The Blog for Video 2.0
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Revver sold to LiveUniverse; Stage6.com Closed
Last month, video site Revver.com was sold in a fire salee. LiveUniverse, an online entertainment company led by MySpace founder Brad Greenspan purchased the online video sharing site for a reported $3.5 million. Revver had previously received $12.5 million in funding from such investors as cable giant Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA) CMCSA and venture capital firms Draper Fisher Jurvetson and Bessemer Venture Partners.
Another video startup, Stage6.com, shut down operations last month. Stage6, owned by digital media pioneer DivX DIVX, pulled the plug even though its viewership had been rising since November. It had 10.7 million views in January. DivX has stated that they did not have the resources to run the site and that copyright issues were a growing concern. LiveUniverse is reported to be making an offer for Stage6.
The recent consolidations and closings leave a still crowded field of online video sites with Veoh.com, Break.com, Metacafe, HungryFlix, and many others battling for page views and visitors.
Another video startup, Stage6.com, shut down operations last month. Stage6, owned by digital media pioneer DivX DIVX, pulled the plug even though its viewership had been rising since November. It had 10.7 million views in January. DivX has stated that they did not have the resources to run the site and that copyright issues were a growing concern. LiveUniverse is reported to be making an offer for Stage6.
The recent consolidations and closings leave a still crowded field of online video sites with Veoh.com, Break.com, Metacafe, HungryFlix, and many others battling for page views and visitors.
Labels: hungryflix, movie downloads, online video, video distribution
Friday, December 28, 2007
Wal-Mart closes Movie Download service
Wal-Mart Stores Inc (NYSE:WMT - News) quietly canceled its online video download service less than a year after the site went live, a company spokeswoman said on Thursday.
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Wal-Mart shut down the download site after Hewlett Packard Co (NYSE:HPQ - News) discontinued the technology that powered it, Walmart.com spokeswoman Amy Colella said in an e-mail. She added that it will not look for another technology partner.
HP spokesman Hector Marinez said the company decided to discontinue its video download-only merchant store services because the market for paid video downloads did not perform "as expected." He noted that the Internet video business remains uncertain and is changing rapidly.
The online video market has seen a number of closings as 2007 wraps up. 2008 may continue this trend of consolidation and closures.
Fans of indie films still have many online avenues including downloading iPod movies from sites such as HungryFilx.com.
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Wal-Mart shut down the download site after Hewlett Packard Co (NYSE:HPQ - News) discontinued the technology that powered it, Walmart.com spokeswoman Amy Colella said in an e-mail. She added that it will not look for another technology partner.
HP spokesman Hector Marinez said the company decided to discontinue its video download-only merchant store services because the market for paid video downloads did not perform "as expected." He noted that the Internet video business remains uncertain and is changing rapidly.
The online video market has seen a number of closings as 2007 wraps up. 2008 may continue this trend of consolidation and closures.
Fans of indie films still have many online avenues including downloading iPod movies from sites such as HungryFilx.com.
Labels: online video, video download, wal-mart
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
NBC pulls content from YouTube
In preparations for the launch of Hulu.com, NBC has confirmed that it has removed it's content and channel from YouTube.
YouTube spokesperson Ricardo Reyes said in an emailed statement to http://newteevee:
"NBC informed us on Friday that they were taking down their branded channel and clips. Our relationship with NBC was a YouTube success story, so we hope NBC decides to post more original content and stay engaged with our users."
YouTube spokesperson Ricardo Reyes said in an emailed statement to http://newteevee:
"NBC informed us on Friday that they were taking down their branded channel and clips. Our relationship with NBC was a YouTube success story, so we hope NBC decides to post more original content and stay engaged with our users."
Labels: NBC, online video, youtube
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Viacom offers The Daily Show online
Viacom's Comedy Central channel today will unveil a website for "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart" that's designed to satisfy the most avid fans of the mock-news show with oceans of free video clips.
In a move away from the norm of providing just a sample of content, Comedy Central is offering the works: about 13,000 video clips representing every minute of the show since its 1999 inception. The site (http://www.thedailyshow.com) is meant to pull in advertising money from Day One, but it also provide a test run for Viacom and other "old media" players.
This is yet another attempt and finding the right mix of ads to content.
In a move away from the norm of providing just a sample of content, Comedy Central is offering the works: about 13,000 video clips representing every minute of the show since its 1999 inception. The site (http://www.thedailyshow.com) is meant to pull in advertising money from Day One, but it also provide a test run for Viacom and other "old media" players.
This is yet another attempt and finding the right mix of ads to content.
Labels: online video, the daily show, viacom, video download
Monday, October 15, 2007
YouTube launches Video ID filtering technology
YouTube today is announcing the beta of its video filtering technology.
