A web film is a film made with the medium of the Internet and its distribution constraints in mind.1 This term aims to differentiate content made for the Internet from content made for other media, such as cinema or television, that has been converted into a World Wide Web-compatible format. Web films are a form of new media.
Forms
There are broadly three forms of films that can be encountered on the Internet:
| Form | Description | Defining Features | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional promotion | A digitised version of films shot with the same production methods and technology used for TV/Cinema. | Often 35mm or high definition digital footage. (Usually highly compressed when on web.) | Cinema trailers online, for example the trailer for Lord of the Rings.2 |
| Films not made for, but distributed via the Internet | A film taking advantage of the Internet for distribution. | Often large files and/or designed to be downloaded not streamed. | The short film 405 The Movie or releases in file sharing communities.3 |
| Web films | Films made with the medium of the Internet and its constraints in mind. | Made in harmony with Internet & computer technologies such as streaming or Flash or After Effects. | The short film Distance Over Time4 and An EX and PT Movie5 |
References
References
- Kronschnabl, A & Rawlings, T, Plug In & Turn On: A Filmmakers Guide to the Internet. London:Marion Boyars. 2004. http://www.plugincinema.com/plugin/about_us/plugin_book.htm
- 'The Lord of the Rings' trailers can be found at – http://www.lordoftherings.net
- '405 The Movie' can be found at - http://www.405themovie.com
- The film Distance Over Time can be found on plugincinema.com - http://www.plugincinema.com/plugin/plugin_cinema/index.htm#f28
- "Next Generation Web Film". 4 September 2025.