BEHEMOTH.COM
A Christian's Approach to Downloadable Media Content
Internet Killed the Radio Star
Apple's iTunes software has revolutionized the way Americans are thinking about their media choices. Like a song but not an album? Don't spend 14.95 for shipping, handling, and manufacture of a CD, instead spend a dollar on just the song you like. It's great, because you wouldn't have bought anything, now you can buy just the song; you cut out the expense of manufacture, shipping and handling, and fancy display on retail shelves. How about television shows? You can now buy single episodes before the season is out on DVD; or if you're truly an addict, you can watch some shows before they premiere on television.
A Fly in the Ointment
What are the challenges? The content itself. Not only is a lot of the content available on iTunes problematic, even if one were to stick with the (limited supply of) wholesome content in the store, the images on the main pages and other ads throughout the site are problematic to parents eager to keep their children away from, well... trash.But, wait! There is a light at the end of the tunnel. It's a light that has just turned on, and isn't quite as bright as it will be in the very near future, but it's a light, and it's casting a very nice warm glow all the way down this tunnel to those of us in 2008. The first online downloadable media store with pre-screened content upholding the most rigorous of standards.
Behemoth.com is not only pre-screened, but it's also the only media store to closely emulate the one-click buying system that has become so popular with apple. And it's easy to use! So many sites add complicated options that are ridiculously confusing and are often so security oriented as to make the buying experience clunky, and downright distasteful. But I dare you to try Behemoth.com and offer a complaint; prices are fair, the content is varied in genre and purpose, and there is a very large array of artists offering content for the consumer.Give it a Try, Support a Friend.
One of the most exciting things for me to see is a fellow Texan filmmaker, Sam Ramsey, has made his film available on Behemoth.com. That's a good place to start. So, first, watch the (highly funny) 'how-to' videos on Behemoth.com.Now that you've watched those videos, you see even more what a great development Behemoth really is. Now give it a try; buy a film. If you're not happy with it, I'll... Well, I would eat my hat, but we may need it as a prop in a future film."The Photographer" is a film produced by the Ramsey family of Texas. An 'Alec Knightman' film, the piece is much like the siblings films in this respect; a family put it together with a shoestring budget. It is unlike the siblings films in this respect; it's a high thrill 30's shoot 'em up about one lone detective and his future bride in a very tough time in history. I enjoyed this film more than any other at the 2007 SAICFF, and I'm disappointed it didn't walk away with more notoriety.To help ease my pain, you can support Mr. Ramsey. Buy his film! For 4.95, it's an hour of great entertainment (9.3 cents a minute; really!) and he makes a higher percentage off of this sale than he would if a retail store were carrying his DVD. This was Sam's first film, but it's an amazing piece, with gorgeous era vehicles, fantastic prop weapons, exploding buildings, and mysteries to keep you on the edge of your seat, The Photographer could fool anyone into thinking Sam has produced several films.Your purchase does three things;- It gives you a great pre-screened family film. It's probably the edgiest on all of Behemoth.com, but it's still a squeeky clean family film.
- It gives you the opportunity to create an account and make a purchase on Behemoth.com, so you can promptly tell ALL your friends about it; Viral Marketing takes two to tango; you, and whoever you tell.
- It supports a budding filmmaker, and makes certain that the months and months of effort do not go unrewarded.
"Why is it 4.95 for Heartstrings on Behemoth, and 19.95 for Heartstrings on DVD?"
A quick breakdown of what happens on DVD sales. Say you buy a DVD made by HeuMoore, from a retail store. It will likely cost you 20 dollars, with shipping. So take out a couple bucks for shipping, a couple bucks for manufacture, and a couple dollars from the retailer in handling. That leaves about 14 dollars of profit, right? Wrong, the retailer gets most of the profit. At HeuMoore, we make about 4-5 dollars from a DVD sale, but we have to take the time to prepare and ship the products. DVD does have the advantage of special features not available on a download, it's true. So the DVD is an altogether different product, but I don't suppose that most consumers watch the special features anyway. Their primary focus is on the film itself.Behemoth.com eliminates the constant shipping and handling of individual products, and puts the film in your hands instantaneously. Everyone is happy! Because of the super reduced cost of handling, we can reduce the cost of delivery to the consumer, and still maintain some profit for both us, and the retailer. It is positively genius. And if you have a video player such as the iPod Touch or the iPod Video, all Behemoth.com video is prepped to go straight to an iPod for on the road viewing.Needless to say, Behemoth.com has my vote! Now go buy something.
~ In Christ, John.
