The Blog for Video 2.0
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Romantic comedy to premiere on iTunes today
The first feature film to be launched exclusively on iTunes is opening today. Written and directed by Edward Burns, Purple Violets is a romantic comedy starring Selma Blair, Debra Messing, and Patrick Wilson. A preview page is already available on iTunes along with a trailer.
Labels: edward burns, independent, indie film, iTunes
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
How the iPhone will change Indie Film - Forever
Apple released the iPhone to much hype and fanfare. It billed the device as three devices in one. It was a revolutionary product for the cell phone industry. But the iPhone is having an effect outside of the mobile phone and computing industries. In fact, we belive that history will show the iPhone's release as one of the single biggest events in the history of independent filmmaking.
What, exactly, does the iPhone--a mobile phone/internet device/widescren iPod--have to do with indie film? Well, a lot. The movie download market must prepare for a great new phase as we look forward to more and more great devices capable of playing our content.
For independent content to survive and thrive, it must move to new delivery devices like Apple TV, iPod and now the iPhone. Support for these new devices will lead to growth in the audience for indie content. Many "mainstream" consumers will not view indie films at screenings, festivals or DVD. The films are too hard to find, often barried in video rental store shelves or playing in small art house theaters. This has been the case for the past few decades. Once every five years there is a breakout hit--a Clerks or Blair Witch--that gives the indie community something to rally around. The independent movie press declare, "We've arrived. This is the 'Year of the Indie'". Just as quickly as these hits arise, the excitement dies down and the great content made in the aftermath gets lost in the shuffle.
Now, for what may truely be the first time, consumers will have in their hands a great portable media device. You may argue that the iPod with video or the PSP have existed for a few years. But, these are devices that most people do not *have* to carry at all times. These are "luxury" devices that we carry when we want to. Cell phones are vastly different. Most Americans now carry their cell phone at all times--to the gym, on the bus, walking through the mall, at the ball game. We always have our phones with us. Now that Apple has delivered "the best iPod ever built" (Apple's words) and snuck it inside a phone, we now have a captive audience that will always have viewing capability.
This is, or has the potential to be, huge. Just look no farther than the iPhone's home screen. Right there on that gorgious 3.5" screen is a direct link to everyone's favorite dancing-cats-meet-dancing-teenagers clip sharing site, YouTube. Think about that. Apple put YouTube directly on the home screen of their revolutionary new device. Now, this could be entirely motivated by a new advertisting or search revenue deal Apple has struck with Google. But even if it is, the fact that YouTube is on the home screen of the iPhone can not be ignored.
Apple believes in mobile entertainment. They created the iPod so that we all could enjoy all our music at any time or place. Now, we are closer than ever to that dream for video. The iPhone's 3.5" screen has a resolution higher than many computer monitors. It displays MPEG4 H.264 video beautifully--better than any portable device ever has. These quality features combined with the simple fact that people will actually have the device with them, lead to great market opportunities.
Of course, the iPhone is, for now, a niche device. It's high price tag mean that it won't be found in the hands of many teens or college students in the near future. But just as with all technology, the price will drop over time. The iPhone will also force other handset makers and cell providers to design better devices. Devices that compete with the iPhone. When this happens, consumers win.
HungryFlix.com is ready to help independent producers, filmmakers and musicians in this new distribution world. We believe that this new class of mobile devices will open the doors to great indie content. It is time to get onboard. There are hundreds of thousands of movie and music fans out there with new devices that are hungry for great content.
http://www.hungryflix.com
Brian Andrews is an independent filmmaker and producer and CEO of http://www.HungryFlix.com, an online film distributor focused on new media.
What, exactly, does the iPhone--a mobile phone/internet device/widescren iPod--have to do with indie film? Well, a lot. The movie download market must prepare for a great new phase as we look forward to more and more great devices capable of playing our content.
For independent content to survive and thrive, it must move to new delivery devices like Apple TV, iPod and now the iPhone. Support for these new devices will lead to growth in the audience for indie content. Many "mainstream" consumers will not view indie films at screenings, festivals or DVD. The films are too hard to find, often barried in video rental store shelves or playing in small art house theaters. This has been the case for the past few decades. Once every five years there is a breakout hit--a Clerks or Blair Witch--that gives the indie community something to rally around. The independent movie press declare, "We've arrived. This is the 'Year of the Indie'". Just as quickly as these hits arise, the excitement dies down and the great content made in the aftermath gets lost in the shuffle.