The program calls for rights holders to upload versions of their copyrighted videos into a database,YouTube will then identify matches and pull them for review. Publishers will then have the choice of blocking the content or to monetize it via ads or run promos.
The program calls for rights holders to upload versions of their copyrighted videos into a database,YouTube will then identify matches and pull them for review. Publishers will then have the choice of blocking the content or to monetize it via ads or run promos.
Labels: DRM, Google, online video, youtube
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Google delivers ad-supported video clips
In continuation of the ad revenue sharing model that is gaining ground in the online video world, Web publishers that participate in Google Inc.'s AdSense ad distribution network will now be able to make money by offering ad-supported video clips from Google's YouTube video sharing site.
For advertisers, the program opens their video-based ads for distribution across the AdSense network, instead of being limited to the YouTube site. Meanwhile, video producers get a chance to generate revenue from their clips.
The video clips will be delivered within "a customized, embedded player that's ad supported," Google announced on Tuesday.
Online video is currently monetized in one of three ways: share of advertising revenue, paid download-to-own, or subscription based services.
For advertisers, the program opens their video-based ads for distribution across the AdSense network, instead of being limited to the YouTube site. Meanwhile, video producers get a chance to generate revenue from their clips.
The video clips will be delivered within "a customized, embedded player that's ad supported," Google announced on Tuesday.
Online video is currently monetized in one of three ways: share of advertising revenue, paid download-to-own, or subscription based services.
Labels: adsense, Google, online video, video distribution, video sharing, youtube
Friday, September 28, 2007
CBS new EyeLab looking for web views
It doesn't sound like CBS's new EyeLab group will be creating original content, aside from perhaps some "behind-the-scenes" footage or celeb interviews, but it's an interesting approach to repurposing TV content for the Web. Here's the Wall Street Journal's story. From the piece:
At a time when its competitors are focused on how to best distribute full-length TV shows online, CBS EyeLab represents a turn in the other direction. The content it offers will look more like videos on Google Inc.'s YouTube -- bite-size clips, streamed free, many with the feel of user-generated content -- than episodes of network prime-time shows. Quincy Smith, president of CBS Interactive, said preliminary network research shows that less than a third of CBS's Web audience is interested in watching full-length episodes of shows online.
CBS says the EyeLab-produced clips will both entertain viewers and serve a marketing purpose. "It turns our promotion into content," said George Schweitzer, the president of CBS Marketing. "The clips about 'CSI' or something from how a director shoots a scene in the show 'NUMB3RS,' these are all things that link back to our shows." The network also plans to sell ads that will be embedded in the clips.
At a time when its competitors are focused on how to best distribute full-length TV shows online, CBS EyeLab represents a turn in the other direction. The content it offers will look more like videos on Google Inc.'s YouTube -- bite-size clips, streamed free, many with the feel of user-generated content -- than episodes of network prime-time shows. Quincy Smith, president of CBS Interactive, said preliminary network research shows that less than a third of CBS's Web audience is interested in watching full-length episodes of shows online.
CBS says the EyeLab-produced clips will both entertain viewers and serve a marketing purpose. "It turns our promotion into content," said George Schweitzer, the president of CBS Marketing. "The clips about 'CSI' or something from how a director shoots a scene in the show 'NUMB3RS,' these are all things that link back to our shows." The network also plans to sell ads that will be embedded in the clips.
Labels: cbs, networks, online video, web video
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Bolt.com deal off - site shuts down
Well, here is one less online video success story. Looks like Bolt.com is no more. The site announced in Feb its plans to sell to GoFish.com for $30 million. This was after Bolt's legal troubles. The deal was recently put on hold and now it appears Bolt.com is closing shop.
More details to come.
More details to come.
Labels: bolt, online video
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
How the iPhone will change indie filmmaking - Forever
Unless you've been living in a cave, under a rock, or on the Dark Side of the Moon you know that on Friday June 29th Apple's new iPhone finally hit store shelves. Thousands of Apple and mobile phone fans waited in hundreds of lines for hours just for the privledge of dropping $499-$599 on the shiny new mobile phone/internet device/widescreen iPod. Analysts and tech geeks hailed the iPhone's arrival as a momentus event in the cell phone industry. I'm here to tell you that history will show the iPhone's release as one of the single biggest events in the history of independent filmmaking.
Hun? What, exactly, does the iPhone--a mobile phone/internet device/widescren iPod--have to do with indie filmmaking? 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. Feed Your Portable!
Hun? What, exactly, does the iPhone--a mobile phone/internet device/widescren iPod--have to do with indie filmmaking? 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. Feed Your Portable!
Labels: hungryflix, iphone, ipod, iTunes, movie downloads, movies, online video, video download, youtube
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
TiVo, Amazon to push download directly to TV
TiVo Inc. announced on Tuesday that many of its customers can now order pay-per-view movies and television shows from Amazon.com's Unbox download service directly from their TV, without a personal computer.
