Apple To Sell Distribute Film Exclusively Through iTunes
11:23 pm, October 22nd, 2007, Pete Mortensen
The iTunes Store as the new cineplex? It’s not quite as crazy as it sounds, as the second prominent filmmaker in as many months today announced he would premiere a film exclusively through Apple’s iTunes. Edward Burns, director of “The Brothers McMullen” and “She’s the One,” announced in the New York Times that he would follow in the footsteps of Wes Anderson by releasing his movie “Purple Violets” exclusively through iTunes on Nov. 20.
“I don’t know that this is the model for the indie filmmaker who makes a movie with a cast of unknowns,” said Mr. Burns, who stars in his film with Debra Messing, Selma Blair and Patrick Wilson. “But there are plenty of people with nicer screening rooms in their basements now than at some of those art-house theaters. And I felt there’s got to be a better way to get these films to people who want to see them at their moment of highest awareness.”
Pundits are naturally taking this as a sign that Apple is finally trying to get serious about movies on iTunes. Though the company has succeeded wildly in selling music and TV shows through the service, few film studios have signed up thus far. This is Apple’s first-ever exclusive feature film deal. What do you think? Brilliant ploy or rip-off of Radiohead’s business model?
Posted by Pete Mortensen in iTunes | Comment on this article
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“I don’t know that this is the model for the indie filmmaker who makes a movie with a cast of unknowns,†said Mr. Burns’
Eeexcelent!
ghall, on October 23rd, 2007 at 5:16 am
“rip-off of Radiohead’s business model?”
I, for one am tired of hearing the term “rip-off” thrown around especially when used for no good reason.
I recall reading this piece of news about “Purple Violets” before Radiohead announced their approach. So, you are off base there. But, more to the point, how is selling something exclusively via electronic download something new? Tell that to independent software developers who have been doing this for 10+ years like Ambrosia Software, Panic, Rogue Amoeba and the like. Tell that to independent musicians who have built their following on digital downloads. Why? Because it was cheap and easy to do.
I suppose it may be because bubble-headed media companies think this is still 1996?
Even so, it does not excuse the use of “rip-off” in this case. Rather than baiting the discussion, why not simply end your post with, “What do you think?”
To answer that question: I think it is a great idea. Creatives in Mr. Burns’ position don’t have to rely on this model but he is one of the few I would have expected to try this.
What probability might there be that this is the first movie offered on iTunes in HD?
Bone, on October 23rd, 2007 at 6:01 am
I’m sorry, but you keep talking about Radiohead an how they are pioneers with online music downloading, but They Might Be Giants has been doing this since 2004. Anyone can buy the entire set list from nearly all of their live shows for 9.99. It doesn’t matter how long the show is. They aren’t that well known of a band, but they have a fairly large following and have been around for over 20 years.
This is their download site:
http://theymightbegiants.com/shows.htm
Also, they wrote the theme song for the Daily Show with Jon Stewart and won a grammy for the Malcom in the Middle theme song.
joshwood, on October 23rd, 2007 at 12:10 pm
Yeah… The difference is Radiohead is cool and They Might Be Giants is nerd rock at its worst. Particle man?
angusshangus, on October 23rd, 2007 at 3:49 pm