Intelligent Cinema for Intelligent People Paralysed by Choice.

[Richard Saville-Smith]

I missed Filmcamp a couple of weeks ago (sorry Arvind), but I have to say I hadn't really thought through the implications for cinema of a joined up digital platform for arts events in Scotland. But I went to EDCM this morning and just got it - bang.

Why is it that I don't go to more films at independent cinemas like the Filmhouse? I could look up their website, read their programme or sign up for a newsletter - and let's not forget the List - there's ENOUGH information. But the reason I don't go is because I don't know about what is going to be brilliant - for me. All of their films are brilliant for someone (I suppose) so they are dealt with in a kind of standardised format with each given a pretty much similar amount of space and work through of detail and plot. For me (not an expert) this is like having to choose a single film out of a crowd - based only on marketing content. Never going to work.

This is hopelessly old fashioned. But what if I was part of a Scotland wide Web 2.0 arts platform and I had my own space. In that space I could make a list of my favourite films and my favourite directors. The intelligent people at the Filmhouse, the GFT and anywhere else could then interrogate the system with their programme and drop me a line with Films that matched - maybe by the same director, maybe using their personal recommendation - if you like that, why not this? Of course if they spam me, I'll just ignore. But if I could get a single film intelligently plucked from their crowded programme and recommended to me, I can assure you I'd take that suggestion seriously.

AND. If cinemas could interrogate the whole system to find out what people in Scotland actually like, they might be surprised and they could learn from our personal preferences when it came to shaping their programme.

Web 2.0 - don't you love it.

[Fin Wycherley]

Aha, see! I AM a genius, after all.

Let's do it. x

[Richard Saville-Smith]

Radiocamp? now that's a good idea Fin, since the 'camp' idea works on the basis of bringing ideas to the table and since you brought this, I propose you!

I'm sure there'd be plenty of people to help.

[Fin Wycherley]

Is anybody doing a Radiocamp?

[Fin Wycherley]

I can't afford to go on speck. Time-wise or financially. Its like going to a restaurant in Scotland on speck (ach, they are getting a bit better). Time is too short to lose 1.5 hrs on shite.

I imagine the proposal to work more like Amazon ... "Customers Who Enjoyed This Film Also Bought"

[George Falconer]

plus...there's no accounting for serendipity - just going in to see a film you know nothing about. High point - LA Confidential. Absolute low point - Tango and Cash in a Dundee cinema in the 80's.

[George Falconer]

Hey Richard - I tend to agree or completely disagree with critics in most things, and use them as filter. So I follow up and get to enjoy "The Road" and "Inception", and kick myself for missing "A Prophet" or "The Secret in Their Eyes" when there's no babysitters. So who likes what you like?

[Fin Wycherley]

Genius! Now why didn't I think of that, ha

[Arvind Salwan]

Thanks Richard - despite missing the event, it's great to see that you GET IT as no doubt this is just the start of the debate, and great that the UK's first FilmCamp has good people thinking. Some of the content from the event will be posted up later this week for anyone else who couldn't get along. See you at FilmCamp 11, if not before (hopefully).