Indie film and iTunes? Maybe hard to believe a day after the announcement when you can only watch a few ABC TV shows or Pixar shorts, but Dave Ahl of Modiba Productions writes us in with an optimistic take:
I just wanted to let you know how revolutionary Apple’s announcement regarding paid downloadable video segements is for independent film-makers. Modiba Productions (an African music and film company raising money and awareness for African social and political causes thru the arts) has been waiting for precisely this business model.
For the first time ever, small companies without retail distribution or a broadcast/cable deal not only have a way to reach audiences worldwide but
also have the means of funding projects: simply sell video segments for $1.99 through iTunes. At present, it’s just ABC and Pixar but –like the
iTunes music store– this will soon open up to small independent film companies whose work will be featured alongside major media corporations.I encourage everyone to check out some work Modiba has been doing, including a short film to promote our benefit album “ASAP: the Afrobeat Sudan Aid Project” (which hit #1 on the iTunes World Music Charts):
We’ve looked at this project before on CDM, and both the music and cause are highly worthy. iTunes as a much-needed outlet for indie film? Sign me up. I’ll let you know when we hear more. I’m not likely to be watching this on a video iPod, but on my Mac or PC laptop? Absolutely.