August 7, 2008 | Read Time: 2 minutes
SnagFilms, a new Web site that gives viewers free access to full-length documentaries online, offers a new distribution method for filmmakers whose work often languishes beyond the reach of moviegoers — and gives film buffs another way to support causes highlighted in documentaries.
The site, which also lets viewers share their favorite documentaries on blogs and social-networking sites, was founded by Ted Leonsis, vice chairman emeritus of AOL.
“People don’t have a lot of time, people are struggling and running out of money. What do they have a lot of? Bandwidth and pixels,” says Mr. Leonsis. “So if I could get everyone to become a ‘filmanthropist’ by donating their pixels and opening a virtual movie theater showing these movies, that would be a big breakthrough.”
The site currently features 250 films from producers such as PBS, National Geographic, and IndiePix, and 200 more are under contract for addition to the site later this month.
Up to 90 seconds of advertising, sold by AOL and divided into 15-second segments, will be included in every 60 minutes of film viewed.
All videos submitted for consideration must be professionally produced, and, if their work is accepted, filmmakers receive 50 percent of the revenue from advertisements shown during their movies.
Viewers are encouraged to support causes explored in the films by sharing the documentaries, donating money to charities selected by the filmmakers, and volunteering their time on behalf of issues highlighted in the films.
“Foundations and others have always been one of the principal financial supporters of documentary film, because they realize the power of film to engage an audience, to start a debate, to help to move public-policy direction,” says Rick Allen, SnagFilm’s chief executive. “Yet with all of that support and interest, the films that were being made, in part with foundation funding, were having a harder and harder time reaching their audience.”
To get there: Go to http://www.snagfilms.com.
