Mystery, repeating cycles, and kung fu. “The Matrix Resurrections” promises to welcome the festivities and the new year in style. But it also promises to leave an important footprint in the crypto world, thanks to digital tokens. Indeed, NFT movie collectibles have entered the world of Matrix. The Warner Brothers found a new strategy to promote the upcoming movie: non-fungible tokens.

The studio sold 100,000 avatars each worth $50 and they quickly sold out, with over 300,000 fans waiting to get their unique piece of the Matrix universe. So, Warner Brothers created more NFT movie art, this time at $120, a 140% increase. Despite the higher price, fans still bought these avatars that sold out too. Just as successful were the “Spider-Man: No Way Home” NFTs and the digital tokens from Disney+ are expected to break even more records.

The world of NFTs has entered the movie industry.

A collector’s heaven

There is no doubt that NFT movie collectibles will one day become rare and expensive items. Each collection is unique and the entertainment industry has recognized their potential. So much so that the latest movie by Anthony Hopkins made its debut as an exclusive digital token. Forget the Hollywood previews with red carpets and flashing cameras. Hopkin’s movie “Zero Contact” launched on the streaming platform VUELE and through the blockchain CurrencyWorks.

The launch of this movie only on this crypto platform is just as unique as the movie’s production itself. “Zero Contact” was shot during the 2020 pandemic so the producers had to adapt to a reality of zero contact and travel. Literally. Directors and actors used Zoom to shoot scenes that took place in 17 different territories.

Collectors and fans could find NFT movie collectibles on the VUELE platform, including clips, the feature-length film, and unique behind-the-scenes footage. Between NFT movie clips and tokens of exclusive art, the project grossed more than $90,000.00. In a few years, these digital tokens might be worth a small fortune.

“The successful sale of the first 11 ZERO CONTACT NFTs showcased how creative studios can be with their offerings,” said Cameron Chell, co-head of VUELE and Executive Chairman, “NFTs are incredibly versatile.” They can be so versatile that they aren’t only movie collectibles. NFTs can also fund a new industry venture.

A movie funded by tokens

Niels Juul is a top executive producer in Hollywood. He has worked with directors like Martin Scorsese, producing the blockbuster title “The Irishman.” Now, Juul is planning a new movie, 100% funded by digital tokens. To make this dream a reality, the producer is also launching the company NFT Studios. His goal is to raise at least $8 million thanks to the sale of 10,000 tokens.

Anyone who buys these tokens becomes an investor who will receive a cut from the profits and the licensing rights. Also, investors will be able to visit the shooting locations and meet the team in Malta and London in April 2022. So, NFT movie collectibles become real-life assets.

“As a producer my biggest frustration is from the finance side, it is an ordeal,” Jull said to The Guardian, “it’s hard getting investors for films and productions, especially at development stage, with the Hollywood system. We want to democratise it.”

While digital tokens might make the funding process more democratic for independent films, the big Hollywood studios won’t give up their piece of the cake. Just ask Tarantino.

NFT movie collectibles: opportunity

The director of movies such as “Django Unchained” and “Reservoir Dogs” recently had an idea. He wanted to sell NFT movie clips from this cult movie “Pulp Fiction.” Too bad he didn’t ask the studio Miramax first. His tokens were supposed to include unseen clips and exclusive commentaries.

However, Miramax had different plans and it sued the director based on intellectual property infringement. Surely, the resolution of this lawsuit might give us a glimpse into the regulations on the crypto world. Still, anyone who believes in the potential of this world believes crypto creates opportunities and, in the longer run, equality.

For example, the African movie industry. It doesn’t have the same budget of Hollywood nor does it have its same reach. But, with NFT movie options, this industry might blossom. The movie “5th Avenue” is the first African film to release NFT movie collectibles. The tokens were the preview for the movie launch, which happened at the beginning of December 2021. The digital collection included free access, free movie tickers, and NFT movie art. That’s an unprecedented opportunity for the African industry and “5th Avenue” might become the first of many.

Just like the partnership between Arabian Camels and Swap Protocol might become one of many. The two crypto platforms have the goal of creating a movie 100% financed by the NFT community. The title? “Antara,” a story based on the life of Arabian knight Antarah Ibn Shaddad. Among other, people in the community will share in the ownership of the film and even get roles in it. Everyone is the owner.

NFT movie art: trouble

Not everyone likes the idea of NFTs in the movie industry. Above all, big movie studios. Ownership is one of the biggest issue, as Tarantino knows. So is data protection and any previous contract. Digital tokens are becoming mainstream, but regulations and laws haven’t caught up with this new crypto trend. Plus, NFTs in the movie industry might provide small profits for the creators but big profits for businesses.

Traditional outlets are looking at tokens with skepticism. Not everyone in the audience will invest in crypto and this exclusive, collectible content. Fans are loyal and they might be left out of this technological innovation. Just like with streaming, a piece of customers might not benefit from digital tokens. Plus, this crypto technology removes the need for any intermediaries such as agents and studios.

So, are NFT movie collectibles trouble or opportunity? It depends on who you ask. If you ready to join this virtual revolution, find out how to create and buy NFTs safely.