Has Apple confirmed indie film self-distribution?

March 8, 2008 | 2 Comments posted | Filed under AppleTV, Distribution, iTunes

The holy grail of rumor confirmation is often a company executives slip-of-the-tongue, or an inadvertent web site posting. One of our astute readers (thanks Aaron) led me to this section of the Apple website. Do these few words confirm that Apple will soon allow indie filmmakers to distribute and sell their wares on iTunes?

We have discussed the probability of indie film self-distribution through AppleTV on this blog and podcast before (see episode 6). Apple already has a program in place for indie musicians. They can simply fill out an application, submit their work for review, and upload MP3 files to the iTunes Music Store.

The program is currently for music only, which the site states several times. However, at one point the site mentions promoting “your music, TV show, or movie” right after the paragraph on submitting your content. (see image above. highlight added.)

The link in that sentence leads to the iTunes Affiliate Program, which allows anyone with a web site to post links to iTunes content, and receive a commission on a sale. For example, here’s a link to a cool Bob Dylan Album. Buy a song through this link and Apple will send me a nickel!

But the sentence uses the word “your” when referring to music and movies. Does it simply mean your favorite movie, or literally your movie. One might think the former were it not on a page all about uploading and selling your user-created content. The previous paragraph is titled “Submit your content” and this paragraph is titled “Market your content.”

Earlier this week, Apple started another program for indie devlopers to sell iPhone applications in a similar fashion, with one big difference. The developer sets the price. This is a unique option that Apple does not even offer major music publishers or film studios.

Are we soon to see a similar program for indie film producers? Even disregarding this little web clue, I think so and here is why.

But what do you think? Is this a slip up that confirms Apples future indie plans? Or is it just a oddly worded phrase into which I am reading way too much. Post your feedback in the comment section and let me know.

Ahh, the internet. There is no better place to over-analyze minutia.

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Apple soon to distribute and sell indie productions.

March 7, 2008 | 5 Comments posted | Filed under AppleTV, Distribution, iTunes

A few weeks ago on the podcast, I postulated the possibility of selling your movie through Apple. I discussed the idea of low- to no-cost independent movie distribution via the iTunes Music Store, and suggested that this would happen someday soon.

Independent producers can’t currently sell movies in this way, but yesterday Apple took another step toward making this happen.

Steve Jobs and company announced that they will begin distributing and selling independently-produced applications for the iPhone in June of 2008. Anyone who can write a computer program will be able to sell it through their new App Store. It’s like the iTunes Music Sore for computer programs.

But here is how it significantly differs from the iTunes Store model, and why it is important to filmmakers. The iTunes Store only sells TV shows and movies from major film and television studios. The App Store will sell independently-produced content, at a price set by the producer. This pricing model is a first for Apple.

It will work like this. A programmer writes an app for the iPhone and submits it to Apple. Once it passes an internal review process, Apple posts it to the App Store where anyone can purchase it with a single click, right on their iPhone, iPod Touch or computer.

Although these are not movies or video, take note of the way they are approaching the business plan and compensation, because I feel quite certain that we will soon see a similar model for video and film producers.

Apple handles the hosting, bandwidth, and credit card transactions at no cost to the developer. The developer sets the price of their program, and splits the sale with Apple 70 % to the developer, 30%. to Apple. There is a one-time nominal $99 fee to join their developer program, but other than the cut of the sale, there are no other costs or charges. This is really an amazing deal for developer and programmers.

I expect to see them create a similar deal soon for video and film producers, possibly later this year.

When this happens, it will be a game changer for indie filmmakers. The concept of stocking your movie on the same “virtual shelf” beside major Hollywood releases, with no manufacturing or distribution fees is quite unprecedented. Customers will purchase, or possibly rent, your movie with the click of a button. And Apples send you checks monthly.

Never before has this type of distribution power been available to the indie filmmaker.

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Filmmaker One HD - Pemieres March 2008

February 9, 2008 | Comments? | Filed under AppleTV, HD, iTunes

Filmmaker One will soon launch a companion video show, Filmmaker One HD in March of 2008.

The new show will present supplementary video content to accompany the material presented in our audio show. For example, we will feature film clips, gear images and whatever else we think might enhance the show and the community.

The show will be produced and distributed in High-Definition video, and made available through iTunes, RSS, Apple TV and on the Filmmaker One web site.

More details to come as the show takes form. Have any ideas for the show? Let us know in the comment area.

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Now available on iTunes

January 10, 2008 | Comments? | Filed under iTunes

We just received word from Apple that the Filmmaker One show is now available free in the iTunes store! Now it only takes a click or two to subscribe.