Long Tail for Film?

One of the biggest surprises at this year's Consumer Electronics Show is just how many Hollywood stars have shown up to (a) tout the wares of tech vendors, and (b) to confirm the entertainment industry's embrace of new business models.  Morgan Freeman was among them yesterday, describing a near future when more creative projects go forward because of the lower barriers to production and distribution.  It's kind of a long tail argument.   Good for the industry?  We'll see.  Box office revenue was down in 2005, by seven percent -- other distribution channels (e.g., direct-to- home) are looking very attractive.