Christians in Cinema

This week, oil prices continue to surge, jumping at least $7 since the beginning of the week. The U.S. economy is already feeling the effects of the housing market slump and its related credit squeeze. Some analysts predict the price per gallon will reach $5 easily before the middle of summer. The cost of oil has risen 25% since the beginning of the year and 400% since 2001. (BBC Business News)

You’ve probably already seen a corresponding increase in the price of food at the grocery stores, heating costs this past winter, and other transportation. So how does that affect the film industry?

Here is opportunity for the producer of high-quality, lower-budget independent films.

As the cost of travel in all forms increases (jet fuel prices increase when crude oil cost rises, and the cost of fuel accounts for 20 – 25% of airlines’ operating costs), we will make different choices for our leisure activities. Do you want to take your boat out on the lake, or would you rather put fuel in your car the next month? Do you want to see the grandkids? Maybe you should consider moving closer to them or purchasing a car like Fred Flintstone’s.

After doing a complicated series of equations, you might decide to do more shopping online rather than use gas driving around town for your errands. However, you’re going to see that shipping costs have already risen, and will continue to do so as fuel costs rise.

As costs increase and discretionary income decreases, most people will probably choose leisure activities much closer to home. It’s probable you’ll see an increase in the number of DVDs purchased and rented as families choose to stay home for entertainment. Netflix is already capitalizing on this by advertising their service as a great way to save on gas.

I think we’ll also see the price of movies go up, both in theaters (our local theater ticket price went up again two weeks ago) and on DVD. Think about it. If it costs us, the average consumer, more to drive and travel, how much more so a film production? How many cars and trucks are used in a typical movie production? What about action films with lots of car chases and stunts? Those with planes, helicopters, etc.?

Are there unlimited pockets to fund what will surely be significant increases in production costs? I believe there’s an unusual opportunity for the producer of very well-made, lower-budget indie films. You don’t have to spend as much time trying to raise huge amounts of money to fund your films, so you have more time to spend crafting your story and getting every shot just right.

As Anita Renfroe encouraged attendees of the Biola Media Conference last weekend, “Be prepared. God chooses unlikely things as springboards, so be prepared and be excellent.”