It is not hard to imagine (with investors or otherwise) that in the near future, we will access not only short films, but also feature-length films through the Net. Video stores will disappear, and most of Hollywood's output will be digital and download-able. The only thing preventing this from happening today is simply the current state of Internet technology, which has yet to offer fast downloads, high resolution, and clear sound.
On July 30th, 911 Media Arts Center will have a screening and discussion called WebFlicks, which will focus on the "current state" of this promising technology and offer the public a chance to see what is available now, what can be done with it, and how you can participate in the next Big Entertainment Revolution.
Working with six content partners (Atom Films, D.film.com, Ifilm.net, Bijou.com, Mountainzone.com, and Albion Productions), they have gathered a number of film shorts and--using a powerful Mac G3 computer and a digital video projector--are screening them for free. I saw all of the shorts, and must confess that so far everything is still rudimentary, and the content of most of these shorts is simple. Nevertheless, this show is worth watching because 911 is in possession of excellent computer equipment, which enables one to see what the current possibilities are with this new medium.
There is still a lot of open space in digital filmmaking and Internet distribution, and those who have just a basic understanding of it (they will have experts at the presentation to offer insights and advice) will have a head start on the rest of the world. Get there early, because this free event is sure to fill up fast.
