In the world of film and entertainment, the relationship between power, people, and data is a fascinating and complex topic. This article delves into the insights shared at the Locarno Pro industry strand of the Locarno Film Festival, where a panel discussion sparked intriguing thoughts on the order and dynamics of these three key elements.
The Power of Perspective
The panel, moderated by AC Coppers, featured diverse voices from the industry, including Yasmine Talli, Andrea Occhipinti, and Doris Ruth Eikhof. Each brought a unique perspective to the table, highlighting the subjective nature of this debate. Eikhof's take on the order - power, data, people - emphasizes the importance of addressing power structures and the stories we tell ourselves, which are often reflected in data. She believes creating an inclusive space is paramount.
Occhipinti, on the other hand, puts people first. He values judgment, sensitivity, and experience, followed by power and data as tools. Talli's perspective aligns with Occhipinti's, prioritizing people and data before power. She suggests that data can help people maintain control.
Conviction vs. Data: A Delicate Balance
A key question arose: how much do industry players rely on conviction versus data and algorithms when making decisions about films? Occhipinti shared that Lucky Red, his production and distribution company, trusts instinct and experience. He cited examples like “Ida” and “Moonlight,” films that defied conventional wisdom and proved successful. Talli's approach at mk2 Films echoes this sentiment, emphasizing emotion, taste, and human aspects alongside data analysis.
The Human Element
What makes this discussion particularly intriguing is the emphasis on the human element. Despite the increasing role of data and algorithms, the industry experts on the panel highlighted the importance of intuition, sensitivity, and the unique human perspective. Talli's mention of a “pool of readers” and a “group decision” process at mk2 underscores the collaborative and subjective nature of film evaluation.
A Step Towards Transparency
The panel session was part of the StepIn kick-off event, which followed a presentation by film industry data analyst Stephen Follows. His presentation, “Fear, Lies, and the Illusion of Control,” shed light on some hard truths, including the role of “nepo baby creatives” and the low profitability of indie films. This transparency is a step towards a more informed and nuanced understanding of the industry.
In conclusion, the debate at Locarno Pro highlights the evolving dynamics between power, people, and data in the film industry. While data and algorithms play a growing role, the human element remains crucial. The subjective nature of film evaluation and the importance of conviction and intuition cannot be understated. As the industry navigates this balance, transparency and open dialogue, as demonstrated at Locarno Pro, will be key to its evolution.
