Fast-paced model for production

What was most interesting to me from Mike and Chris Farah's talks were their take on Funny or Die's particular model for production. At one point on Thursday evening, Chris Farah stated that he thought Funny or Die would change the entire Hollywood model. While I'm not sure I entirely agree with this sentiment, it seems possible that Funny or Die - and websites like it - may carve out a new path for aspiring filmmakers to gain industry and popular attention. With enough speed, and an intelligent use of internet distribution, a young filmmaker could potentially stand to gain an audience without theatrical release. In a sense, this relates back to viral videos and marketing. By creating a series of successful shorts - dramatic, comedic, or otherwise - the filmmaker stands to "brand" their own name. With this type of support and momentum, based on viewers' recognition of their name, these filmmakers may find it easier to market themselves to studios or distributors in the future. Which would, in turn, diversify the Hollywood mode. Maybe Mike Farah's on to something? That's not to say I think that slower, higher budget, more meticulous film making is at any kind of risk, but that - perhaps - models and methods for movie making may broaden their approaches as a direct result of new media.