19th May 2012
US Urged – Don’t Tighten The Internet
20th October 2010
The US trade body Independent Film and Television Alliance (IFTA) is urging the country's government to keep the internet an open platform.
Unless the government steps in, the alliance fears internet service providers might be tempted to focus their energies and investments in privately controlled broadband networks.
It argued that this would limit superior online distribution to only those with money, such as the major media-and-entertainment conglomerates that already control the world's biggest broadcast and cable TV networks.
Consequently, the creative industries' smaller members, like independent filmmakers, would find themselves kept out of 21st century's most innovative but cost-effective distribution platform.
"For independent film and television producers, the internet offers tremendous promise as a medium of distribution and a vehicle that may change the nature of the creative arts themselves," the IFTA said.
The IFTA's statement is part of its response to the US government's review of the country's broadband policy. This is being handled by the Federal Communications Commission, the country's broadcast and internet regulator, to ensure everyone has equal access to the internet.
Meanwhile, the American Film Market, the IFTA-managed trade show taking place 3-10 November in California, will screen 20 3D movies, 49 world premieres, and 287 movies making their AFM debut.
Photography by John Wright - Lady Gaga