On Demand Weekly

On Demand Weekly (ODW) continues our Filmmaker Spotlight series focusing on filmmakers distributing their film via Video On Demand (VOD). I recently spoke with Chris Smith (AMERICAN MOVIE), the director of COLLAPSE, FilmBuff (On Demand)’s new documentary (available on VOD December 6th).

ODW was interested in the making of the film and his perspective on VOD as an entertainment option.

On Demand Weekly: Your film opens with a card stating you met the subject for COLLAPSE, Michael Ruppert, for another project. How soon after meeting him did you know you had the makings of a documentary around Ruppert and did you have to convince him to do the film?
Chris Smith: It was about two or three weeks after our initial meeting that we wrote to Michael pitching him this idea.  He was pretty much onboard once he read the treatment.

ODW: There are lots of people with strong points of view on the film's main topic. Why Michael Ruppert?

VOD not only offers PPV Movies that screened in theaters, but cutting edge, independent films. Whether you want to see films made outside the Hollywood system or future stars in breakout performances, On Demand Weekly reviews the latest from the film festival circuit in the comfort of your own home.

FilmBuff On Demand

COLLAPSE (82 min)
On Demand Weekly reviews films from the perspective of watching it On Demand in your home. I particularly believe this to be an asset in the case of Chris Smith’s (American Movie) new documentary Collapse. I know I can get distracted by the previews ahead of a film in a theatre to the point I briefly forget what I paid to see right before it begins. I’m glad I didn’t see a trailer to a holiday film or romance prior to the documentary’s subject, Michael Ruppert, settling into his seat. A no frills opening that subliminally suggests you buckle up for the next 82 minutes.

ODW rounds up stories affecting the VOD Industry.

Comcast launches 100th VOD day and date with DVD

“More than 100 times this year, there was no faster way to watch a new release movie at home than with Comcast On Demand,” said Derek Harrar, senior VP/general manager of video and entertainment services for Comcast. “We pioneered day and date, so we’re thrilled that our studio partners were able to nearly triple our day-and-date movie offerings in favor of our customers.”...(Video Business)

Independent Film in 2009: An Analysis Through Quarter 3

Turning to (Video On Demand) distributors, the most prolific were Magnolia Pictures, IFC Films, and Sony. In Q1-Q3, Magnolia released 21 new specialty titles, followed by IFC with 19, and Sony with 17, mostly through Sony Pictures Classics. The next closest was Here Films with 11. Signifying the rise of video-on-demand (VOD), all of IFC’s releases, and nearly half of Magnolia’s, were released in tandem with a VOD release......(Blogger News Network)

A Christmas (and Hanukah) List to Help Save Independent Film

Support Indie Films on Video On Demand. An emerging distribution outlet for many indies is day and date VOD, in which the film is available in a few theaters across the US and simultaneously available on VOD. Unfortunately, many VOD menus favor studio films and make it difficult to find independents. However, if you look, you can find them. Check out IFC, Film Buff and other new independently oriented VOD channels. When you find a new film, invite your friends over and watch it together one night this holiday season. By initiating yourself and your friends into the VOD experience, hopefully you will continue to use it as a way to watch independent movies which will in turn support them...(Huffington Post)

Check out the trailer of Filmbuff's THE DUNGEON MASTERS, now available On Demand. Look for ODW's review on Thursday.

Attention Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant fans, CEMETERY JUNCTION (FilmBuff) is now available on VOD until 10/31/2010. ODW's review will run Wednesday. See the trailer below...

Writer / Actor / Director Edward Burns has posted 5 Homage Trailers for his upcoming VOD Premiere of NICE GUY JOHNNY (FilmBuff) on October 26, 2010.

Email us which film you think NICE GUY JOHNNY - Homage Trailer #5 is paying tribute to and the 10th correct answer will win a DVD copy. Email the name of the Homage Trailer [1, 2, 3, 4, or 5] and the answer to us here.

Rules and Disclaimer: USA residents only. 18+, no P.O. boxes. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to notification with shipping info and claim prize – if no response, another winner will be chosen . Prize provided by the giveaway sponsor. No monetary compensation received.

Check out the other 4 trailers...

