Virtual 'releases'

A few years back, to become a movie director meant a long and arduous journey, involving years of apprenticeship as assistant directors with well-known directors, knocking the doors of various producers and literally begging someone to trust your script’s capabilities and bank on them.  Now, the advancement in technology and people’s mindsets has changed that, big time.

Today, for as little as Rs.5000, amateur and first-time directors have been able to make short films for release on YouTube.  Even if you end up spending a few more tens of thousands on advertising and promotions on social media and networking websites; it still works out far cheaper than directing and promoting a full-fledged feature film. The best thing is on sites like YouTube, you tap into a worldwide audience and you can release anything from a 5 minutes to a 2 hour long movie. Justin Bieber, the Canadian teen heartthrob got noticed due to a song he uploaded on YouTube.  Back home, in South India, 26-year-old Balaji Mohan’s debut virtual movie got noticed by actors such as Siddharth and cinematographer Nirav Shah; and in 2012, he directed his first full-length movie with Siddharth in the lead.

 He is not the only one, as the Tamil Film Industry, is seeing a lot of young, new fresh directors who have jumped from YouTube to the silver screen.  A good script, motivation, fresh ideas, YouTube and social media- can truly change your life!