YouTube, movie producer Luc Besson and photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand today announced that Home, a 90 minute full-length film will be exclusively available online on YouTube for English, French, Spanish and German speaking countries on June 5, World Environmental Day 2009. Produced by EuropaCorp and directed by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Home is a powerful statement about the state of planet earth.
Starting today, YouTube channels (links below) in the aforementioned languages will feature a range of videos from the first extras of movie production, to in-depth interviews, to a behind the scenes look at the making of the movie.
In addition, five Google Maps “layers” will display information including user created content like support for the movie and the cause, pinpoint real-world locations where the film will be broadcast, offer educational material on subjects from the movie and more. In conjunction with its Internet premier, Home will show in a variety of theaters, be broadcast on national televisions, and show on large screens at prominent real-world locations.
“Home is an incredible movie that enables a global audience to experience our planet like never before through camerawork that helps us see landscapes from the sky so we can experience complicated environmental situations from above,” said Mats Carduner, head of Google France and Southern Europe. “We’re thrilled to work with renowned film creators Luc Besson and Yann Arthus-Bertrand to raise awareness of the state of our planet and to align with the television and movie industries as part of this initiative.”
“The message in this film is incredibly important since it underscores the question of survival. It needs powerful and accessible platforms like YouTube and Google Maps to reach the largest audience”, said Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Home director and producer. “It’s too late to be pessimistic. Together we can still do something.”
“Thanks to YouTube, everyone will have equal access to view Home on June, 5th. All of Home’s partners have been working very hard to ensure the free worldwide online and offline distribution of the movie. We all hope that this unique event will raise environmental awareness and encourage each and every one of us to take action.” said François-Henri Pinault, CEO of PPR.
Home’s online and offline distribution model enables people to experience the movie in the way that appeals to them most. Some will choose to watch it outside under the stars, while others will decide to watch it from the comfort of their living room couch. Many will turn to YouTube to watch the feature. Those who have seen the movie and even those who have not can go to YouTube to respond and react to the film via video responses, comments, and ratings. They can also share it with friends via email, further expanding the film’s reach.
Links to Home YouTube Channels:
English – youtube.com/homeproject
French – youtube.com/homeprojectfr
German – youtube.com/homeprojectde
Spanish – youtube.com/homeprojectes
