"Bollywood Steps" ON DEMAND!

Last week, my documentary, "Bollywood Steps" finally became available on Amazon Instant Video.  Anyone can instantly download the program for their computer or mobile device.  Until now, the program has only been available on DVD - I'm looking forward to seeing how we do in the digital world!

Content Creation: Some Next-Phase Brainstorming

I'm currently preparing for the upcoming International Family Film Festival, which will be showing my film, "Bollywood Steps" on Saturday, March 19th.  I've prepared a poster, will make flyers available, and will generally attempt to "work" the festival to achieve my primary goals, which relate to generating future projects.  I'm been pondering my next steps. Here are some current thoughts:

I also have the sense that, as the saying goes, "nothing will ever be the same."  My interest is in wholly incorporating and adapting "social media" tools and hardware to create a newer form of expression, combining "documentary" type filmmaking with the immediacy and intimacy of social media.   The challenge, I think, is that any creation might be transitory by nature.  Some elements - recorded and edited video, for example - might be preserved, other more interactive elements would lose some of the sense of discovery that only exists in real time.   In much the way that the news stories of the day - Libya and Japan for example - are more immediately a meaningful "social experience" than ever before, less critical stories, experiences and pure entertainment will eventually engage audiences in the same way -
I don't think that particular "art" is wholly developed as yet.

At this point, from my perspective, a typical web series exists as a single element - the final video.  Everything else drives the audience to create viewership.  I have to wonder if there could be another model incorporating multiple channels simultaneously.  Paradoxically, I don't believe that scheduled entertainment (as in traditional television) will return to dominance.   I continue to watch developments with fascination, and look forward to my own upcoming explorations in this new form of content creation.

Looking Ahead - A Few Initial Thoughts

Okay, so the holidays are over and the real work begins!

It seems that change is in the air, both in my own life, and the lives of many of my friends.  Numerous people are changing their work situations, re-calibrating their lives, and generally moving ahead again.  As devastating at the economic downturn has been, either people are tired of living in fear, or, just perhaps, things are starting to improve a bit.  I suppose that time will tell.  Regardless, I expect this to be an interesting year.

Currently, of course, one of my current activities is launching my documentary, "Bollywood Steps" into the world.  Available since December 15th, I haven't yet begun to promote the film, and its availability for purchase.  It's a great challenge - and I'm looking forward to seeing how far I can carry this.

My producing work (my freelance work) has started to pick up again, and other opportunities are beginning to develop.  I'm also looking forward to seeking out part-time university-level teaching opportunities in filmmaking/documentary filmmaking/editing.  I love teaching, but I really haven't had the opportunity in the last couple of years.

Finally, I made the commitment to attend VidCon again, the July gathering of online video/YouTube content creators at the Century Plaza Hotel in Beverly Hills.  I'm fascinated with the spirit of creativity online, and the success of so many of these young (and some old) filmmakers (they certainly don't see themselves in that light), that are creating a new form of expression.  At the same time, I'm not a big fan of the spectacle of  stardom - or really any celebrity culture - but I'd also say that most of the people that I've had the opportunity to meet are pretty well grounded.  I suppose it's a very clear reminder that YouTube stardom is limited when the same person who's mobbed inside the Century Plaza is all but ignored across the street at the Century Plaza mall...I look forward to sharing my observations as I continue my social media expedition!

"Bollywood Steps" and Heightened Awareness

This past Sunday, I had a small screening for the subjects of my documentary, "Bollywood Steps," the story of transplanted Bollywood choreographer Yogen and the young American-born Indian boys who were some of his first students.

One of the challenges and responsibilities of creating a film like this is developing the trust of the people involved, and then (at least in the way I try to do things) creating a documentary that's respectful of that trust.  This private screening was the first time since I began the project in late 2007 that the families have had a chance to see the finished program.  Naturally, I was a bit anxious about the evening.  I knew they wouldn't find the film objectionable - it's a film with a solid, positive message.

However, even though it's a small film - i.e. it likely won't be seen by millions - it's still, to some extent, preserving and creating a legacy of certain people at a certain time in their lives - through my own interpretation.  Perhaps that seems a bit "deep" for a documentary project like this, but I've spent three years living, working and thinking about the people in my documentary.  It's not a relationship, of course.  Perhaps it's more of a heightened awareness that best defines my connection with my "Bollywood Steps" subjects -  added responsibility borne out of familiarity.

Sometimes, filmmaking is a strange process.

"Bollywood Steps" Approaches Release

First, thanks to all of you who in the "real" world who have mentioned reading my article here on my father - it's good to know that you're out there!

I'm finally approaching the release of "Bollywood Steps," my documentary about American-born Indian boys learning to connect with their heritage through Bollywood Dance, and their bond with Bollywood choreographer Yogen Bhagat.  Following the spirit of the film, which I wrote, produced, shot (mostly), and edited, I've intended for some time to distribute the film myself, as well.  In fact, that's the original motivation for my exploration through social media.

I'm very curious - excited, and a bit anxious about how all of this will come together - the people, the social media activity - and the practical results.  To be somewhat anti-social about it - It's an entirely new business model.

FYI - "Bollywood Steps" will initially be available early next year on Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

2011 could prove interesting....