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DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW
To describe the Online film
industry briefly would be an impossible task. It is international and
everywhere on the net.
We buy movie tickets, read reviews, watch the latest movie trailers
online. Videos and DVDs are purchased and downloading full movies is
here and now.
Promoting films and film
services
The Web is extensively used by film companies to promote their movies.
Major film studios and production houses have started websites to promote
their films as well as conduct business.
Sony pictures, 20th century fox, Disney and Dreamworks and Pixar have
all invested substantially online.
 Pixar Feature Animated Films |
Before a movie is even released
its set up with an official website. Promotions, clips, trailers, pictures,
games and all forms of information about the movie follow. Films like
Lord of the rings, Finding Nemo, and Lagaan, a newly released period
film from India, have their own sites.
 Lagaan, a newly released period film from India. |
Online DVD movie rental services
like Netflix are gaining popularity. Major studios are partnering with
online companies like Cinemanow.com to provide legal downloads or streaming
of movies on a pay-per-view basis.
The internet is being used to promote film awards functions around the
world. Viewers can even participate in voting, opinion polls, or follow
the whole event online. The Oscars, The Emmy's, Golden Globes and India's
Film Fare awards all have their websites.
Selling film
related merchandise online
These days film companies are making money not only by selling DVDs
but also merchandise related to a particular movie. Film companies start
a whole range of products like dolls, magnets, books, posters, clothes
or anything that reflects the theme of movie. Harry Potter, Spiderman,
Van Helsing, Toy Story…I bet you got something online from a film
at some time or other. Hey!
what's on your display shelf or in your closet?
Some film studios have a separate shopping site where users can shop
for merchandise based on any movie produced by the studio. Animation
studios are making lots of money by selling animation games and other
toys such as the Disney store online. Software, books about film making.
They even provide equipment, audio and video products to facilitate
learning. Miramax studio store is a good example here.
 Do you have your 'Kill Bill' action figures from Miramax.com? |
News, reviews
and information
Film magazines and independent sites provide the complete online
news and reviews. They spread the latest celebrities gossip and industry
buzz. Get online movie times and buy movie tickets online.
New and independent films are fostered through sites like filmfestivals.com.
 The IMDb database site |
IMDb, a database site, provides
information about all aspects of movies including news, message boards,
games, cast, crew showtimes and technical production.
Film fan sites,
discussion forums and the online film community
Movie fans build independent
websites to promote movies, expand fan clubs and build the online community.
Movie fans turn the theme of the movie into a movement and lots of people
join the movement and connect through online communities. A good example
here is starwarschicks.com
Film industry professionals are coming up with online discussion forums
and communities to exchange trade specific information, build networks
and enhance skills and knowledge about film making, screenwriting, stuntwork,
camera work, etc.
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