Why break the bank to see a blockbuster when you can view films from the comfort of your computer? The Internet has revolutionized Hollywood, providing independent filmmakers with access to an audience of millions.
"Marketing has definitely become Web site-oriented and has shifted the possibilities for small producers to market at almost no cost," said Bert Deivert, author of "Film and Video on the Internet: Top 500 Sites."
Of course, you can pay to download television episodes and studio movies from Apple's iTunes store. Amazon Fishbowl with Bill Maher is an online show of interviews with actors, authors and musicians. Watch Maher chat with Stephen King, the Dixie Chicks and Mitch Albom. The point of putting the episodes on Amazon is to get you to buy their cds/books/music there, but enjoy the interviews, become informed and -- hey -- if you like it, click and buy the book.
Today Internet video is less about full-length feature films and more about video shorts and clips created by individuals. Why not scan through some of the more outlandish creations on the Web?
Many sites having streaming video that you can watch through your browser window, but other sites still require multimedia software such as Real Media Player, Windows Media Player or QuickTime. These programs allow you to appreciate the full effects of digital movies, including video and audio.They are also necessary for watching video on some news sites.
Film directories serve as a virtual multiplex, letting you search through before deciding on a video. A few of the best film directories are YouTube, Google Video and Ifilm. Recently purchased by Google,YouTube has everything from homemade music videos to clips from top TV shows. Ifilm boasts links to more than 10,000 films, and has organized them into categories like animation, commercials and music videos. It also has movie trailers and clips.
If you are looking for some laughs, Jibjab.com and eBaum's World have jokes and hilarious videos uploaded by members. Watch the movies and view photos and jokes without registering. To upload homemade movies on Jibjab.com, though, you'll have to become a member.
The following distributors and producers also allow visitors to view films:
- AtomFilms
"I think AtomFilms is one of the coolest," said Dievert. You'll find an exclusive collection of more than 1,000 films, which Atom has been syndicating to channels like HBO and Sci-Fi. One such picture is Talk to Taka, starring Pat Morita. The 12-minute film profiles a sushi chef who becomes a love advisor. The producer pitched the idea to Atom's online community before going ahead with the project.
- New Venue
Launched in part by a grant from Stanford University, New Venue screens films that have overcome the technical boundaries of the Internet.
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