Now, for what may truely be the first time, consumers will have in their hands a great portable media device. You may argue that the iPod with video or the PSP have existed for a few years. But, these are devices that most people do not *have* to carry at all times. These are "luxury" devices that we carry when we want to. Cell phones are vastly different. Most Americans now carry their cell phone at all times--to the gym, on the bus, walking through the mall, at the ball game. We always have our phones with us. Now that Apple has delivered "the best iPod ever built" (Apple's words) and snuck it inside a phone, we now have a captive audience that will always have viewing capability.
This is, or has the potential to be, huge. Just look no farther than the iPhone's home screen. Right there on that gorgious 3.5" screen is a direct link to everyone's favorite dancing-cats-meet-dancing-teenagers clip sharing site, YouTube. Think about that. Apple put YouTube directly on the home screen of their revolutionary new device. Now, this could be entirely motivated by a new advertisting or search revenue deal Apple has struck with Google. But even if it is, the fact that YouTube is on the home screen of the iPhone can not be ignored.
Apple believes in mobile entertainment. They created the iPod so that we all could enjoy all our music at any time or place. Now, we are closer than ever to that dream for video. The iPhone's 3.5" screen has a resolution higher than many computer monitors. It displays MPEG4 H.264 video beautifully--better than any portable device ever has. These quality features combined with the simple fact that people will actually have the device with them, lead to great market opportunities.
Of course, the iPhone is, for now, a niche device. It's high price tag mean that it won't be found in the hands of many teens or college students in the near future. But just as with all technology, the price will drop over time. The iPhone will also force other handset makers and cell providers to design better devices. Devices that compete with the iPhone. When this happens, consumers win.
HungryFlix.com is ready to help independent producers, filmmakers and musicians in this new distribution world. We believe that this new class of mobile devices will open the doors to great indie content. It is time to get onboard. There are hundreds of thousands of movie and music fans out there with new devices that are hungry for great content.
http://www.hungryflix.com
Brian Andrews is an independent filmmaker and producer and CEO of http://www.HungryFlix.com, an online film distributor focused on new media.
Labels: independent, indie film, indie movies, iphone, ipod, movies, short films
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Video download sites reviewed
Apple TV Source, a great blog that covers all things Apple TV, has posted a review of video download stores that offer and alternative to iTunes for Apple TV owners.
The site takes a look at HungryFlix.com, which offers Apple TV movie downloads from independent filmmakers. Apple TV Source says that with some improvements HungryFlix can become, "a powerhouse for independent filmmakers."
The site takes a look at HungryFlix.com, which offers Apple TV movie downloads from independent filmmakers. Apple TV Source says that with some improvements HungryFlix can become, "a powerhouse for independent filmmakers."
Labels: apple tv, filmmaking, hungryflix, independent, indie film, iTunes, movie downloads
Friday, June 8, 2007
Near Toronto? Check out Mighty Brave Productions local screening
MULTI AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTION COMPANY TO UNVEIL COLLECTION OF COMEDIC SHORTS AT ITS FIRST LOCAL SCREENING
TORONTO – Mighty Brave Productions is thrilled to screen a collection of their most recent comedic short films, An Evening of Mighty Brave Shorts, on Thursday, June 21, at Camera, Toronto's premiere lounge and screening room. The night will include three separate screenings that will include a sneak peak of Bonded Pairs, written & directed by John Bertram (director of the original Degrassi Junior High), Boundless, written and directed by Donnie Mullins,(created for Global TVs In the Can), Chasing Aces (directed by Donnie Mullins), and The Gospel of Phi (directed by Donnie Mullins).
“We've had an amazing last three years having produced nine short films,” said Lisa Wegner. Our international screenings and television platform have gotten our stories seen by over a million viewers. With audience and industry support and we're thrilled to finally show our work (on the
big screen) in our hometown.
BondedPairs is a media-mangling mockudrama, playfully answering the curious question: what if our genetic programming was taken over by television programming? The film weaves a tongue-in-cheek narrative around a series of comic, commercial-style vignettes -- and features an accomplished cast of seasoned performers, including Rosemary Dunsmore, Mag Ruffman, Dan Duran, and many (many!) more. Selected scenes from the first half of this unconventional "feature-short" will be presented, and audience comments invited.
