YouTube Planning To Show Full-Length Indies

[Kohrsfilms]

For the first time, YouTube plans to allow full-length movies to be presented on its website. Saying that it hopes to act as a showcase for films from independent producers who have been unable to find distributors, YouTube announced that beginning next week it will present four new films a week on its "screening room," many of them spotted at film festivals. Filmmakers will be able to attach a "buy-now" button to the presentations and will receive a percentage of profits from all films presented on the website.
http://www.imdb.com/news/ni0249750/

Sounds like a really cool idea. But I wonder how it will work. Because chances are regular youtube users aren't going to be able to post full length movies.

[WesScog]

Sounds like a fantastic idea. I love it.

Once YouTube starts doing it, I hope other sites jump on board with alternative services.

Unfortunately, I am worried about the audience being there. If your YouTube post goes over 3 minutes, hits drop off the side of a cliff.

It's rare for things longer than 5 minutes to get more than a hundred thousand hits, even if they are really popular.

The vast majority of things on YouTube are short, funny, and addictive. The majority of people who visit YouTube go for viral videos, that is the primary thing, very short, 2 minutes or under is ideal, usually something unexpected happening, that is funny, and can be watched a few more times.

These are the kind of videos that get 4 million hits, and get on VH1 to be mimicked by hairdressers on "Best Week Ever".

Dramatic short films, full of intelligence, good acting, and a meaning, while watched, pale in the views they get compared to other videos.

Hopefully, as people mature, their tastes will mature, as will their attention spans, and desire for richer, more fulfilling content.

[drweir]

But wouldn't youtube own your film then? I know technically anything you put up there they automatically own the rights to.

[NaziActionFigure]

Who the hell wants to watch a feature length film on their computer, let alone youtube?

[WesScog]

I watch a LOT of film on my computer. Especially when i'm on trips and stuff, i'll bring a few DVD's with me for my laptop, because keeping the Zune 3 inches from my face so I can at least pretend i'm watching it on a regular TV makes my arms tired.


But come on, you pay what you get for, watching it on YouTube is free, you are getting free films, (utilizing YouTube's new high quality feature) that you can download and put on a mobile device, or whatever.

[JackLawrence]

Youtube already put one full independant film up on there about a year ago, it was called Buttleman: Daredevil Stuntman. It was so good I ordered the DVD, which shows the scheme could work if people put up good enough content.

[Fisherking]

But wouldn't youtube own your film then? I know technically anything you put up there they automatically own the rights to.

It's a bit more complex than that. Basically you grant them the irrevocable right to use your piece for promotion purposes, but as I understand it you still own the intellectual property.

And whilst I like the idea on one level, the collective intelligence of the YouTube community couldn't illuminate a streetlamp. I don't think a feature would work there at all -- except perhaps an extended version of 'dog drives car.'

[screamingdeathpunchpictures]

Hmmm. I'd love it if this happened. I'd make a feature length film right away but do it Roger corman style and then let's see who wishes to purchase my epic about french midget mad scientists and savate masters.

[trspballer7]

Youtube already put one full independant film up on there about a year ago, it was called Buttleman: Daredevil Stuntman. It was so good I ordered the DVD, which shows the scheme could work if people put up good enough content.

actually, I think the first one was "Four-Eyed Monsters" I watched that on youtube last summer, right around the time I found IM. It was 70 minutes long.

If you put it on youtube, would you still be able to sell it? Do they technically own it? Cause that would be a major breaking point.

[NaziActionFigure]

I watch a LOT of film on my computer. Especially when i'm on trips and stuff, i'll bring a few DVD's with me for my laptop, because keeping the Zune 3 inches from my face so I can at least pretend i'm watching it on a regular TV makes my arms tired.


But come on, you pay what you get for, watching it on YouTube is free, you are getting free films, (utilizing YouTube's new high quality feature) that you can download and put on a mobile device, or whatever.
Don't get me wrong, there is a place for movies on your computer, trips being one of them. I watch movies on my computer on trips and stuff too, but it's got to be something totally passive, like transformers or something. I'd never watch a movie I actually wanted to engage in on youtube.

[MitchellStafiej]

Don't get me wrong, there is a place for movies on your computer, trips being one of them. I watch movies on my computer on trips and stuff too, but it's got to be something totally passive, like transformers or something. I'd never watch a movie I actually wanted to engage in on youtube.
Well then I think that's why they're going to offer a place to purchase the film(s) on DVD. :)

Mitch

[Dead Iris]

Dramatic short films, full of intelligence, good acting, and a meaning, while watched, pale in the views they get compared to other videos.

Hopefully, as people mature, their tastes will mature, as will their attention spans, and desire for richer, more fulfilling content.

Maturity... on YouTube? Don't hold your breath.

[WesScog]

Don't get me wrong, there is a place for movies on your computer, trips being one of them. I watch movies on my computer on trips and stuff too, but it's got to be something totally passive, like transformers or something. I'd never watch a movie I actually wanted to engage in on youtube.

Well maybe people can make some cheap action thrillers or something.

I just thinking having more narrative storytelling being promoted on YouTube is a good thing, and I like the idea of when i'm bored, being able to get a mobile device, pretty much anywhere with WiFi, jump on YouTube, and start watching a film for free, legally.

[screamingdeathpunchpictures]

I should make Father Vesuvius feature length lol and put it up there.