Online Opportunities Open Doors for Filmmakers and Artists
Independent filmmakers and visual artists, dubbed “starving artists,” often struggle to secure a consistent paycheck. However, online opportunities are changing the game, making it easier for creative individuals to share their work and form connections.
HitRECord, an open-collaborative production company created by actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, allows writers, musicians, and visual artists to share their work, joining together to produce short films, books, music, and art.
The company originally launched as a means for Gordon-Levitt to solicit feedback for videos. However, in January 2010 at the Sundance Film Festival, hitRECord introduced its new website which allows anyone with internet access to participate in collaborative projects. Through hitRECord, artists can upload original work or download, review, and remix work posted to the site. Original work remains on the website, and everyone receives credit for collaborations.
When the company’s money making productions, such as books, live shows, and vinyl records, make a profit, hitRECord splits earnings 50/50 with contributing artists. In 2013, the company paid contributors a total of $737,175.09. Messiah alum Jonathan Stutzman (Film ’09) has had several short stories and an illustration published in “The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories,” a book produced by hitRECord.
Stutzman shared, “There is currently such great potential for independent artists. We can now share ideas and work together, no matter where in the world we are. And also, the fact that the audience is right there, a click away. You can make your own content and put it out there for the whole world to see in seconds.”
In Jan. 2014, hitRECord released the Emmy award-winning television show, hitRECord on TV. Hosted by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the new take on a variety show features short films, live performances, music, animation, and conversation. Each episode focuses on a different theme, and artists are invited to contribute content via hitRECord’s website.
Stutzman recently received word that one of his stories is being made into a short film for the second season of the show. He expressed, “So getting a credit as a TV writer on a Joseph Gordon-Levitt produced show? I’ll take that any day. Like I said it’s been an exciting ride, and anyone who’s creative out there should check out hitRECord and submit your own work!”
HitRECord serves as just one example of the tools and opportunities available to filmmakers and artists today. Professor Krista Imbesi noted, “Online distribution is an exciting development for small budget independent filmmakers. In the past, they would need to find a reputable distributer who would often only do straight to DVD options. Making DVDs costs money, and the distributer would often take a large portion of the profits, which would leave the filmmaker with much less than expected. With online distribution, the costs and profits are usually a little more streamlined, and you have the opportunity for your film to be seen by a wider audience. This is especially important for niche films with specific audiences in mind.”