Tomsk amateur filmmakers' film production as a prosumer practice

Regional amateur film production is discussed in the article. The specifics of this phenomenon are determined by two factors: the territorial affiliation and the unprofessional nature the amateur filmmakers activities making films outside the official film studios systems. The spread of film amateurism in the 21st century is driven by the development of digital technologies that simplify the film production process. However, the place and importance of amateur filmmakers in modern culture are not adequately investigated, which actualizes this study. The purpose of the article is to reveal the specifics of the production and artistic activities of Tomsk amateur directors. The author's hypothesis is that regional cinema is not only a form of amateur creativity but also prosumers activity. The novelty of the study is determined, firstly, by the attention to the film industry of the Tomsk region, secondly, the original author's approach, considering the activities of amateur directors in the context of the new production paradigm of prosumerism. The methodological basis of the study is the sociocultural approach, film appreciation and study of empiric material (short features, indie cinema, documentary, web-series). The study is constructed as follows: signs, which point to the prosumer character of the Tomsk cinema environ is identified. As a result a set of assertions confirming the involvement of amateur film makers in new forms of DIY practices is formulated. 1) Amateur filmmakers multifunctional activities redound to the blurring of the distinction between production and consumption. 2) It is not in doubt, that is voluntary labor, but the fact that it is unpaid labor is not an essential condition, due to the large economic costs of film production. 3) For Tomsk's amateur directors an unstructured and decentralized organization of the production process is typical. 4) Almost all filmmakers have their own or given means of production. 5) The product specifics (film text) are determined by the individual optics of the author and by his regional belonging. 6) The transformative role of film amateurism is expressed in influencing the identity of its participants and in shaping the cultural identity of the region. The authors conclude that the activity of Tomsk's amateur film production contributes to the cultural specifics of the region, influences the development of regional identity, and contributes to the formation of new social ties. This non-profit environ based on the personal enthusiasm of people interested in creative self-realization leads to the prosumers practice extension as a way to overcome the negative manifestations of a consumer society.

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