Victoria Mappleback's project Smart Hearts tracks a couple online through a grisly breakup. At the same time, they show how digital media change the way we gain knowledge of issues. Not only is the technology cheaper and more accessible, but distribution is also cheaper and worldwide. For only a little more money than a big documentary costs, he says, a wholly independent media delivery system using digital technology can be created, if that's what you want to do. Sieling is a lone cock crowing the digital future.
Most panellists here are humbler, admitting to the obstacles they face.
Radio B92 relied on voluntarily donated web hosting. Now that the crisis is over the station is having trouble raising money. Similarly, Smart Hearts' host, Channel 4 in Britain, waffled on its commitment to supply bandwidth for the project's voracious live cams, audio and chat rooms. As documentary goes online, it is inheriting some of the film industry's quirkiness. The pitch, where aspiring filmmakers compete onstage for producer and broadcaster support, is a big part of the new media world.