Writer / Actor / Director Edward Burns has posted 5 Homage Trailers for his upcoming VOD Premiere of NICE GUY JOHNNY (FilmBuff) on October 26, 2010.

Email us which film you think NICE GUY JOHNNY - Homage Trailer #3 is paying tribute to and the 10th person with the correct answer will win a DVD copy. Email the name of the Homage Trailer [1, 2, 3, 4, or 5] and the answer to us here.

Rules and Disclaimer: USA residents only. 18+, no P.O. boxes. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to notification with shipping info and claim prize – if no response, another winner will be chosen . Prize provided by the giveaway sponsor. No monetary compensation received.

Check out the other 4 trailers...

Writer / Actor / Director Edward Burns has posted 5 Homage Trailers for his upcoming VOD Premiere of NICE GUY JOHNNY (FilmBuff) on October 26, 2010.

Email us which film you think a specific trailer is paying tribute and you will be eligible to win a DVD copy. Email the name of the Homage Trailer [1, 2, 3, 4, or 5] and the answer to us here.

Click below to see the 5 trailers.

NICE GUY JOHNNY - Homage Trailer #1

NICE GUY JOHNNY - Homage Trailer #2

NICE GUY JOHNNY - Homage Trailer #3

NICE GUY JOHNNY - Homage Trailer #4

NICE GUY JOHNNY - Homage Trailer #5

Rules and Disclaimer: USA residents only. 18+, no P.O. boxes. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to notification with shipping info and claim prize – if no response, another winner will be chosen . Prize provided by the giveaway sponsor. No monetary compensation received.

***UPDATE***

No one has gotten the correct answer to NICE GUY JOHNNY HOMAGE TRAILER No. 4. Email us your answer to us here.

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Writer / Actor / Director Edward Burns has posted 5 Homage Trailers for his upcoming VOD Premiere of NICE GUY JOHNNY (FilmBuff) on October 26, 2010.

Email us which film you think NICE GUY JOHNNY - Homage Trailer #4 is paying tribute to and the 26th person with the correct answer will win a DVD copy. Email the name of the Homage Trailer [1, 2, 3, 4, or 5] and the answer to us here.

Rules and Disclaimer: USA residents only. 18+, no P.O. boxes. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to notification with shipping info and claim prize – if no response, another winner will be chosen . Prize provided by the giveaway sponsor. No monetary compensation received.

Check out the other 4 trailers...

On Demand Weekly’s VOD Spotlight presents interviews with the creators of new movies available On Demand. In honor of today's date (11/04), Sky McCarthy interviewed Jeff Deutchman, the creative mind and curator of 11/4/08 (FilmBuff) – a movie that chronicles the day of Barack Obama’s election through the eyes of diverse amateur filmmakers. Deutchman is also an acquisitions manager at IFC films. The interview highlights the directorial vision behind the project as well as his opinion of VOD and its effect on film distribution. (11/4/08 is available on VOD).

On Demand Weekly (ODW): As a filmmaker who also works in an executive capacity, how do you feel about VOD and the future of television On Demand?
Jeff Deutchman (JD): I feel pretty bullish about it. It really depends on what kind of film you have. Independents and docs in particular can really benefit in an area where theatrical distribution is too expensive for a low budget film. In general, people want options so it’s important to be flexible in the changing marketplace.

There are two kinds of films that I think belong in theaters- big “event” Hollywood films and then there are really visual art films. Movie theaters serve an amusement park function where people will always be willing to spend a few extra dollars for the unique experience of an “event film.”  But I also think that there will always be a need to have arthouses that can perform the role of museums and exhibit films as high art. The blockbuster and the art house film operate on totally different ends of the spectrum but every film in between can definitely benefit from VOD.

ODW: What are the advantages of VOD from a filmmaker’s point of view and a consumer’s point of view?
JD: Well, firstly, it’s a lot less expensive and you are reaching more people for less money. A small handful of cinephiles in Idaho may be interested in your little film but that would never equate to enough ticket sales to justify a theatrical release. From a consumer point of view, it’s really all about lifestyle. Parents with young kids may want to go out but the reality is they may not have time for that. Does that mean you should be completely uncultured? No way! You should be able to get it on your screen, on your own time. I think some people even prefer the home screen. Younger people tend to watch media in a more interactive, less passive way.

