Andre Yoskowitz
2 Jul 2007 15:53
Today, Microsoft announced that they had joined with Amazon to bring up to 1000 independent titles to HD DVD.
The companies will use an Amazon company, CustomFlix to spearhead the operation which will provide the filmakers free authoring and setup services to make their movies available to be distributed in HD DVD.
The setup and authoring for HD DVD discs usually costs $499 USD but Microsoft is covering that charge by accepting the filmmakers into the program. Microsoft did say however, that there would be additional fees for required artwork that filmmakers are required to pay.
Currently, HD DVD suffers from a lack of defined studio support so this latest move is an almost effortless way to increase their catalogue.
The Sundance Channel said it would be using the program to offer its "Big Ideas for a Small Planet eco-series."
"Programs like this one from Amazon lower barriers to entry for independent artists and provide audiences with increased access to high-quality, high-definition content," Sundance Channel programming head Christian Vesper said.
Independent filmmakers can feel free to submit their work to the CustomFlix web site from which Microsoft and Amazon will select the 1000 best works for distribution. Afterwards, the discs will be sold on Amazon.com.
Source:
BetaNews