Archive notice: This article was originally published on September 8, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
US documentary filmmaker Michael Moore, known worldwide for “Bowling for Columbine,” “Fahrenheit 9/11” and “Sicko,” announced on his website at http://www.michaelmoore.com that he would forgo a traditional theatrical release for his next film. Instead, the filmmaker, known for his criticism of the Bush administration, planned to distribute the production exclusively online and on DVD. “Slacker Uprising” was to be offered free for three weeks from September 23 through the video-sharing site BlipTV at http://blip.tv. According to Cnet, downloading the 97-minute film would probably be available only to US and Canadian residents. A DVD priced at $9.95 was then scheduled for regular retail release on October 7, 2008.
“I decided on an internet release because I want to give my fans a gift. I also believe this is a good way to celebrate my 20th anniversary in the film business,” Moore said in a statement on his website. “The only thing we ask in return is the largest turnout of young voters in the upcoming presidential election in November,” he added. “Slacker Uprising” documents young voters in the United States and was filmed during Moore’s tour of 62 US cities. Moore told Cnet that the film had originally been intended for cinemas. Ultimately, however, he chose an online release to reach as many younger people as possible. “We want to boost voter turnout. I gave a lot of thought to how we could accomplish that,” Moore said.
“Slacker Uprising” was set to become the first major film production released in this way. “Jackass 2.5” had also been offered free as an online stream the previous December, but it was not a separate production; it was a compilation of unused material from the second “Jackass” film. Experimentation with new distribution channels was more common in the music industry, where the internet had significantly disrupted traditional business models. Moore acknowledged that his plans were inspired by artists such as Radiohead and Neil Young, who had released recent albums through unconventional methods online.
Given the strong box-office performance of Moore’s previous productions, “Slacker Uprising” could likely have generated considerable revenue for its producer and distributor Brave New Films. His previous two films, “Sicko” and “Fahrenheit 9/11,” ranked among the top three documentaries by revenue, with grosses of $24 million and $119 million respectively. According to Moore, the new film cost $2 million to produce, half of which he planned to pay himself.
