Karina over at Spout posted an interesting piece about the importance of a film being released theatrically when it comes to success and reputation:

Since the conversation about internet and day-and-date distribution really started to heat up in 2005, the alternatives to theatrical distribution have seemed to only multiply and evolve, while the general perception of public exhibition has remained about the same: filmmakers like it, but in terms of bottom line, it’s only useful as an extended commercial for ancillaries such as DVD. But is that perception changing?

She goes on to quote Jamie Stuart (Stream) and John August (director of The Nines ) who both have different ideas on what it means for a movie to get a theatrical release. As a purist of sorts and an idealist (on a good day) I of course have dreams of seeing my films (when I make them) in a movie theater (the Walter Reade to be exact) but also recognize that films are being created in much different ways than in the past.

Before the digital revolution, films were made to be seen in a theater. There are a lot of films I refuse to see on a televison or computer as the filmmaker’s original intention was for them to be seen big. Today however, a lot of films aren’t necessarily made with that intention or care. Folks are using technology to express themselves and DVDs and the internet as accessible distribution. There is more experimentation happening (both good and bad) and DVD and internet is the perfect way to engage with this type of work.

This of course still leaves us with the murky world of supposed American independent cinema (most of which is dying to be made Dependent) and films that are made with budgets, a star or two and most likely quirky characters. These films and filmmakers are in a weird zone where theaters don’t necessarily equal profits but can make or break a film’s reputation in the DVD world.

So what’s the answer? I definitely don’t know, but love reading peoples opinions on the subject.

Speaking of which, there’s also a good debate happening @ Spout about in the comments section of the post if you want to read more.

And while we’re on he subject, takepart to learn about Indiepix, a company that sees beyond the movie theater and helps with alternative means of distribution.

Read on:

• Sundance, The Nines, and the death of independent film
• Theatrical Thoughts
• Independent launches digital unit