Comments on: Sicko Leak Benefits Moore

By: Moore’s Slacker to Be Released Online « NewTeeVee

Moore’s Slacker to Be Released Online « NewTeeVee — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:58:10 +0000

[...] web release, Moore is no stranger when it comes to his movies showing up online. Last year, Moore cried foul when his movie Sicko leaked online before its release in [...]

By: Laughing Squid » SiCKO, A New Documentary By Michael Moore

Laughing Squid » SiCKO, A New Documentary By Michael Moore — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 18:32:24 +0000

[...] more on the early leak from The Hollywood Reporter and NewTeeVee argues that the leak can can only benefit Michael Moore and his [...]

By: Steve Bryant

Steve Bryant — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 13:15:53 +0000

I agree with parts of what each of you say, which may be an indication of how confused this industry is right now.

Let me be clear: I don't think it's morally acceptable to leak a movie onto the Internet. I do think piracy can create buzz, but I don't know -- and neither do you -- what the trade off is between buzz and lost/gained sales at the box office. Whatever the answer, in this case, the main beneficiaries from the (very) temporary leak are Weinstein, Lionsgate, and Moore, each of which benefit from the increased press.

The larger point is nobody understands (at least not that I've heard) what the biz model for the online age is yet. And the studios will spin this story whichever way is convenient.

By: Jackson West

Jackson West — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 01:34:46 +0000

I watched it, uh, at someone else's house. Since then I've Twittered about it, talked it up to at least four people, and even used examples from it to try and convince a libertarian that universal coverage is actually a great economic benefit.

I also criticised how Moore's stunts have repeatedly undermined what are, until he grandstands, smart, funny and sobering documentaries.

That said, everyone should see it. See, there I go again!

By: Charbax

Charbax — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 01:09:53 +0000

I'd estimate it only in the tens of thousands maybe over hundred thousand the amount of broadband users who figured out and cared to download Sicko on trackers sites or watch clips of it during the few hours it was partly up on youtube.

A good part of those people probably are still going to watch it in the cinema if they have time to go to the cinema.

But the most important effect I think is that since it is a good film, then word of mouth is currently spreading, and those tens of thousands of broadband internet users who have got a BitTorrent copy of it, are now talking about it to people who are talking about it to other people, and that word of mouth is currently reaching millions of people not only in America but also all over the world. And buzz is also higher on internationnal blogs thanks to this.

Next up, Michael Moore should make a documentary about the crooks that are controling the film industry and cinema distribution worldwide. This is far from a democratic or fair industry, and it is near impossible for real talents to have the ressources to make good films.

By: Jared Hanson

Jared Hanson — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 00:53:17 +0000

I have a buddy who downloaded and watched the rip in its entirety. After having done so, he was extolling the virtues of the film.

His excitement was clear. He was running through his head (and aloud) all the people he was going to take to see the movie. As for himself, he's "going to see it three times" in theaters.

Piracy or not, if you create something that makes people think and talk, you will be rewarded.

By: Joel Price

Joel Price — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 00:10:11 +0000

I would be pissed too if someone from the inside leaked my movie before the release date. I see no hypocrisy in punishing people who are trying to sabotage the movie premier. This is not some user who’s ripping a DVD so he can have a digital backup or sharing it with his buddy.