Jim Regan -- Site Reviews
405 (and other online movie sites)
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"...but mostly, I'd like to direct."
Well, it's been pretty much established by now that, given an Internet connection, everybody and their dog (literally) can have their own Web site - and for a few dollars more, their own domain name. And now that the concept of Internet as equalizer is firmly established, the latest form of creative democracy is the online movie.
With Macintosh giving away its iMovie software, and even more capable programs available for less than the cost of many home video cameras, more people now have the opportunity to make their next 'project' with the kind of 'complete creative control' that would make even Woody Allen happy.
From there, it's a simple step to post the masterpieces to one's own Web page, or an accommodating portal. Of course, the downside to this freedom of media will be the proliferation of pets in hats, and other creations that wouldn't even make the cut at America's Funniest Home Videos. The upside will be the films like405.
405 is probably the Internet's most popular current example of what can be done with home computers and a dream - a spare-time "self-inflicted challenge" created by a pair of visual effects artists using off-the-shelf software and hardware. (A spare-time project that netted the film makers representation by the Creative Artists Agency in California.)
For the Internet audience, 405 has a few specific advantages to recommend it as an introduction to online films. First, this little ditty about landing a DC-10 on an LA freeway is well done - both funny and visually impressive. Take it from someone who knows - you don't want to spend half an hour downloading something that never should have been committed to tape in the first place. And speaking of downloads, 405's second commendation is its accessability - available in all three of the major online video formats (QuickTime, RealPlayer and Windows Media) and in file sizes appropriate to dial-up or broadband modems.
Finally, there is a 'the making of' look at the creation of the film. Roughly one third of the shots in 405 are complete computer fabrications, and two thirds were digitally enhanced, so visitors are given brief lessons in the construction of a DC-10, how to clear the country's busiest freeway of traffic, and the compositing of digital and live shots in the same frame. (Though, to avoid spoiling any surprises, the 'behind the scenes' tour should wait until after viewing the film.)
If 405 has you hungry for more, the Web stands ready to feed your need. IFILM, the host for 405, offers links to more than 6000 Internet films, divided into such channels as Action, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Must See, Sci-Fi and Spoof. Films are given their own home page, with text introductions (sometimes brief, sometimes covering several pages), download options, and viewer comments. IFILM also tracks its inventory by posting weekly lists of the Top 20 downloads and Top 20 viewer-rated films. Industry news and recommended sites can be found at IFILM as well.
For MediaTrip, film is only one of several forms of entertainment on offer, but its movie collection includes what may be the best-known Net film, "George Lucas in Love." (This film is so popular it's actually being offered in VHS format at Amazon.com.) MediaTrip's film home page contains news and interviews, and, like IFILM, individual movies are given their own pages and introductions, though QuickTime format is not offered here.
And, rounding out this introductory collection is Atom Films, whose most recognizable asset at the moment is the Aardman Observer - a body of works by the creators of "Chicken Run" and "Wallace and Gromit." A list of these and even more such portals can be found in Short Films: Who's Who and What's What at HollywoodIndustry.com - and many of these sites will allow you to submit your own masterpieces for consideration.
But even if you only wish to participate as an audience member, there are a few things to keep in mind while surfing the Internet multiplex. First, don't expect high visual quality. Even with broadband access, we're talking about small screens and pixellated images. (Which makes those movies worth viewing despite these conditions all the more impressive.) Second, one thing these movies do have in common with major releases is the fact that subject matter runs the gamut from G to NC-17, and while most of these sites don't actually rate their offerings, you can generally make a solid approximation from the film's categorization or information in the introductions. (405 itself would probably rate a mild PG.) And third, please turn off all cell phones and pagers while viewing the movies.
405 can be found at http://www.405themovie.com/.