TiVo upgraded the "Amazon Unbox on TiVo" service to allow customers with high-speed Internet connections to select one of about 10,000 movies, shows or other video, using the TiVo remote control.
For TiVo, the new capabilities help to distinguish it's DVR units from less expensive models now offered by cable and satellite providers.
This is continued good news for the movie downloads market as it opens more doors for consumers to get great content and view it in the more comfortable family room setting.
Amazon Unbox competitor HungryFlix.com has offered movie downloads for Apple TV since the device's introduction in March.
TiVo upgraded the "Amazon Unbox on TiVo" service to allow customers with high-speed Internet connections to select one of about 10,000 movies, shows or other video, using the TiVo remote control.
For TiVo, the new capabilities help to distinguish it's DVR units from less expensive models now offered by cable and satellite providers.
This is continued good news for the movie downloads market as it opens more doors for consumers to get great content and view it in the more comfortable family room setting.
Amazon Unbox competitor HungryFlix.com has offered movie downloads for Apple TV since the device's introduction in March.
Labels: apple tv, digital download, internet video, iptv, movie downloads, online video, tivo
Monday, May 14, 2007
Forrester: Paid download market has no future
Forrester Research has just published an article stating that paid downloads of video content is doomed to failure and that only ad supported models will work.
While we have many issues with the findings, the number one issue seems to be the lack of explaination on why ad supported models are viewed as preferred by consumers? With the popularity of Tivo and iTunes downloads it seems clear to us here at HungryFlix that consumers do in fact prefer to have long form content free of ads.
The research is in direct opposition to an Adams Media note from Feb. Here is a link:
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=technologyNews&storyid=2007-02-21T143723Z_01_N21273243_RTRUKOC_0_US-INTERNET-VIDEO.xml&src=rss
HungryFlix.com has been providing paid movie downloads of premium indie films since 2005. We continue to see growth in the market.
While we have many issues with the findings, the number one issue seems to be the lack of explaination on why ad supported models are viewed as preferred by consumers? With the popularity of Tivo and iTunes downloads it seems clear to us here at HungryFlix that consumers do in fact prefer to have long form content free of ads.
The research is in direct opposition to an Adams Media note from Feb. Here is a link:
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=technologyNews&storyid=2007-02-21T143723Z_01_N21273243_RTRUKOC_0_US-INTERNET-VIDEO.xml&src=rss
HungryFlix.com has been providing paid movie downloads of premium indie films since 2005. We continue to see growth in the market.
Labels: iTunes, online distribution, online video, video download
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
NeeTeeVee reports on HungryFlix
Jackson West has posted a nice summary of HungryFlix.com and our support for independent filmmakers. Mr. West writes for NewTeeVee, a great blog covering online video digital distribution.
We apprieciate the mention, which you can read here HungryFlix Delivers for Indies
We apprieciate the mention, which you can read here HungryFlix Delivers for Indies
Labels: hungryflix, indie film, newteevee, online video
Monday, April 9, 2007
Xbox 360 upgrade adds IM, H.264 and MPEG4
Microsoft Corp. today announced the launch of Windows Live™ Messenger on Xbox 360™, connecting friends across Xbox 360 consoles, Microsoft® Windows®-based PCs and Windows Mobile®-powered devices.
With this update to Xbox 360, friends and families can easily connect and chat directly from their television using Windows Live Messenger, a network of more than 20 billion relationships and more than 260 million active accounts.
More importantly to Xbox users looking to add more great entertainment content to their consoles, Microsoft also announced that the update will added H.264 video support: Up to 10 Mbps peak, Baseline, Main, and High profiles with 2 channel AAC LC and MPEG-4 Part 2 video support: Up to 5 Mbps peak, Simple Profile with 2 channel AAC LC.
This is great news for us, as HungryFlix provides DRM free movie downloads in both MPEG4 and H.264 formats. We will welcome the ability to deliver our content to the Xbox 360.
With this update to Xbox 360, friends and families can easily connect and chat directly from their television using Windows Live Messenger, a network of more than 20 billion relationships and more than 260 million active accounts.
More importantly to Xbox users looking to add more great entertainment content to their consoles, Microsoft also announced that the update will added H.264 video support: Up to 10 Mbps peak, Baseline, Main, and High profiles with 2 channel AAC LC and MPEG-4 Part 2 video support: Up to 5 Mbps peak, Simple Profile with 2 channel AAC LC.
This is great news for us, as HungryFlix provides DRM free movie downloads in both MPEG4 and H.264 formats. We will welcome the ability to deliver our content to the Xbox 360.
