User Generated Revolution in Show Business

A new revolution is taking shape in the movie industry that challenges traditional filmmaking to the core. Spurred by a newfound passion amongst movie lovers to create their own content, thousands are coming together to form communities that will create movies via collaboration over the web. There’s no stopping this wave, as community film budgets get bigger and bigger; an ostensible threat to filmmakers, who are already struggling to get their share at the box office.

There is no business like show business. There’s definitely no arguing that. But what happens when show business is not merely the prerogative of the elite, but calls for participation by “regular” folks like you and me, who—lets face it—would probably never get a chance to play any kind of a role in the entertainment business in a lifetime?

Welcome to the new world of User Generated Filmmaking – An exploding community of thousands of movie lovers who do not merely carry a license to “watch” movies, but rather, to make what they want to see, when they want it. Sounds too good to be true? Not really.

In a way, these communities are performing a role reversal, if you will, on filmmakers and traditional filmmaking. The output of their collaboration results in a movie, much like any other; but the way that these movies are made is where the difference lies. The community does everything. They call scriptwriters (a heady mix, ranging from professional scriptwriters who simply love collaborating, to housewives, hobbyists and the odd nana, all united by a common passion for movies and filmmaking). A moderator, or the “alpha male” is swiftly appointed and the collaborative scriptwriting process begins with frenzied and fanatic discussions on online forums: “You write the first scene and I’ll follow your lead. May be you are being a tad too adventurous here with the central character. This is NOT a sci-fi thriller so lighten up!”

Collaboration tools like MediaWiki (the same technology that powers the amazingly popular user generated encyclopedia Wikipedia) and the new gun in town, Basecamp, provide the perfect solution to help these communities thrive. Their simplicity allows even technophobes to participate without hesitation.

Once the script reaches a stage where characters have been sketched and dialogues written, casting for the film begins – again over the web! Anyone from anywhere in the world can audition online by uploading their talent audios and videos, which the community swiftly begins sifting through. Performances are rated, feedback is given, and the new stars of tomorrow are born.

Then, traditional filmmaking processes takeover – locations are decided, cast and crew grouped together and shooting begins!

A perfect example of such a revolutionary filmmaking project is the aptly titled “Lets Film” project (www.LetsFilm.com). The project aims to create an ambitious action-packed, high intensity movie (that would understandably need a big budget for special effects and stunts!) completely online. Although it is not clear who is investing in and backing the project, the site has already raced to forming a neat little community online that’s buzzing with excitement.

So, if you have dropped off the kids at school and have some time on your hands, why not make a movie in your free time?