Power to the Pixel: The Digital Distribution Forum for Independents was a ground-breaking one-day forum that took place on 26th October 2007, AT THE BFI SOUTHBANK in association with the London Film Festival.
It connected the film community with key innovators of the digital revolution who are pioneering new ways of distributing, marketing and financing independent films.
Leading filmmakers, entrepreneurs, networks and companies creating cutting edge distribution strategies shared their expertise on the latest digital tools and practices that are transforming the film business.
A big thanks to all the speakers for such inspiring and insightful presentations, to WiseGuy Pictures for filming the conference and to all our partners.
Here’s the programme with links to videos of all the sessions.
9.15 - 10.00
REGISTRATION, TEA & COFFEE
10.00 - 10.15
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION
Sandra Hebron - Artistic Director, London Film Festival
Liz Rosenthal - Director, Power to the Pixel
WATCH VIDEO
10.15 - 10.45
IS THEATRICAL DEAD?
Opening Statement
Veteran indie distributor and producer Ira Deutchman discusses the need for theatrical release and its potential relevance (or lack thereof) in the digital age.
Ira Deutchman - President, Emerging Pictures
WATCH VIDEO
10.45 - 11.15
AUDIENCE AND DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION
Presentation
What do they want and what are the challenges facing the film industry?
Peter Buckingham - Head of Distribution and Exhibition, UK Film Council
WATCH VIDEO
11.15 - 11.30
BREAK
11.30 - 13.00
THE NEW DISTRIBUTORS
Presentations and Roundtable discussion
Leading innovators discuss a range of new opportunities and services available to filmmakers and rights holders.
WATCH VIDEO OF COMPLETE SESSION
Moderator: Michael Gubbins - Editor, Screen International & Screendaily.com
David Straus & Joe Neulight - Co-founders, Withoutabox - WATCH VIDEO
Paula le Dieu - Managing Director, Magic Lantern - WATCH VIDEO
Sara Pollack - Film and Animation Manager, YouTube - WATCH VIDEO
Kelly De Vine - Content Consultant, The Reframe Project -WATCH VIDEO
13.00 - 14.00
LUNCH BREAK
14.00 - 14.20
ROBERT GREENWALD & BRAVE NEW FILMS & IRAQ FOR SALE
Virtual Speaker: Robert Greenwald, Filmmaker
Introduced by Liz Rosenthal, Director, Power to the Pixel
Award-winning documentary filmmaker and activist Robert Greenwald describes how he and his team at Brave New Films finance and distribute their films to an audience of millions, independent of mainstream media.
WATCH VIDEO
14.20 - 14.55
DISTRIBUTION CASE STUDY: FOUR EYED MONSTERS
Presentation
The filmmakers behind the award-winning cult film and podcast series Four Eyed Monsters describe the self distribution route they created.
Arin Crumley & Susan Buice, Filmmakers
WATCH VIDEO
14.55 - 15.30
DISTRIBUTION CASE STUDY: HEAD TRAUMA
Presentation
Hear how director Lance Weiler planned the promotion and distribution of his second feature Head Trauma using no cost online tools to create a huge buzz around the DIY digital theatrical tour and DVD release.
Lance Weiler, Filmmaker
WATCH VIDEO
15.30 - 15.40
BREAK
15.40 - 16.00
DV8: A NEW PRODUCTION MODEL FROM AFRICA
Presentation
Jeremy Nathan, digital production pioneer and CEO of DV8, talks about the opportunities and challenges of digital distribution from an African perspective.
Jeremy Nathan, Producer
WATCH VIDEO
16.00 - 16.20
CINEMA 2.0 CASE STUDY: A SWARM OF ANGELS
Presentation
A Swarm Of Angels is an open source film project, whose aim is to make the world’s first Internet-funded, crewed and distributed feature film.
Matt Hanson, Filmmaker
WATCH VIDEO
16.20 - 17.00
ADVENTURES IN SELF-DISTRIBUTION
Five trail-blazing filmmakers discuss the opportunities for, and future potential of self distribution.
Liz Rosenthal, Arin Crumley & Susan Buice, Lance Weiler, Jeremy Nathan, Matt Hanson
WATCH VIDEO
17.00 - 20.00
POWER TO THE PIXEL DRINKS PARTY
Riverside Rooms, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1
SUMMARY
This is a brand new event that I’m organising during the London Film Festival this year.
It takes place on Friday 26 October 2007 at NFT1, BFI Southbank
Power to the Pixel is a one-day forum that will connect the film community with key innovators of the digital revolution who are pioneering new ways of distributing, marketing and financing independent films.
Leading filmmakers, entrepreneurs, networks and companies creating cutting edge distribution strategies will share their expertise on the latest digital tools and practices that are transforming the film business, as well as describing new ways of working in the digital environment.
Confirmed Speakers
Ira Deutchman, President & CEO Emerging Pictures
Peter Buckingham, Head of Distribution and Exhibition, UK Film Council
Michael Gubbins, Editor, Screen International
David Straus & Joe Neulight, Co-founders, Withoutabox
Paula Le Dieu, Managing Director, Magic Lantern
Sara Pollack, Manager, Film & Animation, YouTube
Kelly De Vine, Content Consultant, Renew Media
Robert Greenwald, Director, Iraq For Sale, Walmart, Outfoxed
Liz Rosenthal, Director, Power to the Pixel; Producer, Earthly Delights Films
Susan Buice & Arin Crumley, Directors, Four Eyed Monsters
Lance Weiler, Director, Head Trauma, The Last Broadcast
Jeremy Nathan, Producer, DV8
Matt Hanson, Director, A Swarm of Angels
Key Programme Topics
In a programme of seminars, debates and case studies, delegates will gain:
» An overview of cutting edge digital distribution business models and services.
» An in-depth analysis of how direct-to-consumer technologies are empowering independents to build new audiences, maximise revenues and reach core, global audiences.
» Perspective on how new online developments are inspiring customised distribution strategies for individual films.
» An assessment of how ‘no borders’ distribution is erasing national boundaries and transforming the roles of traditional distributors and sales agents.
» An insight into pivotal issues surrounding Digital Rights Management, copyright and licensing issues in the digital era.
» The place of exhibition in the new value chain of distribution.
There will be a drinks reception at the end of the day where delegates and speakers can meet.
For information on programme, speakers and registration go to the London Film Festival web pages.
