Net Neutrality, The FCC, and What's hot in the Film Industry

      It is that glorious time of year when all of the ultimate of ultimates make their way across the Atlantic and into Cannes.   After reflecting and reviewing the pages of discussion on Ryan Gosling's directorial debut, and the insane chatter over the "fluff" or gossip that really has nothing to do with the films or the competitive nature of the festival, I noticed a pretty big political concept catching the limelight of the Jury at the 67th Cannes Film Festival Press Conference: female directors and their presence in the festival.  Sofia Coppola and her film Valentino were displayed well.  You have to love the fact that Jane Champion got Thierry Fremaux to admit the undemocratic nature of the selection of the films.  Her quote is precise and factual, but it does feel a bit strange in a sea of ever ready and exceptional coverage of women as these femme fatales in gorgeous haute couture that do sell the films.  None the less, here it is:

     He (Thierry Fremaux) told us that only 7% of 1,800 films submitted to Cannes festival were directed by women.  It does feel very undemocratic.  We don't get our share of representation.  It always seems to be a surprise for the world when a woman does come out a success.

Jane Champion at the 67th Cannes Film Festival Jury Press Conference
Cannes 2014

    The whole reason I even decided to blog on Cannes had to do with my passion for film, and following my hero, Harvey Weinstein.  The controversy over Princess Grace of Monaco by the royal family, and the fact that Tim Roth stars in it, collides brilliantly with the festival's celebration of Pulp Fiction's 20th anniversary ( Tim Roth was in the opening scene for the film, Tarantino directed, Harvey produced it).  You can't ask for better press.  He even declined the attendance to the film, I am not sure why, but hey he's done a fantastic job as it is the charm of the festival.  The guy is a genius when it comes to competing and producing results in this industry.  I can't wait to see what happens next.  But don't take my word for it, check it out on the website I have posted on the hyperlinks.  This brings me to what else has occurred in this industry that is worthy of discussion and should concern us all... The FCC and Net Neutrality.
     In an article by Matt Mason on IndieWire, titled: "Here's Why Hollywood Needs Net Neutrality,"  the chairman of the FCC- Tom Wheeler- proposed a process to establish new neutrality rules for the Internet.  This proposal is up for public comment for a period of four months.  Essentially the motivation for Mr. Wheeler is that he ,"won't allow the national asset of an open Internet to be compromised (Mason, May 2014)."  Under his new rules there would be a "fast lane" for ISPs that enables companies who are willing to pay for publishing or access/interface media conductivity at a faster rate than those who are unable to afford the "fast lane."  What does this mean for the entertainment industry?
     Well I could argue for both sides.  But I have done my research, and I have seen a huge future in the distribution over the digital world from huge names like Disney, Viacom, and Sony, and the status of the American and Global markets in film.  So Mason's point that in our current "open Internet" we have equal access to media and publishing content.  Furthermore, we have equal and protected rights to freedom of expression as well as free innovation under the current Internet structure.  There is also the documented fact that this version has fueled two decades of unparalleled creative and economic growth.  So to sharpen the dagger, Matt just flat out declares that Tom Wheeler: "proposes to close this(Mason, May 2014)."  The article will further enlighten us to understand the risk of never having another "Facebook, Google, Twitter, or Netflix, iTunes," revolution of innovation and how Hollywood needs to get on their horses and get up in arms about this.   I know that it is not humorous or probably appropriate to make a joke at this juncture in my blog, but... "They are in Cannes Matt!"
    Seriously, I do have a young daughter and I am attempting to be a part of the innovative movement through our time in the creative film industry and the production of such great works of art and works by great artists.  I do ask that you reflect on this, ask yourself how it will affect you as a professional in the industry, and make an informed decision.  The regulation of a platform where art is free to flow is very slippery when you decide to start giving away bits and pieces of it's freedom.  Reflection should be the premise of the Internet, not Regulation, but that is my opinion.
  Net Neutrality and the FCC

   Take care and be aware,
Michelle Fernandez

Ways to enhance my Industry Hero Knowledge and Innovative Company Research

http://www.prologue.com

       Ways I wish to enhance my personal learning network regarding film production industry heroes and innovative companies include these strategies but also the website information has a wealth of information and inspiration, and so does IDMb.com.

         

       Really learn more about Prologue Films and the way they are interconnected to film, media, and entertainment in general.  I am so drawn by their entire model and overall presence, as well as the product design outcomes and who they have collaborated with.  

       Kyle Cooper and Danny Yount are innovative artists and businessmen who are definitely worthy of serious research and understanding.  I plan on utilizing every tool I can trying to see how their creative and business models came to be and ultimately succeed in the entertainment business field.   

      Follow The Weinstein Company, and Paladin Films and their corresponding projects (pre-production, acquired, current, and previous, et. al.), as well as news surrounding the companies, the pieces put out by both.  

     Continue researching how and where Harvey Weinstein pours his presence into marketing films and projects, i.e.: Cannes, Toronto and the like; he’s a genius.  

http://www.weinsteinco.com

My plans to get involved with the Entertainment Business Field

           I have definitely decided to pursue the volunteer/internship opportunity for the 2015 South by Southwest Festival held in Austin, Texas.  I hope to get a spot in the conference production department, but I will settle for any.  I do have the contact information and my planning has begun to take on this intense journey
                                      (Career Advisor: 1(800) 757-5105 http://volunteer.sxsw.com/internships/).

            SXSW has 5,000 events and over 60,000 attendees from all sectors of creative fields: film, interactive and music.  It is a Mecca for students looking to break into the entertainment industry.  Having said that, I need to be beyond prepared. First, have to read E-book, Unofficial Survival Guide to South by Southwest 2013, by Jodi Jill. It gives great pieces of advice about how to pitch yourself to possible creative collaborators.  Next, make sure I have something to show potential creative partners when a networking opportunity comes up, as well as update my online portfolio to contain samples of the best work I have accomplished in the past.
       
           Also, it is important to research who I want to connect with via the festival’s “official SXSW schedule,” it’s a place to find full bios on festival speakers, and information on sponsored parties and lounges.  Once I find a few, writing an email to them and asking for some face times the next move.
http://volunteer.sxsw.com/internships/Finally, but perhaps the coolest part, this festival has a deep commitment for newcomers to connect with mentors and offers its own mentoring program.  You can actually set up seven-10 minute- one-one-one meetings with industry insiders!