VIVE Lifestyle Network to Launch Short & Indie Film TV Channel to Aid Filmmakers with Monetization

LONDON - May 5, 2015 - PRLog -- Though indie films and television may at first sound like a juxtaposition, they are actually complementary in the case of SHORTies, an unconventional, pioneering channel devoted exclusively to streaming short films, documentaries, and indie films on virtually every screen. Next month VIVE Lifestyle Network will roll out its ‘VIVE lifestyle network’ app across a multitude of connected devices and cable operators' cable boxes debuting several of its numerous niche channels, including SHORTies and CROWDPOWER. The former offers filmmakers of varied experience and notoriety the chance to screen and monetise their works before a potentially massive audience whilst the latter is a donation-enabled, crowdfunding-themed channel that empowers filmmakers to garner support and audiences for new productions.

SHORTies is conceived as a home for indie filmmakers and fanatics alike. Though free to watch, the channel will comprise spot adverts to help subsidise the filmmakers. “All too often, talented filmmakers screen their works for free in the name of art, but SHORTies offers a win-win solution for indie film producers and consumers,” says John Jacaman, Managing Director of VIVE Lifestyle Network. Instead of a paywalled viewing experience like other, less prolific indie film platforms, SHORTies airs an artistic advert experience afore each film that actually directly benefits the subsequent filmmaker. In many cases, the pre-roll ads shall be created by the filmmakers themselves in an effort to maintain continuity of mood, an experience proven to affect viewers’ disposition toward adverts. “With the knowledge that this model supports the filmmakers as much as it does the network, viewers can appreciate the necessity of adverts and opt to pay for a film on demand if they are averse to the adverts,” says Jacaman.

The SHORTies Channel shall be organised by genre – from action to thriller and everything in between – of indie short, documentary and feature films. Given the network’s proclivity to produce its own content in 4K, not to mention its relationships with 4K smart TV manufacturers, approved 4K films will be showcased en masse at specific times for the enjoyment of UHD device owners. To round out the channel’s line-up, television screenwriter and director, Matt Richards, shall curate the channel imparting his own wisdom and insights culminated over his award-winning career. “Short films are so important in the development of the film-maker. They open up a world of opportunities, not only to perfect the craft of film-making, but also to experiment and push boundaries. They enable film-makers to find their voice and, just as importantly, short films allow audiences to explore and experience a world of films and film-making beyond the formulaic fare served up at their local multiplex,” says Richards whose show entitled First Cut will be broadcast from VIVE Lifestyle Network’s partner 4K studio, Celebro Studios in London. First Cut will feature interviews with directors, actors, cinematographers and other film industry vets, as well as up-and-comers.

SHORTies Open Submission for HD and 4K films is open effective immediately, and more information may be found at shorties.vive-lifestyle.tv.