By Linda Kim
Copyrights on the smallest of details and cease-and-desist orders
for seemingly harmless fan sites project an image of stringent, greedy
monstrosity on the corporations that demand full control on the movies,
television programs, and stars they produce. Miramax Films and HBO,
led by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, defy this negative image with Project
Greenlight, a contest in which amateurs can create their own movie
based on their own idea and script.
The contest calls for original screenplays by amateur screenwriters
and filmmakers, which are submitted and displayed to registered users
on the official website at www.projectgreenlight.com.
All contestants must then review and judge three other screenplays.
Those with an interest in the contest, but no script to submit, can
register as a "reviewer" and judge the contestants' works
on the website as well. After the screenplays have been narrowed down,
the Project Greenlight team picks the winner. The winner (or winners)
will then direct their original script into a Miramax feature film.
The entire production of the film will be covered on HBO as a documentary
series.
Though I am unaware of the original motivations and intentions for
Project Greenlight, I find the consequences of Project Greenlight
to be exciting and full of potential for the internet and amateur
screenwriters. The contest itself brings attention to amateurs and
their creativity and talent. The contest provides an opportunity for
little known filmmakers and writers to be discovered. The winners
will even get to see their scripts in fruition as an actual film that
they will direct. In addition, through the sharing and reviewing of
each other's screenplays, fellow amateur screenwriters can meet and
interact and give feedback. Project Greenlight could potentially grow
into an internet community where amateur filmmakers can toss ideas
around and test script ideas. Those who are just starting can get
a taste of what the works of previous screenwriters are like and the
old-timers can share advice and wisdom.
If anything, the internet has become a tool with which people all
over the world can interact, share ideas, and get information. The
fact that many corporations throw legal messes in the faces of those
amateurs who are trying to express their creativity and get it out
in the open through the internet is unfortunate and backward. It is
refreshing to see that Project Greenlight, although perhaps not fully
intentionally, is fostering an environment where a shared culture
and interest can flourish.