Authors — David Rosen
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MEDIA CURRENT: AT YOUR OWN PERIL
If there is one industry report that you absolutely must read this year it is Digital Dilemma 2: Perspectives from Independent Filmmakers, Documentarians and Nonprofit Audiovisual Archives, from the Motion Picture Academy’s Science and Technology Council. The study was conducted with the assistance of Filmmaker as well as the IFP, Film Independent, and many other organizations and individual makers. Its message is short and simple: “Most of the filmmakers surveyed for this report have given little thought to what happens to their work once it is completed. … [F]ew store their film masters in proper environmental conditions or manage their digital […]
by David Rosen on Feb 3, 2012 -
MEDIA CURRENT: END TO CROSS-OWNERSHIP RULES?
In December 2011, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3-2 to propose loosening media cross-ownership rules relating to a television or radio station and a newspaper. Under the new rules, cross ownership of a newspaper and either a television or a radio station would be allowed in the top 20 markets such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, Dallas-Ft. Worth and Boston. The FCC isn’t expected to vote on the final rules in April 2012 at the earliest. Cross ownership rules were originally intended to limit media concentration particularly with regard to broadcast stations, cable stations, […]
by David Rosen on Jan 4, 2012 -
MEDIA CURRENT: YOU SHOULD BE PARANOID
Sometimes paranoids are right to worry. Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) recently exposed a common practice long hidden by wireless carriers: they track your every keystroke and movement through software known as Carrier IQ (CIQ). As Franken warned, “The average user of any device equipped with Carrier IQ software has no way of knowing that this software is running, what information it is getting, and who it is giving it to—and that’s a problem.” Carrier IQ, located in Mountain View, CA, was founded in 2005 and is backed by a group of VCs. Its software is installed on about 150 million […]
by David Rosen on Dec 22, 2011 -
MEDIA CURRENT: YOUR TV FUTURE
Internet Video (IV) will play an increasingly important role in the distribution of independent “film.” Even for the few who still shoot, edit and distribute on 16mm or 35mm stock, your future – if only for marketing and promotion — is tied to the digital 1s and 0s that are redefining media and communications. IV distribution is restructuring release “windows” and revenue recoupment. Revenue opportunities through DVD sales are shrinking; the TV market (with the exception of HBO, PBS and some made-fors) is evaporating; international commitments are tougher to snag; and the once higher mark-up on educational sales is a thing […]
by David Rosen on Dec 21, 2011 -
MEDIA CURRENT: THE SHELL GAME
On December 2, 2011, Verizon Wireless announced a $3.6 billion deal with Cablevision, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks, three leading cable multi-system operators (MSOs). The deal involves Verizon’s purchase of the cable companies’ interest in SpectrumCo, a holding company controlling 122 high-quality wireless licenses. In addition, it called for a reciprocal marketing-and-sales agreement. If approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), it would make Verizon the nation’s largest holder of wireless spectrum reaching 250 million Americans. The deal will essentially end cable’s efforts to offer wireless services. Sadly, it will likely lead to further telecom industry consolidation, increased […]
by David Rosen on Dec 8, 2011 -
MEDIA CURRENT: THE IP WARS
After the Thanksgiving recess, Congress is expected to vote on two bills that will influence the future of online Intellectual Property (IP). The Senate bill (S. 968) is dubbed the “PROTECT IP Act” (PIPA) which stands for the “Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act”; it was adopted by the Judiciary Committee in May. The House bill (H.R.3261) is the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and is currently being deliberated. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), the music industry and a handful of digital rights holders, including games companies Sony and Nintendo, are […]
by David Rosen on Nov 28, 2011 -
MEDIA CURRENT: IS NET NEUTRALITY DEAD?
Will net neutrality take effect on November 20th? Approximately sixty days ago, the FCC published its net neutrality rules in the Federal Register, thus setting in motion a formal review process that ends on the 20th. Adopted in December 2010, only now, nearly a year later, they will go into effect. Given the enormous pressure exerted by the communications trust, the rules have not only been significantly watered down, but face powerful challenges from the Congress and in the court. Under fierce pressure from corporate lobbyists and hefty payoffs to Congresspersons on various oversight committees, net neutrality will likely be […]
by David Rosen on Nov 7, 2011 -
MEDIA CURRENT: NEWS & ANALYSIS FOR INDIE MAKERS
Indie-Current is a monthly heads-up tracking developments effecting the indie film scene. It’s a big — and forever getting bigger – world out there, so readers are encouraged to e-mail me stories I’ve missed or something you believe is important for others in the indie community. I can be reached at drosennyc@verizon.net. * * * Occupy Wall Street rocks To shouts of “We Are the 99%,” the Occupy Wall Street movement is spreading throughout the country and the world. Indeed, the whole world is watching. FCC latest scam On October 27th the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a plan to reform the […]
by David Rosen on Nov 2, 2011 -
MEDIA CURRENT: NEWS AND ANALYSIS FOR INDIE MAKERS
Media Current is a monthly heads-up tracking developments effecting the indie film scene. It’s a big — and forever getting bigger – world out there, so readers are encouraged to e-mail me stories I’ve missed or something you believe is important for others in the indie community. I can be reached at drosennyc@verizon.net. The IFP’s Independent Film Week 2011 The IFP market, established in 1979, was rebranded several years ago and was held this year at Lincoln Center’s Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center. It drew a diverse, friendly crowd ranging from seasoned professionals long battling in the indie vineyard to […]
by David Rosen on Oct 6, 2011 -
MEDIA CURRENT: NEWS AND ANALYSIS FOR INDIE MAKERS
The world of indie filmmaking is forever colliding with the larger worlds of technology and giant media conglomerates, regulatory and legal developments, non-profit groups and a fickle consumer who loves indie film and other indie media. Indie-Current is a monthly heads-up tracking these developments. It’s a big — and forever getting bigger – world out there, so readers are encouraged to e-mail me stories I’ve missed or something you believe is important for others in the indie community. I can be reached at drosennyc AT verizon.net. Remembering 9/11 September 11, 2011, will commemorate the tenth anniversary of a day that […]
by David Rosen on Sep 1, 2011