Labels: h.264, hungryflix, mpeg4, online distribution, online video, xbox, xbox 360
Monday, April 2, 2007
HungryFlix.com Online
Look us up online. We're everywhere!
| hungryflix blog | blog.hungryflix.com |
| hungryflix podcast | www.flilxpodcast.com |
| myspace | www.myspace.com/hungryflix |
| virb | www.virb.com/hungryflix |
| Squidoo | www.squidoo.com/hungryflix |
Labels: digital download, hungryflix, movie downloads, online distribution, online video
Saturday, March 31, 2007
fast food available at hungryflix.com
looking for a snack? want to watch a few clips online? check out the new hungryflix.com snack section.
Labels: online distribution, online video
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Apple TV seen as big boon for indie video
Well, it seems the world is finally starting to get what we feel will be the biggest new area for the network connected set top box--independent content.
NewTeeVee is reporting from the New Video Sumit in San Jose, where industry experts and analysts have agreed that Apple TV is going to be a major boost for the video blogger community.
There is even talk that Apple TV can do for video distribution and consumption what the iPod did for music.
Time will tell and it is important to remember that the devices that ship in 2007 will all be version 1.0 products that will typically only be purchased by tech fans and early adopters. That being said, hungryflix.com the growing online source for movie downloads is solidly in support of indie filmmakers and producers and we fell that the direct path to the family room will be an enormous benefit to our community.
Read more at:
http://newteevee.com/2007/03/19/appletv-big-boon-for-indie-video/#more-879
And even more at:
http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/5584/982/
NewTeeVee is reporting from the New Video Sumit in San Jose, where industry experts and analysts have agreed that Apple TV is going to be a major boost for the video blogger community.
There is even talk that Apple TV can do for video distribution and consumption what the iPod did for music.
Time will tell and it is important to remember that the devices that ship in 2007 will all be version 1.0 products that will typically only be purchased by tech fans and early adopters. That being said, hungryflix.com the growing online source for movie downloads is solidly in support of indie filmmakers and producers and we fell that the direct path to the family room will be an enormous benefit to our community.
Read more at:
http://newteevee.com/2007/03/19/appletv-big-boon-for-indie-video/#more-879
And even more at:
http://www.itwire.com.au/content/view/5584/982/
Labels: apple, apple tv, ipod, iTunes, online distribution, online video
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Quicktime now has "Export to Apple TV" option
As the first Apple TV units begin to ship, word has come that the latest QuickTime update includes a new "Export to Apple TV" option.
The preset Apple TV export will yield DVD-quality 720x404 or 1280x720 HD video.
While power users will want more fine-tuning through advanced settings these pre-defined output options will be great for most users.
HungryFlix.com will soon begin support these advanced resolutions in our movie downloads.
The preset Apple TV export will yield DVD-quality 720x404 or 1280x720 HD video.
While power users will want more fine-tuning through advanced settings these pre-defined output options will be great for most users.
HungryFlix.com will soon begin support these advanced resolutions in our movie downloads.
Labels: apple tv, online video, quicktime
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Wages of Sin available at HungryFlix.com!
HungryFlix.com is proud to announce that Independent action director Nathyn Brendan Masters' new martial art flick "Wages of Sin" is available for download in both iPod and PSP versions at http://www.hungryflix.com.
"I wanted to do something like 'American Ninja' or 'Black Belt Jones' something old school but with some modern elements thrown in," says Masters. "I wanted to do something people could have a little fun with."
We are very excited to have such excellent content on HungryFlix.
"I wanted to do something like 'American Ninja' or 'Black Belt Jones' something old school but with some modern elements thrown in," says Masters. "I wanted to do something people could have a little fun with."
We are very excited to have such excellent content on HungryFlix.
Labels: digital download, indie film, nathyn brendan masters, online distribution, online video, ready to download, wages of sin
Apple TV Shipping
Apple's new set top box that provides for viewing of iTunes content on your TV is now shipping. We feel this can be the beginning of a huge trend for online media. Just as the iPod did for music, the Apple TV may in fact do for movies/TV/Video podcasts and other video content.
HungryFlix.com is very excited that now our customers have an easy, well designed and affordable way to enjoy our premium independent content in the family room.
Downlad great movies at HungryFlix.com!
Find out more on Apple TV at Apple TV
HungryFlix.com is very excited that now our customers have an easy, well designed and affordable way to enjoy our premium independent content in the family room.
Downlad great movies at HungryFlix.com!
Find out more on Apple TV at Apple TV
Labels: apple tv, iTunes, online distribution, online video
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Viacom sues Google/YouTube
Viacom has sued YouTube for $1 Billion, that's Billion with a "B", claiming copyright infringement. It seems most of the Web 2.0 fans are claming this is a simple case of "new companies innovate, old tired companies litigate".
This is not the view of this blog or http://www.hungryflix.com.
Much of YouTube's value does indeed come from the copyrighted works of others. If all copyrighted material was removed from YouTube how many visitors and page views would the site have?
