Two years after its launch, SnagFilms has announced that it has expanded its offerings of non-fiction films by adding several new platforms, including video-on-demand via Comcast and Verizon FiOS TV.
Films from the SnagFilms library of 1,500 documentaries will also be available for purchase on iTunes, for rental from YouTube, and in both free and pay forms on the iPad. Select films will also be distributed to mobile phone carriers via the A3 Media Network.
“We’ve brought a global audience to see films that may never have been shown in their local theaters, increased the engagement of audiences with powerful documentary films, and genuinely encourage philanthropic activity in support of causes important to passionate filmmakers,” said SnagFilms CEO Rick Allen in a press release announcing the expansion. “Two years in, we believe we are benefiting every aspect of the indie world, and define our success as a ‘double bottom line’ business that does well by doing good.”
SnagFilms is also the sole owner of the independent-film website indieWIRE, which has added director Peter Bogdanovich (right) to its array of blogs by reporters, critics and filmmakers. In the release, Bogdanovich said, “I'm looking forward to writing about classic movies – works that endure because their brilliance and humanity."
Before he moved into directing with movies like “The Last Picture Show,” Bogdanovich wrote about film for Esquire.
SnagFilms has also launched SnagLearning, a site available to educations, and expanded its distribution of documentary films from Lionsgate, New Video/Docudrama, the National Film Board of Canada, the production arm of Red Bull and the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
SnagFilms’ SummerFest, which screens six documentaries for free over a period of weeks, began on July 15.
(Photo by Richard Harbaugh/AMPAS)
