Inspired by The Engine
A Piece by Burke Roberts
In the early 21st century the art form most widely practiced by the generation is MOTION PICTURE (FILM/VIDEO). A variety of social and technical attributes are responsible for the rising phenomena, but the most apparent cause can certainly be traced to the advancement and availability of pro-sumer resource and technology. An era of “power to the people” (so to speak) in this medium threatens the corporate media empire as never before.
Now, what “the people” do with it, is beside the point. Sure, the fact that ‘everybody’ is a “filmmaker” clutters the path with unending mediocrity – However, let us not forget that in the 1960’s and 70’s “everyone” played guitar. –And as a result; that was inarguably the greatest era for the instrument.
Following this first major burst of innovative guitar, the major label record industry quickly reached peak capacity for it’s narrow view of what could be done in Rock & Roll. And so, If a band did not strive to fit into the commercial formula – they could rarely gain access to venues and audience. Corporate circles controlled concert halls - and nobody else had P.A. systems.
To remedy this over run of boring, soft rock hair bands, something that could not be calculated by the commerce vampires had to occur.. Enter: Punk Rock. Venues such as CBGB’s gave a platform for far more interesting music. In succession came the American Hardcore scene which gave way to, what has now become, a globally accessible, D.I.Y. Indy music circuit. Now, 8 out of 10 bars have a P.A. and stage.
Film has always evolved much slower than music. This was formerly because of the amount of money and people needed. So now, with the availability of the afore mentioned resources; why is there not more adventurous/experimental film prevalent for us all to see in America?
It is very simple: Lack of venues.
There are currently only 3 major viewing outlets for motion pictures.
Movie Theaters.. largely locked down by commercial interests. (DVD distribution to chain stores is related to, and under similar constraints)
Film Festivals.. although there are more popping up than ever, these venues are subject to unending politics and are, more often than not, mainly focused on bringing ‘Product’ to ‘Buyer’ – and therefore are not actually “Festivals” but “micro-corporate convention centers”.
-Both of these Venues call for filmmakers to “audition” for their narrow tastes in cinema.
(….regardless of how much they may claim otherwise…)
- Lastly, is the internet.. Although definitely an arena for anything (in fact the bathroom wall of the world) – it lacks the most basic desire for any true filmmaker; PRESENTATION.
A film takes a lot of work (even bad films) and deserves better than a 4 inch pixilated screen – for those that want to view it.
Through out history; all art and entertainment, from Tap Dancing to tapestries, was created for public viewing. Creation is a gesture in communication. And although the modern age is rapidly redefining that concept – certain basic human desires of group sensory experience will not be destroyed. Numbed perhaps. But not extinguished.
It is time to reinvigorate what is being abandoned:
Pride in presentation.
Wider opportunity for motion picture venues is imminent.
In cities all around Europe it is already becoming standard for clubs and bars to have a quality PROJECTION SYSTEM along with the stage and P.A. that was ushered in by independent music.
This screen may be 10 years to early, 10 years to late or right on time, but the fact of the matter is:
A less constrained circuit for cinema viewing will lead to less constrained experiments in the medium.
Film has been through many waves in it’s short 100 years, and this new situation is leading to another important era.
It’s just my opinion.. but I tend to agree with it.
-Burke Roberts
