"Cowboys" in Perth?

Demand-driven screenings? Why not! Everybody seems to be doing it, and it sounds like a load of fun.

Subject of experiment: Perth, WA. We need about 300+ of the city's finest to support a limited theatrical run (read: 1-2 screenings). Interested to watch "Cowboys in Paradise"? Live in or around Perth? Sign up today!

Two million new cinemas (and counting)

The Lazarus Effect, a new documentary produced by Spike Jonze, follows four people whose lives were saved by antiretroviral drugs. The 30-min film aired on HBO and Channel 4 (UK), and is now available for viewing on YouTube.

Facebook and Twitter are being harnessed to drive publicity for the film. I know, surprise surprise. But this next bit, while not a first, is worthy of note. Via Mashable:

"In addition to being available on YouTube, (RED) will release a free iPad app... in conjunction with the film. The app will contain the full-length film, as well as additional information about how antiretroviral drugs work and photos of the transformative effect that ARVs have had in Africa. The app will also include ways for users to take action by joining (RED) or lobbying governments."

Video content on a small personal screen? Not new. But the screens have gotten bigger (compared to mobile phones) while still managing to remain personal.

Now consider: Apple sold 2 million iPads in the first two months since its launch. That's just in the US alone. Combine that with what others in the product category are moving and you've got a whole lot of personal cinemas out there. That we're going to consume more content off these devices is a no-brainer. Whether we can refrain from touching the screens with our popcorn-butter-fingers remains to be seen.

Coming soon to an iPad near you

ABC and CBS are going to stream shows on it for free. How long before other broadcasters cave in?

Now Netflix has announced a streaming app for the iPad. Don't think people will watch feature films on a little screen? I wouldn't bet against the guys who unleashed an entire tech ecosystem that made my CD player obsolete.

Apple doesn't introduce new ways of doing things. It legitimises them. What others propose as a possibility, what early adopters (nerds) revel in as proof of them knowing better, Apple makes standard. By the time I hopped on the iPod train, Tower Records should have voluntarily closed shop.

Cinemas aren't going to disappear. Some films must be appreciated on the big screen. But hey, filmmakers! Most of us don't make those films. Much as I've loved seeing Cowboys in Paradise in a cinema, its value didn't diminish when others watched it on their laptops. And that's likely to be true for your film too. Question is, are you going to embrace technology's gift to find your audience?

Aside: I don't like Avatar for Avatar. But I instantly recognised it as the iPod of 3D films. It's the one that finally made over-priced tickets and those silly glasses legitimate.