Our mission at http://www.hungryflix.com is to ensure that content providers are credited and paid for their work.
Read more here http://googlewatch.eweek.com/content/youtube/18_reasons_why_google_and_youtube_are_guilty_of_copyright_infringement.html
This is not the view of this blog or http://www.hungryflix.com.
Much of YouTube's value does indeed come from the copyrighted works of others. If all copyrighted material was removed from YouTube how many visitors and page views would the site have?
Our mission at http://www.hungryflix.com is to ensure that content providers are credited and paid for their work.
Read more here http://googlewatch.eweek.com/content/youtube/18_reasons_why_google_and_youtube_are_guilty_of_copyright_infringement.html
Labels: copyright, dmca, Google, online distribution, online video, youtube
Monday, March 12, 2007
Mac Filmmaking Podcast - HungryFlix Interview
The guys over at the Mac Filmmaking Podcast were kind enough to interview HungryFlix.com's Brian Andrews for their March 10, 2007 podcast.
Topics included background on how HungryFlix works, what makes HungryFlix different from other video sites, and how filmmakers and video producers can get paid for their work. We had a great discussion.
You can subscribe to Mac Filmmaking via iTunes.
And be sure to vote at Podcast alley.
Topics included background on how HungryFlix works, what makes HungryFlix different from other video sites, and how filmmakers and video producers can get paid for their work. We had a great discussion.
You can subscribe to Mac Filmmaking via iTunes.
And be sure to vote at Podcast alley.
Labels: hungryflix, indie film, iTunes, mac filmmaking, online distribution, online video, podcast, short films
Friday, March 9, 2007
Online Video - Who pays the best?
Mashable.com is running a poll to find out which online video sites pay the best.
The poll includes advertisting, paid download and general traffic models.
You know where we stand on this. If you want to sell videos join us at http://www.hungryflix.com.
The poll includes advertisting, paid download and general traffic models.
You know where we stand on this. If you want to sell videos join us at http://www.hungryflix.com.
Labels: filmmaking, online distribution, online video, sell videos
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Could Wal-Mart's entry into movie downloads actually help others?
When mega retailer Wal-Mart enters a market, most existing competitors fear for their life. This may not be the case with online distribution and movie downloads claims CinemaNow CEO Curt Marvis.
ContentAgenda.com is reporting that Wal-Mart's entry into movie downloads may actually help because it bring more studio support for online distribution. Wal-Mart pushes 40% of all DVD sales, this has kept the studios from attempting anything online that would annoy Wal-Mart.
Marvis predicts that "by 2010 downloading of movie and video content will be as commonplace as downloading of music is in today's world. It will happen that fast."
We are already seeing some movie downloads with the limited success of CinemaNow, Amazon Unbox, HungryFlix.com, iTunes, Vongo and MovieLink.
What separates the movie downloads at HungryFlix.com is the premium independent content that can not be found at other sites.
ContentAgenda.com is reporting that Wal-Mart's entry into movie downloads may actually help because it bring more studio support for online distribution. Wal-Mart pushes 40% of all DVD sales, this has kept the studios from attempting anything online that would annoy Wal-Mart.
Marvis predicts that "by 2010 downloading of movie and video content will be as commonplace as downloading of music is in today's world. It will happen that fast."
We are already seeing some movie downloads with the limited success of CinemaNow, Amazon Unbox, HungryFlix.com, iTunes, Vongo and MovieLink.
What separates the movie downloads at HungryFlix.com is the premium independent content that can not be found at other sites.
Labels: amazon unbox, hungryflix, indie film, iTunes, movie downloads, online distribution, online video
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
Friday, March 2, 2007
Fox to provide TV downloads for affiliates
Fox affiliates will be able to begin selling TV downloads of Fox TV shows to local viewers as part of a new interactive plan.
Shows will be available for purchase the night after they air on TV, and users will be able to buy individual episodes or season packages. Prices will vary, depending on whether a user purchases a single episode or a season package. Downloads can be viewed on a PC or portable device.
Fox companies and affiliate stations will share advertising and pay-per-view revenue under the deal.
Users on the Fox.com Web site will enter their zip code and be directed to their local affiliate for viewing.
It will be interesting to see if this individual method of distribution fares versus using Apple's iTunes as digital distribution hub.
Shows will be available for purchase the night after they air on TV, and users will be able to buy individual episodes or season packages. Prices will vary, depending on whether a user purchases a single episode or a season package. Downloads can be viewed on a PC or portable device.
Fox companies and affiliate stations will share advertising and pay-per-view revenue under the deal.
Users on the Fox.com Web site will enter their zip code and be directed to their local affiliate for viewing.
It will be interesting to see if this individual method of distribution fares versus using Apple's iTunes as digital distribution hub.
