Cinefile

Google's Pay-TV Business Project Could Challenge Cable

Nov 05, 2011

The Wall Street Journal posted some exciting news: Google is reported to be looking into a paid cable-TV services plan for consumers!

"Google has looked at ways to expand a previously announced project to build a high-speed Internet service in Kansas City, Mo., and Kansas City, Kan., adding video and phone service in a mirror of offerings from cable and telecom companies, according to people briefed on its plans. As a result, Google has discussed distributing major TV channels from companies like Walt Disney Co., Time Warner Inc. and Discovery Communications Inc."

Could Google be on the forefront of reshaping the future of new media television consumption?

F3 FargoTube Platform Takes Streaming Monetization To Next Level

Oct 05, 2011

It's hard to compete with Brad Pitt's new movie. Luckily, as an independent content creator you now have F3's latest streaming platform--one that plans on shaking up the whole streaming-monetization business model. The Sacramento Bee is reporting that F3 Technologies has sealed a deal to grab an unprecedented catalogue of Hollywood movies for its streaming catalogue, one that already invites independent content creators to stream their work for revenue.

"Significantly, Hollywood studios and other content owners distributing through FargoTube receive a markedly increased revenue share compared with other competing platforms such as Netflix.

"It has been apparent over the past few weeks that Netflix is currently struggling just to keep current films in its streaming library, let alone add new titles; it has also been clear while their business model works for DVD rentals, maintaining a meaningful streaming library has presented a completely different set of challenges. With increased competition in today's streaming market, movie studios are now demanding a higher percentage of revenues generated by providers such as Netflix.  

"Therefore, F3 Technologies plans to soon unveil its 'new' FargoTube platform experience to fans, performers, customers, and investors. We believe offering a wider range of new movies, music, and shows will be an effective enticement to further increase subscribers on the FargoTube platform," [F3's chief executive officer Frank] Connor concluded."

Sony To Stop Paying For Theatres' Disposable 3D Glasses

Sep 28, 2011

According to Forbes, "RealD gets licensing revenue for add-on technology that it supplies to theatre owners with digital projectors and gets paid for making 3D glasses."

And now Sony, who shells out tons of 3D films every year to various theatre chains, has decided to stop paying "millions of dollars" for those slick, disposable RealD glasses that moviegoers have been using up until now!

"Sony's decision will stop a supply of money to RealD for the glasses starting next May. Theatre owners may pay for the glasses themselves, or force consumers to buy them and reuse them.

RealD has already said that customers reusing eyewear has cut into their revenues. In July, it said product and other revenue fell to $23.8 million from $38.8 million for the quarter through June 24 as more international customers reused previously purchased 3-D glasses at movie theatres."

How do you feel about Sony's recent decision to stop funding these crucial movie-viewing instruments for their own 3D films? And more importantly, if theatre owners start charging top dollar for a permanent pair of 3D glasses, would you buy them?

Indie Film Ain't Lookin So Bad

Sep 03, 2011

While I think it would be great to see indie film make a solid, lasting comeback it's still hard to imagine movie theaters will start looking like they did back in 94.  Any good news is, well "good." I think the internet and it's billions of voices might just be the catalyst needed to ultimately encourage a real rebirth in theatrical cinema given that so much of what's talked about today originates from uniqie, offbeat, unvonvetional content born on the web. Somehow and at some point that has to change the game for American movies. Sooner or later major producers will see that the sea of movie sameness might work on a large scale interationally but how long it will last here in the USA might be another matter.  Till then...

Variety Reports;

"People are realizing that Toronto is a great place to start selling new films," says FilmNation Entertainment topper Glen Basner. "Equity is coming back after being on sidelines, and that's a double-edged sword, as while it allows more movies to get made it doesn't necessarily mean more good movies. For now, the financial crisis made buyers much more conservative, but the cycle will change."

Read more

Totally Free Final Cut Pro X Tutorial

Aug 12, 2011

Izzyvideo.com has published over 2 hours and 39 minutes of the Final Cut Pro X tutorial--for free!

Just click on any of the topics below to be taken to its FCP-X video tutorial.

Final Cut Pro X Tutorial Contents

1. Getting Started
2. Overview of the Interface
3. Keywords and Ratings
4. Different Kinds of Edits
5. Overwrite Editing
6. Using Markers
7. Clip Appearance
8. Tools
9. The Precision Editor
10. Transitions
11. Transition Details
12. Titles
13. Transforming
14. Built-In Video Effects
15. Clip Effects
16. Generators
17. Compound Clips
18. Storylines
19. Auditions
20. Retiming Clips for slow motion and fast motion
21. Clip analysis for stabilization and color balance
22. Color Correction, Video Scopes, Color Boards, and Color Match
23. Importing from a Video Camera
24. Sharing and exporting your video project
25. Managing Your Media and Projects
26. Conclusion

Updated Google Video App Streams Android Market Movie Rentals

Aug 12, 2011

cnet News is reporting that certain smartphones with the new Google Videos app will be able to stream Android Market movie rentals:

"Google said that for right now the app is compatible with Android phones running the 2.2 Froyo and 2.3 Gingerbread versions of Android.

The app will also enable the properly equipped phones to watch personal video. If you have the right software, you also must have the latest version of the Android Market on your phone. The Google Videos app allows you to manage the movies you've rented and it will also display a list of the most-rented flicks.

The popularity of Google's Android should make it a force for providing entertainment content. Netflix has said that data shows significant numbers of people watch video on their handhelds."

That last point reinforces what we here at Cinefile have been trying to illuminate: The future of content consumption will largely rest on tablet/handheld devices. New media content creators--seize the opportunity!!!