Could Encrypted USB Drives Be the Next Physical Media Movement for Movies?

It may not be the savior we imagined, but it might be one that could be just weird enough to work. A new, unconventional film distribution company is on the scene as Video Store.Age is here to bring an innovative approach to the classic film distribution model.

Launching with a new model for a modern iteration of physical media movement, Video Storage.Age aims to blend the analog film spirit with print media nostalgia by releasing movies via encrypted USBs. It’s unique to say the least, and maybe just weird enough to work.

Video Store.Age

So, from the looks of the company’s website, it sounds like the model will work (at least here at first) by releasing a quarterly seasonal collection of 5 features and 5 shorts. This release schedule will ideally build out a library of hard-to-access indie films.

It’s also worth noting that this is not a mainstream film collective, as the company’s website states that they will be looking for releases that will be purposefully quite varied and akin to what you might find when digging around online channels like r/lost media to champion work by filmmakers who might never find homes with traditional streamers or platforms.

USB Movie Parties

Video Store.Age also shares that they plan to host in-person launch events for each title added to their catalog. These might not be screenings, per se, but if you’re a film fan, you could host some friends to check out your latest USB selections, too.

It looks like Video Store.Age has some interesting partnership promises too, as the company shares that it will split all sales profits directly with the artists who make them possible, with a 50/50 split.

Find Out More

Founded by Ash Cook (former Programmer at Sundance) and Aidan Dick (Comms and Marketing Manager at Frameline), the duo has put together something unique, ambitious, and potentially really fun for a niche group of filmmakers and film fans.

If you’re curious to find out more, you can check out the Video Store.Age website here and see about getting your first USB drive movie.