Labels: download, online distribution, online video
YouTube to stream BBC content
BBC will be offering three YouTube channels - one for news and two for entertainment. The channels will showcase short clips of BBC content, and the corporation will also get a share of the ad revenues generated on these channels.
These are non-exclusive and set to run for several years.
The main BBC entertainment channel will be free of ads and used primarily to drive traffic to BBC’s own websites. A second entertainment channel, BBC Worldwide, will feature three to six minute long clips from popular BBC content. These will have pre-roll ads. The news channel, which will be launched later this year, will show about 30 news clips per day. These will have ads, and for that reason, these clips can be seen outside the UK only.
These are non-exclusive and set to run for several years.
The main BBC entertainment channel will be free of ads and used primarily to drive traffic to BBC’s own websites. A second entertainment channel, BBC Worldwide, will feature three to six minute long clips from popular BBC content. These will have pre-roll ads. The news channel, which will be launched later this year, will show about 30 news clips per day. These will have ads, and for that reason, these clips can be seen outside the UK only.
Labels: online distribution, online video, streaming, youtube
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
iTunes lists first indie film
In news that is very interesting for us here at HungryFlix.com, Variety is reporting that Apple has opened the door to independent video producers for the first time.
Apple's iTunes store on Tuesday started selling "That," a snowboarding action pic made for DVD by Forum Snowboards. This is the first time iTunes has sold video content that didn't come from an established network, studio or distributor.
Given iTunes' dominance in the nascent digital download market, that's sure to generate hordes of interest among independent film producers in all genres who don't have a distributor.
But in a sign that Apple isn't quite sure what to do with pics outside its strict categories, "That" and Studio411's content are being sold in iTunes TV section at $1.99, instead of in the feature film section, where most pics are $9.99.
Though iTunes does sell some short films in its movies section for $1.99, they all come from established names such as Shorts Intl. and Sundance. Apple apparently wasn't ready to put direct-to-DVD action sports pics among the small number of shorts and Hollywood features in its movies section.
All independent producers can sell their content at HungryFlix.com. HungryFlix accepts all types of content including sports video and how-to video.
Apple's iTunes store on Tuesday started selling "That," a snowboarding action pic made for DVD by Forum Snowboards. This is the first time iTunes has sold video content that didn't come from an established network, studio or distributor.
Given iTunes' dominance in the nascent digital download market, that's sure to generate hordes of interest among independent film producers in all genres who don't have a distributor.
But in a sign that Apple isn't quite sure what to do with pics outside its strict categories, "That" and Studio411's content are being sold in iTunes TV section at $1.99, instead of in the feature film section, where most pics are $9.99.
Though iTunes does sell some short films in its movies section for $1.99, they all come from established names such as Shorts Intl. and Sundance. Apple apparently wasn't ready to put direct-to-DVD action sports pics among the small number of shorts and Hollywood features in its movies section.
All independent producers can sell their content at HungryFlix.com. HungryFlix accepts all types of content including sports video and how-to video.
Labels: indie film, iTunes, online distribution, online video, video distribution
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Online Video and Sports
Here is a look at the current online video offerings from the major sports leagues.
A newly created revenue share deal between the NBA and YouTube was recently announced. Fans upload videos of their own best basketball moves. A top 10 will be selected each week and shown on NBA TV. The YouTube NBA channel has a promo and link for more video at NBA.com.
The NHL is offering full game downloads via Google Video and YouTube.
The league will provide game highlights and behind-the-scene video; YouTube will put the clips on a dedicated NHL channel supplemented with user-uploaded video. As has been the case with other YouTube content deals, the NHL will be able to remove copyright-breaching content from the site or can leave it and share in the revenue.
Both sports seem to have younger fans, which explains the big push and acceptance of online video. The NHL needs to do all it can to get its product visible as it currently suffers from a poor national cable TV deal on the "Versus" network.
A newly created revenue share deal between the NBA and YouTube was recently announced. Fans upload videos of their own best basketball moves. A top 10 will be selected each week and shown on NBA TV. The YouTube NBA channel has a promo and link for more video at NBA.com.
The NHL is offering full game downloads via Google Video and YouTube.
The league will provide game highlights and behind-the-scene video; YouTube will put the clips on a dedicated NHL channel supplemented with user-uploaded video. As has been the case with other YouTube content deals, the NHL will be able to remove copyright-breaching content from the site or can leave it and share in the revenue.
Both sports seem to have younger fans, which explains the big push and acceptance of online video. The NHL needs to do all it can to get its product visible as it currently suffers from a poor national cable TV deal on the "Versus" network.
Labels: online distribution, online video, sports
Monday, February 26, 2007
Apple TV Delayed until Mid-March
Apple TV, Apple Inc's set-top box that will allow users to play downloaded movies and video podcasts on their family room TV has been delayed until mid-March.
No specific reason was given, a spokeperson simply said: “Wrapping up Apple TV is taking a few weeks longer than we projected, and we now expect to begin shipments mid-March.”
