Several years ago now I found a small independent film, which was freely download-able via Bit Torrent; remember Bit Torrents aren't always evil attempts at gaining content without paying, some people actually use this file sharing to share their very own content.
2009's The Lionshare was my first encounter of this. What was seeming a short (an hour and 9 minutes roughly) independent film about love, life and file sharing was aptly released, initially, via Bit Torrent sites and was subject to much critical acclaim. The director also created a DVD and sold it via a website for the film, sadly I didn't manage to purchase a copy before the website went down and have since been unable to find a way to purchase it. Why would I purchase a film I've already downloaded? To support independent film makers and also because the DVD offered additional content, which I have always seen as an additional reason to own. A little insight into another film makers woes, trials and tribulations seems only apt and potentially helpful should you ever wish to release your own content. Seeing where someone else had problems or issues can usually raise enough awareness for your own potential project that you can research or foresee these issues for yourself before they arise. Even if the film you are watching was made in a different Country, there are still lessons to be learned.
It's nice to see that the director Josh Bernhard has been working on various projects since and I would hope gained some notoriety at the same time.
Click to view the film
Just the other week I stumbled upon the Otherworlds project on VODO, which to it's core is exactly what I'm referring to when I mention content, it's no longer just about a film, but about an offering of more. Granted these are packages of Sci-Fi cross platform (Movies, Music, eBooks, Images) offerings and don't actually tie into one another.
Although I have only recently discovered Otherworlds, it would appear this has been going for at least a year. You can take the free package on offer, or pay a little bit and get more, or pay a little bit more and get it all. Regardless I hope it flourishes and the material continues to improve and increase.
There is plenty out there if you just search, but the easiest way to find the better short/feature length films and content on offer is to simply keep an eye on your favourite Torrent site, often these will have a splash on their home pages which lead to good quality independent releases which are free to download, and also check VODO at least weekly. I also recommend after you get it for free, you go and donate where possible.
Torrent isn't always a taboo word, just make sure you're getting FREE content that is actually on offer for FREE!
