There is way too much emphasis on the tech talk. It would be like a bunch of writers getting together and discussing the pros and cons of Number 2 pencils. Who cares, because you can make a technically proficient film that bores people to tears storywise, yet a good story will go a long way regardless of the tech and production values etc. Simply, it makes them more comfortable and more open to perform wonderfully. I follow them like I am shooting a doc.
Independent music has a strong network on the grassroots level for bands to get their art out.
Also the No Dance film fest that happens during Sundance is a big advocate of DVD s for low budget films. You ve been shooting on video for some time now. There still seems to be some elitism, even among young filmmakers who cannot afford to shoot a 35-mm feature. Audiences want good stories and good characters. Besides, film will soon be like vinyl, it s on the way out.