Film notes digital tech fosters creativity

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​“Almost everybody I meet in the world of art, music, literature or creative expression, everybody is equally excited and afraid. Nobody knows where their next paycheck is coming from, but they’re excited about their ability to create and share their work.” 
​–Moby in “PressPausePlay”

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I recently watched a fascinating documentary: “PressPausePlay.” The 2011 film is posted to YouTube, and it can be viewed below. 
 
The movie looks at the digital revolution from a creative perspective. It asserts the availability of powerful, affordable consumer products in combination with the Internet has led to more opportunities to produce and distribute all manner of art – music, writing, video, etc. A variety of creative folks, including Moby, Robyn, Lena Dunham, and Sean Parker, share their thoughts on the digital age.
 
I was particularly struck by the documentary as it reflects my recent experiences. I completely agree – the Internet coupled with laptops, smart phones and the rest has changed the way I approach my work. Here are two examples:

1. Video Production: years ago, camera equipment was larger, heavier, and more expensive. Video was recorded on tape and that could also be costly. In addition, an entire editing bay with much apparatus was needed to piece the footage together, and a traditional broadcast outlet, such as public-access television, was required for distribution.
 
Now, I’m able to shoot high-quality footage on a relatively inexpensive video camera. I capture the video on a reusable memory card, edit it on my laptop, and distribute the finished product online. The entire process is so much more economical and convenient.

2. Writing: years ago, if I wanted to get my work out to a sizeable audience, I needed to go through, again, a traditional media outlet, such as a newspaper. This required I find an editor who was receptive to my writing, and I’d either be assigned a story or I’d pitch an idea and he/she would approve it. My articles were always published, but there was no guarantee I would see my work in print.

Watch "PressPausePlay." 

Now, I have this blog. I appreciate that I don’t have to go through a gatekeeper, and I can freely choose my topic. I'm certain my work will be published, and it has the potential to reach a mass audience. While I still pursue journalism and I appreciate the relationship between a writer and an editor, I enjoy having an outlet where I can share ideas that are of a more personal nature and I can do so without oversight. I love that writing and publishing can now be much more simple and straightforward. ​

Surely there are many others who also find the so-called “digital revolution” empowering. I’ve marvel at all the new technology, and I’m excited to see advancements in the years ahead. ​