session seven

Reinventing Cinema: Movies in the Age of Media Convergence is an insightful book that questions many of my previous assumptions about cinema. These assumptions cover various aspects of filmmaking and film viewing. These include assumptions about film production, film distribution, and film viewing experience and writing about film. In many ways the book argues that convergence developments have meant many aspects of film culture have changed or are beginning to change. For film production, for example, DIY (Do it Yourself) filmmaking has become possible. Filmmaking is no longer only for professionals with connection to large studios that have the only means to make films. For film distribution, convergence context and digital media have meant the traditional channels of film distribution are being challenged.  If DIY filmmakers can use digital media to make films, they can also use digital media to distribute them. Youtube has been used by these filmmakers to “generate buzz”, and distribute their films. Those who find pirated copies of films have also used Youtube. In this context the digital media have become a site where those who have the traditional means of filmmaking and distribution struggle against those who do not follow the same rules. Writing about film and commenting on film is perhaps one of the most explicit ways in which film culture is changing because of new media. Blogging and armature commentary have meant that writing about film is no longer the occupation of a few privileged film critics. Film consumption and viewing experience has also changed. While viewing film in a darkened theater with a group of strangers is still popular, it is no longer the only way to experience film. One assumption or argument that keeps getting repeated is that these new experiences in film viewing are not as good because they do not involve big screens. I have to question that argument for at least two reasons. First, I am not certain that watching film on smaller screens is any less pleasurable. Second, larger screens are now available at homes (bigger higher quality television screens and other projecting technologies).