker is in control. This little difference is a quantum leap from the opportunities available back in the day when I was a struggling filmmaker trying to produce and finance independent films. Part of my passion for founding Fetcher comes directly from my excitement to try and be a resource in this new landscape.
Another great resource is “Think Outside the Box Office” by Jon Reiss ( http://jonreiss.com/blog/think-outside-the-box-office/introduction/ ) who explains “No longer can filmmakers expect someone to come and take their film off their hands and guarantee them theatrical release and full recoupment. Any filmmaker who doesn’t understand the current state of affairs is going to have a rude awakening.” However, his book is full of how to turn this state of affairs around to the filmmakers advantage, and I hope Fetcher is one resource in that empowerment.
Japanese star Erika Oda (Kore-edas Cannes smash After Life) stars as Tengan Rei, a young Okinawan woman who kidnaps Paris, the teenage son of a U.S. Marine convicted of raping her when she was a girl. Unlocking their shared histories, Rei and Paris are drawn together, even as the boys father closes in on them. Set against the stunning tropical beauty of Okinawa and the rusted grit of industrial Chicago, The First Breath of Tengan Rei takes viewers on an unforgettable emotional journey.
Erika (After Life) stars as Tengan Rei, a young okinawan woman who journeys to America to confront Nelso (Sean Nix), a U.S. Marine convicted of raping her when she was a girl. Rei kidnaps Nelson’s teenage son Paris (Katori Eason). Uncovering one another’s pasts, Rei and Paris are drawn to each other as Rei Prepares to face Nelson
The Orange Revolution in Ukraine was a massive demonstration of people for democracy and against electoral fraud. Millions braved freezing weather conditions to fight against stolen elections. THE ORANGE CHRONICLES is a powerfully moving and unique examination of Ukraine’s Orange Revolution from the perspective of an intrepid Ukrainian-American filmmaker. Director Damian Kolodiy, criss-crossed the country in the weeks before the remarkable events of 2004 as a volunteer International Election Observer, recording the build-up to what turned out to be one of the most astonishing bloodless political turnarounds in recent history.
Buy the full film on DVD today from Fetcher Media
(fetchermedia.com)
The Living Documents @ Chicago Latino Film Festival
