AtomFilms (www.atomfilms.com) debuted an all-new version of its entertainment website today (Dec. 4, 2006), introducing a broadband television experience that makes it easy to discover, watch and share thousands of original short movies and web shows. Among the site's new features are a syndicated video player that can be embedded on other sites, a high-resolution video playback option and customizable channels and content alerts. The re-launch marks AtomFilms' official debut as a service of MTV Networks, with AtomFilms providing a pipeline of original content that can be distributed on popular television networks such as Comedy Central and Spike TV.
"AtomFilms is a network for original, legal and highly entertaining independent content," said AtomFilms gm Scott Roesch. "Our new site and our position at MTV Networks will enable us to expand on our mission of bringing creative and innovative content to large audiences, and supporting talented independent creators."
"AtomFilms has a proven track record as a developer and programmer of original, popular broadband entertainment," said Doug Herzog, president of Comedy Central and Spike TV. "We are working closely with AtomFilms as an important source of new talent and original content for our networks."
Premiering on AtomFilms is the pilot episode of the horror-comedy series HELLHOLES, funded and developed by AtomFilms Studio and created by filmmakers Kyle Rankin and Efram Potelle. The special-effects-driven series tells the story of a hapless dork who buys a mobile home for one dollar, and then finds that it's a gateway to Hell. Rankin and Potelle have worked with AtomFilms on multiple projects since the 2002 debut of their feature film, THE BATTLE OF SHAKER HEIGHTS (produced through HBO's Project Greenlight program). AtomFilms Studio has a dozen new series in production, and is accepting pitches for new projects through the AtomFilms site.
Also launching on AtomFilms today is a new Comedy Central channel, featuring episodes from several Comedy Central web shows, including the new hits GOOD GOD, set in the Man Upstairs' heavenly office, and the animated BAXTER & MCGUIRE, about a pair of buddies who just happen to be testicles.
Features include:* High-resolution viewing option (700 kbps -- near-DVD-quality)* Large screen player that can be expanded to full-screen* Flash Video streaming, ensuring ease of use and cross-platform compatibility* Preview video clips enabling ad-free content sampling and surfing* Same-screen video playback, without a separate pop-up window* Syndicated video player that can be embedded in blogs and social networking sites* "My Channel" module that collects AtomFilms favorites and films to watch later* Customizable RSS and e-mail content alerts* AtomFilms To Go, featuring content downloadable for playback on iPods and PSPs* Upload feature enabling users and creators to digitally submit their content for review* Contextual navigation throughout thousands of titles programmed in 150 custom channels including Dick and Dubya, Creep-o-Rama, Oscar Shorts, Anime and more* Audience-driven programming based on viewing and rating data
The AtomFilms re-launch is supported by Verizon Wireless' exclusive sponsorship, which makes AtomFilms' high-res full-screen video playback available to all users without registration throughout December. Verizon Wireless is also AtomFilms' exclusive mobile video partner, offering a popular AtomFilms channel on its V CAST subscription service.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
