Independent Filmmaking and Digital ConvergenceTransmedia and BeyondBy Vladan Nikolic
282 Pages
Independent Filmmaking and Digital Convergence: Transmedia and Beyond offers a comprehensive analysis of the technological changes of the past few decades in independent film and media-making, and explores new strategies and practices in media production, exhibition and distribution for independent producers and content creators. The book examines how independent filmmaking concepts have merged with digital and online technologies to create new hybrid multi-platform content creations. It explores key questions like how to reach an audience at a time when media conglomerates and their products dominate the market, and simultaneously, there is an overabundance of content competing for viewer time. The book investigates what kind of stories we tell and why; how the audience has changed, and what their expectations are; what the various niche markets are for independent producers and creators in new media; and new models for media financing and distribution.
The content found in this book:
- Bridges the gap between professional media-makers and amateurs by focusing on new and emerging media models and practices.
- Provides a holistic view of the new media landscape, and practical advice on producing content in the new multi-platform media environment.
- Demonstrates how to create financially sustainable models for independent producers and creators in a shifting and unstable environment, providing many challenges, but also opportunities for independents.
The author's website (
http://www.filmconvergence.com/) supports this book with case studies, news and updates.
Table of ContentsForeword
SECTION 1 - INDEPENDENT MEDIA AND DIGITAL CONVERGENCE
Introduction: Independents vs. the Mainstream
Rise of the Independent Filmmaker
Technology Changes
A New Paradigm
Emerging Models and Practices
- DIY & No Budget Production Models
- Crowdfunding & crowdsourcing
- Cross-Distribution Models
- Web Videos & Online Stars
6. The Big Picture
SECTION 2- STORYTELLING ACROSS MEDIA PLATFORMS
7. New Ways of Storytelling: Transmedia and Cross-media Concepts
8. Project Development
- Defining the Goal
- Narrative Patterns
- World & Tone of the Story: Character Development
- Story Arc and Plot Points
- Elements of the "Transmedia Bible"
9. Project Organization
- Funding & Organization Models
- Audience Building & Engagement
- Media Platforms
10. What Does the Future Hold
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Index
BiographyVladan Nikolic is an independent filmmaker and associate professor at the School of Media Studies at The New School in New York City. He has made numerous narrative feature films and documentaries, which have screened, won awards and critical acclaim in the United States and internationally. Mr. Nikolic is among the digital filmmaking pioneers, and had taught the first digital filmmaking courses at The New School and at New York University in the ‘90s. In 2009, he directed and produced the feature film Zenith, which was part of a groundbreaking transmedia project. Vladan has worked and consulted on a variety of transmedia projects since, from film-related to educational platforms, and taught classes and seminars on transmedia internationally, including in Shanghai, China, and at the Hong Kong Design Institute.
Reviews "Vlad Nikolic brings insight and intelligence to the changing technologies and distribution models for today’s independent storytellers. Borne from his own experience as a filmmaker, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in telling digital stories."
—Paul Hardart, Director of Media Management at The New School
"The development of artistic form is driven by technological innovation, something that pioneer Vlad Nikolic knows intimately. In his timely and expertly researched new book, he skillfully describes the new realities and challenges that so many filmmakers find themselves in - able to create work but struggle to have it seen - and how to break through the roadblocks."
—Paul Cronin, Editor of Alexander Mackendrick's On Film-Making, Werner Herzog's A Guide for the Perplexed and Abbas Kiarostami's Lessons with Kiarostami.
"As one of the first to use digital video to make a feature film, one of the first to make a transmedia feature film project, and one of the earliest professors teaching digital filmmaking at the New School and New York University, Vladan Nikolic is the ideal person to write about the impact of the digital world on real life filmmaking and filmmakers. With sections on raising money, production, distribution and promotion, among others, this book is the comprehensive overview of independent films in the digital age that we have all been waiting for."
—Jim Stark, Independent Film Producer
