Dave Horvath
13 Jan 2007 15:23
In an announcement that is sure to make independent movie buffs pretty happy, Apple has just inked a deal with the Sundance Film Festival to allow thirty-three short films to be downloaded via iTunes. Films will cost approximately $1.99 per download and will be available January 22nd. Additionally, these films can also be streamed for free on Sundance's website on January 18th when the festival begins.
"Streaming on our site is not the same as owning, and there seems to be a world out there for both," said John Cooper of the Sundance Institute.
The films will be available on the website for a period of three months and then taken down. A majority of the money received by Apple's iTunes service will go to the film makers involved in the movie. The remainder of the money will be split between Apple, The Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film cable channel. Only 33 of the 71 short films are expected to be released for download, however there may be room for more if demand is shown. There has been no plans to include full length independent films available for download.
Sundance Film Festival founder and actor Robert Reford said, "I have felt, from the earliest days, that if people really care about independent film, they should pay particular attention to short filmmakers, who are the best indicators of what is coming down the creative pike."
source:
BBC