SnagFilms Brings 3,200 Indie Films Online to Multiple Platforms for Free

By Rob Scott
August 13, 2012

SnagFilms, a new media start-up founded by Ted Leonsis (who also co-founded AOL), is hoping to connect lesser known films with audiences via online streaming.
More affordable camera and post production equipment has led to an increase in independent film production. However, effective distribution remains elusive for aspiring filmmakers — and competition within the festival circuit has become fierce.
For example, approximately 9,000 films are submitted annually to Sundance every year, and only a fraction are selected (118 last year). Only about 20 percent of those films selected by Sundance will see a distribution deal. “You have a better chance of getting into Harvard (5.9 percent admittance rate) than Sundance,” suggests Mashable.
“SnagFilms currently has more than 3,200 films in its library, and all are available to watch any time for free,” explains the post. “With investors ranging from Leonsis, to Steve Case and Comcast, SnagFilms is a frontrunner in the indie space online. It also runs the Webby Award winning site, Indiewire, which is a go-to source for independent film news.”
SnagFilms makes its money via advertising and says its video player is highly social. “We were the first streaming service to develop and integrate the Facebook Open Graph,” says CEO Rick Allen.
The post includes a 10-minute interview with Allen from “The Valley Girl Show,” hosted by Jesse Draper.

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