Indie movie site Film Ahoy floats in UK

A VoD service claiming to be world’s first free streaming platform for independent films has launched in the UK.

Dean Fisher

Ad-supported service Film Ahoy has been set up by British filmmaker Dean Fisher of Bow Street Media.

Viewers can either watch a film for free with adverts every 20 minutes, or they can watch it ad-free for £1 (US$1.25).

The aim of the platform is to grow the reach of films that are showcased at independent film festivals, after which they often become hard to find.

Titles on the platform at launch include Interview with a Hitman, the Wu Tang Collection’s Super Dragon, City Rats and The Man Inside.

Talent that can be found in the Film Ahoy library include Christopher Walken, Oliver Reed and Kirstie Alley.

Contributing filmmakers will be sent quarterly reports of their film’s performance so they can monitor the new revenue that comes in every three months, Film Ahoy said.

“We wanted to create an additional revenue stream for independent filmmakers and free content for consumers to enjoy. By combining great content with short commercial breaks and a low purchase price of £1 makes our model attractive to the consumer. Why would you want to pirate a film when you can watch for free legally?,” said Fisher.

Fisher, who has produced 10 feature films, including Interview with a Hitman, City Rats and The Man Inside, added he has ambitions to eventually produce films specially for the platform.