Introducing Beneflix: The Hottest New Online Address for Film and Philanthropy
Los Angeles, March 2, 2009 — Advancing widespread charitable giving into the digital age, the comprehensive new Web site Beneflix (www.beneflix.com) debuts today. Integrating the opportunity for novice filmmakers to gain valuable exposure and for charities to reach a previously untapped resource, Beneflix offers these two seemingly unrelated groups an unprecedented marketplace for networking and fundraising.
Given the national obsession with online video and the struggle lesser-known charities are facing during the global economic downturn, Beneflix fills the need for a communal online destination offering both entertainment and an opportunity to give back. Beneflix is the brainchild of Web designer James Malley, with backing from a group of industry professionals.
"The influx of video, as with most content on the Web, has become so overwhelming to the average consumer that it can be difficult to manage and digest. But at Beneflix, we've decided that even in today's dizzying viral marketplace, we can draw substantial attention to novice filmmaker's work, which will double as a philanthropic endeavor," said James Malley, founder of Beneflix. "The videos loaded onto Beneflix are, in effect, an ongoing fundraiser for charities, with benefits for both parties. The filmmakers have the opportunity to expand their fan base, while the charities gain exposure and increase revenue."
A launch party for Beneflix, sponsored by Cape North Vodka, will take place at Tribeca Cinemas in New York City on March 12, 2009.
First-Rate Service for Charities
All user transactions on Beneflix take place using what the site team has dubbed “cNotes.” Film makers upload a scene to kick off a movie fundraising drive and users then vote on what should happen in the next scene, by attaching cNotes ($0.25 each) to their preferred idea. These are donated to the charity indicated by the maker of the film, and the users effectively influence the outcome of the films with their charitable donations.
Beneflix benefits to charities include:
* Increased exposure within the online community.
* Increased donor-base.
* Increased revenue.
Crafting the Best User Experience for Filmmakers
Anyone with a camera can upload their creations to the site for the fun of it, the art of it, to gain exposure or to communicate something to the masses. Filmmakers form Production Groups on Beneflix upload their videos, the endings of which are then voted upon by members. Think “Create Your Own Adventure,” but for charity. Screen writers are also welcome to introduce scripts to be used by these online Production Teams.
Beneflix benefits to filmmakers include:
* Beneflix becomes a promotional tool for real-world sketch groups and production companies.
* Screen writers are provided with a venue whereby they can showcase their work.
* Movies creating the greatest revenue will be featured on Beneflix’s homepage and will link to the production company’s Web site (if applicable), thus driving traffic there.
* Production companies raising the most money for charity each month will receive industry-relevant prizes (ex. state-of-the-art recording equipment).
The Beneflix Team
James Malley has been providing Web design and consulting services to non-profits for the last seven years. He is an accomplished actor and graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Pat Powers left the University of Massachusetts nearly five years ago after being offered a full-time position as a software engineer and hasn’t looked back since. He develops Web applications that service millions of requests each day.
Jon McCormack is a graduate of Brandeis University where he majored in International and East Asian studies. His past experience includes time as a developer for Groove Mobile and he currently manages information technology for Beehive Security.
