Cinetic to support short documentary series

Cinetic Rights Management (CRM) is teaming up with video publisher Cinelan to support the digital distribution of short documentary series Focus Forward - Short Films, Big Ideas.

Launched by Cinelan and GE in collaboration with documentary filmmakers including Joe Berlinger, Alex Gibney, Morgan Spurlock, Barbara Kopple and Jessica Yu, Focus Forward comprises 30 three-minute nonfiction films about the power of ideas and invention.

The shorts will gradually premiere as curated collections at film festivals around the world, followed by an exclusive 60-day window on video sharing site Vimeo. CRM will give the films a wide release through its distribution network of VOD platforms including Comcast, Time Warner, iTunes, Xbox and Amazon.

The first five films were revealed during the series’ launch at January’s Sundance festival and are screening this week at the Berlinale Talent Campus. Additional films will premiere throughout the year at the Tribeca Film Festival, the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam and major festivals in Asia, Australia, North America, Europe, Africa, South America and the Middle East.

Said CRM CEO Janet Brown: “We are thrilled to contribute our digital distribution expertise to such an original and participative project. We strongly connect with the project’s goals and are proud to help distribute the work of these talented filmmakers globally.”

Douglas Dicconson, Cinelan’s managing director, special projects, added: “CRM’s digital distribution relationships are the perfect complement in our effort to deliver these compelling films to audiences worldwide. CRM has a proven track record in supporting emerging independent filmmakers and is a great fit with Focus Forward’s goals.”