A web film is a film made with the medium of the Internet and its distribution constraints in mind.[1] This term aims to differentiate content made for the Internet from content made for other media, such as cinema or television, that has been converted into a World Wide Web-compatible format. Web films are a form of new media.
Forms
There are broadly three forms of films that can be encountered on the Internet:
| Form | Description | Defining Features | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional promotion | A digitised version of films shot with the same production methods and technology used for TV/Cinema. | Often 35mm or high definition digital footage. (Usually highly compressed when on web.) | Cinema trailers online, for example the trailer for Lord of the Rings.[2] |
| Films not made for, but distributed via the Internet | A film taking advantage of the Internet for distribution. | Often large files and/or designed to be downloaded not streamed. | The short film 405 The Movie or releases in file sharing communities.[3] |
| Web films | Films made with the medium of the Internet and its constraints in mind. | Made in harmony with Internet & computer technologies such as streaming or Flash or After Effects. | The short film Distance Over Time.[4] |
See also
References
- ^ Kronschnabl, A & Rawlings, T, "Plug In & Turn On: A Filmmakers Guide to the Internet. London:Marion Boyars. 2004. http://www.plugincinema.com/plugin/about_us/plugin_book.htm
- ^ 'The Lord of the Rings' trailers can be found at – http://www.lordoftherings.net
- ^ '405 The Movie' can be found at - http://www.405themovie.com
- ^ The film Distance Over Time can be found on plugincinema.com - http://www.plugincinema.com/plugin/plugin_cinema/index.htm#f28
External links