Olyn Lands Exclusive Beatles Biopic: The Ultimate ‘Shopify for Filmmakers’ Revolution
The new Brian Epstein biopic, “Midas Man,” has made waves by debuting on an innovative platform known as Olyn, often described as the “Shopify for filmmakers.” This fresh approach to film distribution is gaining traction and promises to transform how independent films reach audiences.
What is Olyn and How Does it Work?
Olyn is a California-based startup co-founded by Ana Maria Jipa, Jeremias Buireo, Kiran Thomas, and Malcolm Wood. The platform aims to revolutionize film and video distribution by utilizing social referrals for streaming content. Here’s how it stands out:
- High Revenue Retention: Filmmakers can retain up to 90% of their revenue.
- Direct Audience Engagement: Audiences can purchase films directly through influencers, critics, and content creators.
- No Middleman: The platform eliminates traditional streaming service middlemen, creating an e-commerce-like experience.
Features That Empower Filmmakers
According to Jipa, Olyn provides filmmakers with a comprehensive suite of tools, including:
- Digital Rights Management (DRM)
- 4K Streaming Capability
- Custom Landing Pages that mimic platforms like Netflix and Apple TV
- Geo-targeting and Analytics to track viewership and engagement
Jipa emphasized the importance of personal recommendations, stating, “A recommendation from someone you trust carries far more weight than a suggestion by an algorithm on a streaming platform.” This focus on trust and community aims to enhance the viewing experience.
Analytics and Audience Ownership
One of the standout features of Olyn is its detailed analytics, which allow filmmakers to:
- Track viewership metrics like country-specific performance.
- Monitor minutes watched.
- Build a database of users who engage with their films.
Jipa noted the significance of these insights: “Filmmakers can spend years making a film but don’t ever get to meet or own their audience at all.” Olyn aims to change this dynamic by enabling filmmakers to build a direct relationship with their viewers.
Challenges and Industry Impact
Despite its innovative approach, Olyn faces challenges in competing with major streaming platforms. While offering higher revenue shares to filmmakers, the burden of marketing and partnerships rests heavily on production teams. Perry Trevers, a producer from Studio POW, which used Olyn for “Midas Man,” expressed optimism about the platform, stating it empowers filmmakers to take control of their distribution.
Combating Piracy with Global Reach
One of the significant issues in the film industry is piracy. Jipa argues that Olyn’s global reach can mitigate this problem by providing instant access to films for viewers who might otherwise turn to illegal sources.
Future Vision for Olyn
Olyn’s long-term vision is to allow filmmakers the freedom to choose their distribution methods without acting as gatekeepers. Jipa stated, “We aim to create a space where filmmakers, not the platform, decide what gets distributed.”
Currently, Olyn has raised a modest $2.8 million in funding, including $1.8 million from the U.S. VC firm Hard Yaka and various angel investors.
As Olyn continues to evolve, its unique model could pave the way for a new era in film distribution, especially for independent filmmakers looking to retain control over their work.
For more insights into the changing landscape of film distribution, check out our related articles on film industry trends and tips for independent filmmakers.
