Digital disruption and innovation in distribution: Opportunities for research-based filmmaking in the new global screen ecology

Digital disruption manifesting through innovations in distribution is providing opportunities for the screen practices of academic, research based and independent filmmakers. Critical attention on distribution examines how digital intermediaries are changing the way filmmakers can connect their content to markets and educational audiences. In addition to enhanced prospects surrounding self-distribution, opportunities for research-based filmmaking emerging from online platforms and players continues to expand the global reach of what has traditionally been niche programming. Drawing on a range of best-practice examples from the Filmmaking Research Network (FRN) survey conducted in 2017 a collection of films are discussed in addition to three in-depth case studies tracking how the lead author’s filmmaking has responded to the digital distribution landscape