Free (Plus Fee)

By Beau

Things are changing in the entertainment industry.  The internet is providing almost unlimited access to just about anything, and as a result of this audiences are expecting more and more access for less and less commitment on their part.  This translates to “We want the same content, but we want it for free.”

The film industry is learning this from the music industry, and while it can be very depressing for those of us who have chosen this career path, it’s also somewhat exciting to be on the forefront of change.  What’s going to happen next, and how can we make it work.  Perhaps this is a sign that art shouldn’t cost anything.  You make it to make it, and give it to the people is like paying it forward.  Yet, like Karma, making your art available for free may have it’s benefits.

Lance Weiler of workbookproject.com is a prime example of this mantra.  Every day he shares his knowledge with those of us willing to listen (which I’m trying to be more disciplined in doing so), and this video is no different.  From his DIY Days conference, here’s a video of the Tribeca Film Institute’s Brian Newman on “Free (plus fee).”