Independent Filmmaking and Digital Convergence ― Transmedia and Beyond

Independent Filmmaking and Digital Convergence: Transmedia and Beyond offers a comprehensive analysis of the technological changes of the past few decades in independent film and media-making, and explores new strategies and practices in media production, exhibition and distribution for independent producers and content creators. The book address key questions like how to reach an audience at a time when media conglomerates and their products dominate the market, and simultaneously, there is an overabundance of content competing for viewer time. The book investigates what kind of stories we tell and why; how the audience has changed, and what their expectations are; what the various niche markets are for independent producers and creators in new media; and new models for media financing and distribution.

Vladan Nikolic is an independent filmmaker and associate professor at the School of Media Studies at The New School in New York City, where he teaches filmmaking and transmedia production classes. He has made numerous narrative feature films and documentaries, which have screened, won awards and critical acclaim in the US and internationally, including at the Venice Film Festival, Tribeca NY, Barcelona, Geneva, Moscow, London, etc. Mr. Nikolic was among the digital filmmaking pioneers in the ‘90s, shooting his feature Burn in 1996 on consumer camcorders, and teaching the first digital filmmaking courses at The New School and at NYU. In 2009, he directed and produced the feature film Zenith, which is also part of an extensive transmedia project. The film has been released in a unique and innovative way, combining theatrical, video, and online releases over multiple platforms, receiving millions of downloads, and a cult following. Vladan has worked and consulted on a variety of transmedia projects since, from film-related to educational platforms, and taught classes and seminars on transmedia also internationally, including in Shanghai, China, and at the Hong Kong Design Institute.