Micro-Cinema is an underground alternative movement–a sort of cinematic microbrewery where the films are homegrown and do-it-yourself. When it was first coined in 1994, the standard fare was HI-8mm and DV video sometimes even 16mm, but now just about anything from an iphone to a RED One camera could be found. Really- it’s often about just finding a space and getting together a bunch of filmmakers and friends and showing off your movies in your basement. (Might be where the term “ underground cinema” comes from).

Thanks to the revolution brought on by the democratization of movie-making; i.e. Apple computers, Final Cut Pro, affordable HD video cameras, and YouTube there isn’t much difference between micro-cinema and us–the aspiring internet savvy film makers of tomorrow. Even though social media and the internet are fantastic tools for the burgeoning young filmmaker, there’s no comparison between an anonymous ‘intar-webs’ audience, and a connection with a real live people. In my experience, the best part of making a movie–is the living, breathing reaction of a live audience.

Filmmakers can and should strive to find real connections with people in real life, because those relationships will be the foundation of their future “fan base”. This is a return to a movement in movie culture that can reap greater returns than your average twitter campaign and cost a lot less than four-walling your short at the local indie theater.

Really looking forward to seeing you at Film Threat’s next Film In 140 Panel on Twitter on Wednesday, December 8, 2010, from 9PM to 10PM EST!

For more information click here: TEXTERS, TALKERS AND CRYING BABIES: CAN MICRO-CINEMA IMPROVE THE THEATER EXPERIENCE?