Simple thoughts on why small content providers and filmmakers must be online

2009-07-13 09:57:23

This morning on my way to work I met an interesting Iranian Gentleman, a professor from the City of Tehran visiting the USA for a conversation.
I gave him directions to the Brooklyn Bridge entrance and hopped on the 4 train to Union Square.
Through our my trip to Union square a read the article:
"research note by British "teenage scribbler" causes City sensation (look it up online)

One matter came to my mind, and I thought was necessary to share it with Film Annex members and Filmmakers.

Online ventures are not really made for big companies, for some reasons online is like the Far West (or the very Far East) where the rules and laws of engagement are unpredictable and fascinating, in one day you can reach 1 billion people and the following day disappear from the radar.

Board members and Investors are often over 40 years old and grew up most of their life without INTERNET, as Murdoch says, they are "digital immigrants, not natives" they are fascinated by the INTERNET but really can't rationalize it into a business plan.

The old concept of raising funds for a venture based online, on a 2-3 year plan is not realistic, because things change overnight and no plan can adapt itself so rapidly.

The real engine of the INTERNET are billions of small content providers that willingly or unwillingly provide their genius and information to make the INTERNET what its name is: an INTERNET.

The big player keep growing their numbers but don't necessarily grow their profits, and their overhead is shaped around the amount of money they raise, not the amount they can generate.

Its my opinion that this scenario is the perfect environment where small content providers with a very minimal overhead can really make a difference and succeed. They don't need to raise funds to make this happen but must leverage the system and possibly have in their team a few genuine "digital natives" of 25 years old or below.

Making money online is not the point, it can happen but can't be the motivation. In essence is like life, you can't walk in a bar or a museum or a coffee shop thinking: I must find my soul mate!
Instead you work on your social skills, grow your network, attend interesting events (but not too exclusive) and you eventually run into the right person.
Same is online, just hang out in the happening events and websites, pick people brains with good ideas and try to create partnerships but do not grow overhead with fixed costs, step by step create your community and people will start attending your events online and off-line) just like you use to attend other people events.

The big enemy is Overhead and any megalomaniac intention associated to VC fund-raising based on Exit strategies and dreams.
The big reality is based on a day to day performance were the 24 hrs make a difference and small progress is the target.

yours
francesco