So it doesn”t take a genius to state the obvious:
The future of film and television distribution is over the internet.
How can I be so sure? Several very good hints:
1. Hulu.com
I don”t think there is anyone computer-literate that hasn”t heard of Hulu.com. Hulu currently streams films and television content over the internet on a completely ad based system. Kinda like broadcast tv… but there is more. Hulu is currently investigating a paid-subscription service much like what cable tv was to broadcast tv.
2. Netflix.com
The pioneer DVD delivery service, Netflix.com, has substantially increased its available streaming film holdings and is aggressively adding more every week. They are partnering with services like Roku, Xbox, PS3 and various Blu-ray Player manufacturers for seamless delivery straight onto your HDTV.
3. EpixHD.com
EpixHD.com is a newcomer to the digital distribution network, but has some great promise. They offer higher quality streaming films than the other platforms currently available. They operate solely on a subscription basis and are priced slightly higher to accommodate the higher quality of video.
4. Apple”s iTunes
Apple is looking to make a major push into the digital distribution game with a paid subscription service through their iTunes platform. They are currently (news broke this morning) in talks with Disney and CBS (Check out the WSJ article.). Apple”s market share combined with it’s advanced distribution network have it perfectly poised to make a run on cable tv networks today. Keep a close eye on this one. It”s exciting.
5. Network Enabled HDTVs
There are already some network enabled HDTVs on the market today. The problem is that no standard exists. The must depend upon a third part software (like Windows Media Player, Quicktime, Flash, etc.) to display the content. As this software is licensed on external boxes (like, Roku, Xbox, PS3 and some Blu-ray players), they are currently the interface for streaming online content to your HDTV. However, as things progress. Don”t be surprised to see fully network interfaced HDTVs in 2010 and beyond.
So what does this mean for Indie Film?
This is GREAT news for Indie Film! This means that we are going to have a distribution model again! Without this, the entry barriers are just too great. Indie Film has an advantage in that we usually have much more control over the rights and can get our content streaming on-line faster and easier. But watch out! This does not mean you give your film away for free. Identify which platform(s) you are willing to work with and use this information to build a compelling business case during your financing stages. Put a solid distribution plan with a solid budget and schedule and your film has a much better chance of getting off the ground.
