iKlipz.com - Watch & Post Independent Films

Being a movie buff, I like this site. iKlipz is for movie buffs and filmmakers alike (i know, I"m not supposed to use the word "movie" for "films," but....). iklipz allows aspiring filmmakers to post their work, blog, create a profile, and hopefully get discovered -- for free. Film lovers can watch, rate and comment on the movies on iklipz -- also for free. The site has independent industry credential written all over it (and the independent film industry these days is thriving and flush with cash), including having such big names as Ed Burns and Jon Landau on their advisory board. The site is highly professional and sophisticated, with loads of movies, trailers, and industry news. They recently just added a category for comedy as well. In short, this site is a dream for filmmakers and film lovers.

iklipz is a website for users to SEE, SHOW, and SHARE. iklipz provides members with unique content representative of cutting edge independent film through community-based interaction. iklipz seeks to establish a bridge between up-and-coming filmmakers and the movie industry as a whole. The website allows film enthusiasts to upload content they have created, showcasing their independent projects in an open venue. iklipz also selects exciting new films chosen by consultants and the iklipz Advisory Board, containing members from some of Hollywood´s most renowned companies including Miramax, Magnolia Pictures, Palm Pictures, ThinkFILM, First Look, Fox Searchlight, New Yorker Films, Paramount Pictures, Paramount Classics, MGM and United Artists. Some films may be streamed as worldwide premieres, while others will have been previously discovered at the top festivals and film schools around the world and given a second showing online. iklipz shares a keen interest in discovering and nurturing new talent through innovative and interactive means.

Films are big business, even independent films. And this site has been blessed by important players in the business, so the site is likely well funded and filmmakers actually seem to have a shot at being discovered here. They also have a lot of sponsors.

How are they reaching film lovers with this site? Does Joe from Oklahoma really have a shot at getting his film viewed here by those in the biz or is it really just a place to market new "independent" (ie., already approved and funded) movies?