The popular movie site IMDB (Internet Movie Database), is to offer movies and TV programs to view online for free. The Amazon owned site has started to offer a selection of movies and popular series such as Lost. New episodes of some new TV series including the new Knight Rider series will even be offered before they are shown on TV.
The free shows will be shown with advertising. Should the film not be available for free, or should viewers want an ad-free experience an alternative film will be suggested that can be downloaded from Amazons digital rental site.
Content deals have been made with Hulu.com, Sony Pictures Television, and more than 500 independent filmmakers, which may turn this site into a series threat to iTunes and YouTube, as internet users are presented with more and more free high quality content.
Amazon are targeting being both ‘the destination’ online to buy content, but also aim to own the best sites about the content they are selling. They also recently launched SoundUnwound a new site that they want to become the ‘Wikipedia’ of music and bands.
Free Movies & TV Shows
IMDB To Show Episodes Before They Air On TV
Trend Themes
1. Free Online Streaming - IMDB offering free movies and TV shows online, disrupting traditional paid streaming platforms like iTunes and YouTube.
2. Pre-airing Episodes - IMDB streaming new TV episodes before they are shown on TV, providing a disruptive advantage over traditional broadcast networks.
3. Content Partnerships - IMDB forming content deals with Hulu.com, Sony Pictures Television, and independent filmmakers, potentially challenging the dominance of established streaming platforms.
Industry Implications
1. Online Streaming - The online streaming industry faces disruption as IMDB offers free movies and TV shows and exclusive pre-airing episodes.
2. Broadcast Television - Traditional broadcast networks may be at a disadvantage as IMDB streams new TV episodes before they are aired, potentially attracting viewers away from scheduled broadcasts.
3. Digital Entertainment - IMDB's content partnerships with industry players like Hulu.com and Sony Pictures Television signify a disruptive changing landscape in the digital entertainment industry.