The NICE GUY JOHNNY HOMAGE TRAILER CONTEST is now closed. We have our winners. Thank you to everyone who submitted a response. The answers are below. - ODW

NICE GUY JOHNNY - Homage Trailer #1
- Michelangelo Antonioni's L'AVVENTURA (1960)

NICE GUY JOHNNY - Homage Trailer #2
- Jean Luc Godard's CONTEMPT (1963)

NICE GUY JOHNNY - Homage Trailer #3
- Norman Jewison's THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR (1968)

NICE GUY JOHNNY - Homage Trailer #4
- Woody Allen's HANNAH AND HER SISTERS (1986)

NICE GUY JOHNNY - Homage Trailer #5
- Arthur Hiller's A LOVE STORY (1970)

WINNERS
#1 Julia Cooper
#2 Shannon Micali
#3 Amanda Duke
#4 Brian Ronaghan
#5 Jacqueline Conrad

AN ODW EXCLUSIVE

On Demand Weekly is thrilled to welcome fillmaker Ed Burns to our Advisory Board and our terrific roster of contributers. Ed recently blazed a new trail for digital distribution and marketing for the recent premiere of his film NICE GUY JOHNNY. Every month, Ed will share with our readers the list of independent films currently available On Demand he's most interested in watching and offer insight as to why each film makes his Hot List. We hope you enjoy and look forward to your feedback. - ODW

As an indie film lover, and parent, who doesn't get to to the theater like I used to, I now watch most movies at home. I wanted to reach out to other like-minded people, who are looking for good movies to watch on their On Demand services. Many of these titles I used to catch in the arthouse theater, and sadly, most of them have been slipping through the cracks.

So you can find me here once a month and I will tip you off to the films I'll be watching On Demand.

- Ed

Indie Movies on Demand Hot List - November, 2010

ALL GOOD THINGS (Magnolia Pictures)
- Some terrific actors, including Ryan Gosling, Kirsten Dunst and Frank Langella, and a real life story set in New York in the 80's, makes ALL GOOD THINGS a movie I don't want to miss.

TINY FURNITURE (IFC Films)
- I am excited to check out TINY FURNITURE, written and directed by Lena Dunham, who also starred in the movie, and has generated terrific press for making this on a tiny budget with friends and family, including her mother and sister. Sounds like an authentic New York story, which I am a big fan of.

EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP (FilmBuff)
- EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP is a compelling documentary that will have your head spinning and questioning the lines between art and manipulation. The movie is a truly unique glimpse into some of the most compelling and talented street artists around (most notably the enigmatic Banksy).

- Ed Burns

Ed Burns gained international recognition for his first feature film THE BROTHERS MCMULLEN, which won the 1995 Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury prize. His most recent film, NICE GUY JOHNNY, the darling of the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival, was released on October 26, 2010. A pioneer for independent filmmakers, Burns continues to innovate in this category, premiering PURPLE VIOLETS exclusively on iTunes and more recently, releasing NICE GUY JOHNNY via a multi-platform digital distribution plan. Ed recently joined On Demand Weekly's Advisory Board.

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Ed will be back next month with new films he's looking forward to seeing On Demand. Let him know what you think of his picks above or future films he should consider on Twitter @edward_burns.

Ed's new film NICE GUY JOHNNY, is available now On Demand.

ODW Reviews of the films:

ALL GOOD THINGS

TINY FURNITURE

EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP - Now Available!

Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival, announced nominations for the 2011 Film Independent Spirit Awards. Three of the five nominees for Best Feature (Greenberg, The Kids Are All Right and Winter’s Bone), as well as many of the most nominated films, are already available to watch On Demand.

(Eva Mendes, Jeremy Renner)

Selected from 220 submissions, this year’s winners will be announced at the Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. on the beach in Santa Monica. The 26th annual awards show will be hosted by Joel McHale ("The Soup," "Community") and air exclusively that night on IFC at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

On Demand Weekly has noted which films are available now On Demand so you can catch up at home on the independent films everyone is talking about this week. Enjoy!

