Question to Samsara fans

[unclemat]

UPDATE 09/07/2013:

The app is available in App Store! It's called Filmpter and right now includes information for Samsara, Baraka and Chronos. More movies are coming.

App Store link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/filmpter/id695148741

Website: http://filmpter.com

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Hi there. My wife developed a "second screen" - or a companion app - for Samsara movie. The app synchronizes with the movie and displays location information about what is presented on the screen.

Those familiar with Samsara, or the earlier movies like Baraka, Koyaanisqatsi, know there is no commentary or subtitles with information about the places/people shown. This is as the authors intended, however we thought people would be interested to learn about these amazing places, maybe on 2nd or subsequent viewings.

Does anyone else think it would be useful?

[MifuneFan]

It's an interesting idea. I wouldn't even mind seeing a companion book showcasing the different places/events shown. I'm not too familar with Second Sreen, but can anyone make an app for a movie? I figured you'd have to get permission from the studio that holds the rights to it first or something.

[Dubstar]

funny how this topic should come up, after I was watching select scenes from the bluray last night - I personally think that'd be a great idea - the Chronos bluray has a location indicator, so why not Samsara ?

[unclemat]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

It's an interesting idea. I wouldn't even mind seeing a companion book showcasing the different places/events shown. I'm not too familar with Second Sreen, but can anyone make an app for a movie? I figured you'd have to get permission from the studio that holds the rights to it first or something.

Of course. The app does not infringe on any copyrights. Simply displays names of places and people shown in the movie. The information is available, my wife actually researched and collected this information from various sources.

Originally Posted by Dubstar

funny how this topic should come up, after I was watching select scenes from the bluray last night - I personally think that'd be a great idea - the Chronos bluray has a location indicator, so why not Samsara ?

That's right. It is only for Samsara for now, but of course if there is an interest she is thinking about enhancing it for the other films, or even make it a general purpose app that can work with any movie.

Thank you for input and suggestions!

[Todd Smith]

Originally Posted by unclemat

That's right. It is only for Samsara for now, but of course if there is an interest she is thinking about enhancing it for the other films, or even make it a general purpose app that can work with any movie.

Thank you for input and suggestions!

I would LOVE to get this app for my droid phone and great idea! It would be so cool to watch the movie and be able to look down on your phone to see where the actual location is which I was curious about NUMEROUS times watching this film both times I have seen it now.

[KINGDANGER]

While there is definite value to the information gathered, I'm not convinced a phone app is the necessary delivery method for me personally. Seems like something I would absolutely check out online with an accompanying thumbnail pic to satisfy my interest but not while enjoying the experience. I'm probably not the target audience though, I never use those second screen functions although I often listen to commentaries while attending to other tasks and not while actually watching the movie.

[Badas]

Interesting idea. I like.

[manicsounds]

The "Baraka" and "Samsara" website has a locations map which you can click to see additional info about each place.

[unclemat]

Originally Posted by manicsounds

The "Baraka" and "Samsara" website has a locations map which you can click to see additional info about each place.

True, but unfortunately limited only to selected places. Great resource to check out after watching the film, but not during watching it. The purpose of the app is to give you instant information about what you see. And it covers almost all scenes

[figrin_dan]

I would use that app.

[figrin_dan]

I finally got round to seeing this; I was waiting until I had a big enough TV (Now not sure if 50" is big enough for this film)

Watching it with the app in mind I got to thinking it would be nice if it contained links to Google Maps and/or Wikipedia.

[unclemat]

Update! The app is available in App Store! It's called Filmpter and right now includes information for Samsara, Baraka and Chronos. It's free.

App Store link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/filmpter/id695148741

Website: http://filmpter.com

[MifuneFan]

Congrats

I only have android, but I'll tell my friend about it

[unclemat]

Android app is coming. Might be a while, though.

[unclemat]

Originally Posted by sc1957

Good to hear that you finally got your app (well, your wife's app) OKed.

I remember that the first version was just for Samsara... do you think that adding Baraka and Chronos, thereby adding more content and more value, was what got Apple to OK it?

Hard to say, really. Apple is not giving any feedback. We think the integration with maps, social apps and perhaps favorites made more well-rounded in their eyes.

I have Baraka and Samsara and recently ordered Chronos, which should arrive next week. Now all I need is an iPhone.

Ipod Touch or Ipad will do as well.

Note: Someone on the IMDB Samsara board was asking a related question, so I posted your link there. You might do the same on the Baraka and Chronos boards.

Thanks! Certainly we're going to spread the news.