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Apple Attracting Indies to iTunes Movies

NYTimes reports on Apple's efforts to bring more content and visibility to the Movie section of the iTunes Store.

On November 20th, iTunes will serve as the exclusive launch for the independent film "Purple Violets" directed by Edward Burns. This is the first time that a feature film will make its commercial debut on iTunes.

In late September, iTunes also distributed a free 13-minute short "Hotel Chevalier" as a promotional vehicle for the film "Darjeeling Limited".

Apple's iTunes movie segment has seen some success but still houses less than 1,000 titles. Movie studios have reportedly been reluctant to provide additional content due to disagreements in pricing and digital rights management.

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56 months ago
What a fantastic move -- hopefully iTunes will really become a full-service online media hub for new and established talent!
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56 months ago
great news! the more movies the better. next we just need Hi-Def
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56 months ago
this is cool and all, but I want HD content.
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56 months ago
What a great outlet for the indies!
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56 months ago
Hey :apple:! Bring more movie titles to your store and that will push me over the top to purchase an :apple:TV. And while you are at it, include HD movies with full surround sound. And allow the :apple:TV to handle HD and surround.

Seriously, more movies to choose from is a great thing!
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56 months ago
I read this on NYT this morning also. Good news for Apple. Although... I actually would really like to see this movie, although I don't suspect I'll want to *own* it. So hopefully houses that do this still release DVDs so that I can rent it! :p
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56 months ago

Movie studios have reportedly been reluctant to provide additional content due to disagreements in pricing and digital rights management.


Fairplay needs an overhaul/expansion to cope with what consumers want from films and videos... streaming and rental. The model is not the same as music.
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56 months ago



Movie studios have reportedly been reluctant to provide additional content due to disagreements in pricing and digital rights management.


Translation: Movie studios want to charge more for digital content than for physical media, while allowing customers to do less with it.

No thanks!

For the movie store to really work, the prices have to be better. And, like everyone else, I want HD (and I'd certainly pay a premium for that).
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56 months ago
I actually think iTS is the perfect distribution model for indie films (music too).
Currently, it is near impossible to get your stuff made - let alone out to your audience. This option offers an easier distribution model (than the traditional method) that comes with an established user base.
In the end, the most important part of the creative process is getting your message out to the masses. And this looks to help the little guy/gal do so - which is good.

Now as far as subscription v. purchase, HD & surround... that's another story.
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56 months ago

And allow the :apple:TV to handle HD and surround.


It can and it can. Just waiting for content!
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