FILM TITLE (# OF NOMINATIONS)
Winter’s Bone - Roadside Attraction (7) AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND
The Kids Are All Right - Focus Features (5) AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND
Black Swan - Fox Searchlight (4)
Greenberg - Focus Features (4) AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND
Rabbit Hole - Lionsgate (4)
127 Hours - Fox Searchlight (3)
Jack Goes Boating - Overture Films (3)
Tiny Furniture - IFC Films (3) AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND
Daddy Longlegs - IFC Films (2) AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND
Life During Wartime - IFC Films (2) AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND
Exit Through the Gift Shop - Producers Distribution Agency / FilmBuff (1) AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND
Lovers of Hate - IFC Films (1) AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND
Night Catches Us - Magnolia Pictures (1) AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND

2011 SPIRIT AWARD NOMINATIONS

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: THIS MOVIE IS BROKEN (FilmBuff).

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of movies on demand from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: BLOOMINGTON (FilmBuff).

BLOOMINGTON
By Amy Slotnick

BLOOMINGTON is a coming of age drama about Jackie, a former child actress (played by Sarah Stouffer) who attends college in the mid-west to find independence from her acting career in Los Angeles. However blending in with the student body proves to be more difficult than Jackie expects. Her peers seem to only be interested in her as a celebrity but don’t show much genuine interest in being her friend.

At a meeting for the psychology department Jackie meets Professor Catherine Stark (played by Allison McAtee), a beautiful teacher in her 30s who is rumored to seduce her students. Despite warnings from others, Jackie is quickly enamored with Catherine and without any hesitation, they begin an intense and sexual romance. Jackie leaves school for a job in LA and the distance from Catherine, complicates their relationship.

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand and from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: SLACKISTAN (FilmBuff).

SLACKISTAN On Demand

By Sky McCarthy

Few films coming from the Middle East focus on the inner turmoil of bored youths. Such a genre is frequently associated with young American directors and writers seeking to capture the backlash of living in a capitalist society with forgone ideals. In a region so mired by political turmoil, it is easy to forget that millions of people in this cultural region are probably living the same boring lives as any suburban American.

SLACKISTAN follows the intermingled stories of five privileged Pakistani teens as they struggle with young adulthood in a society deprived of any opportunity for forward thinking individuals. Instead of dwelling on the political instability, however, director Hammad Khan focuses on the various insecurities faced by his protagonists – ultimately creating a universally relatable story.

Hasan, the story’s leading male, is an aspiring filmmaker who struggles throughout the film to find an intriguing topic. His difficulty in pinning down a subject matter reflects every character’s inability to succeed at anything post-university while also mirroring the disturbing lack of cinema to come from the Middle East in recent decades. Despite no obvious obscenities (to Western eyes), SLACKISTAN has yet to be released in Pakistan due its use of the word “lesbian” and infrequent, but heavy, drinking.

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: RIO SEX COMEDY (FilmBuff).

RIO SEX COMEDY
By Scott Zaretsky

Press notes explain that veteran actors from several countries along with local non-actors semi-improvised their roles in Jonathan Nossiter's RIO SEX COMEDY, which moves from swank high rises and clinics to the dangerous slums of one of the world's most fascinating cities, Rio de Janeiro.

RIO SEX COMEDY has plenty of veteran actors and plenty of seeming improvisation and plenty of Rio - the best thing about the movie - but not much sex and very little comedy. Jonathan Nossiter who wrote and directed this, examines beauty, race, class and sexual attraction, among other themes. Filming it like a documentary mixed with scripted scenes from various POV’s, the film is way too ambitious and very poorly focused, but, somehow kept me in the game. It was filmed in Rio and it did have Sex in the title!

Hope Yet !!!

I waited and waited some more. It's very hard to pin down who the characters are supposed to be since they all act in such erratic manners that keep you questioning yourself – is there something I’m not getting? Maybe, it’s me??? Maybe …it’s the tropical sun's effect on improvisational storytelling and this is truly a new avant-garde reality filmmaking. Maybe this was the plot and device – absolutely GENIOUS!