Doc Memo | May 2, 2016. POV’s daily list of essential reading for the documentary and independent filmmaking community.
Hot Docs ’16: Steve James’ sustainability tips for doc makers
This year’s recipient of the Hot Docs Outstanding Achievement Award, Steve James, shares some tips into becoming a successful documentary filmmaker. The 61-year-old Kartemquin director is constantly behind the camera, shooting almost all of the film himself, and is a proponent for issues of race and class. James has directed highly acclaimed films such as Hoop Dreams (1994), The Interrupters (2011) and Life Itself (2014), which are playing in retrospect at Hot Docs.
Read more | Realscreen »
Hulu is Developing a Cable-Style Online TV Service
Hulu, a popular streaming service and Netflix’s primary competitor, is developing a subscription service to stream feeds of popular broadcast and cable TV channels by early 2017. Hulu’s current subscription provides on-demand programming networks, but the new plan will include other TV channels, digital video recording, and the ability to stream previous on-demand shows. The package will be a direct competitor to traditional pay-TV providers and other new digital entrants.
Read more | Wall Street Journal »
In an Era of Streaming, Cinema is Under Attack
Is online streaming a direct competitor to watching in theaters? Chief film critics for The Times, Manohla Dargis and A.O. Scott, have a conversation about the rise of online streaming of films, and whether or not it is an existential threat to moviegoing. While the essence of theaters as a sacred space may have faded, both Dargis and Scott agree that moviegoing will continue as long as there are people who value the art.
Read more | New York Times »
Samsung thinks the ‘Future of Children’s Bedtime’ is Virtual Reality stories
Children’s bedtimes are about to get a technological upgrade. In a recent ad, Samsung introduced its ‘Bedtime VR Stories’, an app that will “combine the latest innovations in virtual reality with the power and importance of traditional storytelling”. The technology is currently being tested in the U.K., and targets parents who are away from the home due to relocation or travel.
Read more | The Guardian »
5 Dorky Documentaries to Watch at 2016 Hot Docs
Embrace your inner dork at the Hot Docs Canadian International Film Festival, running now until May 7. The Dork Shelf Staff lists the five must-see documentaries, including De Palma, The Slippers, and many more. With over 232 films from 51 countries featured at this year’s festival, this list will definitely help you narrow down some choices.
Read more | Dork Shelf »
Upcoming festivals and deadlines
This Week
- Documentamadrid 4/27-5/8
- Hot Docs Festival 4/28-5/8
- DOK.fest-International Documentary Film Festival Munich 5/5-5/15
- Taiwan International Documentary Festival 5/6-5/15
- Deadline: ITVS Digital Open Call 5/2
Next Week
- Festival de Cannes 5/11-5/22
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