SnagFilms Launches Free Social Video Service to Public Alex Gerage, July 12, 2013July 12, 2013 Consumers have gotten used to free content on the internet. Streaming feature films though has often required a subscription to services like Netflix or Amazon Prime. The notable free services that do exist, like the free movies section of YouTube, seemingly only offer tired, dated Hollywood flicks (Bicentennial Man anyone?). Considering this, there has been an opening in the market for a free streaming service with a deep library of titles, but we may have finally found one in SnagFilms. Hit the jump to learn more.Founded in 2008, SnagFilms is a free film streaming service accessible online and through Apple and Android devices, Xbox, and other popular media consoles. The ad-supported service offers thousands of movies, primarily documentaries and independent features, on demand upon signing up, empowering viewers to watch a wealth of selections and a platform to recommend what they view to friends and other users.The company recently announced an additional 5,000 titles were entering its library, as well as a new socially-based system that will improve the quality of the service’s recommendations and suggestions feature:“Our potent curatorial cocktail has 3 strong ingredients: our kick-ass editorial team + your friends’ always interesting taste in movies + our very own recommendation engine, a sophisticated interface that intuitively tracks your preferences… but not in a creepy way.”I immediately recognize a couple titles in the SnagFilms library as having enjoyed time in the public discussion, like the popular Morgan Spurlock documentary, Super Size Me, and the science fiction time travel film, Primer, among others. To be sure though, this is not going to be your source to catch up on the latest mainstream releases at no cost. I suggest hitting up your local library for that. The service though will offer an outlet to view a vast library of independent films and documentaries, that may feature some known actors doing offbeat work, or may offer the chance to see a future star as they enter the industry.More importantly, at least it appears from SnagFilms’ perspective, is their desire to make online independent film viewing an immersive social activity by rolling out their “curatorial cocktail” that recommends movies based on your interests. Will it replace the classic face-to-face interaction of seeing and discussing a film in a theater? Probably not, but it could spur interest and bring valuable attention to independent properties that otherwise would not receive it. It also marks the first such social endeavor for a major streaming service that is free; the size of the audience participating could be huge because of the ease of entry, though that may be offset by the lack of mainstream content.You can learn more about SnagFilms and begin watching free movies at snagfilms.com. Is a free independent streaming service worth your time? Let us know by leaving a comment below. Social Networks Amazon PrimeBicentennial ManMorgan SpurlockNetflixPrimerSnagFilmsSuper-Size Mevideo streamingYouTube
Viral Video: Will Ferrell’s Facebook Friends Get To See His New Movie For Free March 12, 2012Will Ferrell’s Spanish language comedy Casa De Mi Padre opens this weekend, and the comedian has a special treat for his 3.5+ million Facebook friends. If you go to your local theater and tell them you’re friends with Ferrell on Facebook, they’ll let you in for free. Probably. Maybe. Unlikely…. Read More
Viral Video Round Up: Angry Birds in Star Trek, The Dark Knight, Black Swan, More Oscars, Rick Roll, Anonymous On Colbert, and More! February 27, 2011The Internet is full of videos related to movies, whether they be fan made, studio made, or somewhere inbetween. We regularly bring you the best, most interesting, or just plain weirdest, and today we do it again. Check out the latest viral videos after the break.Pages: 1 2 3 Read More
Win a Trip to Comic-Con Thanks to “Immortals” Facebook Page May 20, 2011Do you think you are worthy of being a Greek God? The people behind the upcoming action period piece Immortals want to know, as Relativity Media (along with Fandango and Archaia Entertainment) hosts a contest through the film’s Facebook Page that let’s you explain yourself for a chance to win… Read More