AOL is debuting a documentary film today called Darkon on its site True Stories. During the month of January the film will be available online free prior to its theatrical release. Darkon documents the fantasy adventures of people who gather in parks in the Baltimore/D.C. area.
The participants are dressed in full costume to play their roles in the medieval fantasy world called Darkon. The film follows live action role players and explores their desire for heroism in their own lives.
“We are proud to present Darkon on True Stories before it hits theaters and TV, further establishing the channel as an effective platform to build word-of-mouth support for first-run documentaries,” according to Jordan Kurzweil, Vice President, Programming and Production for AOL. “Darkon taps into the popularity of fantasy role-playing gaming and fits perfectly with our strategy of presenting films that have niche audiences that are active online.”
On the groups Web site it describes itself as “a full-contact medieval fantasy wargaming group that has been active in the Baltimore/D.C. area since 1985.” They meet every other Sunday and usually have between 150 to 300 members present.
Cactus Three partnered with AOL on behalf of the Darkon producers Ovie Entertainment and also negotiated theatrical distribution with Porchlight Entertainment.
“As technology changes, so have the means by which we must look to market our films,” said Doug Zwick, head of reality programming for Porchlight Entertainment. “True Stories’ unique community platform and accessibility to a mass audience opens markets that may not have immediate access to the film. AOL has given us a new and powerful tool to create a buzz for our movie prior to its theatrical release.”
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Mike is a staff writer for Murdok. Visit Murdok for the latest ebusiness news.