All’s Well and Fair is a documentary juxtaposing the lives and ideals of 3 single punk rock moms
during the 1990s with their realities and opinions ten years later –
giving a unique perspective on alternative culture, growth and identity.
Last week I began releasing my documentary All’s Well and Fair as a transmedia documentary.
In other words I’m releasing the entire 90-minute film in a slightly reedited version as a 18-part web series through its own website and various video and social media sites and phone apps and I encourage everyone to participate in sharing the clips and telling their own story and point-of-view through video responses and written comments.
Although this was originally conceived as a regular documentary about three unusual mothers in the 1990s, it keeps changing and evolving – just like we all did by the time I filmed the mothers again in the 2000s and into the future.
So next it became a film that juxtaposed the women in their 20s with each other and their own selves in their 30s. Now it’s a transmedia documentary that through your participation becomes a living ever-changing story, much larger than the original traditional documentary.
Releasing the film like this for free online is a risky move because I’m probably spoiling any chance to license this film to television, get any festival screenings or sell any DVDs (which you can purchase here).
But I’m very eager to share this rather unusually structured film in this very fitting and interactive way. Already the first few responses on YouTube, the website, Facebook and Twitter have been great rewards that prove to me that I’m moving in the right direction by creating (with you) something that is larger and more fascinating than just a film.
Releasing the film in this manner in a way that makes it free to the audience and rather affordable for my company was a conscious choice based on the idea (expressed in the film) of making media ourselves and making it accessible to everyone.
Of course, I do have expenses with this film, not just the work hours, but hard costs. Thanks to a grant from the Jerome Foundation I was able to finish
the film.
the film.
Currently I’m hoping I’ll be able to cover my expenses through
revenue share on the online videos. But I will need to get a lot more views! So there may be more fund raising initiatives in the future.
revenue share on the online videos. But I will need to get a lot more views! So there may be more fund raising initiatives in the future.
This really is one amazing creative experiment. And I am most grateful to everyone who has helped so far – but first and foremost I want to thank the three women in the film: Margaret Briggs, Rachel Guinan Iannelli and Tina Bushnell and their families.
Now, please watch the film (the first 4 episodes are below), share it with others and become part of the conversation by posting answers, comments and your own response videos. New episodes will be released on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.