Christians in Cinema

I’ve read several posts lately about social networking coming to an end. People are addicted to Facebook, they Twitter 24 hours a day, and they can’t seem to come out of their MySpace. So others reading that are immediately predicting an end to social media networks. I say “Not so fast.”

Businesses are just now coming into their own through the use of social media. They’re figuring out how to use it, who should use it, and when it should be used. Is it a promotional tool? Is it a communication tool? Is it a sales tool? You can find social media “gurus” all over the Internet – just Google the term and you’ll find lots of self-described experts just waiting to teach you via a webinar for only $79.

One recurring theme here at the Gideon Film Festival is the power of networking. We listened to T.C. Johnstone talk about his network of about 30 filmmakers (some as far away as Bolivia) who are in constant contact, and can be relied upon to help each other find jobs or crew members with very little notice.

Filmmaking is an industry that relies upon networking, and with the global nature of today’s culture, social media is the quickest and best way to bridge the geographic gaps that separate us. I’ve made friends this week that I’ll stay in touch with via social media, and when I need help with a project or an answer to a question, I’ll drop it into the bucket of knowledge and experience that is that network, and I know I’ll get some help.

What do you see for the future of social media networks? Are you a fan, a fanatic, or wondering what all the fuss is about?