OpenSourceCinema.org is a collaborative documentary project to create a feature film about copyright in the digital age. The film entitled, Basement Tapes is a crowdsourced doc that welcomes submissions from the community mixed with footage shot around the world by a traditional crew.

WHY: Projects like OSC and A Swarm of Angels are new models in production and distribution. They harness the power of internet to build community around a project which helps fund, produce and distribute the work.

The IFP Filmmaker Conference kicks off next week in NYC. An extension of the IFPs market, the filmmaker conference is a series of panels and discussions surrounding all aspects of the art and craft of filmmaking. Panel tracks include Making Your First Feature, Filmmaking 2.0, The Global Marketplace, The Real Deal on Deals, Truth about Non-Fiction and Fair Use in Doc Films.

WHY: Between the Market and the Conference the IFP has created a strong event with a focus on networking and education.

Renew Media’s Resources blog is an excellent source of information for media artists. It seeks to not only provide information about the creation and dissemination of media but also works to build public awareness. The Resources blog covers issues related to media policy, in addition to interviews and articles on key issues effecting artists in the digital age.

WHY: The group blog is a good source of information that provides insight from a number of knowledgeable bloggers. Plus in the current environment of media consolidation it is nice to have an organization like Renew Media protecting independent vision.

BlipBack is a video comment widget that can be added to your own sites, blogs and social networking pages. It allows anyone with a webcam or video-enabled phone can leave a video message. The widget works with myspace, hi5, blogger, typepad and any where you can embed html into a page.

WHY: An interesting way to communicate directly with your audience or a select group. BlipBack has a number of uses such as; holding a virtual Q&A surrounding your project or communicating with a core group of people to exchange feedback around casting, scouting, or script notes…

Meebo is a browser based IM client which means there is no software to download. You can also easily embed Meebo into a site or blog. One of Meebo’s newest features is the ability to share files. Currently you can send 10MB files and there is a monthly send limit of 30MB.

WHY: An easy way to send files and chat. Meebo also has the honor of being the first IM client on the iphone.