Editor

The Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) has introduced its members to a number of enhanced security technology measures, part of its multi-faceted technology and legislative campaign aimed at addressing internet piracy, IFTA President-CEO Jean Prewitt announced today.

IFTA over the past year has researched the availability and effectiveness of copyright protection technologies and services specifically tailored to the needs of independent production and distribution companies. In addition, it has agreed IFTA member rate cards with a number of security companies that provide online content identification, monitoring and monetization services.

This fall, IFTA also partnered with Australian internet security firm IP-Echelon to temporarily offer all IFTA members complimentary anti-piracy services. IP-Echelon's "iWatch" trial program provides IFTA members three essential services: monitoring and reporting of piracy activities on the internet; removal of pirated movies from the internet  through take-down notices; and online distribution of encrypted movie screeners via a secure website, replacing the DVD screeners that are typically sent to film buyers and critics.

"Internet piracy has been devastating for our members and for the independent distributors around the world on which we depend," Ms. Prewitt said. "Technical solutions like these, which take into account the unique interests of independents, allow our members to take direct action to mitigate the growing economic damage of worldwide internet piracy."

"We are excited about our partnership with IFTA," said IP-Echelon Founder-CEO Adrian Leatherland. "Piracy is especially detrimental to independent filmmakers because they typically operate within tight budgets. We hope that, with reduced piracy and innovative distribution services to protect films in the pre-release stages, it will become viable for filmmakers to bring more independent production to our screens."

Commenting on the new iWatch service, Elisabeth Costa de Beauregard Rose from Lakeshore Entertainment said, "This is a fantastic opportunity for IFTA members to engage with new technology in protecting their copyrights. We are grateful that IFTA is making this trial possible."

The Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) is the global trade association of the independent motion picture and television programming industry.  Headquartered in Los Angeles, the organization represents and provides significant entertainment industry services to 150 member companies from 22 countries, consisting of independent production and distribution companies, sales agents, television companies, studio-affiliated companies, and financial institutions engaged in content finance.

Collectively, the Independent Film & Television Alliance's members produce more than 400 independent films and countless hours of television programming each year and generate more than $4 billion in distribution revenues annually.  The organization's premiere event, the American Film Market, held in conjunction with AFI Fest, takes place this year from Nov. 4-11 in Santa Monica.

As the voice and advocate for the independent film and television industry worldwide, the Alliance speaks out on matters of critical importance and, where appropriate, actively lobbies governments around the world in regard to measures directly affecting the independent industry.  For more information on IFTA and the American Film Market, please visit http://www.ifta-online.org/.

IP-Echelon provides anti-piracy services to the entertainment, publishing and software industries. It has invested many years in developing innovative, advanced solutions for the piracy issues facing filmmakers and film distributors today. The company's services include piracy monitoring, mitigation and user education campaigns. MovieScreeners.com, an IP-Echelon service, replaces traditional DVD screeners with a secure online service in HD quality. IP-Echelon has offices in Los Angeles, California and Melbourne, Australia.