About Online Movies
Watching movies online is becoming more popular with each passing day. At a time when most Internet connections were dial-up, this idea was laughed at. These days, however, one can watch a movie online in "real time" without so much as a hiccup. Turning your computer into a virtual theater is fun to do, whether you're on an airplane or snuggled up in bed. Online movies fit all budget types as well.
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Invented
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Since motion pictures were invented as the 19th century came to a close, how people watch movies has forever been changing. When people first got online, Web sites were used as a way of purchasing films to be delivered to one's home. As technology continues to advance, movies are simply placed online. Instant purchases and no-return movie rentals are now possible. While movie theaters are not going to close up for small computer screen viewings any time soon, re-watching beloved films online is a popular thing to do. Web sites like Netflix and YouTube allow you a second, third or one-hundredth viewing of a beloved classic (see Resources below).. Keep in mind that you have to sign up for membership with Netflix to view most of the content.
Risk Factors
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If a movie is online, it doesn't necessarily mean it's yours for the taking. There are a lot of movies that are placed illegally online. You never want to support this. When you watch or buy a movie illegally, you are not only cheating big business. You also inadvertently cheat hard-working actors of residuals, and it is a downward spiral that affects all of those who work in the industry. Check for copyright notices and explanations before watching a movie. You could also be sued or arrested if you share scenes or movies that you don't own. Placing a video online that you made in tribute to your favorite television show could put you at risk. Follow all copyright laws. Rumors have been going around that state that one's vision may become impaired by watching a computer screen for too long, but that is simply not accurate. if you are staring at something all day long in concentration, your eyes may become tired. It's simply a matter of logic, not of online movie viewing mayhem.
Expert Insight
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You can create your own movies to show online. It's a way of certain distribution for any sort of film that you can possible dream up. The risk is...profit. It is very difficult to make a profit from showcasing an independent movie online. One possible way of making a profit through showing a film on a Web site is to sign up for Google Adsense (see Resources below). By signing up (and being approved) for the account, you will then be authorized to place a code on your Web site. This code will show how many hits people make on the advertisements that will then be shown on your Web site. You will make a tiny profit based on a large number of hits to the ad. Realistically, this is not a very smart way of making a profit, and it may take hundreds of thousands of visitors to even break even on a film by showing it this way. Making--and showcasing--a movie online best serves actors who want to be noticed. If you are acting in a movie (or making movies) for the purpose of creating a showcase for your talent, being seen online is a huge blessing. Having an instant reel of quality acting that you can easily refer a casting director to watch can be a goldmine in the film industry. While some agents refuse to look at links online, many are adapting to modern practices. Include Web site-only movies under "New Media" on your acting resume.
Time Frame
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Short films are the new media that has become the star of the online movie business boom. People go to Websites during breaks at work. On a brief break after school before homework begins, many students choose to check out a ten minute clip online. Since Web sites and computer sizes rarely can offer the quality to hold attention spans for the entire length of a feature film, short films become the answer to online viewing. A man became famous (and wealthy when the company later cut him a deal) over making a short cola and Mentos clip and placing it online. Movies--like "The Blair Witch Project"--become runaway successes because of trailers and Web sites placed carefully online. Whether it's for a short film complete in and of itself, finding a clip that lasts shy of ten minutes will ensure that you aren't easily bored with your online movie viewing. If you are going to invest a longer time than that to your viewing, it may be a best idea to switch gears and view your television screen.
Significance
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Teachers can now assign students movies to watch online. Since most students have Internet access, watching a movie online at a certain (and safe, family-friendly) web site is usually not a problem. If a student does not have personal Internet access. one has the option of watching from a library computer screen while listening to the soundtrack through headphones. Yes, online movie viewing can be as much a part of education in the modern ages as cracking a history book. Facts, figures and data can be learned through this classroom tool. Teachers may even opt to project online movies during the classroom experience.
Interactive online movies exist as well. A teacher and student can make choices and continue to the next scene in a film by implementing the choices. Scenes are usually filmed in a variety of ways to accommodate all possible choices. This is a good idea for a "fun" activity when students have been well-behaved or completed certain tasks effectively as a group. It can also help students truly comprehend the power of choice.
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