youtube - death to intellectual property?

I haven't spent much time on youtube in the last several years but recently, I was kind of amazed to see how many clips from my films (DVDs) are posted by other people.  Not only do they post the clips but they run ADs before them?  So potentially, these cats are generating revenue off of my work.   numbers like... 77,009 views and  52,000views - if all those people stepped up and bought a DVD or rented the film digitally, we could go make more films.

I suppose people are excited to share things they like but is there absolutely no realization that what they are doing is illegal and actually takes away revenue from the filmmakers?  

Part of me says, cool, share away- hopefully it promotes the work on some level.  Another part of me says, what a minute, that's chicken shit- I spent time and money creating that content and why should you get to give it away.  I don't really want to start policing the internet for piracy.  I know it obviously happens, I just wish people would think a little more about the consequences of what they are doing.  aka @someGuyNamedDave   sorry about the rant.  #ScratchingMyHead

Presenting ZioBaffa Filmmaker Edition Wines!

I am honored and ecstatic to announce a new collaboration endeavor with the Castellani Winemaking Family called, ZioBaffa.

These bio-dynamically produced, 100% organic Italian wines are the brain child of Piergiorgio Castellani.  The first two (a Toscana Red and Pinot Grigio) are "The Filmmaker Edition Wines" and inspired by my experiences with Piergiorgio and Chris Del Moro making our new film, BELLA VITA.  We put a lot of effort into creating something good, affordable and moreover eco-friendly.

100% of energy used in manufacturing is from renewable resources and NDV certified with a "zero waste" program, recycling all possible waste and purifying polluted water.

Our ZIOBAFFA bottles utilize recycled glass in their creation.

100% of the paper  we use for our label is FSC (The Forest Stewardship Council) certified and is produced from raw material obtained through sustainable farming practices.  The labels are printed with non-toxic ink and affixed using bio-friendly, non-toxic glue.

We are also introducing the new & revolutionary HELIX™ cork closure, which is a bio-friendly re-usable seal.  We consider this seal  more elegant and effective than aluminum screw caps.  Cork production preserves bio-diversity and is generally regarded as a highly sustainable crop due to the fact that the entire cork tree is not harvested; merely its bark. The tree continues to live and grow.

Chris drew a limited-edition label representing our surf adventures in the Mediterranean Sea on FSC certified paper and the glue is non-toxic.

You can learn more about this exciting project via the video below or please visit us at ziobaffa.com

The wines will be in available in the United States in the coming weeks.  A big thanks to the team at Sage Beverages and Young's Market for their hard work on distribution.

My favorite things in life are sharing movies, surfing and good food with drink amongst family & friends.  This new adventure really ties all of my passions together and I'm tremendously excited to share it with you!

Press, Pause, Play

"Press, Pause, Play" is a fascinating and beautifully shot documentary film about the digital revolution.  It came out a few years ago and I'm truly amazed how often I speak to people about it and they have never heard of it.  SO... here it is - and better yet - you can watch it for FREE.

Yes, everyone's favorite word.  FREE.   I truly know how hard it is to make an independent film.  They are hard to finance.  They are hard to execute.  They are hard to distribute, especially in this current sea of information we swim through daily.  This film speaks to that and much, much, more.

In fact, a key point in the film is that for anything in this modern media world to go viral, to capture our attention, it must be FREE.  So the filmmakers give you a choice, watch it for free or buy it on iTunes - your choice!

Including interviews with Mobie and other media giants, it gives a fascinating look into our rapidly changing world.  From print, music, film-tv, we all digest our media differently from say, 10-15 years ago... and we creators need to adapt to that.  ENJOY.

official website:

http://www.presspauseplay.com

watch NOW on youtube:

http://youtu.be/-rvlaTg3vPg

or NETFLIX!

The digital revolution of the last decade has unleashed creativity and talent of people in an unprecedented way, unleashing unlimited creative opportunities. But does democratized culture mean better art, film, music and literature or is true talent instead flooded and drowned in the vast digital ocean of mass culture? Is it cultural democracy or mediocrity? This is the question addressed by PressPausePlay, a documentary film containing interviews with some of the world's most influential creators of the digital era.

LMU Magazine talks Bella Vita!

A big thanks to my Alma Mater, Loyola Marymount University (recently making the top 5 film schools in the Nation list) for taking the time to talk Italy, filmmaking and production on, BELLA VITA.  #GoLions!

you can read the interview here.

Bella Vita Now Available Worldwide!

I'm so happy to announce that my new film, Bella Vita is now available on DVD, iTunes, Digital VOD and in Select Theaters throughout the world.  If you are reading this and you've seen the film, please share this info with your friends and family- and ask them to share it with their friends and family.  Large Hollywood movies have marketing budgets upwards of 30 million dollars, Bella Vita has you and your voice.  We thank you for all the support.

For any and all info or to purchase, please go to BellaVitaFilm.com

LA Times talks making Bella Vita

I'm honored to be featured on the LA Times Photo Page with an Interview about making Bella Vita.

you can go here for the FULL STORY!

The film will be available in the U.S. on September 16th and Worldwide on September 22nd.  It is playing in select Theaters Now!   www.bellavitafilm.com/see-film

http://framework.latimes.com/2014/09/11/filmmaker-jason-baffa-is-set-to-release-his-latest-surf-documentary-bella-vita-which-explores-family-roots-and-the-italian-surf-subculture/#/1

Making Movies - JB Films Podcast Interview

I had a blast hanging out with David Scales recording an exclusive podcast interview for surfsplendorpodcast.com  - we talked about surfing, making movies, family and specifically, my features "Singlefin: yellow,"  "One California Day" and "Bella Vita."

This podcast was recorded at "Zeke's Handle Bar" in the Tyler Surf Shop, El Segundo, CA.

to listen to the show:  click here

photos: m. annunziata