Future of Filmmaking
Ninety percent of everything we buy comes to us by ship. Ships bring us food, clothing cars, and our electronics. It is the vehicle of global trade. No shipping, no globalization. Because of their size and the immense amount of fuel they burn, ships belong to one of the most polluting industries in the world. Ships are allowed to burn the dirtiest fuel on the planet.
With the rise of social media, the way people consume media and information is evolving. As Gianna puts it, no longer can a great film turn the tide on a social issue.
“People need to feel like they’re actually participating,” said Gianna.
She argues that a movie is just one tool and now there must be an entire campaign around the film’s message to spur action and effect change. This includes creating a website and developing an outreach campaign.
“It’s not your film, it’s the people who have to get invested,” said Gianna.
Likely the most well-known film in recent history that spurred people to action is Blackfish. Now referred to as the “Blackfish Effect,” the movie and years-long, multi-pronged campaign that followed eventually caused Sea World to end its orca breeding programs and stop all orca shows.
Additionally, A Plastic Ocean and Sea Blind, are two new films that Gianna believes have not only crafted strong messages, but have also created impactful campaigns that allow audiences to understand the gravity of plastic and shipping to the health of the ocean and provided means for viewers to take action.
A Plastic Ocean is an adventure documentary shot on more than 20 locations over the past 4 years. Explorers Craig Leeson and Tanya Streeter and a team of international scientists reveal the causes and consequences of plastic pollution and share solutions.
Technology and Film
With drones and 360-degree cameras readily accessible, filmmakers are getting a lot of “bang for their buck.” Gone are the days when producers must budget for helicopter shots and instead can take aerial shots into their own hands (literally). Technology has increased production value, however, Gianna urged filmmakers to think more deeply about how they use the tools and cautioned against over usage. It all goes back to the message – how does that aerial shot support your narrative?