IndiePix Announces Partnerships with iTunes Film Distributor Dogwoof

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Fri, 01/09/2009 - 19:00 -- Nick Dager

IndiePix has announced an exclusive partnership with Apple iTunes. At the same time IndiePix also announced a strategic partnership with Dogwoof the UK film distributor specializing in independent films and world cinema. The iTunes agreement which was brokered through New Video an independent film and collectible television series distributor will enable film lovers to download independent movies straight to their iPods or iPhones. The alliance with Dogwoof will enable IndiePix to extend its film distribution across the UK and enable Dogwoof to distribute its titles into America. The partnership provides significant opportunities for each distributor to dramatically extend its industry and consumer links. In addition this alliance provides a framework on which other strategic relationships can be built as this collaboration continues to grow globally. As part of the iTunes agreement IndiePix will initially provide five of its most popular and appealing films to iTunes – which will then be available for purchase or rent. These movies will then be added to on a monthly basis as IndiePix grows its iTunes catalog. The first title is the festival and audience favourite Red Without Blue cited by the LA Times for finding mystery and beauty in the unshakable bonds of family. Following that premiere release are: the popular homelessness documentary Skid Row which features Grammy Award-winning Fugees star Pras Michel; Off the Grid: Life on the Mesa where a loose-knit community of eco-pioneers teenage runaways war veterans and drop-outs live on the fringe and off the grid; Cocaine Angel which captures a grinding and tragic week in the life of a weary young drug addict who is clinging to the remnants of his once hopeful existence; and the London Times Top Ten Best Crime Movies Ever film City Unplugged the Estonian-based Russian mobster heist described as Reservoir Dogs goes Baltic by the New York Daily News.

 Our partnership with New Video and iTunes is another strategic way for us to extend the reach of independent films and really target the 18 to 29 age group says Bob Alexander president of IndiePix. More and more young people are becoming interested in making and watching independent movies. The iTunes audience is different – people who use iTunes are part of a generation that expects things to happen quickly. So being able to offer these films straight to their iPods really is going to make it easier for them to be accessed.” As part of the agreement Dogwoof will promote IndiePix's leading titles across the UK through a variety of distribution formats including theatrical screenings DVD sales TV contracts and online distributions. IndiePix currently has over 3 000 titles within its film catalog and will work with Dogwoof to build a portfolio of titles for the UK audience. The controversial documentary End of America based on the book by author Naomi Wolf will be the first IndiePix title to go-live in the UK through Dogwoof. The film has drawn mass audiences across the US and is expected to repeat its performance in Europe when it is released in the UK in January. At the same time Dogwoof will be in a position to acquire broader rights and step up its offers for UK titles. IndiePix is especially pleased with the opportunity to build a special offering of UK filmmakers around this joint distribution initiative says Ryan Harrington head of IndiePix Studios. Dogwoof has great taste and judgement in the films they are offering and it is clear that we are simply kindred spirits in our approaches to Independent Film. We are pleased to launch this venture with IndiePix as both companies see a positive outlook for Independent Film generally and the documentary sector in particular says Andy Whittaker CEO Dogwoof. With a competitive cost structure a growing audience as well as greater connectivity to digital content this partnership will help us to continue developing a strong offering for both filmmakers and consumers alike. Alexander says At a time when traditional independent film distributors are struggling we hope this collaboration will step up for the many fans who seek a special vision of the world and of course the filmmakers who are continuing to pursue their craft and develop their voice. This partnership stems from synergies within both companies and we are delighted to be working with a leading UK film industry organization. We have worked hard over the last year to align IndiePix with some of the leading industry organisations Alexander continues. This latest agreement with Dogwoof will really springboard both companies into new and target geographies and continue extending our mutual commitment to widening the reach for independent films. Time and time again we have seen that the traditional distribution models just do not work for independent films – so over the last few months we have formed some really strong alliances with leading industry organizations such as the Cinema Guild SNAG Films Cinema Daily Motion and now iTunes and New Video. All of these partnerships will go a long way in helping us to achieve our ultimate goal – which is of course to offer as many distribution channels as possible and bring independent films to the mainstream.”

 Dogwoof www.dogwoof.com IndiePix www.indiepixfilms.com