I'm not sure either... but it certainly has devalued film and video. Times have certainly changed from early on when you would have to wear a shirt and tie to operate a video tape machine (those operators were called engineers), the technical acumen required to operate was very steep. Fast forward to today… Now walk into a Network Television media room... be prepared to be greeted with shorts and flip flops (shower shoes)! Are todays media professionals as technically savvy as yesteryear? Nope. Do they have to be? Nope. Would those statements attract argument? Yep. Have we gotten to the point where thinking technically is less and less as important or valued as it used to be?… yeah those mini-brains (computers), inside practically every piece of anything have sorta taken the load off. Ideally you would think, great, that leaves more time to think creatively... hasn't quite panned out has it?
Too many folks almost expect you to work for next to free if not free while expecting a Hollywood blockbuster from your typical crew of two-three people. Where has this mindset come from? Can’t quite put a finger on it… leaving only a few players that can survive and or persevere through that crushing chaff of “I have a camera, therefore I’m a filmmaker”. The profession itself maybe it’s own worst enemy. The best edited pieces look like they weren’t edited. The best camera work does not call attention to the camera. Making it look easy. I’ve even gone so far as to tell clients “just because I make it look easy, doesn’t mean that it is”. The artistry and craftsmanship is always a challenge to gain appreciation from the uninitiated, also known as an audience. There was a time when a 21 point Nielsen Rating was considered a hit... today a 2.1 is doing phenomenal. Different era... the whole paradigm has shifted in TV and Film... some good, some not so good.
ok... Let's give Mr. Dylan a chance to finish.
