Via Metafilter is Andy Baio’s always interesting spreadsheet detailing the spread of pirate versions of Oscar Nominated films:
Looking at the data it seems that it’s taking longer for films to leak on to the Tubes – which doesn’t jibe with the feeling I get that everything is available online – and usually only minutes away using the Bittorrent Protocol and sites like The Pirate Bay / Isohunt.
I think what’s happening here is that there are no so many ways to get your movie fix, Netflix’s Watch Instantly, Hulu, iTunes, various cable systems, Google Video, (Alphaville!), etc. that it feels like we’re almost there. Watching the slow-motion collapse of the traditional film distribution system has been fascinating, but also frustrating when it’s so obvious that digital delivery of content is the way to go.
I appreciate that folks with a vested interest in established distribution systems hate piracy – but here’s the thing:
People still want to watch your movies.
It would be a problem for you if people stopped watching – if teens were no longer interested in the Dark Knight and instead were hooked on some new sort of craze, like fleeming for instance. But people still want to watch. Even if it’s Paul Blart – Mall Cop.
Services like Watch Instantly are the way forward – as I mentioned in this post:
Ben Kingsley Doesn’t Do It For Me / Transsiberian
removing the friction of content delivery will only increase consumption of your product, (I wouldn’t have paid for Transsiberian in the theatres, and even having Netflix delivering it in the post seemed like too much – but streamed instantly to much = sure, OK, I’ll give it a chance).
Maybe distribution companies could band together to offer subscription services that are valid regardless of venue – so if I subscribe to your service I get discounts at the movie theatre itself, when I buy a ‘hard copy’ or stream/download it?
A Universal Movie Pass?
Just an idea. Cause am not sure if using 1950’s techniques to get people back in the cinema is gonna work:
10 Movies Hollywood Should Convert to 3D Immediately
Ok, that’s it for now, am off to watch a movie. Hmm…what’s new on Pirate Bay? Ah….oh lord.
(Photo at top by Ross Angus)
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(One more thing – looking at the spreadsheet, Australia seems to be lacking in the Pirated deparment – just goes to show that the system is not perfect – Australia, after all, is my pick for film of the year).
