Independent filmmakers just got a new place to flock online as Washington, DC-based startup SnagFilms launched today. The startup looks to "change" the way independent film is distributed. Snag Films was founded by Ted Leonsis and was created to address the bottleneck in distribution for quality
documentaries that has left many great films unable to reach their
potential audience or to provide a viable financial return. Ted announced the launch and his reasoning behind the site on his blog today.
SnagFilms offers a hub for independent film and offers some bigger name nonfiction independent film titles including the recent film about McDonald's, Super Size Me. SnagFilms allows users to snag the film and distribute it across the Web for free via embed code of a widget powered by another Ted Leonsis-backed company ClearSpring. I have added the film widget for Super Size Me below.
I was a little bummed that the widget only links back to the site instead of playing the video inline like true embed code and other video sites as it doesn't seem to the sync up with their name SnagFilms. Hmm, I wonder if SnagFilms will eventually live up to its name. I like the idea of being able to see new indie films online for free so I am sure I will watch movies on the site. The Logo, Style Guide, Widget design, UI Wireframes, Color Design and CSS for the site were created by Jess3 a local interactive agency.