Apple TV will sell for $299 directly from Apple. The device will sync with iTunes from a Mac or PC and allow users to stream movies and videos wirelessly to their TV set. This will allow users to watch their movie downloads from HungryFlix.com in the family room.
No specific reason was given, a spokeperson simply said: “Wrapping up Apple TV is taking a few weeks longer than we projected, and we now expect to begin shipments mid-March.”
Apple TV will sell for $299 directly from Apple. The device will sync with iTunes from a Mac or PC and allow users to stream movies and videos wirelessly to their TV set. This will allow users to watch their movie downloads from HungryFlix.com in the family room.
Labels: apple, apple tv, download, iTunes, online distribution, online video
BitTorrent Goes Legit
After over a year of negotiations with Hollywood, the biggest name in piracy is going legit.
BitTorrent today is launching its digital content store, featuring movies, TV shows and videogames from partners including Fox, Lionsgate, Paramount, MGM, and MTV Networks.
It also has content from several indie distributors, such as First Look, Palm Pictures and Japanese company Kadokawa, as well as TryMedia, an online vidgame distributor with titles from Activision, Ubisoft and Vivendi Games.
BitTorrent software is a peer-to-peer protocol, which is free and used by tens of millions of people around the world, primarily for piracy.
As a result, Netco has the advantage of a very well-known brand name among online downloaders and a very popular Web site, but it will go up against powerful competitors already in the market such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon.com, and Wal-Mart.
Premium TV and movie content won't be well differentiated from other sites, as BitTorrent is offering the same usage rules and prices and is missing several partners, such as Disney, Universal and the big three broadcast nets, that are already working with others.
But BitTorrent has more indie partners and will try to stay true to its roots as a peer-to-peer application by including high-quality user-made videos alongside Hollywood content in its search results.
BitTorrent has been working aggressively to filter pirated content on its own site and will make users click a button to see search results from outside servers, which it doesn't control.
Movies will only be available for digital rental, not permanent downloads, based on company's observations of demand at other websites based on the DVD-equivalent prices studios offer.
"I just don't know who in marketing at the other stores thinks that $25 movie downloads are going to do it for consumers," said Navin.
This reinforces the business model of HungryFlix.com, which provides short films and video downloads at prices starting from just $0.99.
In addition to selling TV and game downloads and movie rentals, BitTorrent will start offering free ad-supported TV shows in the near future.
It's launching in the U.S. first, but company has international rights for most content and plans to hit foreign markets soon.
BitTorrent today is launching its digital content store, featuring movies, TV shows and videogames from partners including Fox, Lionsgate, Paramount, MGM, and MTV Networks.
It also has content from several indie distributors, such as First Look, Palm Pictures and Japanese company Kadokawa, as well as TryMedia, an online vidgame distributor with titles from Activision, Ubisoft and Vivendi Games.
BitTorrent software is a peer-to-peer protocol, which is free and used by tens of millions of people around the world, primarily for piracy.
As a result, Netco has the advantage of a very well-known brand name among online downloaders and a very popular Web site, but it will go up against powerful competitors already in the market such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon.com, and Wal-Mart.
Premium TV and movie content won't be well differentiated from other sites, as BitTorrent is offering the same usage rules and prices and is missing several partners, such as Disney, Universal and the big three broadcast nets, that are already working with others.
But BitTorrent has more indie partners and will try to stay true to its roots as a peer-to-peer application by including high-quality user-made videos alongside Hollywood content in its search results.
BitTorrent has been working aggressively to filter pirated content on its own site and will make users click a button to see search results from outside servers, which it doesn't control.
Movies will only be available for digital rental, not permanent downloads, based on company's observations of demand at other websites based on the DVD-equivalent prices studios offer.
"I just don't know who in marketing at the other stores thinks that $25 movie downloads are going to do it for consumers," said Navin.
This reinforces the business model of HungryFlix.com, which provides short films and video downloads at prices starting from just $0.99.
In addition to selling TV and game downloads and movie rentals, BitTorrent will start offering free ad-supported TV shows in the near future.
It's launching in the U.S. first, but company has international rights for most content and plans to hit foreign markets soon.
Labels: bittorrent, download, movies, online distribution, online video
Thursday, February 22, 2007
$5.8 Billion, that's Billion with a 'B', Web Video market by 2011
Adams Media Research has released the results from their "Video on the Internet" management report. In the report they claim that the online video market will see significant growth in both ad-supported and paid download models.
AMR’s analysis claims that the advertising model will dominate in the early experimental period of 2007-2009. But as significant numbers of homes connect their TVs to the Internet, consumer spending on downloaded movies and TV shows should expand rapidly and exceed ad spending substantially by 2011.
