23 Mar 2010, Vancouver – Indie producer Alan Goldman’s latest production “Who the Jew Are You?” recently received increased interest from movie fans as a result of an iPhone app developed specifically for the movie by Blackcube Media, a Vancouver-based company specializing in developing mobile apps for TV and film properties. The app was designed to bring a 360-approach to the core content of the film via various features.
The app contains clips from the movie, a mini-game, a geo-locator of the nearest synagogues and Jewish centres as well as an explanation of Judaism – content specifically designed to complement the film. Since the app was made available in the Apple App Store, it has been downloaded more than 1,700 times in the first 3 weeks alone.
The film’s producer, Alan Goldman shared that the app has allowed the film to reach an audience outside of the expected circles. Unlike typical software practice where the technical development process takes centrestage, Blackcube’s approach is in staying close to the creative vision of the producers while repurposing their core content to a digital audience who wants content anytime, anywhere – and with a twist.
Alan said, “The staff at Blackcube really worked with me to tailor an app that would appeal to my audience, both Jews and non-Jews alike. I learned that the audience of an app expects something slightly different from that of a film audience and how they can interact with the app. Apps really need to have both and the people at Blackcube really know how to put the two together. “
As a result of the app’s success, the film has been accepted to Apple’s iTunes store, known for its selective process - for sale and distribution in a few weeks.
Blackcube Media’s team of experienced mobile application developers took only four weeks to create the application.
“Media consumption is moving towards a transmedia model, and we can no longer ignore the demands of the typical audience who no longer wants to consume content via traditional mediums. Our challenge is to make it work for producers – build apps that are riveting, provide a 360-approach to their core content, generate revenue and gain new audience. Nothing will ease a producer’s headache other than that,” said Blackcube’s co-founder Zuzanita Zakaria, a former producer who used to specialized in international co-production deals.
Launch of the industry’s first indie movie mobile application program
To help other indie film makers and small production houses promote their work to targeted audiences, Blackcube Media today also announced the launch of a special “Indie Track” program, where producers with properties made less than USD$200,000 can qualify to have an app made for their property at a fraction of the usual cost.
The increasing popularity of mobile communication for the masses has created an opportunity to raise the awareness of and market films via mobile applications. Blackcube’s Indie Track offers companies the opportunity to create quality, engaging and entertaining mobile apps cost-effectively for a variety of mobile platforms, including iPhone, Android, Blackberry, and Windows Mobile.
For queries, please contact:
Zuzanita Zakaria
Blackcube Media
zuzan@blackcube.ca
+1 778-994 6671
About Blackcube Media
Blackcube Media is a Vancouver-based, client- service company specializing in the development of mobile applications for the film and TV industry. It specializes in building mobile apps for TV/film properties and is also conducting a research project to create a proprietary technology for post-production in the mobile space.
About the film
“Who The Jew Are You?” is a humorous and thought-provoking feature-length documentary first released at the Doxa Film Festival in May 2009. It focuses on how Alan Goldman, a secular Jew, finds the meaning of culture and religion as he prepares for his son’s circumcision. It is produced by Blue Plate Productions.
Alan Goldman: alan@blueplate.ca
