I just read a very interesting “transcript” from a lunch with Allan Yasnyi, founder of USC’s Entertainment Technology Center. The transcript is posted at CinemaTech, another blog focused on filmmaking. Here’s a snippet:
It’s historically the case that those who don’t have legacy issues can think more creatively,” he continues. “Gamers don’t view digital as a barbarian at the gate. They understand what the audience wants.” Allan says that bringing the audience into the experience, making it more immersive and more interactive, will be essential.
My first gamer’s reaction was - GO Allen! It’s not that I want to become a studio head. It’s just that gamers are rarely mentioned in anything but articles about a Korean boy who had a cardiac arrest because he played Starcraft for 20 hours straight.
The rules of the game seem to be changing, albeit slowly. Most recently, Bob Iger, Disney’s CEO, expressed his desire to change exhibition windows dramatically. His agenda pushes for a DVD release that comes right on the heels of the theatre release. That’s not all. Video-on-demand (VOD) versions of the movies will be available within 24 hours of release.
This is a strong indication that pirates (via torrent sites) are hurting these behemoths and they are looking for ways to compete with the alternative online distribution model.
You wish! Most gamers are no good in managerial positions anyway since they’re all about hack-and-slash. Instant gratification.