Boundless: In this hilarious short, a young woman becomes concerned with her boyfriend's relationship with an 80 year old man, and demands to meet the elderly man who's paging her boyfriend in the middle of the night.
Chasing Aces is a mockumentary about three Riverview patients' obsessed with flying.
The Gospel of Phi: In pursuit of lost love a man finds himself training with one of self-helps least known gurus.
Founded in 1999 by Lisa Wegner, Mighty Brave Productions has developed into a successful and dynamic full service creative film company. Since its inception, Mighty Brave Productions has produced a number of award-winning films that have screened at festivals around the world, including Cannes Film Festival (Short Film Corner). Mighty Brave Productions have built and nurtured strong industry relationships on all levels of production, from the creative team to industry suppliers to skilled crew members. Our indie company believes the best films emerge from a playful, co-creative and safe environment.
Don't miss your chance to laugh the night away. Seating is limited and tickets are sold on first-come first-serve basis. Show times are 7pm, 8pm & 9pm.
Tickets for the screening are $10.00 general admission and $8.00 for students from the Camera box office. Valid student i.d. required. Camera is located at 1028 Queen Street West (west of Ossington)
If you can't make it to Toronto you can download Mighty Brave's movies at HungryFlix.com.
TORONTO – Mighty Brave Productions is thrilled to screen a collection of their most recent comedic short films, An Evening of Mighty Brave Shorts, on Thursday, June 21, at Camera, Toronto's premiere lounge and screening room. The night will include three separate screenings that will include a sneak peak of Bonded Pairs, written & directed by John Bertram (director of the original Degrassi Junior High), Boundless, written and directed by Donnie Mullins,(created for Global TVs In the Can), Chasing Aces (directed by Donnie Mullins), and The Gospel of Phi (directed by Donnie Mullins).
“We've had an amazing last three years having produced nine short films,” said Lisa Wegner. Our international screenings and television platform have gotten our stories seen by over a million viewers. With audience and industry support and we're thrilled to finally show our work (on the
big screen) in our hometown.
BondedPairs is a media-mangling mockudrama, playfully answering the curious question: what if our genetic programming was taken over by television programming? The film weaves a tongue-in-cheek narrative around a series of comic, commercial-style vignettes -- and features an accomplished cast of seasoned performers, including Rosemary Dunsmore, Mag Ruffman, Dan Duran, and many (many!) more. Selected scenes from the first half of this unconventional "feature-short" will be presented, and audience comments invited.
Boundless: In this hilarious short, a young woman becomes concerned with her boyfriend's relationship with an 80 year old man, and demands to meet the elderly man who's paging her boyfriend in the middle of the night.
Chasing Aces is a mockumentary about three Riverview patients' obsessed with flying.
The Gospel of Phi: In pursuit of lost love a man finds himself training with one of self-helps least known gurus.
Founded in 1999 by Lisa Wegner, Mighty Brave Productions has developed into a successful and dynamic full service creative film company. Since its inception, Mighty Brave Productions has produced a number of award-winning films that have screened at festivals around the world, including Cannes Film Festival (Short Film Corner). Mighty Brave Productions have built and nurtured strong industry relationships on all levels of production, from the creative team to industry suppliers to skilled crew members. Our indie company believes the best films emerge from a playful, co-creative and safe environment.
Don't miss your chance to laugh the night away. Seating is limited and tickets are sold on first-come first-serve basis. Show times are 7pm, 8pm & 9pm.
Tickets for the screening are $10.00 general admission and $8.00 for students from the Camera box office. Valid student i.d. required. Camera is located at 1028 Queen Street West (west of Ossington)
If you can't make it to Toronto you can download Mighty Brave's movies at HungryFlix.com.
Labels: digital download, independent, indie film
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
ZDNet says, "Who needs iTunes? The rise of the indie friendly video download store"
Who needs iTunes? The rise of the ‘indie friendly’ video download store by ZDNet's Steve O'Hear -- Adams Media Research predicts that by 2011, the online video market will be worth $5.8 billion, and bucking today's trend, the majority of that revenue will be generated through selling downloads not ad-supported content. It's perhaps no surprise then, to see a number of paid-for download services pop up over the last 18 months...
Labels: download, hungryflix, independent, indie film, ipod, iTunes, online video, video distribution, video download
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