I finally posted the Models for Sustainable Cinema presentation (link: PDF 2.6 MB) I gave at the San Francisco IIFF meeting. The meeting was great (thanks for the invite Thomas and the intro Carl!). Lots of excited and enthusiastic filmmakers, entrepreneurs, and financiers. The presentation was created to be given in person, so it won't have the same effect. But just imagine me waving my arms, getting all amped up, and saying things like this:

In general, filmmakers have been very slow to effectively use the web. The main problem is that we don't think of the web as an integral part of the filmmaking process. Today, a filmmaker might have a website, a Quicktime trailer of the film, some press clippings, a mailing list, and maybe even a blog. That needs to change.

I believe films need to be produced from inception with the web- and therefore the audience- in mind. I mean, if the goal is to sell your movie, then by all means don't just make your movie. What you need to do is create buzz, fans, AND a movie. And you can't expect to create buzz after the fact. The current filmmaking process is like hiding in a box for months and popping out with some new thing that no one's heard of or wants. My presentation points out ways to avoid that and make content *with* the web rather than *for* the web. 'Cause the web is people. And you just might have to include me in the creative process if you want me to watch your movie, love your movie, and tell all my friends and family to go see your movie. Heck, if you do your job right, I'll be telling everyone to come see my movie.

NOTE: By no means am I saying every independent filmmaker needs to be doing these things and that every independent film needs to focus on things like the web and buzz and fans. But if you want to make money from your film, that's what you need to do. At some point there will be services that do these things for you. Until then, if you want to make money making your own movies, start learning how to use the web.