Instead of operating its own business in China, Netflix will license existing local operators to stream its content. (Photo : Getty Images)
Popular but illegal movie streaming service Popcorn Time was created by a 29-year old developer just wanting to enjoy the latest movies with his mom. Now retired, Federico Abad points to the easy steps that to him will convince movie fans to go legitimate and shun piracy.
A native of Argentina, Abad confessed that he is a movie fanatic, according to The Verge, and dreamt of watching the latest Hollywood titles as soon as they become available. Too bad for him though, he had to wait for long months as film producers normally release new movies in phase - usually coming first to prime markets like the U.S. before hitting secondary destinations.
Unfortunately for Abad, Argentina is not on the top list of Hollywood movie moguls so he turned to piracy, eventually setting up Popcorn Time. The Verge noted that Abad's creation is widely-used that it now stands as the chief rival of Netflix.
Abad claims that he no longer involved in the day-to-day operation of Popcorn Time. He slid down to a volunteer status, saying that piracy brought him personal and legal problems. Abad said that piracy pops up when there is heavy demand for something and supplies are wanting.
When legitimate supply channels remain out of sight, alternative providers will emerge and piracy will surely flourish. But copyright owners can actually stop pirates, according to Abad, and he proposes some of the few easy steps below:
Simultaneous release
Movie fans hate to wait and suffering months of delay was Abad's motivation for putting up Popcorn Time. Abad is convinced that if the Hollywood biggies will allow the simultaneous screening of the next Avengers or any Marvel movies is most markets around the world, many will shell out cash and watch.
So there will be little reason to resort to piracy, more so for pirated content providers to enjoy good business.
Quick and easy access
Movies are fun to watch and all the more when they are hot. Consumers would want to the see the latest films not only real quick but with ease. As noted by The Verge, the Popcorn Time app gained huge following because it is straightforward to use and the sleek interface only helped for users to stick around.
For sure, film executives can pick up from Popcorn Time and further improve on its good points so users can enjoy easy and quick access to thousands of movie titles. But how good or effective a movie-watching app is? Abad designed Popcorn Time in a way that his mother can easily find her way through the application. That should be a good place to begin, he hints.
And it wouldn't hurt to avoid overcharging, the Popcorn Time creator would likely add.
