Flash in the pan

Bloggers generating rumors are as common as videos of kids doing dangerous activities for attention. Both are obvious, familar grabs for traffic and attention. So why do I care so much about this phony (albeit awesome) trailer for The Flash?

The execution, the production value, the carefully crafted back story, even the idea that they secured an actual theater to shoot this in, it’s stirred something in me. But let’s ignore all the work and resources and love this hoax must have consumed for a moment. For these hoaxsters, the point is this; they wanted to prove to Warner Brothers that the general public would be excited about a Flash movie. They’re insisting that not only is the Flash a viable franchise, but that the attention paid to this video is proof. Every time someone views, blogs about, or comments on this video, it’s another step towards convincing Warner Brothers that we want a Flash movie.

Now I’m no fanatic. I’d love to see a Flash film, but this is not my agenda. What’s got me so jazzed is the mentality this hoax embodies. This home made video has become a tool in provoking the creation of the film these fans so desperately want. Let’s show Warner that there's legitimate interest in a Flash movie (and therefore cash), then maybe we’ll get one.

That’s a big step in geekdom. We may have had the gumption and desire to insist on a film, but never the power. But why shouldn’t these guys think they’re capable of getting a film made? Fans are saving TV shows, running websites, determining buzz and box office dollars, and filling convention halls. So why cant we get a movie made? Maybe we can. And if blogging about a hoax some film students pulled over on the internet means that they get the movie they want, and that more fans determine what content get’s made and seen, then isn’t that the goal of this whole movement?

Who knows how this whole thing will shake down. There’s a grab for power and eyeballs and big teams and big money are all vying for the same pie. Let’s just hope whoever ends up with the opportunity to put some real resources behind their content takes the time to listen to what we all want to see.