Digital film guru Scott Kirsner (pictured) conducted a series of six case studies for ITVS, on the strategies applied by documentary filmmakers when it came to utilizing new media tools for self-distribution. It's a great look at what is possible in today's landscape.

 

Scott Kirsner: New technologies are creating unprecedented opportunities for social issue filmmakers, whether they are already members of the ITVS community—or aspiring members. But chasing every new opportunity can be a waste of a filmmaker’s energy and resources. Which ones will generate the biggest return, in terms of attracting viewers, making change in the world and producing positive financial results?

 

The ITVS Digital Initiative: Report from the Field, a series of case studies published on the ITVS website, aims to answer that question. By sharing the stories of filmmakers who are experimenting with new technologies, and trying whenever possible to quantify the results, we’ll seek to inspire other filmmakers to innovate—while trying to avoid raising unrealistic expectations.

 

The Report from the Field will focus on three main changes, or pillars: opening up production, finding new audiences and taking advantage of new distribution opportunities:

 

Opening Up Production to Participation -  During pre-production and production, how are filmmakers communicating with audiences, widely dispersed teams, funders and prospective subjects in new ways? What new opportunities for involvement and participation are they exploring?

 

Finding New Audiences - Once a project is completed and ready for release/broadcast, how are filmmakers using blogs, social networks, games and other technologies to reach audiences that will care about their project?

 

New Distribution Opportunities - How are filmmakers presenting their work on websites, cell phones, iPods and the new generation of Internet-connected TVs and set-top boxes? Do these distribution avenues create conflict with more traditional outlets? Are there substantial economic benefits or simply promotional positives?

 

Click here to read Kirsner's report and the eight highly informative case studies.