The state that new devices that bring video into the family room will help push for more downloaded content. Users can download movies today from Apple's iTunes, HungryFlix.com, Google Video and other sites.
AMR’s analysis claims that the advertising model will dominate in the early experimental period of 2007-2009. But as significant numbers of homes connect their TVs to the Internet, consumer spending on downloaded movies and TV shows should expand rapidly and exceed ad spending substantially by 2011.
The state that new devices that bring video into the family room will help push for more downloaded content. Users can download movies today from Apple's iTunes, HungryFlix.com, Google Video and other sites.
Labels: apple tv, download, iptv, movies, online distribution, online video
Monday, February 12, 2007
Lionsgate Films on iTunes soon
Apple announced in a joint statement with Lionsgate that more than 150 movies from the studio would be added to the iTunes store by the end of the month.
“We’re delighted to offer these incredibly popular Lionsgate films on iTunes, and look forward to adding even more films in the future,” said Steve Beeks, president of Lionsgate. “iTunes lets users download these wonderful films to watch on their computer, TV or iPod, so movie fans can take their favorite Lionsgate films with them anywhere.”
iTunes customers will be able to purchase blockbuster Lionsgate films like “Terminator 2,” “LA Story,” “Basic Instinct,” “The Blair Witch Project” and “Dirty Dancing” and more than 150 titles coming to iTunes this month. Lionsgate joins Paramount and Disney, who just recently announced that it had sold over 1.3 million movies since it joined the store.
It appears that the release is limited to a portion of Lionsgate's catalog rather than new releases, similar to the current deal with Paramount.
This adds to the options available to customers in the US. Movie fans can also download movies from HungryFlix.com, which offers great independent content not available on iTunes.
“We’re delighted to offer these incredibly popular Lionsgate films on iTunes, and look forward to adding even more films in the future,” said Steve Beeks, president of Lionsgate. “iTunes lets users download these wonderful films to watch on their computer, TV or iPod, so movie fans can take their favorite Lionsgate films with them anywhere.”
iTunes customers will be able to purchase blockbuster Lionsgate films like “Terminator 2,” “LA Story,” “Basic Instinct,” “The Blair Witch Project” and “Dirty Dancing” and more than 150 titles coming to iTunes this month. Lionsgate joins Paramount and Disney, who just recently announced that it had sold over 1.3 million movies since it joined the store.
It appears that the release is limited to a portion of Lionsgate's catalog rather than new releases, similar to the current deal with Paramount.
This adds to the options available to customers in the US. Movie fans can also download movies from HungryFlix.com, which offers great independent content not available on iTunes.
Labels: apple, apple tv, ipod, iTunes, media, movies, online video, studios, video distribution
Friday, January 26, 2007
Apple TV & slingbox - Bringing web video, IPTV and podcasts to the family room
We are living in an exciting time. As the Web 2.0 bubble expands and the popularity and acceptance of user-driven ( which is just another word for independent, btw) content increases, we are finally seeing "new and improved" ways of consuming this content. Streaming is still the most popular method of watching internet distributed content. But, with the introduction of the slingmedia slingbox and the Apple tv, we are begining to see the completion of the distribution channel from content creation to internet distribution to delivery in the family room.
I don't think the importance of this can be underestimated. Think back to 5 years ago...how much online video was distributed? What were the levels of quality? It is easy to see how far we have come. A parallel can be made to the software industry. It is now very rare to run off to the store to purchase software. Yes, major packages such as an OS upgrade, Office suite or design/production software are still delivered on physical media. But most small to medium sized software packages are purchased and distributed online. This trend has moved to the music industry with iTunes, Rhapsody and Napster. This is a huge shift that will also sweep up the video industry.
The audience for watching video on a computer is small. I doubt that anyone over 45 is even willing to try watching more than a 3 minute clip on a computer screen. We are just too programmed in our ways. Long form programs belong on a TV. Another important factor is comfort. Most people want to sit, back, relax and enjoy the show...that is hard to do in an office or den setting. The final issue is that TV viewing-especially for movies-is considered to be a group activity. Many people like to watch movies with family and friends, this is impossible to do when all huddled around the computer.
So, we have new exciting options available. While geeks have been pumping online content to media center PCs or hacked Xboxes for years, we are now moving into the land of the rest of us. The new devices promise plug-and-play simplicity and a "look mom, no wires" approach to grabbing content off the net or from other networked computers.
The abiity to watch independent content in the family room is a huge win for content creators. Anyone can grab a DV camera and make a movie. We've seen this through the past five years in the explosion of no-budget filmmaking. The hardest part has always been getting your movie seen. Now with the internet as the distribution channel we've eliminated the need for getting a "real" distribution deal. And now, that we can get into the family room it's time to grab the popcorn!
Hungry for content? http://www.hungryflix.com
Labels: apple tv, indie film, online video, short films, slingbox, video, video distribution
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